April
2008
Dear Friends,
It was ninety degrees in Ithaca, New York last week, so all the
blossoms and bulbs got blasted open. Now everything is in bloom
all at once, and I feel a wonderful, guilt-free intoxication as
I marvel at the magnolias, the cherry blossoms, the forsythia,
tulips, and more. Usually there’s a progression to the flowering,
but they all burst forth simultaneously this year. I’m trying
to take it all in fully, knowing how ephemeral this time is. I
think that’s a good approach to life in general.
I've got some exciting news, so please allow me to toot my horn
a bit. Many of you are familiar with my song "Peace Pilgrim"
(from my Bare Bones CD), about the amazing woman who spent the
entire second half of her life walking across the United States,
spreading the message of peace.
A model of radical simplicity and faith in Spirit, she carried
no possessions except a few items that she could fit in her pockets,
and she never knew where she would find her next meal or night's
shelter. She simply trusted that she would be taken care of, and
she remained unwaveringly true to her mission for 28 years. Dan
Millman has described Peace Pilgrim as "an American saint
who transcended all national, religious, or sectarian bonds to
communicate love, understanding and integrity. Her life was her
teaching."
Now, Positive Pictures Group, an independent film company from
Santa Monica, CA, is working on a full-length feature film about
Peace Pilgrim, and they want to use my song in the movie! In the
meantime, they have put together a short documentary (just over
8 minutes) about Peace Pilgrim, which includes the song I wrote.
You can view this beautiful piece at www.positivepicturesgroup.com
A bit about this company:
Positive Pictures Group (PPG) is an independent motion picture
company representing innovation and creativity. Understanding
the power of film in conveying positive messages of social action
to audiences worldwide, we are devoted to creating and developing
entertainment that resonates with old and young alike. Positive
Pictures Group (PPG) are more than just about making movies, our
goal is to compel audiences to get involved in issues that have
a far reaching social impact.
They are looking to attract like-minded, conscious investors to
fully finance the feature film. They need to raise the funds to
put Peace Pilgrim's story (and my song!) out there. Please consider
supporting their good work!
I’ve been continuing to lead chanting with my new chanting
band. We’ve been presenting a program we’re calling
Joyful Noise:
An Interfaith Devotional Chanting Experience. I’ve been
having a blast leading these uplifting, heart-opening, participatory
chanting sessions. My husband, Doug, has been accompanying me
on keyboard and harmonium. We are also joined by at least one
percussionist, so the energy can get really high and juicy. We’d
love to come to your town to lead this unique program, at your
place of worship, community center, or even in your home!
On another, completely different note, I wanted to let you all
know that I have started a blog. It's a project I'm embarking
on as part of my work as the founder and director of the Common
Heart Interfaith Fellowship here in Ithaca. Since many of you
live outside the Ithaca area, you have not been able to share
in the discussions of the broad range of spiritual topics and
themes we explore. So, I thought I'd post some of my musings and
talks online, and invite you to respond with comments. I'm actually
a little bit shy about doing this (so please be nice!! :). My
fantasy for a future project will be to put the singing from our
monthly gatherings online.
You can check out the blog at www.commonheartblog.blogspot.com
Thanks, everyone. May you enjoy this beautiful season. And, may
we all plant seeds of peace everywhere we walk.
Peace & Blessings,
Jody
