kindle

Anyone who has created a birthday or graduation party,  or planned a wedding can identify. It begins with a thirst that water can’t touch, moves towards an insatiable hunger, especially for sweets, and finishes with mornings began too early, coffee dark. Mood darker. However as the day unfolds and the most unexpected blessings arrive it appears everything will, after-all, turn out fine.

This week has been no exception. Postcard mailings got delayed, stickers for a gift box were wrong, speaker logistics seemed insurmountable. And then like ants carrying drops from a picnic the march of fortuitous luck began.

A generous friend elected to underwrite a dynamic presenter; Anita Sanchez from The Pachamama Alliance (check out pachamama.org) they are bridging the divide between the indigenous and the modern-very cool! Later in the week the owner of the Black Point Inn / Migis Lodge agrees to provide shelter (spelled: Waterfront Gorgeous!) for all speakers traveling from away-at no expense to the organization. Where except in the movies does that happen? And a dear friend from NH called, discovered I could use a hand ordering the weekend roster; he drove north and spent the day brainstorming, acting as a sounding board, offering sage counsel. WiseAcres agreees to provide green tea popcicles to everyone. Light, ahh that light of day, of tasks accomplished… it was pouring through the windows. A friend in need is a friend- indeed.

We at Kaleidoscope with less than six weeks till show-time, have entered into the tunnel, the channel, that warm nook of “everything’s possible” and also that chilly parlor of “look out, duck, keep your head down”. Every minute brings with it energy, excitement, the rush of “WOW this event is going to blow peoples minds!”. Yes, the word roller-coaster surfaces, often.  What compels people to put themselves out there, on the ledge, near the edge, with so much in the balance?

The answer for me at least is the alternative. Today we are reading about a hurricane hitting Houston, millions evacuating or trying, last month it was New Orleans-again! Not long ago an earthquake created a tsunami that leveled southeast asia, mudslides in China, etc… the list goes on. I am not sure about each of you but I truly believe the international body of scientists when they state: we are in the red zone, our last chance of correcting the environmental wrongs of the last century, the time is now.

I hear their dire warnings as an open invitation: jump in, grab an oar, bring your talent. Kindle, at the core is that party, nondenominational, it is an opportunity for people, young and old, to bring their talent, their gifts, to share together in a global perspective, a universal calling. And quite frankly they are bringing it!

On October 17-19 we will showcase 30 dynamic presentations brought forward-freely- by nearly 70 experts. In addition there will be 15 vignettes of extraordinary entertainment. Three keynoters will IGNITE your imagination, ten plenary speakers will AWAKEN your imagination… and to the left of you and to the right of you will be others who are equally determined to dig in, to make a difference, to lend a hand. Before it is too late, before Houston, New Orleans, Portland and Portsmouth are underwater. Before millions are environmentally forced to migrate, and yes, before Polar Bears begin to die from starvation-unable to reach the next berg. 

So we plod forward uncertain of the outcome: will anyone attend? has everyone heard about it yet? Did we get the word out early enough? Each night I retire to bed curious if just because we built it they will come…? and in the morning when I review yesterdays efforts, and the coffee begins to work, I realize: “Holy Smokes, do we have enough seats, enough food, enough space…” to hold the many who will attend, who understand this conversation is no longer an elective it is an imperative, who enjoy making things right. 

If you have not yet been to our website (kindledinme.com) or went last week I encourage each of you to check it out again. We are beginning to harvest the fruits of our labor and to display the produce that is our pride and joy. Charismatic-megaflora in abundance. And drop us a line, we are always looking for ideas, volunteers and suggestions on how to make this an unforgettable event. 

warm wishes,

Ted