The Profound Practice of Appreciation at its Most Ascendant

Greetings to the intrepid trekkers!

As the days of wonder in the High Sierras are rapidly approaching, we are getting pretty excited around here. I wanted to send you all a favorite quote of mine that I often read to my art students. When you read it you may think it is more suited to your trek through the Sierras than to my student’s trek through the rigors of fine art training. And yet, I think it is one of those universal quotes; one that touches on a true secret of a well lived life. I offer it as my fondest wish for you all. During your trek, may you experience many transcendent moments of appreciating the beauty of the wilderness around you and the beauty of your moments together. For that is at the heart of this quote. In Dawson’s description of the Hermit Thrush, you can sense the profound practice of appreciation at its most ascendant. I wish you a wealth of these moments. And here finally is the quote:

You don’t befriend a Hermit Thrush by storm, but with quietude and reverence. For, as William Leon Dawson wrote, this thrush - and especially its song - is “a thing apart... it is sacred music, not secular... Mounted on the chancel of some low-crowned fir tree, the bird looks calmly at the setting sun, and slowly phrases his worship in such dulcet tones, exalted, pure, serene, as must haunt the corridors of memory forever after” (Dawson 1923)
-David Gaines, Birds of Yosemite and the East Slope-

Gambaro
Marc

The Festival! A Great Success

The Festival for Trek For A Cure was a wonderful success. I want to send a HUGE thank you to Ronit and Andrew Schwarz for all of their hard work, incredible planning, grace and humor prior and throughout the event. The Festival was their idea from inception to execution- and it went off beautifully and without a hitch. Thanks to Anne and Michelle Van de Heetcamp for their lovely home- the family farm! It was a perfect place and it did not feel too crowded with 250 people roaming around the grounds. And another thanks to Devin and the Van de Heetcamps for the wonderful meal and gelato, all donated by the Wicked West Pizza, BBQ and Arcade, soon to open in West Sacramento. With the help of everyone who came to the Festival and some folks who could not come but donated -we raise over 4500.00 dollars to all go to the MPD Foundation! Thank you, thank you!

I must say that I am overwhelmed by the support that I have received since I started Trek for a Cure in late February- but it really culminated on Saturday when I was able to be a part of so many people coming together to celebrate community and to see all of the folks who want to make a difference. Though early in my diagnosis of an MPN I have never felt stronger and more driven to also make a difference. The money that we have been raising for the Foundation is all directed to really important work not only to slow the threat and even find a cure for Polycythemia Vera but this research could also potential make a difference in the lives of people living with other equally deadly blood diseases.

I can only say- Thank you,

Annette