Last weekend, I attended the Pacifica Graduate Institute Alumni Association (PGIAA) annual reunion at the amazing Ladera Lane Campus, which if you did not know is an old Jesuit monastery in the hills of Montecito/Santa Barbara/Caprinteria in California. The grounds are filled with old growth oak trees, altars to deities from multiple traditions, a yoga yurt, at least one labyrinth, and all sorts of beautiful works of art, sculpture, fountains and other surprises for those who take the time to wander the far reaches of campus.
Our theme for the weekend was “The Stories We Tell.” From Hollywood writers to to people working with historically disadvantaged communities, the weekend covered so much amazing work taking place in the world. On Sunday, we had a panel of amazing black men doing positive work in their communities as we all focused on the legacy of the great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the work that is left undone. Our four days of workshops and celebrations included an Author’s Spotlight for alumni authors to share books published in the recent year, including me and my novel, Falling From The Moon, which made its world premier on Saturday, January 18. If you want to see me and the other amazing alumni talking about our books, watch the video made of the event and see me and my novel.
