At Cafe Gratitude, we experience our community as ever inclusive, larger than life, and growing every day.  Even so, it is thrilling to find whole new chapters of our extended family who have been inspired by our offerings, and who are crafting powerful, abundant, conscious, lives.  That being said, I would like to introduce you to Tangee, a passionate writer, mother, performance artist, and dedicated eco-scout, who has been practicing conscious parenting with her "hubby" for their "lil munchkin," Andrik.  They all belong to a cohesive community of conscious parents called Family Love Village.  It is a real joy and a wonder to follow this group of parents and parents-to-be as they journey together, sharing a path of joy and commitment.

"The Family Love Village is a cohesive community where other like-minded parents support one another with alternative, natural, positive, eco-friendly and conscious parenting choices. It’s a sacred place where judgments are left at the door and loving trust and bonds are formed.   It's a forum where we can discuss and share our concerns, frustrations, and triumphs, as well as create the space to be open to learn more tools that help guide us on this cognizant parenting journey – knowing that we’re not alone on this parenting path!"

Cafe Gratitude celebrates Family Love Village for embracing a conscious lifestyle, fulfilling on the promise of community, and creating a better future for all of our children, "one cloth diaper and green toxic-free toy at a time."

I love the space between Christmas and New Years. It always feels for me like a time of completion: An opportunity to say what wants to be said, to acknowledge what wants to be acknowledged and to think about the lessons/opportunities of the year that is wrapping up while looking at what I am up for in the coming year. How about you? This past year for me has been about letting go, opening up, expanding myself... and appreciating all the opportunities that have come our way. It hasn’t all been easy, or even simple and yet I can see, as I share with you, the value of what I have learned and how I am being prepared for what is yet to come.  Just when I felt like I couldn’t be stretched any more someone I love and am close to, got stretched further than I ever could have imagined. I found myself being so grateful for my life and seeing how much further there is to stretch. What about you? As a community we are all learning to be grateful no matter what! It sounds easier than it is, and yet consider that all there ever is to do is to be grateful. What else is there? So this year I am really going to take that on, to see all there is to be grateful for in EACH and EVERY moment, no matter what. What about you? Thank you for all you have shared with me, for all you have given me and for just who you are. I am enclosing a photo taken at Christmas of our family, it is so wonderful to be all together in one room, at the same time, and celebrating LOVE. Love, Terces

This week we have been having our all employee meetings early in the morning. We have been sharing about how important it is to tell our personal stories of inspiration. We are encouraging our staff and guests to lead the way in the expansion of a love consciousness. Here is a story from my life I want to share with you:

The father of my youngest son and I don't really talk often. He always sends me a thoughtful and acknowledging Mothers Day card, but the rest of the year we rarely connect. While we both supported the growth of our child (grown children now), our lives are very different. A few days ago I received a Thank You note from him, where he was acknowledging our company for it's philanthropic contributions, as well as how kind, happy, level headed, and loving our son has become. He shared his appreciation with me for the guidance of his heart. I cried with joy and appreciation. I love what happens to young people in this company when we give them room and support for their personal growth and transformation.

Last night we were in Healdsburg at the showing of May I Be Frank. I was so moved by all the folks that showed up and how inspired everyone was when the movie ended. I am so grateful for Frank, our sons, and the opportunity that someone’s healing is for everyone!
        We had a great time at Leaders Causing Leaders last weekend, and left seeing the World that is being created by the conscious, creative leaders that are gathering and making their lives about creating a world that works for everyone. Byron Katie was amazing, as was Rich and Yvonne from Challenge Day, and so many people bought our newest book Kindred Spirit and acknowledged the difference that learning the Gift of Acknowledgment has made for them.

        How about we all take on acknowledging the people in our lives this week, and I don’t mean for something they have done... I mean for who they are, deep down inside, that center of them that is pure divine, pure love, pure Spirit.  Pick any quality, with no evidence, and start acknowledging everyone... watch what happens... you will discover that you have the tool to create your friends, your family, your co workers... your life.
I acknowledge you for being courageous! 

Love, Terces

P.S. We leave this Friday to attend and assist at the wedding of Aya, our previous assistant and “daughter” in Maui. Aloha!