Craig's Birthday Picnic
Dear friends,
On August 21st I turn 49. I've never been much of a birthday guy and have always avoided celebrating — partly the embarrassment of attention, partly the pride of not caring about arbitrary milestones, partly the selfishness of wanting to keep the milestone to myself for inner reflection and solitude. Approaching half a century, I'm finally realizing the stinginess of that stance.
I hope you'll forgive me, and help me celebrate a birthday and a rebirth. And most importantly, allow me to celebrate all of you who have made my life what it is. Something I feel grateful for every day.
Please gather with me on Sunday, August 23rd, 2–5pm, in Central Park.
Where
We'll be on the lawn just northeast of Cherry Hill Fountain, between Cherry Hill and the Lake — a few minutes northwest of Bethesda Fountain. Search "Cherry Hill" in your maps app; from the fountain, walk toward the Lake and look for us on the grass. (See the two maps attached.)
Easiest way in: enter at Central Park West & 72nd Street, walk east through Strawberry Fields, cross the West Drive, and continue to Cherry Hill. About a ten-minute walk.
No gifts — but bring a gift story
As you all know, I live life out of a suitcase, so I ask that no one bring gifts. However, I've spent the past few months delving into concepts around the spirit of the gift — as exchange, as creativity, as communion. I've also recently been given a gift that touched my heart and reframed my perspective.
I would love if each of you could come ready to share your story of one gift you received that particularly moved you or changed something in you. Something given to you as a gift, or something you received as a gift regardless of the original intention. Feel free to read a short poem or sing a song that expresses the meaning of the gift. (If you can't make it but would like to send a story for someone to read, please do.)
Phones away
I've been thinking a lot about how presence is the greatest gift we can give each other, so I'd like to ask everyone to help me share fully in the presence of friends by leaving phones at home, or silencing them and putting them away while we're together. I'll keep one phone out for time checks, but I would love to be there with all of you and the trees and the birds and the crickets.
In sum
Sunday, August 23rd, 2–5pm — the lawn northeast of Cherry Hill Fountain, Central Park No physical gifts Bring a story of one gift that moved or changed you Bring a blanket, and snacks or drinks to share (not too much) — I'll bring as much as I can carry Phones put away while we're together
I hope to be able to share the time with you,
Craig