Greetings

The two sweetest moments in my life were living in Morocco and the birth of my daughter, Rose. I was about 22 when I stepped off the freighter in Tangier and into my life. I knew I was home. In the medina, the old part of the 'city', ancient buildings leaned across the narrow cobblestone streets like shy lovers . . . not quite touching. Veiled women in long jelabas shopped in the market place. In open cafes dark-eyed men drank coffee thick as Mississippi mud or or endless glasses of sugary sweet mint tea. A cornecopia of a life alive with an earthly texture of scents and tastes. At midday, the white washed buildings dazzled bright in the noonday sun. Endless music came from all quarters; the landscape danced. The hospitality and generous spirit of the people made me feel welcome over and over again. And woven throughout it all was the presence of what is best and most beautiful of Islam, like the deep-scented fragrance of a rose. I lived there for two and a half years and came home simply because I knew it was time.

My daughter Rose is artistic, and outspoken. Her sense of humor is as quick as her mind. Her heart is as generous and 'as good as gold'. There is a sense of the creatura about her; a wildish child only partially tamed by her husband John (tall, quiet, and gentle), and their four boys, Allen, Jake, Darren and Tristan. Grandbabies are wonderful. They keep my mind open and my heart young.

I been involved in holistic health for most of my life and teach anatomy, physiology and massage at the Virginia School of Massage in Charlottesville, Virginia. I love teaching. Its really an excuse to tell stories, dispense ice cream and play.

I live on a 'little farm'; a few sheep, a cantankerous billy goat, and two horses have early retirement on good pasture. Mom and my sister Judy live about 20 minutes from here. I still love to bodysurf, curl up with a good book, and marvel with child-like wonder at the unfolding of each season.

What a wonderful visit to Mountain Lakes and our reunion. May life's journey be sweet for you all.

I was on of those students who went through the Mountain Lakes school system, kindergarten through twelfth grade. My parent's lived in town for 50 years, so this reunion was truly a homecoming for me.

Dance lightly, Anne Stevens