"Well my bags are packed, I'm ready to go...I'm leavin' on a jet plane. Many years ago the folk trio Peter, Paul & Mary had a big hit with this tune written by John Denver. Right now my bags are packed metaphorically speaking of course at least for the moment. In a few weeks I'll be leaving on a jet plane for the left coast. I'm headed off to Orcas Island in Washington State for Kindlings Fest. This trip will be the first time in 44 years that I have been on the West Coast, the last time that I was there was back in April of  '71 being discharged from the US Navy after 3 tours of duty in that tropical paradise know as Viet-Nam. This time it is my choice to go unlike the last time and I am so, so looking forward to this trip. Kindlings Fest is put on by a group known as The Kindlings, makes sense, and is a 4 day festival/ retreat for those who are artistically in need of a time of challenge, refreshing and encouragement. I know for sure that I fit squarely into that category. For the past 4 or 5 years I have been fed and nurtured by the group's podcasts which can be found on their web site which is www.thekindlings.com. Being now 65 years old I find in the area of the arts, at least, that I am in need of intelligence and creativity more and more from people who claim to be in a unique relationship with the Master Artist in the art that they create. I just do not have the time or patience for what my friend Mike Roe would call sub-standard material. The schedule for this years gathering includes such people as Malcolm Guite, Jeff Keuss, Jeff Johnson, Dick Staub and others. Between lectures, films and evening concerts Kindlings Fest is going to be the place to be for those who are involved in or care about art, faith & imagination. I'll be there, will you???