It is the last few days of our first season for Tonglen Lake Lodge.  We are catching our breaths and beginning to look back on our summer.  It was amazing!

I think about all of the wonderful people we met throughout the summer; guests, artists and community people.  Folks from Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Israel, Singapore, India, Taiwan, Pakistan, England, Mexico, Australia, Galapagos, Argentina, Canada, all around the U.S. and of course, our neighbors here in Alaska have joined us in celebrating our beginning.  Though it sounds cliché, thank you does not convey the feeling of gratitude to all of our friends, old and new, who supported us this year.

Looking back it is admittedly a bit of a blur.... a steep learning curve presented the challenge of hard work, huge effort, lack of sleep : ) and continually focusing our minds on our goals.  But amongst all of that, each day we were presented with the presence of happy and supportive friends propping us up and providing the energy and motivation to troop onward!

Now it is almost time to exhale.....and to think about next year.....

A wonderful foundation was set this season for our programming of performances, classes and workshops.  We are working diligently to have our programming for 2014 scheduled and published by November 1st.  Some exciting new possibilities include an outdoor performance by the Fairbanks Shakespeare Theater of AS YOU LIKE IT on our new outdoor stage.  We are also concocting with Caitlin Warbelow to create a live radio performance to be broadcast next September.  Three-day Photography Seminars with Tom Walker will be offered along with a selection of Folk School courses throughout the summer months.  Some of our favorite musical performers will return and we are excited to present some new faces as well.  A selection of Yoga Classes will continue as one of our most popular activities.  And, there is also the possibility of a new, community Improv Theatre group... stay tuned.

More exciting news is that our Artisan Cafe will be offering wine and hors d'oeuvres in the evenings and a box lunch option for our guests.  While strolling on the Tuscan countryside this fall, Anne will be dreaming up new creations to share next season.

Our Art Gallery will be highlighting several artists’ work throughout the summer with one-month shows while increasing the beautiful selection of featured work.

We are thrilled to be welcoming new staff in our office and cafe to round out our Tonglen Lake Dream Team.

All in all, 2013 was the perfect launching pad for a future filled with incredible opportunity.

Thank you to all of you.... thank you.  It's been an honor.