I've told this story a few times, and it seems to be popular, so I'll repeat it here.
It is one of my metaphors for JachZaris.

I don't remember exactly where I saw this, I think it was a cartoon. I think the imagery has been widely used as comedy.

We see two men crawling through the desert, they are sunburned and parched, their eyes are bulging out, and they look close to death. All they can dream of is a glass of cold clear water.

As they crawl along they are plagued by the visions of oases which always turn out to be mirages. They are losing hope.

Just as they are gasping their last breaths, they see ahead a brightly decorated tent in which stands a finely and colorfully dressed man. Next to the tent is a big sign which says WATER. The parched men are sure this is just another mirage, but as they crawl closer the begin to realize that finally their hopes have been fulfilled. This is for real.

The jolly friendly man greets them and bargains with them for the last of their belongings. They give him the contents of their pockets, (maybe they had treasure in their, I forget), but what they have,they give for a life saving glass of water.

As they drink they are so relieved and grateful to this happy go lucky stranger, to them he is the most beautiful man on earth, and the price he charged for the water was irrelevant. Such was their need and desire for the cool refreshment he provided in their moment of dire need.

Now the camera pans back, and we see the bigger picture. The big beautifully decorated brightly colored tent is obscuring from view a true oasis where this cool clear water flows abundantly, free and available to all.

Ha Ha. Remind you of anything?

Love,

Oh yeah, I've seen this before...what a pathetic truth to it, huh?!!

Lazaris is so loving and approachable and so welcoming...and fun. Yeah, we all want and need to be loved just as badly as those men needed that drink of water.

What fantastic role models to follow: The Wizard of Oz, Santa Claus, the Pope, the Dalai Lama........combine that with the purity and child-like innocense of our hearts......Santa Claus for grown-ups!!!

I remember meeting a man from England at his very first workshop. After the Crystal Ceremony he said he felt like he went to see Santa Claus........he said this with much loving emotion. I laughed and agreed with just as much loving emotion, and of course we hugged each other. It was a very beautiful moment...........

Love ya, Katie,

Marilyn

Great parable Katie. I like the Santa Claus analogy Marilyn. Makes me think of the "crystal ceremony" and those little crystal gifts "specifically tuned" to each one of us. Would you like a piece of candy little boy/girl? Hah!

Isn't that Santa thing just a F*cking pisser???!!!!

Godammit, godammit!!!!!!!!!

Love ya, Jade,

This was a fun one too.