'Proof of Heaven' is a book that everyone should read. Eben Alexander, M.D. recounts his experiences during a near death experience and his journey into the afterlife. This narrative, written by a respected neurosurgeon, is one of my favorite books of all time. Though many may be skeptical, the questions and visions in the book encourage us to think about the very concept of heaven.

Because of his profession, Dr. Alexander has an interesting perspective: "Still, he said, he has a trump card: Having trained at Duke University and taught and practiced as a surgeon at Harvard, he knows brain science as well as anyone. And science, he said, cannot explain his experience." wrote Leslie Kaufman in an article in the New York Times.

How exciting that the interactive Town Hall series Conversations on the Green kicks off with Dr. Eben Alexander. The event takes place Sunday, August 3rd event at 3 p.m. and will be staged at the Parish House of St. Johns Church in Washington, CT. Dr. Lisa Jane Miller, Director of the Spirituality & Mind Body Institute at Columbia University will join Dr. Alexander in discussing the symbiosis between spirituality and science.

Some backgound on the author and subject:

Jennifer Taylor for the NY Times

Scientists have long scoffed at near death experiences, dismissing them as fantasies. Dr. Alexander, who trained at Duke and taught at Harvard, was one of those skeptics. Then, he contracted deadly bacterial meningitis and spiraled into a deep coma for 7 days. His survival was called a miracle. But, Dr. Alexander asserts the real miracle was what he learned from his near death experience: that consciousness is independent of the brain, that death is an illusion, and that an eternity of perfect splendor awaits beyond the grave.

All proceeds will benefit Greenwoods Counseling Referrals, Inc. a non-profit agency that provides referrals for affordable mental health and social services in Litchfield County.

Levels of Support

Tickets, tax deductible, are available in two levels:

• Individual tickets are $45.
• Angels on the Green tickets are $250 per person and include preferred seating and attendance at a reception with Drs. Alexander and Miller following the conversation.

Seating is limited. To reserve your place:

Call Greenwoods at 860-806-6003 or email: greenwoodspresents@gmail.com.

While working with clients in LItchfield Country, we have come across a multitude of animals who appear in the most unlikely of places. Below, on the way to show a house, this enormous pig makes a runs for it. The car in fronts stops, as do I, while he tries to break out from the farm! Some kids come running out to coral him and sit and watch the show.

PIG ALERT!

This beaver casually makes a bee line for the Mexican restaurant in Southbury, CT. He strayed fromthehighgrass and took a leisurely stroll on the road.

Another time, showing houses around Lake Waramaugand look who is walking down the street? ... a Porcupine! Go figure....

We will share more animals tales from the county as we show friends the most beautiful properties in the area.

Art Night Out is the second annual town wide art opening, celebrating regional contemporary artists by exhibiting work for sale in venues throughout the town.

The opening night,Thursday July 3rd, 5 - 8pm, would be a great time tobring your family and friends for a stroll along West Street to viewing the best of local artists, listen to live music and enjoy refreshments along the way.

Curatorial collaborative, JaneTerzian, brings you Susan Spencer at Serendipity, Jane Doyle & Geoffrey Young at Workshop, Lisa Brody at The Corner, Richard Pasquarelli at R. Derwin Clothiers, Matthew Best at Ollie's Pizza, Joan Morosani at Kitchenworks and Gourmet Gifts,Visko Hatfield at The Village, Ted Gahl and Camille Hoffman at R. Derwin Women's.

*PS Gallery and Tillou Gallery will be featuring artists of their choice.

All artwork will be on exhibit & for sale throughout July

We thoroughly enjoyed our participation in a 'Day of Design' at the Mayflower Grace. The event took place onSaturday, June 14^thwhen an engaging group of panelists and moderatorsgathered at the 5 Star Relais & Chateaux property.The day included morning and afternoon panels, lunch and a VIP 'Meet the Designer' Cocktail Party.

Pictured her is top designer blogger CJ Dellatore,Architect Harold Tittmannwith interior designers Susan Bednar Long and Glenn Gissler.

The first morning panel, Global Finds: Searching the World for the Unique and the Unusual. brought together Richard Lambertson and Suzanne Cassano of Privet House with David Whitman and Peter Stiglin of Pergola to discuss shopping excursions to Morocco, France, India and Japan. The second morning talk covered Tabletop: Inspirations for Summer, a subject that melds aspects of design with the art of entertaining. The three panelists had rich backgrounds. Stacy Kunstel is a designer, stylist and a writer for national magazines. She also founded the design company Dunes and Duchess with her husband, photographer Michael Partenio. Amy Beth CuppDragooof ABCD Design is an artist, designer and stylist who splits her time between New York and Litchfield County. These two ladies were joined byinterior designer Ron Norsworthy who has worked with many cultural icons and celebrities including Tyra Banks, Mariah Carey and Madonna.

There was a spectacular lunch on the patio with all the designers, moderators and participants. The afternoon panels were again fascinating with top design professionals in the area. First up was Art, Fine Art Photography and Wall Decoration in Interior Design. Dynamic interior designers Philip Gorrivan and Florence de Dampierre were joined by KMR Arts gallery owner Kathryn McCarver Root. KMR Arts has become quite a cultural force in the county especially after a groundbreaking exhibition of Diane Arbus photographs just last year. Following this panel was a discussion of Architectures Influence on Interior Design with internationally renowned Robert Couturier who is included in Architectural Digests prestigious annual list of the best decorators and architects in the world. Joining him on the panel were Robert Passal, a NY and Miami based architect and designer and Brussels born architect Harold Tittmann, who has designed some exquisite residences in the county.

Here I am with the author Annie Kelly in between panels. Themoderators for the panels were two of the most preeminent style setters and design mavens in the industry. Our friend, Susanna Salk, a Litchfield County resident is a prolific author of highly regarded design books including Room for Children, Weekend Retreats, C.Z. Guest: American Style Icon, Be Your Own Decorator (all Rizzoli) and A Privileged Life: Celebrating Wasp Style (Assouline).Stacey Bewkes, founder and writer of Quintessence, has a mantra to Experience, inspire, inform its all about living well with style and substance.

A great day with great designers!

Pels

Make this gorgeous home in Litchfield County, which was formerly the private retreat of singer/songwriter James Taylor, your very own. Fully renovated and brought up to date with every modern amenity in 1997, this stunning retreat is set in a rolling dell admist a babbling brook with mature trees circling the scenic driveway.

The main house boasts flawless craftsmanship and 5 bedrooms with a 60' heated gunite pool just outside, as well as a 5 car garage with a huge studio apartment above. Also on the property is a detached garage adjacent to the house and a horse barn in the rear paddock. Owner Agent.

Call or email Philippa Malkin at philippa.f.malkin@raveis.com or 203-770-1060 for more information or visit The Matthews Group website

We have such fond memories of last year's Community day when we had just moved into out new offices on Green Hill Road. It is hard to believe a year has passed and now we have another glorious day to enjoy in Washington Depot.

The 4th Annual Washington Business Association's Community Day is this Saturday, June 7, from 10 AM- 3 PM. The celebration will take place on the Bryan Memorial Town Hall Green, located at the intersection of Routes 47 & 109, in Washington Depot.

Ample parking is available at the Washington Primary School, and shuttle buses will take you to and from the event.The day will feature fun, food, face painting, information, merchandise and activities for the entire family.

The White Horse Country Pub will be on hand with their crew on the green in front of the town hall with a delicious selection of country fare. The Mayflower Grace will also be offering a selection of the chef's specialities for the local community to sample.

'Art fun' will be the theme forThe Washington Art Association withdemonstrations and art making on the lawn for the whole family!

Community Day will take place rain or shine, so we hope you will all enjoy!

We were thrilled to hear that 'Red', the hawk that had been discovered in distress by Pels in Bridgewater, has recovered and been released back into the wild!

Two weeks ago, our friend Kathy Root had helped us coral him as he could not fly and desperately needed medical assistance. He was eventually transferred to the Audubon Sharon Facility in Sharon, CT. Here is an update given to us by Kathy about Red's recovery:

Tomorrow, Saturday May 10th, one of the talented young students from Shepaug High School will debut a fashion collection at the renowned Washington fine art gallery, KMR Arts. All students at this regional school must complete a senior project as part of their graduation requirements.

Sacha Piscuskas has created a line of clothes that meld luxe fabrics with unique design.Though the whole collection has a young urban vibe, the clothes could also be worn in a cool country setting.

There has been much excitement among students, parents and the community at large for this 

particular project.

"It is rewarding to host and support one of the young creative members of 

our community," adds Kathy Root, owner of KMR Arts,"and I look forward to seeing this senior fashion design project installed in the gallery."

The event will take place from 3 - 5pm tomorrow and a large crowd of local fashion enthusiasts are expected to attend. Please see the flyer below for details.
 

Mother's Day Craft Program at The Gunn Memorial Library

May 10 between 10:30 and 2:00

"Show the love! Dads and caregivers are invited to bring children to the library to make a special gift especially for Mother's Day. Children of all ages are invited to create a personal present, while giving kids some quality time with Dad and perhaps an hour of free time for that special Mom. Ssshhh! -- it's a surprise! All supplies will be provided free, including gift wrapping. Registration is suggested."

For more information visit the Gunn Memorial Library site or call860-868-2310

Mothers Day Brunch atThe Mayflower Grace

May 11th between 12 pm and 7 pm

Show your appreciation to the most important woman in your world, Mom and treat her to a deliciousbrunch menu overlooking our stunning Shakespeare Gardens.

Call 860-868-9466 for reservations.