Teach thy children

A young guest at this year's Pino Pie Day listening to his first donkey heart beat.

I truly believe if we can show the young ones a creature they otherwise might not have met, if we can let them touch them, hear them breathe, they can connect on some level and embrace their shared traits, but they can also see their differences are not an obstacle to coexisting. And that experience with an animal can be used as an example when they try to coexist in a world of human creatures.

The creature named Henry

Lessons from a one year old and a path of pebbles...

I always liken Pie Day to that of the opening of a theatrical event. Months before the real deal, guests are given sneak peaks of what might lie ahead for them as they are enticed by photos of previous Pie Days. Excitement builds and builds for the guest and the hosts – cresting like a wave that washes down on all the day of the event.

Stevie's kissing premiere

It was Stevie’s first Pino Pie Day and he seemed to understand instinctively that his main mission was to share himself in composed love. No rushing about or bleating for attention, he quietly spread his large frame in repose so guests of all ages could pet.

But he also gave out his trademark greeting – kisses.

Love and pie

I have lots of little stories to share- but for now, here is a glipse of the big day. Jan Harris was kind enough to take pictures at Pie Day for me this year and I must thank her again and again.

The donkey is ready

I will be going into pie commando mode now. The donkey is having his pedicure tomorrow and I begin pie prep for Sunday's celebration where we'll be surrounded in donkey love and the souls of many pies.

I'll be needing some time to relax afterwards, but will be getting a slide show ready after Sunday's dust has settled.

I hope to meet some of you - and if you do come- please be sure to find me and introduce yourselves. I'll be the one with a pink glow around me, with electrified braids.

We are so excited to have Cathy Loup from NYC with us again - it is turning into a real tradition and I couldn't do it without her - or at least not as well. And all the other volunteers this year - you will be thanked in classic Pino tradition after the event. And all you apron and banner helpers - Pino is getting his notes to you ready...slowly.

So I'll see you all next week sometime - full of pie.

Post Script: Thank you to the News Register for the nice front page article about Pie Day - it really helps bring people in!