I've always thought that to show kindness and vulnerability meant that I was stronger than my family who were always projecting their vulnerabilities on me for fear of being seen as weak.

It takes risk to be vulnerable. To me that is strength. I grew-up as a weirdo, believed in kindness and compassion as a way of life. Am far from perfect in practicing it.

The myth of community and socialism on a small scale as portrayed in Frank Capra's film "Its a Wonderful Life" is more about the value of the common good than it is a Christmas story - in my book.

When I arrived for a visit in a small valley in Northern California I felt welcomed by the land and her peoples. That was almost 40 years ago. I'm still here in this special place, in community.