Date: April 18th 2008

Hi, welcome. My name is Karene Piccolo.
I am the manager and co-owner of Piccolo Pastures Retreat Center.

 I am a former school teacher. I have been retired from teaching now for nearly two years, since June of 2006. Taught elementary school children right here in Elk Grove for 20 years. My last name was Piccolo for most of those years but people generally called me K.D.

By the time I chose to leave the teaching profession I had already achieved everything I'd wanted out of being a teacher. I was now ready for a new adventure.

While I have felt my connection with spirit most of my life it was not until I came upon my 16th  year of teaching that I felt led by spirit to do something in life specifically in support of spirit. While that "something" eventually took the form of this Retreat Center, there is a short story I'd like to share with you about the Spirit and my retiring from teaching.

During the last school year I taught I started a biology study with the kids, of the Tomato Horn Worm. This worm which is actually a caterpillar burrows underground (in a jar of dirt in this case) and stays there for a long time (we did not know for how long) but eventually comes up above ground already metamorphisized into a gorgeous moth; the Sphinx Moth. Well as it happened, this Moth came up above ground on the very last day of my being a teacher. The kids and I got to see and be with it and then, we all set it free. It was clear to me this was no accident. The fact that on the very day it took flight for the first time I too was beginning a new journey in my life.

Since then I have been continuing to to follow the impulses of both my and The Great Spirit as the Indians call it. It's funny, as I have followed these impulses up with actions and been the qualities of love, growth and service, all that I have needed has come to me without effort. To me this is a sign that I am on the right track and fulfilling my purpose in being here.

Piccolo Pastures has been in operation for less than a year so far yet we have already served many, many groups and individuals here. I feel truly blessed and fulfilled in this new work that I do in serving others. As my heart and mind continues to open to positive possibility I look forward to serving you and your group of attendee's.

We are all meant to be lights in this world and while our world at present isn't the most supportive of this, when you come visit Piccolo Pastures, you will have all the support you need to let your unique light brilliantly shine forth.

Namaste,
Karene Piccolo