The party was called "the best Aikido Party ever!" by a number of individuals and we have to admit, it was special.

The evening began with folks ariving and mingling in the newly painted and decorated (Party Lighting)carport where tables had been set up and loaded with food. Drinks were kept on ice out in the pottery studio, back by the dojo. The guests arrived and wandered through the gardens and along the pathways exploring the grounds and chatting with friends.

After a while all were called together and assembled by the deck between the tori gate and the carport where Linden Sensei called each of the Shihans present to thank them for coming and being a part of the ten years of Shoshin Aikido dojo. He handed the microphone to each in turn.

Messores Sensei "I first met Dan about thirty years ago when we were having the first Winter camp in Sarasota. He asked me about a place to fish and what he could expect to catch there. Not only did he go fishing, he actually managed to catch the fish I said would be there...he has been my friend ever since. Congratulations."

Each Shihan in turn came forward and extended congratulations and told a story.
They were Hooker Sensei, Messores Sensei, Jones Sensei, Patty Saotome Sensei, and Darrel Schraeder Sensei.

Linden Sensei then took the microphone.
"My friends, during any occasion that involves the passing of time, anniversaries, birthdays, etc., we have a natural tendancy to introspect. We look back where it all started, where we came from, and forward to where we are going. This is normal.

Over the last few weeks I have come to realize that I am exactly the man I wanted to become when I was thirteen years old. I spend my days in a martial art school throwing people around, go hunting and fishing whenever I want, play music with the band, drink all the beer I want, and spend time carousing with my lovely wife Laurie. If that isn't a thirteen year old's dream, I don't know what is. Of course a thirteen year old boy is generally not known for his mature decision making, but that is something else.

What does this have to do with the tenth anniversary of Shoshin Aikido Dojo? I mentioned hunting and fishing. Over the last thirty years whenever I have gone hunting or fishing it has generally been in the company of John Messores, Dennis Hooker, Mike Dougher, Alan Johnson, oh, the list is long. But they are all people that I met on the Aikido mat. Because Saotome Sensei has created an environment that fosters and promotes the kind of diversity that allows people from disperate parts of society to come together and find like interests and friends I have never been at a loss for companionship on the water or in the field. Thank you, Sensei.

And I mentioned music. For many many years I have played music with Dennis Hooker, Andy Forsch, Clifford Schwartz, again the list is long. And most recently I have had the opportunity to realize a life long dream; to play John Denver's music in the truest concert setting. A few months ago a man came to me asking to train in the dojo. He said he played John Denver songs and when he showed up we picked a few tunes together and he mentioned he was looking for a mandolin player... Once again aikido brought together the elements of necessity and desire and I am playing in the band. Once again, Saotome Sensei, thank you for creating a place for this to happen.

And my wife, Laurie. Back there in those days there were dark clouds gathering on my horizon. Saotome Sensei sat down and told me stories about Samurai and the women who loved them, what they went through and how they lived. He told me to find a woman like that. I have always believed that we precipitate into our lives that which we need and desire and so then one day she was here and we married. I don't think I ever thanked you for her, either, Sensei.

And the dojo. Sensei said to me, Dan-san, build a dojo and the result was the first dedication ten years ago.

And finally, last year during Saotome Sensei's fiftieth anniversary of Aikido I saw him move in a certain way and finally understood the principles he has been teaching for so long. We were at Cherry Blossum Training in D.C. and I couldn't wait to go see him and Patty at their home in Myakka City a few weeks later where I spent the weekend. I told him of my satori and he smiled and said, 'Dansan, write a book.' I thought about it for a couple weeks and finally had to call Patty and ask, was he serious? Her answer was 'Sensei said, if you have something to say, say it.'

So tonight I'd like to give you, Sensei, this copy of my book, On Mastering Aikido. It is dedicated to you and I give it with all the thanks in my heart.

One final note beyond thanking everyone, my friends, my students, my family for everything. Celebrate all the moments of your life as they happen. Too many people go along waiting to celibrate, holding back for the right moment, somehow thinking when they are eighty-five the brass bands will all begin to play. Don't wait.

Now I'd like to introduce and welcome my Sensei, Mitsugi Saotome, Shihan."

Sensei then spoke at lenght about how Aikido is an art of the world. He spoke elequantly of how it was an art of and by O'Sensei, not Japan. He emphasized it is not a Japanese art but the art of O'Sensei. It is a World Art. And he thanked all his students and the shihans present and congratulated us on our anniversary.

Hooker Sensei then said grace and we carried all the food to the tables and people lined up to eat roast smoked pork, smoked salmon, potato salad, Portugese rice, veggies, cheeses, breads... The music played, the bonfires burned bright, people danced (sensei especially) while Hooker and Linden and Ron Rich and Andy and Kane... played bluegrass and clawhammer banjo and fiddle and and and.........til the late, late hours. It was a great celebration.