The upcoming new year will bring with it a new look to the 'Call for Submissions' that may be familiar to you as part of the TLS Annual Gathering preparation. We won't give all of this new information away just yet, but here is a sneak-peek to some of the changes we have in store, as part of a way to make Gathering presentations more inclusive and value-added for TLS Members:

• A new presentation track, providing the opportunity for presenters to have their work published through a post-Gathering synopsis available only to TLS members.
• A new presentation category, offering more variety and presentation options for each of you.
• Reformatted submission forms, creating a more thorough and detailed submission process, including the ability for submissions to be "blind-reviewed." 

Are you in need of a gift? Do you shop online? Would you like to help support TLS? 

By clicking on any “Shop Amazon.com” link or using any Amazon Search Box on the TLS website, you will automatically be connected to Amazon’s extensive collection of books, electronics, gifts, and well - anything! …And the best part? When you make your purchase, a portion of the proceeds will be sent to the Labyrinth Society!

Would you like TLS-specific merchandise? At the TLS Cafe Press online store you can purchase clothing, bags, caps, buttons, stickers, mugs, and many more items - all with the TLS logo. Check it out!

Time is running out...Do you still need to make year-end donations to your favorite organizations? Have you considered The Labyrinth Society?

Donating to TLS is easy. Just click on the “Donations” button on the opening page of the TLS website and you will be guided from there. Please remember that The Labyrinth Society, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization under the US Revenue Code. Gifts are tax deductible as permitted by law. A printed receipt is mailed in all instances and should be retained to document charitable contributions for tax purposes.

In October, we traveled to the Southwestern area of the USA for the 13th Annual Gathering of The Labyrinth Society.  Held in Taos, New Mexico, the Gathering was coordinated by co-chairs Sandra Wasko-Flood and John Ackers, both of Living Labyrinths for Peace, and a great planning team.

As seems to be a signature for our Gatherings, the weather was superb.  The host location was the Kachina Lodge and optional pre- and post-gathering tours took participants to visit labyrinths and other sacred locations including the Rio Grande Gorge to the Ojo Calienta hot springs spa, and Stardreaming to south of Santa Fe. 

Following the opening ceremony led by Mayan Grandmother Flordemayo, Virginia Lonesky opened the featured presentations with "Exploring the Cosmology of Labyrinths" on Friday evening.  On Saturday, Lucy Pringle of England presented "Crop Circles - Windows of Perception," and on Sunday morning, we heard James Jereb tell his personal story of discovery, "Alchemy of Stone".  The Gathering included a vendor marketplace, Silent Auction, and nightly Navajo Dance performances.  There was plenty of time to network and visit the art and history-filled Taos area. Those in attendance also had the opportunity to experience several temporary labyrinths built on the grounds.  Saturday was filled with workshops supporting the theme, Return from the Center: Open the Heart of Peace, and the day closed with spectacular experiential presentations, a world peace candle-lit labyrinth ceremony by Mayan Messenger Ac Tah, and a musical Dance of Peace with Wagogo Banda. 

Our Annual TLS business meeting included elections for board members and a by-laws revision. On Sunday, near the closing of the Gathering, the installation of the 2012 Board included the announcement of our new TLS President.  I stepped down from the president position, having fulfilled my term, and am very excited to hand the leadership over to Dr. John Rhodes, who will steer the organization for the next three years.  Please join me in congratulating John on his new role! 

Whether you joined us in Taos, or missed that opportunity, please mark your new 2012 calendars and watch the TLS website Gathering pages for information about the 2012 Gathering to be held in the Midwest Region, on the river boundary between Minnesota and Wisconsin, October 12-14, 2012. The Call for workshop submissions will open in January, and Gathering registration is expected to open in April.  Blessings to All in the New Year.

Lisa Gidlow Moriarty
Past President