[Yes, I am still alive - flu and all.  Hugs to all the Clark Community family!]

To the good people who have already posted their detailed accounts of the San Fran event, thank you so very much.  It doesn’t seem to matter whether you’re at an event or not, someone else’s perspective is always appreciated.

THE PHOTO LINK IS HERE: http://community.webshots.com/album/547150669kOskEA

 A few thoughts to pass along about the San Fran event:

The good General was burdened with a cold that affected his voice.  Nevertheless, he carried on like the great leader he is and performed magnificently at the event and shared some rather entertaining stories, most of which you have already read from other’s accounts.  A memorable moment for me was meeting, face-to-face, the inimitable Sybil Liberties!  What a spitfire!  When we needed help at the registration table, Sybil was there.  In true Clark fashion, Sybil walked in, registered, and asked how she could help.  Kelly invited her to work the registration table and by golly, she jumped right in!  Syb, if you’re reading this, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your valiant efforts.  A prominent Clark Community member greeting other Community members and interested parties is all good stuff.  And Syb?  You earned that hug from General Clark.  Yes, he truly does love his bloggers.

Special recognition goes to Robin Galer, who by all accounts, is a fireball within the Bay Area and I wish she would join the CCN.  She is a first-rate Clarkie who really knows how to bring ‘em in.  (To events, that is.)  Thank you Robin!

A big thanks also goes to Stan Davis who also jumped into the registration table fray to lend his services.  Thank you Stan!

The beautiful and talented Kelly Flinn organized the event and did so with outstanding calm collectiveness. Flinners, my hat is off to you darlin’ girl.  Well done, bravo, and three cheers to you.  When is the next event?  

And then there was the gentleman from New York City who flew all the way in to San Fran just for the event, Lewis Cohen.  You may have seen him here in recent weeks.  Lewis is the Finance Director for DFA-NYC, one of the largest DFA operations in the country, and is also in Private Wealth Management for Maxim Group in NYC.  But he’s also incredibly charming, incredibly witty, and incredibly interested in our General.  Who can blame him? 

The Hotel Monaco, with its opulent surroundings, vaulted frescoed ceilings, and gigantic fireplace, provided the perfect backdrop for the event.  The General addressed the troops with his back to the enormous fireplace warming our hearts with his words.  His delivery was personalized, giving every attendee a sense of engagement and purpose; this was no more apparent than the Q&A session that followed his short speech.  No one left that event with their feet on the ground.  The good General held court at the Hotel Monaco with all grace, humility and compassion: qualities that we have come to love and support from the beginning.  General Clark had not been to the Bay Area in two years, so his appearance there was especially significant. 

In related news…

On Lewis Cohen:  I had the good fortune to meet Lewis a couple months ago at a birthday dinner in NYC.  Throughout our dinner conversation, it became increasingly clear that Lewis was well schooled in politics both in NYC and the national scene.  Lewis, you may remember, organized and hosted the Eric Massa event in NYC on 5 January.  Some of you were at the event.  But since meeting him at that birthday dinner, Lewis and I have kept in touch to discuss our common philosophies regarding how best to get Dems elected in November.  Subsequent to last month's meetings and email communications, Lewis and I have discussed, at length, how forming alliances and building bridges could only help our common cause in November.  I will write more about this in an NCCM posting shortly.  Suffice it to say, NCCM and DFA’s DemocracyFest will receive reciprocal support.  There are a lot of like-minded people in our respective camps; supporting each other only makes us stronger.

On the LA events:  A huge THANK YOU to MS in LA for relaying her perspective with such eloquence.  Anyone who read her account came away feeling as if they had been there.  Her posts were informative, detailed, heartwarming and compelling.  Smart gal, that MS!  And I so missed hearing Keith….must we all wait until NCCM to hear him again? 

Michael Webber deserves an enormous congratulations for making the arrangements for both LA events.  And more thanks for promoting the NCCM. 

My low visibility on the blog in recent months has been due to many things, most recently for NCCM promotion.  That said, I’m looking forward to coming “home” to the CCN family and sharing more time with all of you.  Between family illness, my own illness, and networking for NCCM, there has been little opportunity to participate in blog activities. 

Look for an NCCM posting soon.  Thank you for all your patience  - and your support over the last two months.  It is humbling to be part of such an extraordinary family of human beings. 

More news on the way…WHITE LIGHT TO ALL OF YOU!