Just as a background, the roses were imported in the Fall of last year and have to be quarantined for two years. Not knowing where I'll be living in the Phoenix area, I decided to plant them at the Franciscan Renewal Center, Casa de Paz y Bien, known locally as the Casa. It's a 44 acre estate in the middle of the best part of town called Paradise Valley. However, when they bought it in 1954 it was out in the boondocks.

It is a place of great love and understanding for all people who are troubled in mind and spirit. Most of the Masses on Sunday are attended by at least one third non-Catholic. There are retreats, workshops and seminars of all kinds offered throughout the year as well as support groups for AA, NA, Grief, Abuse, Gays and Lesbians etc. I have given several workshops on Core Transformations, Having the Time of Your Life, and Dream Deciphering, not to be confused with Dream Interpretation. I have met at least two people, who teach there, one Jewish and the other Muslim.

Visit the Casa