A Note From Randy

As a sheltered boy growing up in the poverty of the Appalachians, I first heard beauty calling through stories from my Mom and music with my Dad. There was no opportunity for television or travel, so books and music breathed exotic whispers that soon burgeoned to a divine summons. As I grew older this seductive calling led me to beautiful Far Eastern ports of call, African safaris, the world’s highest mountains, cultural centers such as London, Paris, Florence, Rome, and the vivid contrasts of a dusty Australian outback and islands called Virgin. The diversity of these experiences provides a vibrant palette for creative avenues of artistic expression.

This book contains a collection of visual and written expressions portraying my joyous pursuit of beauty all over the world. It offers an artistic opportunity for these callings to converge and also provides a springboard to spread my vision for Kalein, a non-profit Center for Creative Studies. The extraordinary fulfillment of an artistic life compels me to do everything in my power to influence the next generation to heed this call.

Imagine a verdant 124 acre retreat located near the creative center of Nashville, TN. Imagine a rustic but elegant lodge and cabins built with solitude in mind but with community only a few steps away. The reality of Kalein provides this and much more. It offers artists and leaders a creative and passionate environment of encouragement and mentorship to better discover, develop and discipline their dreams. It is a place, much like the salons of old, where respected and recognized master teachers provide personal care, encouragement and mentoring to intimate groups of leaders and artists of all genres.

All proceeds from the sale of this book provide a creative and artistic way to give back. But this book can only do a small part. We need you to help make Kalein a thriving and breathing reality. For information about upcoming retreat opportunities and much more visit: www.kalein.org