beautiful friday

 we went to chuang yen monastery yesterday for a class trip.

we were supposed to have a tour, but no volunteer signed up

to take us around, so they told me that there was a monk available

to do it. a sweet man came in and started singing songs with us,

showing us how to exercise, sharing with us tidbits about the

Buddhist Way... it was incredible... i was captivated...

 afterwards, when i introduced myself, he told me

that he was the president of the Buddhist Society of America.

what a blessing!!! such a gift... the 6th graders lined up

around him to get him to sign their books that he gave us

and he drew the word "LOVE" and wrote the date and time

on each one... it was such a wonderful and serendipitous

bunch of moments...

 then we were off to Storm King

to see some awesome outdoor sculpture...

we didn't have enough time to see a lot, but it was 

a good teaser... and something i have wanted to see

close up for 11 years now! so i will totally go back and

bring a picnic lunch:)

 it was really sunny and not too hot... a perfect day:)

 i love how each sculpture was created to compliment the landscape

surrounding it. the guys who started this place were geniuses.

 can't wait to take the tram ride next time!

 it was a long day which included private art lessons after

we got back from the trip, but a full, beautiful day

 and it ended with singing kirtan with sita's light at a home kirtan...

and getting to see fumio for the first time since he's been back

and to sing with bhavani for the first time in years... was

an extra special treat. i got to catch up with a bunch of people

there and i am s grateful for that....

 dancing with bells, one of my favorite things to do in the

whole wide world:):):)

 and a little recap in my new journal of the events... both drawn this

morning in bed... ahhhh.... i love saturdays

 did some cleaning, errands and soon we're off to a birthday party.

what a great weekend so far!

thank you for the flowers Will!

xoj