(not necessarily in that order)
I completely underestimated how much time was needed to prepare for tomorrow morning’s presentation.
Actually, it would be more accurate to say that by the time I could really put my mind to it, I was already way behind.
Regardless of how I phrase it, the fact is that it’s almost 1:00am and I’m just now finishing up.
Here’s Dad, Uncle Rudy, and their Aunt Tommye at yesterday’s birthday party.
Buster Allen Brooks, Jr (the father of Gil and Rudy) was one of eleven children. Because Buster was born in 1912 and Tommye not until 1933, she and Rudy (Buster’s firstborn) entered the world only two months apart.
Now Dad has just turned ninety, while Rudy and Tommye are both ninety-one. So grateful they’re all still with us! 💖
Today’s celebration of Dad’s 90th birthday was a resounding success.
It left me both exhausted and deeply appreciative of how blessed I am to have grown up in a large and loving family. Especially considering that my wonderful Dad is who he is thanks to his family.
So, here’s to family — quirky, flawed, complicated, challenging — but loving one another just the same, to the very best of our ability.
I feel like I’ve been moving through molasses these last few days.
I manage to get things done, but it all feels really hard… and slow… and somewhat aimless.
I’m beginning to think the continuing heat truly is to blame. I feel sapped of energy and lethargic.
I believe temperatures are supposed to drop slightly over the next few days, which I hope will allow me to regroup and get back on track.
It was a full day.
Good night and sweet dreams.
We had an extremely productive meeting at Dharmadevi and Narayan’s home this morning.
First we greeted Kali (their little black dog); met the three goats; caught a glimpse of some of the chickens; and viewed the barn and farmyard area (the cow chose not to make an appearance).
Then we brainstormed a whole new level of collaboration between Crystal Clarity Publishers and the Ananda Music Ministry. It feels like we’re shifting into a glorious new age for the music and books of Ananda!
But the funniest moment for me came when I noticed something strange in the bedroom… 😂
We’ve been patiently waiting (we took our Lightbearer vows in January) for our friend, Mantradevi, to figure out how to get Lightbearer robes made. (It’s been a huge challenge but Mantradevi is a real trooper and she’s getting it done!)
She finally found a wonderful seamstress in town and today Ramesha was able to try on his finished robe — whoo hoo!
Mine is next. 🤩
Unless I’ve had a definite appointment, this past week has seen me mostly holing up at home.
I’ve made it a point to get up early enough to walk every morning while temperatures are still fairly cool. But other than that I’ve alternated between catching up on paperwork and emails with reading my book and sweating. 😳
In fact, I’ve been feeling slightly antisocial and I really do think the heat is mostly to blame.
It’s up to us to shine our light.
And that means every single one of us, no exceptions!
The world needs as many warriors of light as it can get right now.
Although there’s been quite a lot written and said about forest bathing in the last few years, it’s not something I paid much attention to — other than vaguely thinking it was a good thing.
But this past week I’ve been getting back into a walking routine, going slightly farther each day. And as I went far enough this morning to actually relax and tune into my surroundings more deeply, I suddenly became aware that I was doing a version of forest bathing!
In fact, I live right in the forest, so every time I leave my home I can be forest bathing…if I’m consciously aware of doing so.
Of course, when I went to read more about forest bathing *, I learned that the recommended length for a forest bath is two hours.
Well, maybe I’ll save that for special occasion forest baths!
[* Click here for an article in Time magazine by Dr. Qing Li, the author of Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness.]