Our annual Christmas fondue dinner happened early this year since we’ll be in Switzerland for most of the holiday.
It was the usual great fun but now I’ve got to get to bed; we start rehearsing bright and early tomorrow morning!
Friends & fondue
Feeling thankful
There’s no doubt about it, I have lived and am still living a singularly blessed life.
I have so much family: immediate, extended; near, far; American, Swiss; human, spiritual.
And I have so many friends: from childhood; high school; music; church; Ananda; local and global.
I have a loving husband with whom I share the spiritual path, a commitment to serving through music, and the joy of living in spiritual community.
I have amazingly good health, all things considered.
I’ve always lived in pleasing, healthy, safe environments, and many were stunningly beautiful as well.
I could go on and on, but I think I’ve made my point.
Thank you, God. Thank you, family. Thank you, friends. Thank you to every person who’s been part of this blessed life.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all.
Welcome home
It’s such a joy having Jyotish and Devi back home at Ananda Village once again.
I’m soooo grateful to be able to call such great souls my friends.
Time with friends
Today we were productive in the social arena.
In the morning we had delicious chai at the home of friends with whom we had been attempting to connect for six months or so. At long last, mission accomplished! And it was a thoroughly fun and delightful visit with the two of them plus their adorable children.
Then this evening we went to town for an Italian pizza dinner with another friend. Again, delightful and fun (and delicious!).
I also accomplished various tasks that needed doing around the house. All in all an active but relaxed day.
Getting back to normal
What a joy to be back in the Temple of Light and attending Sunday service for the first time since April 14 (and what a relief to make it the whole time without a coughing fit)!
It was also a joy to eat lunch in the company of dear friends afterwards.
Our beautiful temple, filled with fellow devotees. Uplifting music; deep silence during the meditation; and an inspiring talk by Ananta.
I felt nourished and replenished by all of it.
A long and wonderful day
Ananda LA’s Yogananda Fest was tremendously successful on every level, filled with inspiration, creativity, service, and satsang.
We reconnected with old friends and met strangers who felt like we’d known them forever.
There’s more I could say but I’m too tired. And tomorrow is Sunday service, followed by the long drive home.
So…good night!
A night out on the town
Yes, it’s an honest-to-goodness night out with friends. We’re driving to Chico for dinner and then a show. I’ll share all about it tomorrow. Gotta run!
Valentine’s Day reflections
We don’t really go all in on the Valentine’s Day hoopla. When possible we make sure to eat dinner together, ending with some sort of heart-shaped dessert (usually cookies), and that’s about it.
Mainly it’s a day when I find myself thinking a lot about love; most especially how fortunate I am to love, and be loved by, so many wonderful people.
My husband; my family; his family; friends from school (junior high through conservatory); friends who were professional colleagues; spiritual family from around the world; and on and on it goes.
So, what Valentine’s Day means to me is simply LOVE.
This made me laugh
Hibernation sure sounds good to me (I have a feeling a lot of my friends can relate to this)!
So much to be grateful for
Sure, there’s still no power, which is inconvenient.
True, we ran into issues changing phone providers, which was annoying.
Yes, it been raining a lot, which can feel a little oppressive.
But on the other hand…
Our heat is propane, so we’re nice and warm. We’ve got a small generator, so fridge and wifi work. We live in spiritual community, surrounded by friends. We love our work, which we get to do together.
And even more basic…
We have a roof over our heads, our roads aren’t flooded, we have plenty to eat, and no fear for our personal safety.
I mean, really…! I am extremely blessed, and I know it.