Dream
I am sleeping in a room and the door opens and I see a female vampire standing at the door. This vampire became a vampire as a result of emotional pains. She wants everyone to be like her so she would no longer be an outcast. If everyone becomes an outcast then that would be the norm and she would be normal. I quickly stood up and the light was behind her and she casted a shadow. I put my palms together and recited Shakyamuni Buddha's name and this created a shield that blocked her blast. Then I did something else and I blasted her to buy me some time to escape.
I run to another room and everyone there was asleep. I hid in the closet and a scream from another room woke everyone up and they all jumped out of bed to attend to it. I jump out of the window and ran.
I ran through an outdoor restaurant and I saw a girl shifting shape into a dog and then a girl, back and forth. People were all laughing at her not knowing what to do or what was going on. She was traumatized. I picked her up and carried her into the kitchen and placed her into a sink and ran the warm water to sooth and calm her. The physical experience of the state she was in was painful like an episode of seizure.
I then jumped onto a bus full of people and I spotted someone across from me whom I assumed had Native American spiritual background and decided to ask him,"have you seen vampires?" He leans back at me and tells me,"get off here. " I got off and I followed him into a Taoist temple where he lined up to light an incense and pay homage to an earth god. It occurred to me that the two have cross overs and may be the same with cultural differences and icons. He holds up an incense and tells me the ingredients for a healing patch from a vampire bite, a bite of emotional injury that destroys the mind, and tells me what to recite as I make it. I thought in my mind this is too much detail and I need to write it down, all of it. Then he turns to me and leans forward and whispers into my ears and say, "You know, Earth Store Bodhisattva Sutra does pretty well too!"
California is Beautiful
Day 8
Road trip down south was great. Made many scenic stops along the way. This was a pee stop al'natural, what a view to go in.
Pulled over to check out the Elks at the Meadow in Prairie Creek State Park.
Pulled over on exit #768 on Klamath Breach Road to go to high bluff for a picnic ocean view.
Then exit #765 Newton B Scenic Parkway to get out through the north.
Then we took Ferndale and went through the historical downtown and saw some nice architecture, it was a drive by to check out old Colorful well maintained Victorian Houses. We made it onto the Lost Coast road to check out what that was about. We weren't impressed or maybe we are just spoiled with natural beauty. All that work of driving in windy road to get on Ferndale Petrolia Road passing lots of barns and hills. It really felt like a different state through there.
Then we pulled out onto Mattol Road into Humboldt Redwood State Park through to Rockefeller Forest. By the time we got there it was too dark. The very tall trees were intimidating. It was too much for all of us girls and we got out of there as soon as we could. Didn't get off the road to our destination till 11:30pm. Much later than we would of liked but all the stops we made were worth it and fun.
Kentucky Falls, a Must
Day 7
Today I organized and cooked tomorrow's road trip home lunch box. Then I along with everyone else who wanted to hike to Kentucky Falls left for the fun.
Today I organized and cooked tomorrow's road trip home lunch box. Then I along with everyone else who wanted to hike to Kentucky Falls left for the fun.
I really love the trails to Kentucky Falls. It find it very pristine. The trails are well padded from trees. Everything is luscious and green. Plenty of beautiful wild flowers to discover. I feel as if elves and unicorn would be popping out here or there when I hike the trail. It's just so beautiful.
Then there is the Kentucky Falls to get wet in. It's cold, very cold, but feels very healing. I hate to miss a hike and the water when I am in Turtle Mountain. One of the girls slipped and twisted her ankle. Glad I hiked last and was the sweeper to help her out. Glad I packed in bandage tape for stuff like this.
Licking Sweets
Day 6
There was a request for rice krispy treats so we made it for lunch. It was to be lead by Laura but she was no where to be found. It turns out she needed a nap. Well, the best part about making sweets is licking it off your hands or the spatula as part of the clean up. No double dipping.
After lunch a hike to Turtle Mountain. It was said that when Navtive Americans were pushed to move westward their Great Turtle King Spirit went as far west as possible and settled here. This is the reason this mountain is called Turtle Mountain, named after the Great Turtle King Spirit.
Silver got a bath.
Silver gets a tick check by Henry.
There was a request for rice krispy treats so we made it for lunch. It was to be lead by Laura but she was no where to be found. It turns out she needed a nap. Well, the best part about making sweets is licking it off your hands or the spatula as part of the clean up. No double dipping.
After lunch a hike to Turtle Mountain. It was said that when Navtive Americans were pushed to move westward their Great Turtle King Spirit went as far west as possible and settled here. This is the reason this mountain is called Turtle Mountain, named after the Great Turtle King Spirit. In the afternoon we played in the open meadow. Here is David Williams flipping.
Andrew flipping over the stick.
Mike hanging out on a tree.
Andrew flipping over the stick.
Mike hanging out on a tree.
Silver got a bath.
Silver gets a tick check by Henry.
Bloody Knee
Day 5
I slipped and fell this morning while walking downhill. I landed on my left knee. I had a terrible cut into my knee by a flat rock. It was painful. I landed on my knee because I had both my hands in my pocket. I sat for awhile in pain and bleeding and clenched until words can come out of my mouth. After breakfast I cleaned myself up with the first aide kit. I was bloody and it was painful. Since I was in pain and bleeding, I decided it was official, I was to not go to the beach or roll down the sand dunes.
Valerie and Izzie, mother daughter team also in matching outfits helping to prepare lunch.
This is the Laura and Elain Tan sister duo cooking Pad Thai for 70 for lunch on a giant outdoor wok.
I think one of the funnest part of this outing is to ride on the open truck up and down the mountain. You do have to hang on yourself and hang on to others to keep them from falling off.
I really wanted to cash in on the meditation opportunities here. I decided after sitting in the meditation hall after lunch that I would go and sit in pad outside my tent. I found it to be very quiet and nice except for three mosquito that made it into the tent. In order to mosquito proof myself I covered myself well and tucked my fingers into my sleeves. This defense against mosquito attacks worked. However because I was so tired I found myself dozing off and then waking up.
I like flowers like this on the mountain trail. I feel like Thumper should be jumping out any time.
Later at night when it was lights out time one of the younger girls group tent created quite a bit of noise. It was 11:35pm and they were screaming and wondering about on the grounds. This was exactly the third day of the retreat date. Historically the third day is when people get giddy, and start to feel like they are walking on bubbles. The girls were so loud, Loc had to physically walk over to the girl's side to tell us to tell them to shut up. I told him he should go ahead and do that himself. He did and they did.
All that commotion was over a wet spot in the tent and someone called out, "pee". This wet spot was either from dew collection in the tent or someone spilled something like instant noodle soup. Well, instead of cleaning it up or assuming it is something other than pee, it was more sensational to say it was pee. Well the side that it was on was on Ann's side and she was not willing to clean it up or sleep on that end. I went into the tent and sniffed the wet spot. I explained how I was on the grounds meditating and named those who came into the grounds during the day and if anyone said it was pee then it would have been one of those people who shouldn't have been in the tent grounds during that time to begin with. At that point no one was willing to continue the pee sensation story. Nor were they willing to confess to not eating lunch with everyone at the 1/2 Can and having instant noodle soup delivered to their tent. Well, the wet spot was cleaned dry. Ann got a new sleeping pad to sleep on. She refused to sleep on her spot and since no one was going to tell the truth, I had everyone switch spots. The 12 person tent was more than big enough for 4 young teeny girls and one eleven year old girl to all pick out new sleeping arrangements.
When I got out of their tent it was already 12:35am. Everyone was kept awake by them. Izzie who is 8 could no longer go to sleep and was in distress. So I chatted with her and shined my LED light onto her eyes, all she could do was close them. That was a good start I thought. It helps to go to sleep by closing your eyes. I told her that if she doesn't go to sleep then Silver can't either because that is his job to check everyone after they have gone to sleep. And if he can't finish his job then he can't rest and he plays all day with us and he is old so to be kind to him and to help him rest and live longer we should all fall asleep as soon as possible so Silver can clock out for the night and get lots of rest to play with us the next day.
I slipped and fell this morning while walking downhill. I landed on my left knee. I had a terrible cut into my knee by a flat rock. It was painful. I landed on my knee because I had both my hands in my pocket. I sat for awhile in pain and bleeding and clenched until words can come out of my mouth. After breakfast I cleaned myself up with the first aide kit. I was bloody and it was painful. Since I was in pain and bleeding, I decided it was official, I was to not go to the beach or roll down the sand dunes.
Valerie and Izzie, mother daughter team also in matching outfits helping to prepare lunch.
This is the Laura and Elain Tan sister duo cooking Pad Thai for 70 for lunch on a giant outdoor wok.
I think one of the funnest part of this outing is to ride on the open truck up and down the mountain. You do have to hang on yourself and hang on to others to keep them from falling off.
I really wanted to cash in on the meditation opportunities here. I decided after sitting in the meditation hall after lunch that I would go and sit in pad outside my tent. I found it to be very quiet and nice except for three mosquito that made it into the tent. In order to mosquito proof myself I covered myself well and tucked my fingers into my sleeves. This defense against mosquito attacks worked. However because I was so tired I found myself dozing off and then waking up.
I like flowers like this on the mountain trail. I feel like Thumper should be jumping out any time.Later at night when it was lights out time one of the younger girls group tent created quite a bit of noise. It was 11:35pm and they were screaming and wondering about on the grounds. This was exactly the third day of the retreat date. Historically the third day is when people get giddy, and start to feel like they are walking on bubbles. The girls were so loud, Loc had to physically walk over to the girl's side to tell us to tell them to shut up. I told him he should go ahead and do that himself. He did and they did.
All that commotion was over a wet spot in the tent and someone called out, "pee". This wet spot was either from dew collection in the tent or someone spilled something like instant noodle soup. Well, instead of cleaning it up or assuming it is something other than pee, it was more sensational to say it was pee. Well the side that it was on was on Ann's side and she was not willing to clean it up or sleep on that end. I went into the tent and sniffed the wet spot. I explained how I was on the grounds meditating and named those who came into the grounds during the day and if anyone said it was pee then it would have been one of those people who shouldn't have been in the tent grounds during that time to begin with. At that point no one was willing to continue the pee sensation story. Nor were they willing to confess to not eating lunch with everyone at the 1/2 Can and having instant noodle soup delivered to their tent. Well, the wet spot was cleaned dry. Ann got a new sleeping pad to sleep on. She refused to sleep on her spot and since no one was going to tell the truth, I had everyone switch spots. The 12 person tent was more than big enough for 4 young teeny girls and one eleven year old girl to all pick out new sleeping arrangements.
When I got out of their tent it was already 12:35am. Everyone was kept awake by them. Izzie who is 8 could no longer go to sleep and was in distress. So I chatted with her and shined my LED light onto her eyes, all she could do was close them. That was a good start I thought. It helps to go to sleep by closing your eyes. I told her that if she doesn't go to sleep then Silver can't either because that is his job to check everyone after they have gone to sleep. And if he can't finish his job then he can't rest and he plays all day with us and he is old so to be kind to him and to help him rest and live longer we should all fall asleep as soon as possible so Silver can clock out for the night and get lots of rest to play with us the next day.
Special Apple Pie Spice, Laughter
Day 4
I woke up at 5:35am and made tea. There was enough light to see that I didn't need to use any additional light to see. I made quite a bit of noise because I wasn't awake enough to be coordinated. I learned that my titanium cup really hold heat well. It took me a long time to wait for it to cool. I decided that I need to speed up the process by walking it in the cold to cool it off so that I wouldn't miss the morning mediation. When I sat I felt all this gas that wanted to burp up. I told them they need to dissolve and not disturb anyone else who is trying to meditate. Guess, what, it worked.
I did have breakfast and checked out what was available for lunch. I knew Loc and Stacy needed to head into Eugene today and they would need lunch. Depending on what was on the menu, they could pick from lunch already prepared or buy something on the road or I could fix something together for them. I wanted to do something special but had to create it on the spot. They really worked hard and were the last ones to eat lunch on Sunday and lunch was pretty much all gone when they got to eat. Plus with their tight schedule the last thing I think they should worry about is search for lunch.
This lunch box experience was no ordinary one. I realized the act of giving is a luxury. It takes a rich heart to give. How much I am able to give in joy with my heart and in sincerity without conditions is how much space I create in my heart to receive nurture and happiness. How wonderful!
So I started to roll spring rolls while all the Vietnamese moms looked with disapproval. My version was not the traditional way they said. I know that. But this was what I could do on the spur of the moment. For some reason Dung did a hide and seek on me with whatever I brought out to make their lunch box with. I think it was because she was trying to be helpful and set the space up for lunch preparation. So I decided to wait until they were all gone and I was the only one in the kitchen to cook slowly. By the time I was done with their lunch it was too late to hike up the steep hill and make it in time for morning activities. I decided to climb up a ladder and pick Granny Smith apples for Apple Pie. I decided that I could contribute dessert to lunch.
Apple pie is easy to make but it's just time consuming with the apple part on peeling and cutting, especially if you have to pick the apples off the tree yourself. Fortunately, lots of people came to my aid, lots of kids, got into making the pie with me. I wouldn't have been able to bake it in time for lunch if not been for them. It was fun to make it together. I think that is what is fun about food, cooking, doing it together adding the special spice of laughter. Apple pie was not ready in time for Loc and Stacy's lunch box, Loc told Stacy he would roll into McDonald's to buy her apple pie through the drive through. That was sweet of him.
for lunch a Vietnamese noodle soup called Bun Reu and fresh berries from berry bush all over the place and bears and deer do love these berries.
After lunch was creek time. It was fun to walk on the creek. Pretty slimy, the trick is to get your footing in between rocks and go for the small ones and not the big ones. Most people go for the big ones and they would slip and fall. It was a sure dunk in the water for those who decided to do that. For a lot of people, this was their first time outdoors.
.....and if you didn't get wet from slipping then your friends may help you cool off instead, from left to right David and Andrew
We sat on a big rock on the creek and shared embarrassing stories of ourselves.
I told the group the time when I was potty training and had an accident while playing up on the roof top with neighbor's kids. I ran down to the first floor and found my dad and he cleaned me up really well. He didn't yell at me or shame me in any way and sent me off on playing some more before dinner. My dad is cool this way.
I like being in water, near water. Creeks and rivers were regular family trips we would take in Taiwan when I was little. It usually involved BBQ too. I remember when I was a toddler, I would have a life savor on me and a bucket to play with while I sat on the river rocks with running water. Shallow enough and soft enough current that I wouldn't be swept way and if for some reason I did, there was the life savor that I had around me to keep me afloat. I loved being under the hot sun and in the water.
After the creek excursion, we stood recited and prayed for any living beings we may have harmed by walking in the creek and creating disturbances in their environment.
When we made it back to 1/2 can, David Williams and Sher showed up. Loc and I were betting on him not showing up again for the 4th straight year. Every year he says he is coming and then doesn't. Last year he got as close as Shasta and then turned around and went home. So I was totally surprised when he showed up. He had just flew in from Canada and he picked up Sher at 3am. They drove the whole time. Sher doesn't know stick shift so David drove the whole way. At one point he had Sher drive and he kept his hands on the shift and his eyes closed while she petaled. They were aiming to arrive for lunch. But had to pull over to sleep and lost time that way. He said he shared his entire life story with her on the ride over. After feeding them pie and noodles we set up tent with them because they were exhausted.
I decided I needed a nap in order to stay awake for the movie at night, "Spiderwick Chronicles". Although I've seen it, it's fun to watch it with everyone especially camping. I like watching movies on the projector screen. It reminds me of when I was little, my dad owned a video camera and had the reel projectors. He would project movies he made of us or any event on the wall. It was fun.
I woke up at 5:35am and made tea. There was enough light to see that I didn't need to use any additional light to see. I made quite a bit of noise because I wasn't awake enough to be coordinated. I learned that my titanium cup really hold heat well. It took me a long time to wait for it to cool. I decided that I need to speed up the process by walking it in the cold to cool it off so that I wouldn't miss the morning mediation. When I sat I felt all this gas that wanted to burp up. I told them they need to dissolve and not disturb anyone else who is trying to meditate. Guess, what, it worked.
I did have breakfast and checked out what was available for lunch. I knew Loc and Stacy needed to head into Eugene today and they would need lunch. Depending on what was on the menu, they could pick from lunch already prepared or buy something on the road or I could fix something together for them. I wanted to do something special but had to create it on the spot. They really worked hard and were the last ones to eat lunch on Sunday and lunch was pretty much all gone when they got to eat. Plus with their tight schedule the last thing I think they should worry about is search for lunch.
This lunch box experience was no ordinary one. I realized the act of giving is a luxury. It takes a rich heart to give. How much I am able to give in joy with my heart and in sincerity without conditions is how much space I create in my heart to receive nurture and happiness. How wonderful!
So I started to roll spring rolls while all the Vietnamese moms looked with disapproval. My version was not the traditional way they said. I know that. But this was what I could do on the spur of the moment. For some reason Dung did a hide and seek on me with whatever I brought out to make their lunch box with. I think it was because she was trying to be helpful and set the space up for lunch preparation. So I decided to wait until they were all gone and I was the only one in the kitchen to cook slowly. By the time I was done with their lunch it was too late to hike up the steep hill and make it in time for morning activities. I decided to climb up a ladder and pick Granny Smith apples for Apple Pie. I decided that I could contribute dessert to lunch.
Apple pie is easy to make but it's just time consuming with the apple part on peeling and cutting, especially if you have to pick the apples off the tree yourself. Fortunately, lots of people came to my aid, lots of kids, got into making the pie with me. I wouldn't have been able to bake it in time for lunch if not been for them. It was fun to make it together. I think that is what is fun about food, cooking, doing it together adding the special spice of laughter. Apple pie was not ready in time for Loc and Stacy's lunch box, Loc told Stacy he would roll into McDonald's to buy her apple pie through the drive through. That was sweet of him.
for lunch a Vietnamese noodle soup called Bun Reu and fresh berries from berry bush all over the place and bears and deer do love these berries.
After lunch was creek time. It was fun to walk on the creek. Pretty slimy, the trick is to get your footing in between rocks and go for the small ones and not the big ones. Most people go for the big ones and they would slip and fall. It was a sure dunk in the water for those who decided to do that. For a lot of people, this was their first time outdoors.
.....and if you didn't get wet from slipping then your friends may help you cool off instead, from left to right David and Andrew
We sat on a big rock on the creek and shared embarrassing stories of ourselves.
I told the group the time when I was potty training and had an accident while playing up on the roof top with neighbor's kids. I ran down to the first floor and found my dad and he cleaned me up really well. He didn't yell at me or shame me in any way and sent me off on playing some more before dinner. My dad is cool this way.
I like being in water, near water. Creeks and rivers were regular family trips we would take in Taiwan when I was little. It usually involved BBQ too. I remember when I was a toddler, I would have a life savor on me and a bucket to play with while I sat on the river rocks with running water. Shallow enough and soft enough current that I wouldn't be swept way and if for some reason I did, there was the life savor that I had around me to keep me afloat. I loved being under the hot sun and in the water.
After the creek excursion, we stood recited and prayed for any living beings we may have harmed by walking in the creek and creating disturbances in their environment.
When we made it back to 1/2 can, David Williams and Sher showed up. Loc and I were betting on him not showing up again for the 4th straight year. Every year he says he is coming and then doesn't. Last year he got as close as Shasta and then turned around and went home. So I was totally surprised when he showed up. He had just flew in from Canada and he picked up Sher at 3am. They drove the whole time. Sher doesn't know stick shift so David drove the whole way. At one point he had Sher drive and he kept his hands on the shift and his eyes closed while she petaled. They were aiming to arrive for lunch. But had to pull over to sleep and lost time that way. He said he shared his entire life story with her on the ride over. After feeding them pie and noodles we set up tent with them because they were exhausted.
I decided I needed a nap in order to stay awake for the movie at night, "Spiderwick Chronicles". Although I've seen it, it's fun to watch it with everyone especially camping. I like watching movies on the projector screen. It reminds me of when I was little, my dad owned a video camera and had the reel projectors. He would project movies he made of us or any event on the wall. It was fun.
Fresh Soy Milk by Hand
Day 3
The smell of dew drops and wet mountain is refreshing. There is no sound of modern technology. I got up for the morning meditation at 6am. I sat feeling together and falling apart, strong but relaxed. My brains felt like they are being supported by gentle, nurturing, and careful hands. It felt safely suspended and massaged all in the same time. I felt safe and grateful. The morning hour long meditation felt really short this time.
I decided to head down the steep hill for breakfast even though I could have gone without it. When I got there I found fresh porridge and fresh soy milk. I love fresh soy milk. It's the only kind that doesn't give me digestive trouble. So awesome to have moms around, they can make fresh soy milk without any machine or gadgets.
This is Ayo A.K.A. "Chocolate Lady" because she works at a chocolate factory and where ever she goes she brings chocolate to share with everyone.
Our morning gathering started with sharing of gratitude. Laura thanked me for tucking her in last night. I was grateful for the opportunity to be here and that everyone arrived safely. Then Rev. Heng Sure taught all of us our new Oregon Camp song sung to the tune of Country Road. It was great.
Lacey led Yoga in the morning. It was nice to stretch and move the body in Yoga. It has been 10 years since I last did any yoga, so out of shape. In previous years Loc taught Tai Chi and Shaolin. I wonder who will teach what next year, pilates?
For lunch we all walked down to 1/2 Can chanting and in single file. The kitchen wasn't ready it was 30 minutes behind schedule. Iron Chef Yong arrived last night and I knew I didn't have to cook at all when she's around. I love her food. Anything she makes, is good. From the left to right is Yong, Janny, Kuo Juan.
Afternoon I took a nap in my tent. It was much needed. I had a headache from fatigue, dehydration, heat. The rest and cooling tea helped. I think if I hadn't stopped the process it may have progressed to a heat stroke. That would have been bad. It would be like getting poison oak or ivy and spending your whole camping trip in pain and sitting out on everything. That would have bummed me out.
Here is my sky view from my tent. I used to just lay on my front lawn grass and watch the sky move after school for hours. I loved watching the sky in the day and night.
Today Jackson, Billy, and his dad decided it was safe to camp and they can move out of their truck. So they pitched tent for the first time and slept outdoors for the first time. That was courageous of them to come to the outdoors and sleep in a tent.
I went to dinner even though I wasn't hungry. Afterwards I decided I would skip dinner for the rest of the week. I don't need it and I need more time to rest, do laundry and just chill by myself for an hour. I always gain a lot of weight here. I use so much energy and don't rest enough. It must be the food here is ten times more nutritious or something. It must be the secrete power nutrient of good air.
The smell of dew drops and wet mountain is refreshing. There is no sound of modern technology. I got up for the morning meditation at 6am. I sat feeling together and falling apart, strong but relaxed. My brains felt like they are being supported by gentle, nurturing, and careful hands. It felt safely suspended and massaged all in the same time. I felt safe and grateful. The morning hour long meditation felt really short this time.
I decided to head down the steep hill for breakfast even though I could have gone without it. When I got there I found fresh porridge and fresh soy milk. I love fresh soy milk. It's the only kind that doesn't give me digestive trouble. So awesome to have moms around, they can make fresh soy milk without any machine or gadgets.
This is Ayo A.K.A. "Chocolate Lady" because she works at a chocolate factory and where ever she goes she brings chocolate to share with everyone.Our morning gathering started with sharing of gratitude. Laura thanked me for tucking her in last night. I was grateful for the opportunity to be here and that everyone arrived safely. Then Rev. Heng Sure taught all of us our new Oregon Camp song sung to the tune of Country Road. It was great.
Lacey led Yoga in the morning. It was nice to stretch and move the body in Yoga. It has been 10 years since I last did any yoga, so out of shape. In previous years Loc taught Tai Chi and Shaolin. I wonder who will teach what next year, pilates?
For lunch we all walked down to 1/2 Can chanting and in single file. The kitchen wasn't ready it was 30 minutes behind schedule. Iron Chef Yong arrived last night and I knew I didn't have to cook at all when she's around. I love her food. Anything she makes, is good. From the left to right is Yong, Janny, Kuo Juan.
Afternoon I took a nap in my tent. It was much needed. I had a headache from fatigue, dehydration, heat. The rest and cooling tea helped. I think if I hadn't stopped the process it may have progressed to a heat stroke. That would have been bad. It would be like getting poison oak or ivy and spending your whole camping trip in pain and sitting out on everything. That would have bummed me out.
Here is my sky view from my tent. I used to just lay on my front lawn grass and watch the sky move after school for hours. I loved watching the sky in the day and night.
Today Jackson, Billy, and his dad decided it was safe to camp and they can move out of their truck. So they pitched tent for the first time and slept outdoors for the first time. That was courageous of them to come to the outdoors and sleep in a tent.
I went to dinner even though I wasn't hungry. Afterwards I decided I would skip dinner for the rest of the week. I don't need it and I need more time to rest, do laundry and just chill by myself for an hour. I always gain a lot of weight here. I use so much energy and don't rest enough. It must be the food here is ten times more nutritious or something. It must be the secrete power nutrient of good air.
Right lump at the Right Spot Right Slop at the Right Direction
Day 2
First day in our annual meditation and camping trip. Amy got up at 6am to pitch her tent. She was ready to go like a child on Christmas morning. The rest of us all slept in till 8am. She woke us up and suggested that maybe we could all get up and do something. So we all got up. Everyone agreed that if there wasn't extra padding and blankets, we would have been very cold. I later learned that I accidentally took Loc's padding and Elaine's extra sleeping bag was Loc's. Oops. He found out the cold way that it is cold at night. Really sorry Loc!
We made it down to 1/2 Can where the kitchen and dinning hall was. I decided we want porridge. So I made porridge with last night's left over rice. It was so yummy. Then we had to start on lunch and the stove went out for half an hour so we were behind on lunch schedule. Lunch was a hit and only a bowl of Korean soba noodles were left over. It has taken years to figure out the quantity of food served here and no left overs is a good management of resources.
Here is Loc, retreat organizer year after year pumping air into 20+ pool beds incase people did not bring padding to sleep on. He can't seem to retire because no one is as experienced as he is and is round the clock joyful to be of service and has answers to everything and solves all problem without a whine or even a tensing of his eyebrows. At no point not even a slightest split second does he ever make you feel unwelcomed or inferior in any way. Oh, yeah, he also gets no sleep and is often the last one to eat and just eat whatever is left and no complaints.
After lunch we went up to pitch our tents. I set up my tent next to Laura and Elaine's. I had to move mine around until it was the right way for the right angle of slop and with the right lumps at the right place when I lay down. It's not hard, it just takes time to get it to personalize it just right. It's really much easier to get it all right when you first set it up then later after many adjustments and redoing of things. Laura and Elaine found a way to help me put up my bug net to set up a place to meditate and sit to chill and avoid getting bit as much as possible. I like to sit outdoors but the mosquito, it's keeps me moving on my feet. This way I can just enjoy nature. I set up a place for early morning tea. I like to roll out of bed and make tea and slowly wake up this way. When I wake up early I get to just sit and listen to the birds sing and the leaves fall. The leaves falling here sounds like raindrops and wind chimes. It's beautiful.
The trip so far has been about generosity and kindness and support, helping each other out. It's nice that there was no fighting and drama. By the time we had everything all set up and laid out just right, it was time to prepare dinner. So much for the nap we were gonna take. There was another 50 people who would be coming tonight and it's nice to have dinner ready so they can just feel at home. Dinner was BBQ kabobs, coconut rice, salad, soup. We didn't finish till 7:30pm. People were patient in waiting. Then entire group of 50 rolled in a little before 8pm. Everyone was too tired after dinner to pitch up tents so they all slept in tents that were pre-set up and crammed for the night. Whoever came up with that idea, brilliant!
I am always exhausted here, not enough sleep, not enough time alone but every moment is spent in worthy priceless joy from the heart. So, I can sleep when I get home, I can be alone when I get home, I can be fully rested when I get home. I have the rest of the year to do that. This is special, so I'll use all that I've got to be here and enjoy every moment of it.
First day in our annual meditation and camping trip. Amy got up at 6am to pitch her tent. She was ready to go like a child on Christmas morning. The rest of us all slept in till 8am. She woke us up and suggested that maybe we could all get up and do something. So we all got up. Everyone agreed that if there wasn't extra padding and blankets, we would have been very cold. I later learned that I accidentally took Loc's padding and Elaine's extra sleeping bag was Loc's. Oops. He found out the cold way that it is cold at night. Really sorry Loc!
We made it down to 1/2 Can where the kitchen and dinning hall was. I decided we want porridge. So I made porridge with last night's left over rice. It was so yummy. Then we had to start on lunch and the stove went out for half an hour so we were behind on lunch schedule. Lunch was a hit and only a bowl of Korean soba noodles were left over. It has taken years to figure out the quantity of food served here and no left overs is a good management of resources.
Here is Loc, retreat organizer year after year pumping air into 20+ pool beds incase people did not bring padding to sleep on. He can't seem to retire because no one is as experienced as he is and is round the clock joyful to be of service and has answers to everything and solves all problem without a whine or even a tensing of his eyebrows. At no point not even a slightest split second does he ever make you feel unwelcomed or inferior in any way. Oh, yeah, he also gets no sleep and is often the last one to eat and just eat whatever is left and no complaints.
After lunch we went up to pitch our tents. I set up my tent next to Laura and Elaine's. I had to move mine around until it was the right way for the right angle of slop and with the right lumps at the right place when I lay down. It's not hard, it just takes time to get it to personalize it just right. It's really much easier to get it all right when you first set it up then later after many adjustments and redoing of things. Laura and Elaine found a way to help me put up my bug net to set up a place to meditate and sit to chill and avoid getting bit as much as possible. I like to sit outdoors but the mosquito, it's keeps me moving on my feet. This way I can just enjoy nature. I set up a place for early morning tea. I like to roll out of bed and make tea and slowly wake up this way. When I wake up early I get to just sit and listen to the birds sing and the leaves fall. The leaves falling here sounds like raindrops and wind chimes. It's beautiful.
The trip so far has been about generosity and kindness and support, helping each other out. It's nice that there was no fighting and drama. By the time we had everything all set up and laid out just right, it was time to prepare dinner. So much for the nap we were gonna take. There was another 50 people who would be coming tonight and it's nice to have dinner ready so they can just feel at home. Dinner was BBQ kabobs, coconut rice, salad, soup. We didn't finish till 7:30pm. People were patient in waiting. Then entire group of 50 rolled in a little before 8pm. Everyone was too tired after dinner to pitch up tents so they all slept in tents that were pre-set up and crammed for the night. Whoever came up with that idea, brilliant!
I am always exhausted here, not enough sleep, not enough time alone but every moment is spent in worthy priceless joy from the heart. So, I can sleep when I get home, I can be alone when I get home, I can be fully rested when I get home. I have the rest of the year to do that. This is special, so I'll use all that I've got to be here and enjoy every moment of it.
California Costal Road Trip
Day 1
Arrived last night with Laura we arrived at City of Ten Thousand Buddhas to meet Elaine and Amy to roll off on our road trip. We started at 8am and I aimed to arrive in Oregon at our camp site during sunset. Amy drove and I sat next to her and caught up on the past 7 years of my life. The last time I saw her was when I visited her in Kaui. It was a lot of fun.
Last night on the way over Laura realized she forgot Amy's tent and we did a U-turn and picked up her tent in Berkeley. I thought it would be a bad idea for Amy to not have a tent for a camping trip. I thought it would be easier to make a U-turn now then two hours later. I told Laura it was our last U-turn and she should speak now or forever hold her peace about what she forgot or etc..
Laura had made a CD and song lyrics so that we can Karaoke in the car. We also went through Amy's play list. One of the down loads from Laura was of U2 and it was U2's song in English but it was not Bono singing. It was weird. Then after lunch it was my turn to drive and I played my music for the next 6 hours. It was Jay Chou, Jay Chou, and more Jay Chou. This was the first time I drove 6 hours straight. Now I know that is something I can do.
In Amy's drive, she took us through Avenue of Giants to check out old Redwood groves. Then we stopped by Ferndale and parked at Fernbridge market. I went into the market and met the locals and chatted with them. I would have gone for a pie except Laura had bought two loaves of cinnamon bread from Acme Bakery and apple turn overs. They were delicious and on the heavy buttery side. I think that is why they are so good. The owner told me that in Ferndale there are 28 ranchers in Ferndale and the main source of income is dairy ice cream.
After we pulled out of the lot, we decided to follow the the farmer's market sign and see if we could find some exotic mushroom to fry at the camp tonight. We crossed the first concrete bridge in CA, we kept going and going, and all we saw were ranches. I think close out here is really far for us urban folk. We never made it to the farmer's market. We decided to pull around and get back on track.
We stopped at Lady Bird Johnson Grove for lunch. There was only one picnic bench by the parking lot and the garbage dump. We decided to head onto the trail and see if there were places we could picnic. Laura brought her straw mat and Amy brought her car shade for us to sit on. We found a nice spot to picnic under the sun's rays through the trees. It was quite ideal. We had quite a spread for lunch. Over lunch everyone commented on how it was a worthy wait of two hours this morning for me to put the lunch together. Amy had wanted to set off at 6am but I just woke up at 6 and I didn't want to get up at 4 to be ready to be ready by 6am. I knew I would be one of the driving leg on this ride so I wanted to make sure I had enough rest to drive while other slept in the car.
I drove all the way to the Oregon Coast of Battle Rock beach. I like to walk on this beach because when there is low tide you can walk out far and see big star fish and urchins. They are quite colorful and you can reach out and touch them. But today when I was there it wasn't low tide.
Laura and I walked, Amy and Elaine found quite spot to sit and spent it alone. Laura and I took photos of each other. She tried to pose like the Karate Kid on a rock. 
Then we cut each other's hair to mail in our hair and donate them for wigs for cancer patients. Then all of us ran into the waves and got wet. The Oregon coast is cold as usual. It felt great though for 3 seconds.
I continued to drive to camp. We took the wrong turn in the wrong town and went up some mountain. The problem was we didn't check the street sign when we turned, we were too busy singing "Lady in Red" and chatting about our first dance. So it was an extra hour of detour. So, I drove really fast out of the mountain to pick up lost time. I think it made everyone in the car woozy. Elaine ate one sour plum after another to keep her stomach down.
We made it to camp after sundown. Fortunately our friends who arrived earlier pitched extra tents up for us to sleep in incase we got in really late and was too tired to pitch tents. That was really nice of them. When I pulled into the 1/2 Can Silver the mascot here greeted us.
Dinner was saved for us but we were well stocked in the car for all 12 hours of car trip. Even if we had to pull over and camp somewhere on the road, we had food to cook and I brought a stove with me. Amy and Elaine headed straight into bed. Laura and I decided we both want to shower before bed. It was a good idea because I was sticky and salty from the ocean. Then I caught up with Loc who was filling me in on logistics and things to resolve before the rest of the campers arrive tomorrow night.
When Laura and I made it back to the tent Silver was outside out the tent waiting for us to return. I asked him to walk me to the Buddha Hall to pick up more things for bedding and he walked me there and walked me back and then took off for the night. I think he is really special and takes good care of us by going around and sniffing to check if everyone is in their tent. When someone is not in for bed he'll sit there and wait until everyone is safely in their tent sleeping. Good dog!
The big general tent we were in had big air pockets for night wind to come into the tent. So I insisted that everyone had 3 paddings and extra blanket just to stay warm tonight. We were all really tired and could have fallen asleep fine but we would wake up next day tired from the cold. I tucked everyone in. I wanted to make sure no one gets sick and really have a great time on this trip.
I enjoyed Amy, Laura, And Elaine's company. I think we travel well together. We have similar interests and everyone offered their different strengths. I felt it was the right balance and complementary. I was grateful for such an awesome road trip to get here safely and had a blast.
This place, called Turtle Mountain, where we come every summer, where there is no cell phone reception, no street lights, is a place where magic happens. Once a year during this week, we experience utopia created by the strengths of all of us working together in harmony.
Arrived last night with Laura we arrived at City of Ten Thousand Buddhas to meet Elaine and Amy to roll off on our road trip. We started at 8am and I aimed to arrive in Oregon at our camp site during sunset. Amy drove and I sat next to her and caught up on the past 7 years of my life. The last time I saw her was when I visited her in Kaui. It was a lot of fun.
Last night on the way over Laura realized she forgot Amy's tent and we did a U-turn and picked up her tent in Berkeley. I thought it would be a bad idea for Amy to not have a tent for a camping trip. I thought it would be easier to make a U-turn now then two hours later. I told Laura it was our last U-turn and she should speak now or forever hold her peace about what she forgot or etc..
Laura had made a CD and song lyrics so that we can Karaoke in the car. We also went through Amy's play list. One of the down loads from Laura was of U2 and it was U2's song in English but it was not Bono singing. It was weird. Then after lunch it was my turn to drive and I played my music for the next 6 hours. It was Jay Chou, Jay Chou, and more Jay Chou. This was the first time I drove 6 hours straight. Now I know that is something I can do.
In Amy's drive, she took us through Avenue of Giants to check out old Redwood groves. Then we stopped by Ferndale and parked at Fernbridge market. I went into the market and met the locals and chatted with them. I would have gone for a pie except Laura had bought two loaves of cinnamon bread from Acme Bakery and apple turn overs. They were delicious and on the heavy buttery side. I think that is why they are so good. The owner told me that in Ferndale there are 28 ranchers in Ferndale and the main source of income is dairy ice cream.
After we pulled out of the lot, we decided to follow the the farmer's market sign and see if we could find some exotic mushroom to fry at the camp tonight. We crossed the first concrete bridge in CA, we kept going and going, and all we saw were ranches. I think close out here is really far for us urban folk. We never made it to the farmer's market. We decided to pull around and get back on track.
We stopped at Lady Bird Johnson Grove for lunch. There was only one picnic bench by the parking lot and the garbage dump. We decided to head onto the trail and see if there were places we could picnic. Laura brought her straw mat and Amy brought her car shade for us to sit on. We found a nice spot to picnic under the sun's rays through the trees. It was quite ideal. We had quite a spread for lunch. Over lunch everyone commented on how it was a worthy wait of two hours this morning for me to put the lunch together. Amy had wanted to set off at 6am but I just woke up at 6 and I didn't want to get up at 4 to be ready to be ready by 6am. I knew I would be one of the driving leg on this ride so I wanted to make sure I had enough rest to drive while other slept in the car.
I drove all the way to the Oregon Coast of Battle Rock beach. I like to walk on this beach because when there is low tide you can walk out far and see big star fish and urchins. They are quite colorful and you can reach out and touch them. But today when I was there it wasn't low tide.
Laura and I walked, Amy and Elaine found quite spot to sit and spent it alone. Laura and I took photos of each other. She tried to pose like the Karate Kid on a rock. 
Then we cut each other's hair to mail in our hair and donate them for wigs for cancer patients. Then all of us ran into the waves and got wet. The Oregon coast is cold as usual. It felt great though for 3 seconds. I continued to drive to camp. We took the wrong turn in the wrong town and went up some mountain. The problem was we didn't check the street sign when we turned, we were too busy singing "Lady in Red" and chatting about our first dance. So it was an extra hour of detour. So, I drove really fast out of the mountain to pick up lost time. I think it made everyone in the car woozy. Elaine ate one sour plum after another to keep her stomach down.
We made it to camp after sundown. Fortunately our friends who arrived earlier pitched extra tents up for us to sleep in incase we got in really late and was too tired to pitch tents. That was really nice of them. When I pulled into the 1/2 Can Silver the mascot here greeted us.
Dinner was saved for us but we were well stocked in the car for all 12 hours of car trip. Even if we had to pull over and camp somewhere on the road, we had food to cook and I brought a stove with me. Amy and Elaine headed straight into bed. Laura and I decided we both want to shower before bed. It was a good idea because I was sticky and salty from the ocean. Then I caught up with Loc who was filling me in on logistics and things to resolve before the rest of the campers arrive tomorrow night.
When Laura and I made it back to the tent Silver was outside out the tent waiting for us to return. I asked him to walk me to the Buddha Hall to pick up more things for bedding and he walked me there and walked me back and then took off for the night. I think he is really special and takes good care of us by going around and sniffing to check if everyone is in their tent. When someone is not in for bed he'll sit there and wait until everyone is safely in their tent sleeping. Good dog!
The big general tent we were in had big air pockets for night wind to come into the tent. So I insisted that everyone had 3 paddings and extra blanket just to stay warm tonight. We were all really tired and could have fallen asleep fine but we would wake up next day tired from the cold. I tucked everyone in. I wanted to make sure no one gets sick and really have a great time on this trip.
I enjoyed Amy, Laura, And Elaine's company. I think we travel well together. We have similar interests and everyone offered their different strengths. I felt it was the right balance and complementary. I was grateful for such an awesome road trip to get here safely and had a blast.
This place, called Turtle Mountain, where we come every summer, where there is no cell phone reception, no street lights, is a place where magic happens. Once a year during this week, we experience utopia created by the strengths of all of us working together in harmony.
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