After some parting snapshots, and fond adieus, Stan sets out to see what his new direction will bring to fulfillment and fruition of his goals. I would like to see him accept without regrets whatever the world offers him irregardless of location. Be strong, dear heart.You are the ground of being that the eternal show is passing through.
Text © 2004 Mona E. Dunn

Every time I try to start a new posting there are chores and duties to be performed. Now I have a quiet moment to think and compose within a very narrow window of time as I have to get up at 4:30 am to go to work in the morning. Last night the wind howled and pounded on the windows ( a prelude to the winter intimidations) so I didn't sleep much.
Last Thursday we had our first snow, unusually late for this area. Something about a softly falling snow, tames the mind into quiet contemplation. Although I was getting soaked while feeding the stock, everything was serenely perfect.
I notice the bright yellow and burnt orange faces of autumn's last burst of glory.We were blessed with lingering warmth and less wind (the wind which usually puts and end to the show of trees). The daisys and marigolds, even some roses, request their presense in the darkening log house to brighten up the shadowy corners.
The tomatoes are hanging in the basement, onions layed out to dry, carrots and beets covered in their outdoor beds, and the herbs, mint,and celery leaves hanging from the ceiling and walls and the meat is in the freezer. Wood is stacked on the porch and there is plenty of bedding for the calves. All is well on the Double MD Ranch. Relish autumn and let winter come. The time for reflection is nigh.

Weekend with a Buddhist nun

I've been in Boulder all weekend for a teaching by Pema Chodron; Heart Advice: The Path of Awakening. Basically it dealt with raising bodhichitta, cultivating a mind wishing to benefit other sentient beings. By recognizing how we each get "hooked" by negative reactions (due to conditioning) to life's trials, we can have compassion for others who are all just like us. Well, there's much more to it obviously, but that's a lifetime of study.
The weekend was so beautiful with lightly warm days, golden and red fall hues, Azure blue skies, and good company of sangha and family. I met two people from opposite coasts who flew in just to hear Pema speak and be in her presence, Merala from the Puget Sound of Washington and Hylke from Amsterdam, via seven years in N.Y.C. We met Stan and Pat for dinner at Dunshanbe in town and had a fantastic time.
Stiff from sitting six hours a day plus the two and a half hour drive each way, I came back to the old challenges of job with renewed intention to put the teachings of the dharma to use. The new waitress I spent the afternoon with was indeed a good place to start. But that's another story

Stan-For all you do this blog's for you!

Stardate10/7/o4

My loving baby brother would do anything for me, and I for him. He has a kind heart, generous soul, and is very smart (technologically and for all practical purposes) We are actually very kindred souls with deep philosophical and, as of late, spiritual connection. It is so comforting to know we can count on each other through trials in this chaotic world. We love to cook , garden and read and a dream we share is to be able to participate in these activities together more often. That's what I call real living.
O.K. I won't embarrass you any longer. It has just been so wonderful to spend time with you!

Here is Stan's blog...