not dead yet...

Packing up TWO apartments for the move on Saturday to the new house; getting over pneumonia; planning the wedding for Saturday after the move; planning a week's visit with Q; trying to co-ordinate all the changing of address to various sources, changing of name, changing of the time for losing my mind....planning a menu (THANK YOU SHERRI!) finding a photographer, what will I wear?; handling my own fear of loss of movement and freedom while listening to J's concerns; and fighting off the migraine monster; finding a florist...

All is well. Nothing but wonderful things to bitch about - as for the world - OMGods! Nancy Pelosi imploding, the new justice to be named to the Supreme Court; the loss of the Swat Valley and the encroaching hoard of Taliban on Islamabad and it's stash of nuclear weapons; the hideous and obvious further harrowing of Suu Kyi; the increasing battle in Washington D.C. between parties while ignoring the danger hot spots around the globe and internally; the upcoming writer's conference in July and my DEADLINE! So yes I'm gobsmacked but blissful; and how's your day going?

good advice

Summary Advice

1. Realize the value of the human body with which you have been endowed, for it is the result of many past good causes. Appreciate the fact that teachings are available and ready to be implemented.

2. Since this precious human life can be used in powerfully beneficial or destructive ways, and is itself most fragile, make good use of it now.

3. Physical happiness is just an occasional balance of elements in the body, not a deep harmony. Understand the temporary for what it is.

4. A tamed mind makes you peaceful, relaxed, and happy; whereas, if your mind is not peaceful and tamed, no matter how wonderful your external circumstances, you will be beset by frights and worries. Realize that the root of your own happiness and welfare rests with a peaceful and tamed mind. It is also a great benefit to those around you.

--from Mind of Clear Light: Advice on Living Well and Dying Consciously by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, translated and edited by Jeffrey Hopkins, Ph.D.

slow, painful, and frustrating

I have to tell you my recovery from "walking pneumonia" (why do they call it "walking" when they put you to bed?) is taking much longer than I would prefer and is not pleasant. I'm sore, short of breath, tired, and cranky - not my normal state. I promise to be back soon, and thank you for missing me. My friend sent me this photo and caption from her son today and I had to share - it had me laughing out loud.

From New Album 5/6/09 4:30 PM

Just click on the kitty.
Ciao