She Likes It!

My friend and coworker Dave grew this cat grass at work, and sent me home with a pot for Miss Bettie.

She knew right away that it was for her . . .

I'd say the gift was thoroughly appreciated - by both of us!

A Winter Hike with Friends

Friends from the Shambhala Center in Northampton gathered for a hike on Mt. Tom in Easthampton, Massachusetts.

I've never hiked in the snow before. It was a warm day, the snow was soft and a little slushy in places. Walking in the snow was challenging, and the mountain was beautiful.

The view from the Dry Knoll, looking toward of the Oxbow (part of the Connecticut River).

It was a more challenging and fast-paced hike than I'm used to, but it was a great day!

KMOCA Opening: A Girl and a Gun, Again by Steve Derrickson

Stephen's show at KMOCA opened on Saturday evening.

There was a great turnout . . .

with friends of all ages!

"She Sells"

A Girl and a Gun . . .

. . . indeed.

We Can All Do Something to Help

Please help the people of Haiti however you can. Click the image below to make a donation to Doctors Without Borders. Every donation, no matter how small, helps people who are suffering in unbearable ways.

Julia's Coq Au Vin - Slightly Modified & Gluten Free

WHEN I WAS 12 YEARS OLD MY BEST FRIEND'S MOTHER TAUGHT ME HOW TO MAKE THIS DISH - STEP-BY-STEP - IN HER KITCHEN. SHE WROTE THE RECIPE DOWN, AND I BROUGHT IT HOME AND COOKED IT FOR MY FAMILY. I WAS SO PROUD! LIKE SO MANY RIGHT NOW, I'M RE-INSPIRED BY JULIA CHILD. S. AND I COOKED THIS UP ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON. ALL I HAD TO DO TO MAKE IT GLUTEN FREE WAS MAKE THE BEURRE MANIE TO THICKEN THE SAUCE WITH POTATO FLOUR INSTEAD OF WHEAT FLOUR. MY FAVORITE PART WAS THE FRIGHTENING IGNITION OF THE COGNAC!
(Thank you Janelle Branneky!)

Celebrating Diane's 50th

WHAT A LOVELY DINNER - IN THE WINE CELLAR OF AN ORGANIC ITALIAN RESTAURANT. IT WAS A DELIGHTFUL PARTY - SO SORRY WE HAD TO LEAVE EARLY TO DRIVE 2 HOURS HOME! ( I DON'T KNOW THE NAME OF THE RESTAURANT - BUT IT'S NEXT TO THE PARK SLOPE FOOD COOP). HAPPY BIRTHDAY DIANE! WELCOME TO THE 50'S!

Friday at The Harp

AT THE END OF A SUMMER WEEK . . .
R.I.P. WALTER CRONKITE

Are These Your Glasses?

I FOUND THEM UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT OF MY CAR THE OTHER DAY. I HAVE NO IDEA WHO THEY BELONG TO, OR HOW LONG THEY WERE UNDER THERE! COMMENT HERE, OR CALL ME IF THEY BELONG TO YOU!
OH, AND THE SOFA IS STILL FOR SALE!!

What We're Up To . . .

MEMBERS OF THE PIONEER VALLEY SHAMBHALA CENTER ARE RENOVATING 2000 SQUARE FEET OF SPACE AT 191 MAIN STREET IN NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS, FOR OUR NEW MEDITATION CENTER.WE'RE GOING THROUGH LOTS AND LOTS OF PAINT . . .

WE HAVE AN ELEVATOR - WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE!

JD INSTALLS CROWN MOLDING ON THE ENTRY ACCENT WALL . . .

LOTS OF LIGHT COMING INTO THE MAIN SHRINE ROOM, LOOKING SOUTH . . .

MAIN SHRINE ROOM FACING NORTH. CZ PAINTS TRIM . . .

PEOPLE ARE WORKING SO HARD! IT'S EXCITING AND EXHAUSTING.
I'LL POST MORE AS THE PROJECT COMES ALONG.

A Late Blooming Christmas Gift

THIS GORGEOUS AMARYLLIS IS JUST OPENING TODAY. IT WAS A CHRISTMAS GIFT FROM DEBORAH. THERE'S A PINK ONE COMING ALONG TOO - A CHRISTMAS GIFT FROM SUNSHINE. THANKS LADIES!

Shelburne Falls Shambhala Center

THIS IS WHERE I SPENT THE DAY YESTERDAY. IT'S SUCH A LOVELY PLACE TO PRACTICE. IT LOOKS LIKE SNOW ON THE ROCKS OUTSIDE, DOESN'T IT? IT'S NOT. IT WAS A RAINY, RAINY DAY.

Look . . . look closer!

I NOTICED THE WAY THE RAIN PUSHED THE PINE NEEDLES INTO AN INTERESTING SHAPE . . .

. . . BUT WHAT'S THAT LITTLE THING IN THE MIDDLE?

HMMM . . . A FUZZY TRAVELER, MAKING HIS WAY IN CAMOUFLAGE.

Baby Bonham's Shower

WHAT A SWEET PARTY. ONLY SEVEN WEEKS UNTIL BABY BONHAM MAKES HER APPEARANCE!

What a Surprise!

MY FRIEND SUNSHINE SENT ME A SURPRISE GIFT IN THE MAIL. THE CARD SAYS THAT THIS BOOK REMINDED HER OF ME! IT IS A LOVELY, ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL, DESCRIBING FOUR SOLITARY RETREATS TAKEN OVER THE COURSE OF A YEAR, BY BARBARA BASH, PAINTER, CALLIGRAPHER AND TEACHER. TO READ MORE ABOUT THE BOOK CLICK HERE. THANK YOU SUNSHINE! YOU ARE SO SWEET. IT'S REALLY TOUCHING.