Warmly,

Jack

We had to remove the bamboo in the garden because it had sent sprouts around the 3 ft deep barrier that was installed when it was planted. The cut bamboo makes fine stakes for your garden and any sanga members who would like to take some home are welcome to do so…that way we have less for yard waste. It is located in the back of the cottage at the side of the alley.

Yours,

Ellie Graham

Camp Indianola March

Stare at a wall long enough
and it reveals itself.

The Flip Side of Camp Indianola

(during sesshin)

Doors open themselves and shut,
invisible fingers rattling the knobs,
the opposite of “good” children,
unseen but heard.
The giant fireplace of stones,
islands in the rough lagoons of mortar.
Faces rising from the rocks–
a British colonial in Kenya,
thickly mustached,
sherry-reddened nose;
a buzzard’s gaping jaw;
Saint Theresa in a sad but fearful vision,
dark eyes and the open “O” of her mouth
emerging
from the slant of a great ape’s skull.
In the lone white rock
a man’s long Gaulic nose,
Elizabethan mane–
the one face that doesn’t change
even when the light shifts
the night inside the day.

–Sibyl James

Jack Duffy Roshi

Jack Duffy will be traveling from Deming to Olympia to give an informal talk at the Olympia Unitarian Universalist Church.

The basic details are below. If you’d like further information about this event, please download this flyer.

Friday, April 13, 7:30 PM
Olympia Unitarian Universalist Church
2300 East End St, NW
Olympia, WA 98502
For more information call: (360) 943-1044

The Northwest Dharma Association’s Annual Gathering will take place on Saturday, March 17 at Seattle University. This year’s topic is “Buddhist Practice and Social Transformation”. We will be exploring the connection between the practice of the Buddha’s teaching and their impact on society. We have assembled a diverse panel of speakers and presenters to address this topic.

To find out more about the event, download this flyer. Thank you for your membership and your participation in the Northwest Dharma Association’s mission and activities.

May All Beings Be Wise and Compassionate,

Jeff Kerr
NWDA Outreach Coordinator

Karen Rosenstiel 1946 - 2012

This entire process, as sad as it’s been, has also been a wonderful experience. I cannot imagine how it could have gone smoother, and I know it’s exactly what mom would have wanted for her, as well as for us. Per mom’s wishes, we would like to have a ceremony/memorial on the 49th day. I’ll be in touch as plans begin to take shape.

Thank you all for the calls, emails, fond wishes, and concern that you’ve shown over the last few months, and especially this past week. I know mom left us knowing that there is a community of people who will make sure her “babies” are supported through this.

Grace and Family

Grace’s Words, Feb. 24th

Words do not begin to express how amazing and wonderful you all have been. One of my big fears of mom’s being sick and passing was having to do it alone, and yet, here I find myself with SUCH an outpouring of care, concern, support….the list of adjectives goes on. I am deeply grateful that the last years of my mom’s life have been surrounded by such a warm, open and caring group of people.

I’d like to share a story with you all about some conversations mom and I had over the last few weeks. As she has been becoming sicker, and needed more help, like getting rides to work, help with doctors appointments, etc., she was moved to tears at how everyone around her, without any obligation, came together to make sure she was taken care of. I was shocked when she told me that this was the first time in her life she was able to really recognize, accept, and embrace love. Of course, between you, me, and the lamp post, it’s always been there, but I believe that it’s been her journey with you in the Sangha that’s helped her learn to be open to receive and recognize that love.

My family and I are humbled and blessed by your kind words, and willingness to take time out of your lives to care for mom and help us send send her on to her next journey. The ceremony today was beautiful, and for those of you who were here in spirit, your presence was felt and appreciated. Please feel free to let people know that they are welcome to come visit any time – the door is open.

Thank you.

Grace

For more information and to register, download this form.

If you would like more information, please download the application.