A street in Leh. Lookin' good for internet access!
Notice too, the man with the prayer wheel. What a world!

These mountains have held monks in meditation practice for over 2,000 years. Prayer flags, blown by the wind, carry prayers to the mountains, the rivers, the snow, and all creatures.

Setting off

Last post before I leave. Jeff just stopped by for last minute check in. Now if I can sleep tonight! So many friends and family phoned today sending me off in a cloak of caring. I have felt blessed all day. Tom just bought a beautiful camera for me to take. It has a powerful zoom and can video and record. Do you think I might record the chanting of the monks or the great horns and drums? We are bringing along a new video camera for the school which is a gift of the California group. And I am carrying letters and small gifts from many Maine people for the children.

I remember from sailing, how casting off was one of the most difficult tasks. How easy it would be to never leave the dock. You are never really ready. At some point you just let go the lines and then... it begins, the learning.

Preparing for India

It is quiet. I am preparing for the journey. Here are a few photos so you can see where I will be in Ladakh, who my teacher is, and the kids.

where?

Today is C's birthday, a soft summer day. Blue hydrangas are full, the Bay splattered with sails and love still holds. Many signs to "where".

enough said

Our Star

The Little Prince looks up and finds Kelly's Star.



The outcome of our family collection at Christmas and donation to the Center for Grieving Children was realized today. Most of our family members were not able to be present for the placing of Kelly's star but Beth & I made it before work and held our small but meaningful ceremony at the Center.

We lit the candle which was sitting amid many colored stones and placed some favorite photos of Kelly around it. Beth made an offering of a pure crystal which had been a gift from Kelly to her. "Just like Kelly, clear and reflective of all color." We spoke together of the effect KAZ has on our lives, her availability, her presence. We sat in silence and listened to gentle sounds of breaking ocean waves.

I believe that someday Chloe will return here and, like the Little Prince, look up and find her mother in the stars.