Yesterday was a bit exciting- I guess there were 3 fires across the road from our property. People couldn't leave because the roads were shut down and everyone was nervously pacing about. A helicopter came with a huge bucket and scooped out water from our pond here. There were sirens and planes and all sorts of hubbub. Some people were freaking out unnecessarily, but most were pretty calm. Me, I wasn't worried until someone in charge told me to be. Babaji was here, and he seemed to be very chill about it all, so I saw no reason to be any other way.
It was 98 degrees. Gross. But the clouds were over the bay this morning, so I suspect that today will be much more comfortable.
Enough for now- I may go take a little post-breakfast nap.
Much love.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Metal mouth
Wednesday was my first day off the mountain since my arrival. Chiara, Morgan, Dan and I went to Santa Cruz in Pam's car to do some laundry, wander about, etc. One of my goals was to make it to Starbucks to retrieve my markout, assuming my numbers still worked. But they didn't. Waaaaah. No more free coffee for me...
We all went to the boardwalk and took the cable lift ride above the beach... got a good view of the Pacific and of Santa Cruz in general, which is a cute town, but wasn't really my thing.
Dan and Morgan went to go see a movie while Chiara and I threw in some laundry and wandered to a tattoo parlor/piercing shop. Yes, I had a hole punched in my lip. And I think I like it. I have to drink from a straw, but other than that it doesn't bother me much. I must say, it's really nice to be in an atmosphere where body adornment isn't frowned upon.
The last two days have been super hot and super clear. I'm actually able to see Monterey Bay from the mountain without having to guess where the water was beneath the clouds. Dan and I hiked further up the hill last night and just sat and looked at the city lights below. The moon reflected on the water, and it was so peaceful. I just can't stop staring at the sky while I'm here, day or night. At night time there are stars beyond stars beyond stars, except for on nights when the moon it so bright it drowns them out (last night being one of those nights.) During the day it's different color than the sky in Maine, I guess because of the elevation, and the blueness of it fascinates me. It's a shade or two darker and hardly ever has any clouds marring the perfect smooth.
I've been playing the piano here quite a bit and really enjoying that.
I worked in the garden this morning doing some weeding and stepping up some seedlings. SO HOT... I kept getting lightheaded from standing to put the weeds in the wheelbarrow. But thank goodness it's dry here... if Maine were ever this hot I think I'd drown in the air because I know the humidity would kill me!
I'm working in the kitchen all afternoon (just on a break at the moment) and then I have a dish shift I picked up for some cash afterwards. And then I believe a group of us are going off the mountain to go bowling! Ha!
That's all for now... life is good and I am happy.
I wish the same for all of you.
Namaste.
We all went to the boardwalk and took the cable lift ride above the beach... got a good view of the Pacific and of Santa Cruz in general, which is a cute town, but wasn't really my thing.
Dan and Morgan went to go see a movie while Chiara and I threw in some laundry and wandered to a tattoo parlor/piercing shop. Yes, I had a hole punched in my lip. And I think I like it. I have to drink from a straw, but other than that it doesn't bother me much. I must say, it's really nice to be in an atmosphere where body adornment isn't frowned upon.
The last two days have been super hot and super clear. I'm actually able to see Monterey Bay from the mountain without having to guess where the water was beneath the clouds. Dan and I hiked further up the hill last night and just sat and looked at the city lights below. The moon reflected on the water, and it was so peaceful. I just can't stop staring at the sky while I'm here, day or night. At night time there are stars beyond stars beyond stars, except for on nights when the moon it so bright it drowns them out (last night being one of those nights.) During the day it's different color than the sky in Maine, I guess because of the elevation, and the blueness of it fascinates me. It's a shade or two darker and hardly ever has any clouds marring the perfect smooth.
I've been playing the piano here quite a bit and really enjoying that.
I worked in the garden this morning doing some weeding and stepping up some seedlings. SO HOT... I kept getting lightheaded from standing to put the weeds in the wheelbarrow. But thank goodness it's dry here... if Maine were ever this hot I think I'd drown in the air because I know the humidity would kill me!
I'm working in the kitchen all afternoon (just on a break at the moment) and then I have a dish shift I picked up for some cash afterwards. And then I believe a group of us are going off the mountain to go bowling! Ha!
That's all for now... life is good and I am happy.
I wish the same for all of you.
Namaste.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Armpit update
Perhaps this is TMI, but this is a post about my armpits.
I have always shaved my armpits every couple of days, even in the winter when no one sees them. Keeping them clean and presentable has always been important to me, and I've always had an aversion to having stubble or longer under there. I mean, female armpit hair?? Ew!
Meg was talking about how her last boyfriend thought it was sexy when she didn't shave and I guess I gave such a look of horror that she immediately coaxed me to try it. Chiara was pretty amused with my reaction to the idea too. Meg said that because my reaction was so strong that it'd probably be really good for me to embrace the hair... haha. So the three of us entered into a pact that we wouldn't shave our armpits until September 10th. I was physically writhing just thinking about it, but Meg was right, I should go beyond what's comfortable and perhaps not worry so much about what everyone else thinks.
It's been probably 5 days now, which is definitely the longest I've ever gone without shaving, but ya know, it's okay. I'm not crawling out of my skin yet, and with any luck, I'll never get to that point. I'm pretty blonde, so it's not like I'll have this thick black mop under there, but still...
If I can do this anywhere, it'd be here on Mount Madonna. The magic of this place is creeping up on me; I welcome the transformation within. Armpit hair is the first step...
Om.
I have always shaved my armpits every couple of days, even in the winter when no one sees them. Keeping them clean and presentable has always been important to me, and I've always had an aversion to having stubble or longer under there. I mean, female armpit hair?? Ew!
Meg was talking about how her last boyfriend thought it was sexy when she didn't shave and I guess I gave such a look of horror that she immediately coaxed me to try it. Chiara was pretty amused with my reaction to the idea too. Meg said that because my reaction was so strong that it'd probably be really good for me to embrace the hair... haha. So the three of us entered into a pact that we wouldn't shave our armpits until September 10th. I was physically writhing just thinking about it, but Meg was right, I should go beyond what's comfortable and perhaps not worry so much about what everyone else thinks.
It's been probably 5 days now, which is definitely the longest I've ever gone without shaving, but ya know, it's okay. I'm not crawling out of my skin yet, and with any luck, I'll never get to that point. I'm pretty blonde, so it's not like I'll have this thick black mop under there, but still...
If I can do this anywhere, it'd be here on Mount Madonna. The magic of this place is creeping up on me; I welcome the transformation within. Armpit hair is the first step...
Om.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Fun in the Garden
Yesterday during our free time in the morning, Meg and I decided to wander down to the garden. It's a funny place- very beautiful but very much in need of TLC. I won't get into the story regarding the current state of the garden, but in short it seems that it was once of central concern, and now lies unattended to as larger issues at MMC have arisen.
So Meg (a lovely, lovely person indeed) and I wandered down to retrieve some flowers for our respective rooms, and I, for some rhubarb so that I might make something yummy in the kitchen. We ended up with a lovely bouquet, an arm full of rhubarb and a single mystery fruit that resembled a hard fuzzy apple. When raw, the mystery fruit reminded me of unripe pear, apple, and squash. I cooked it with raw sugar and cinnamon and it became much more enjoyable.
So much joy to be found...
I have not been sleeping well the last couple of nights, which makes getting up for a 6:30am pranayama class challenging. I did however practice some asana last night when class was canceled, and I will be practicing again tonight. It seems as though all the residents of Forest View have been dreaming like mad- I have only had one night of odd dreams, but 4/8 people I spoke with this morning said they'd suffered from nightmares the night before. There's something going on in that place...
There is a lovely cafe here where espresso beverages, ice cream and various other yummies are available for a reasonable price. I'm trying to stay away... I need not spend the little money I have on such things, but I did indulge in a blackberry sorbet and a coconut water the other evening while witnessing that beautiful sunset.
I have the remainder of the afternoon off... I think I'll play a little Schubert, perhaps take a dip in the lake, and do a little reading.
How could I ask for more?
Namaste.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
First days of karma yoga
While here at Mount Madonna, I'm required to work 28 hours each week. It is my practice of karma yoga- selfless service. I was given my schedule and it looks like Fridays are my busiest days and that I have very quiet days on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays.
I had my first work shift yesterday afternoon which was labeled at "Tea" on my schedule. I'd heard rumors that I would be serving tea to Babaji... which terrified me. I envisioned myself kneeling at the feet of this holy man, trying not to be a fumbling idiot and avoiding spilling tea on him while breaking some dozen sacred rules that I didn't even know existed. All the other YSCers were really excited for me, as I was the only one who was scheduled for this shift. Me, I just wanted to give the shift away. 2.5 hours serving this silent monk?!?! Yikes!
I had "eaten lunch with him" that noontime, which really meant that I sat on the floor along with 20 others in a semi circle around his chair while he joked silently with a few people. He smiled and teased and was very lighthearted and clever. That calmed me down a bit; even though this guy is, like, enlightened, he obviously has a great sense of humor and is pretty laid back.
After lunch I went to my room to call my mommy while I had a few minutes, and thinking my shift started at 1:30 lounged about. At 1:20 I actually look at my schedule and see that I was supposed to be there at 1:00! Crap! Late to my first shift AND late for serving the master his tea! Who knew what the consequences would be.
Turns out, when Babaji is here at MMC (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays) there is a tea time at 2:30 when he has his tea and members of the community and visitors alike can join in for a social of sorts. I spent time with Arpita prepping snacks and serving the guests, and SHE served Babaji. I was so uncomfortable being so close to him though... he just intimidates me I guess. I think it's the silent thing... I don't know what to say to him, you know? But as I was serving the visitors, he wrote a message on his chalk board and a woman, Sati, said "He's wondering if you're Jewish." I look at Babaji and smile and said no, to which he responded with another question. "Italian?" No, I said, and I told him of my UK/German heritage. I *think* he may have been kidding around... trying to make me loosen up a bit. Who knows :-)
BTW- if you don't know about Babaji, check him out here.
I had a dip in the hottub last night and slept beautifully.
Today I spent 3 hours in the garden with Dan (a fellow YSCer) and Rebecca turning some beds and pulling weeds. I had an hour for lunch and then was in the kitchen with Morgan (another YSCer) prepping beets, leeks, kale, and doing other miscellaneous things until 6. It's 7 now and I don't know where today has gone... *poof*
Time to watch the sunset.
Namaste.
I had my first work shift yesterday afternoon which was labeled at "Tea" on my schedule. I'd heard rumors that I would be serving tea to Babaji... which terrified me. I envisioned myself kneeling at the feet of this holy man, trying not to be a fumbling idiot and avoiding spilling tea on him while breaking some dozen sacred rules that I didn't even know existed. All the other YSCers were really excited for me, as I was the only one who was scheduled for this shift. Me, I just wanted to give the shift away. 2.5 hours serving this silent monk?!?! Yikes!
I had "eaten lunch with him" that noontime, which really meant that I sat on the floor along with 20 others in a semi circle around his chair while he joked silently with a few people. He smiled and teased and was very lighthearted and clever. That calmed me down a bit; even though this guy is, like, enlightened, he obviously has a great sense of humor and is pretty laid back.
After lunch I went to my room to call my mommy while I had a few minutes, and thinking my shift started at 1:30 lounged about. At 1:20 I actually look at my schedule and see that I was supposed to be there at 1:00! Crap! Late to my first shift AND late for serving the master his tea! Who knew what the consequences would be.
Turns out, when Babaji is here at MMC (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays) there is a tea time at 2:30 when he has his tea and members of the community and visitors alike can join in for a social of sorts. I spent time with Arpita prepping snacks and serving the guests, and SHE served Babaji. I was so uncomfortable being so close to him though... he just intimidates me I guess. I think it's the silent thing... I don't know what to say to him, you know? But as I was serving the visitors, he wrote a message on his chalk board and a woman, Sati, said "He's wondering if you're Jewish." I look at Babaji and smile and said no, to which he responded with another question. "Italian?" No, I said, and I told him of my UK/German heritage. I *think* he may have been kidding around... trying to make me loosen up a bit. Who knows :-)
BTW- if you don't know about Babaji, check him out here.
I had a dip in the hottub last night and slept beautifully.
Today I spent 3 hours in the garden with Dan (a fellow YSCer) and Rebecca turning some beds and pulling weeds. I had an hour for lunch and then was in the kitchen with Morgan (another YSCer) prepping beets, leeks, kale, and doing other miscellaneous things until 6. It's 7 now and I don't know where today has gone... *poof*
Time to watch the sunset.
Namaste.
Beethoven time.
Perhaps my greatest surprise upon my arrival was the discovery that there is a Mason & Hamlin grand piano here in the community building.
And it's in tune.
And it's totally accessable.
And there's a fairly good library of music.
*Sigh* I finally can play.
Who would've thought I'd come to a yoga community and find that my musical practice would benefit so much???
More soon... hopefully with some photos.
~om~
And it's in tune.
And it's totally accessable.
And there's a fairly good library of music.
*Sigh* I finally can play.
Who would've thought I'd come to a yoga community and find that my musical practice would benefit so much???
More soon... hopefully with some photos.
~om~
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Let's try this again
So after lunch today, I spent my free time writing this long, amazing entry, and then the lovely computers here at MMC somehow lost it. ARGH. With the possibility of this attempt being a failure as well, please excuse the brevity of this entry.
*Breathe* I'm here.
I'm here at MMC in California.
It wasn't until the plane was descending into Long Beach that it finally hit me that I was actually doing this. I looked out the window and saw all of these buildings and palm trees and haze in the air and suddenly my heart leapt! I starting grinning and bouncing (internally anyway) like a three year old at Disneyworld. I had a window seat for the flight to San Jose, and I literally spent the entirety with my face pressed to the glass, looking at the mountains below. They were BIG and so jagged and some even had snow- nothing like the rolling hills of Maine. They were like scars on the earth's surface and so brown and dry most of the time. I really felt like a three year old... I saw the wonder in everything around me. And it continued even during the drive from San Jose to the mountain. The trees are so BIG and the forests so dense. The road coming up the mountain was treacherous and brought my lust of small sportscars to mind.
The center is 2000 up on a mountain and has great views of the city and ocean below, though it wasn't until mid day today that I ever saw the city because of the intense fog that rolls in. At night you can hardly see your hand in front of your face, and it is really quite cold. Much colder than Maine. I wore jeans and a sweatshirt until almost noon today. Quite lovely really- not a cloud in the sky.
All 8 of the YSCers are staying in a building called Forest View. We each have our own (very nice) rooms and we share a bathroom with one other person. There is a kitchen and community space that is just lovely- it's really much more than I had expected. The 8 of us range in age from 20 to 43, and some live just a few hours away, and I seem to have traveled the furthest from Maine. I am so interested and intrigued by them... I'm looking forward to learning about who they are and where they come from.
I had my first asana class this morning at 6:30. It's a very different style than what I am accustomed to, but I think I can learn a lot if I can keep a good attitude. On Tuesdays and Thursdays there will be a two hour class for the YCSers that studies pranayama, meditation and asana. I'm extremely interested in incorporating the first two into my practice as I am a newbie in those areas. Nearly every day there is an opportunity for me to fit in 2 classes, even with my work schedule! There's also a weekly philosophy class that I intend to attend. So much to learn here...
The food is totally adequate- better than expected. I'm the only vegan in the YSC group, but I'm sure there are many in the community that I have not met as of yet.
It's only my second day and I feel like time is going too fast...
If you'd like to snail mail me, you can just use my name and this address:
445 Summit Road
Watsonville, CA
95076
Namaste!
*Breathe* I'm here.
I'm here at MMC in California.
It wasn't until the plane was descending into Long Beach that it finally hit me that I was actually doing this. I looked out the window and saw all of these buildings and palm trees and haze in the air and suddenly my heart leapt! I starting grinning and bouncing (internally anyway) like a three year old at Disneyworld. I had a window seat for the flight to San Jose, and I literally spent the entirety with my face pressed to the glass, looking at the mountains below. They were BIG and so jagged and some even had snow- nothing like the rolling hills of Maine. They were like scars on the earth's surface and so brown and dry most of the time. I really felt like a three year old... I saw the wonder in everything around me. And it continued even during the drive from San Jose to the mountain. The trees are so BIG and the forests so dense. The road coming up the mountain was treacherous and brought my lust of small sportscars to mind.
The center is 2000 up on a mountain and has great views of the city and ocean below, though it wasn't until mid day today that I ever saw the city because of the intense fog that rolls in. At night you can hardly see your hand in front of your face, and it is really quite cold. Much colder than Maine. I wore jeans and a sweatshirt until almost noon today. Quite lovely really- not a cloud in the sky.
All 8 of the YSCers are staying in a building called Forest View. We each have our own (very nice) rooms and we share a bathroom with one other person. There is a kitchen and community space that is just lovely- it's really much more than I had expected. The 8 of us range in age from 20 to 43, and some live just a few hours away, and I seem to have traveled the furthest from Maine. I am so interested and intrigued by them... I'm looking forward to learning about who they are and where they come from.
I had my first asana class this morning at 6:30. It's a very different style than what I am accustomed to, but I think I can learn a lot if I can keep a good attitude. On Tuesdays and Thursdays there will be a two hour class for the YCSers that studies pranayama, meditation and asana. I'm extremely interested in incorporating the first two into my practice as I am a newbie in those areas. Nearly every day there is an opportunity for me to fit in 2 classes, even with my work schedule! There's also a weekly philosophy class that I intend to attend. So much to learn here...
The food is totally adequate- better than expected. I'm the only vegan in the YSC group, but I'm sure there are many in the community that I have not met as of yet.
It's only my second day and I feel like time is going too fast...
If you'd like to snail mail me, you can just use my name and this address:
445 Summit Road
Watsonville, CA
95076
Namaste!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Last day in Maine
This is it, folks.
I just awoke from my last night in my own bed. I only slept for a couple of hours, but I suppose it's to be expected. I'm pretty well packed and just need to get my stuff out, do some laundry, go to goodwill and the apartment cleaned.
I'll be staying the night on Ali's couch and Will is driving me to Logan bright and early for my flight. I'll be leaving at 8:45am and arriving at 2:45pm (Pacific time) and I'll be catching a ride from San Jose with a woman who's driving to the mountain and passing through on her way. The rest is a big fat unknown.
I have so many people I want to thank for all their help in getting me out west... I think you know who you are... at least I hope you do. I want to thank you all by name but seeing as I only got a couple hours of sleep and I'm just slightly distracted, there's a good chance that if I made a list that I'd miss someone and that'd just be crappy. So yeah. THANK YOU. For the help packing, help moving, watching my cats, storing my stuff, giving me rides, letting me keep my car in your driveway, the vegan cake, the gifts and cards, the couch to sleep on, the emotional support, the kick in the butt to actually get me to do this...
Wow... so many fantastic people in my life. The family and coworkers and friends and students and teachers... and you're all here in Maine. I'll truly miss you all- it boggles my mind to think that I won't see you for two months.
I'll try to update this blog frequently. As of right now, and I don't foresee this actually changing while I'm out there, I don't have a laptop so I'm not really sure how much access I'll have to the internet. I believe there will be computers that I can use during my downtime so it shouldn't be too much of a problem.
Next time I post I'll be in Cali. This still doesn't really seem real...
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