Terima Kasih (Thank You)
Isn't It?

On Tuesday night with my heart in my throat I got into a cab and headed for the airport. Waiting to board the plane to Bali a rainbow blossomed in the sky. Still I felt lost without the person (my daughter) I have spent the last 2 years with 7 days a week.

Landed, after 2 hour flight, in Bali at 940pm. The streets were filled with motorcycles and it had rained. The cab window was open and one motorcyclist rode through a puddle next to the cab and the water came in and splashed my face. I wiped off my glasses and decided not to be indignant.

The retreat/AMC (advanced Meditation Course) was held at the Inna Grand Bali Beach Resort
and my room overlooked the beach and sea.



First night of the AMC (Amateur Meditation Course) we all boarded a cruise ship and had dinner and satsang with Guruji. The speakers were abusively loud but I was a smart cookie and brought earplugs which were in place the entire evening. Too bad I couldn't really enjoy the Bajhan singer, Siddharth Mohan who's voice is very wonderful. Luckily, Guruji winked at me and that makes up for anything bad that happened. (I realize he may have winked at someone else but the feeling at the time was that we connected so who cares?)



Morning practice at 545 is on the beach with the ants and spiders. :)
And lead by Kumlesh who is a Sri Sri Yoga teacher based in the Bangalore ashram and without a doubt one of the most accomplished teachers I have had in Art of Living. Warm, silly, competent, gifted and gorgeous- her form is very balanced. We practiced long Kreeya, Padma Sadana, Sun Salutation and Silliness 101.

Throughout the course the sound system feedback and unexpected stops and starts, added to the constant cell phone ringing, sneezing, coughing, belching, snoring and unearthly noises from people in a deep state of nothingness, all brought me to a state of giddiness unrivaled in my life. It was so beyond the beyond it was hilarious. I began instead of meditating, to entertain myself with What if... At one point I started laughing out of control and the beautiful Swami (Jotimaya) gave me a penetrating look.



The first afternoon we were instructed to change halls and when we arrived Swamiji was giving his blessing. I sat in disbelief for an hour watching the line of people receiving his hand on their heads. My thoughts went from,
"What a waste of time! I don't even know this swami. Why should I get up and stand in line. Don't we have real work to do?"
to
"Look at the way everone's face softens as they approach the swami. Look at how humble people are as they stand before this man, who looks like he is watching a beautiful sunset and who's arm seems untiring."
Just before the last person was blessed I got up and when his hand went to my head I thought of the energy of 100 hugs directed to him. When I looked up he was smiling at me- in understanding. He got my hugs!

In the evening I took the Sahaj Samadhi course and was given a mantra. At first I didn't like my mantra. I had a hard time saying it in my head, (the mantra is a secret that shouldn't be uttered aloud). Eventually it became natural and started to do its "magic".

Most of the Russian group did not engage with anyone outside of their group, that is, no smiling, eye contact, seva, or waiting in line. Perhaps they didn't understand the instructions. But surely they didn't comprehend that it is the Indians' job to cut in line. I thought, "When we are out of silence someone ought to set them straight on this matter."

There were translators for some of the many countries participating.
1 Argentina 2 Australia
3 Austria 4 Bahrain
5 Belgium 6 Brazil
7 Bulgaria 8 Cambodia
9 Canada 10 China
11 Cyprus 12 Denmark
13 Egypt 14 Estonia
15 Finland 16 France
17 Germany 18 Greece
19 Hungary 20 Iceland
21 India 22 Iran
23 Ireland 24 Italy
25 Japan 26 Kuwait
27 Laos 28 Liechtenstein
29 Luxembourg 30 Maldives
31 Malta 32 Mexico
33 Monaco 34 Netherlands
35 New Zealand 36 Norway
37 Oman 38 Poland
39 Portugal 40 Qatar
41 Russia 42 Saudi Arabia
43 South Africa 44 South Korea
45 Spain 46 Surinam
47 Sweden 48 Switzerland
49 Taiwan Territory 50 United Arab Emirates
51 United Kingdom 52 USA

The feedback from the earpieces being worn by those using the translators sounded quite painful at times. No swearing was heard during the entire course. However, during an especially physically difficult practice there were several Chinese men who cried out in Mandarin what sounded like profanities. My friend Joo Hymn let me know they were actually saying stuff like, "I love my entire family!!!!" A good lesson huh?

One of the reasons I was able to sit for most of the day was the twice daily hike to and from the first to tenth floor of the resort. Whenever there was cleaning in one hall the organizers would switch the location of the course to the other hall. The elevators only held 8-10 people at a time and were extremely slow so moving 500 people via 3 elevators didn't seem like a good option for me ( 18 elevator trips) and when I took into consideration that my a** was taking such a beating from all the crossed-leg sitting we were doing I had to take the stairs.



I didn't figure out how to get hot water or AC until the third day. Who would have thought that this button would be the answer to these problems?

Got very hungry at one point in the middle of the course and bought a milk (!!!) chocolate bar with almonds. I don't usually enjoy milk chocolate, but I felt like Charlie eating his first Wonka chocolate. Delicious. Later, my stomach was a little disappointed with my choice as I had until then been eating fruit and salad with rice and dal.

Being in silence when the world around you is cacophonous is a practice fit for our times and well worth the effort. Being in silence when given a seva activity can be a little tricky. I was told to clean the beach of all garbage and leaves. After an hour of cleaning the shore and removing with my bare hands all the trash from the cement garbage catches I was then told to put all the trash back into the same catches I had removed it from, (instead of putting it in a dumpster as I had thought).

Want Nothing
Do Nothing
Be Nothing

This is Something!
As it is hard for the Go! person inside me.
Advice to people like me:
Get lots of excersize and at the very least do 30 minutes of yoga before you do your sitting practice.

After coming out of silence most of my friends wept in gratitude. I did not. I think I was still laughing inside.



On the last day we were arranged in country groups (I with the Singapore group-my friends) and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar my guru made the rounds.
"Are you happy?"



The next morning I went for a swim with JH and then to the spa for a massage which was Heaven! Nothing like my appointments with pain. But then again I was in pretty good shape when I lay down for treatment. A beautiful spa! Ginger tea after in this beautiful garden. KISS!

Two days of fasting have passed and I am on a strict- Silence Meditation course- diet. This means I am taking the headache and body aches that occur when one removes all the caffeine and sweets to which one is accustomed BEFORE the course. The first two days were strict fresh squeezed juices and broth days. Bad headache. And body aches the second day. Stupidly, we decided to bring the girl to Wild Wild Wet and only lasted an hour-with pounding music and lots of screaming kids. Booty finally got her fries and she ate them with a seriousness I have seen only in NASA think stations.

Today my body is still not 100%. I went for a two hour pain treatment, I mean massage. One would think I am a dedicated masochist but I am convinced that my body is out of wack and needs to be wacked back into its rightful place. I had a few words to say to the therapist tho',

"Hey do you think you could make an exception for once and go a little easy on me?

I could go easy but the best way is to go to the painful spots and release the block.

But what if I am experiencing pain the whole two hours? Thats not right is it? I mean the idea is that I get to relax a little. I am almost nauseous with pain right now."

He eased up a bit and actually there were a few really excellent moments especially when he wasn't working on my calves, feet, shoulders, and back. I guess that leaves my a** and my head.

Free your mind and your a** will follow
or rather
Free your mind and your a** will follow...
immediately.
The rest takes time.


Also today the therapist decided since he was the only english speaker on staff he would take all the phone calls.
While he was working on me.
After the 6th call I asked him if he was planning on taking calls the whole time. He gave his excuse and then admitted to feeling bad about it.
"If you feel bad about it, don't do it! It feels like you aren't prioritizing the customer you have. You are prioritizing the customers to be. It doesn't make sense!"
No phone calls after that.
And the next hour was so much better.

Field trip to the Jurong Bird Park.
We have been before but this time we went early when it was still a civilized temperature outside. And during the week the park is very quiet and peaceful.
Altho' I didn't feel entirely restful when I finished buying our admission tickets (SGD$35!) and couldn't see Booty. I calmly walked through the entrance with my tickets- they never asked where is the child for this ticket? And there she was strolling along as if she was enjoying the park solo for the day. Lecturing a 3 year old is one of the most unsatisfying pursuits and yet one feels obliged to do it in situations like these, (so that is what the child-leashes are for!) I explained to her that unless she wanted to hold my hand she would have to stay close and listen when I called to her. OK she told me. Hey Booty. Distracted looking out into space. No running off please.

We hopped on the panorail and viewed the bird habitats from way up high, got out at the African Waterfall Aviary. We hiked up to the waterfall which was lovely but Very buggy, and managed to get bitten (despite bug spray). On the way down we fed some beautiful African Starlings (Superb, Purple Glossy, Lesser Blue-eared, Wattled, Violet, Hildebrandt and Emerald) with worms in our outstretched hands. Yes! Booty did it too!

Then we took the tram back to African Wetlands. But little girl wanted to ride on the automated kiddy rides. I didn't have coins so I asked her to come with me to get some.



Eventually I got some change and she was able to ride (above) and then we cooled off in the Penguin house. On the way out she grabbed as many stuffed penguins as she could at the gift shop, (they place them there strategically). When I asked her to put them back she began to scream. You know, those shrieks that do not mean pain but rather indignation? Then we took pictures of her holding the Parrots and were just about to grab some fries and ice cream when...

she ran off again. When I saw her at a distance I called her, "C'mon Booty lets get some french fries!" but she smiled and ran in another direction and climbed onto one of the mobility scooter rentals and started pushing buttons. The staff ignored her.

At this point it was about 11:30 and we were planning on staying a bit longer but I felt that this was an opportunity for some follow through. I walked over to where she was and gently scooped her up and proceded to exit the park walking by the cow sculpture she had wanted to climb on and the cafe.

"I want some french fries mommy!"
"I am sorry but when you run away from mommy like that it means its time to go."
Screams and cries. Shrieks and Shrill imprecations!
Once we were in the cab. She started again but quieter,
"I want french fries."
"I know sweety. Maybe next time. There will always be a next time."

After she woke up from her nap,
"Can I have ice cream and french fries now mommy?"

One afternoon Booty started to sing this song. And for those of you who know me, know that Sly and the Family Stone and especially this particular album remain for me one of the most satisfying and joyful. This is still true today. Later that day I asked MB and she told me she had taught it to her. :)

So now this song is on our evening after story song list. Usually, I tell Booty a story in the dark. It is usually the same story for a month or so, (as she likes it). We just finished with the 3 little pigs and are telling a story about the elementals (earth, fire, air and water). Then we sing 2-4 songs. Here are the songs we are singing now.

Que Sera sera
Leaving on a Jet plane
Swing Low
Who built the ark?
Pitter patter pitter patter (listen to the rain)
This Land is your land (mommy this was your first song!)

Booty walked all the way to the train station today. A 30 minute walk for a 3 year old. I told her now that she is 3 she is able to walk to the station instead of riding in her stroller. We talked along the bikepath, which is mostly pleasant. She noticed people walking their dogs and shiny cars, one of which she decided to touch.
"Ooo momma, that car is hot!"
I reminded her that when we are out in the world it is best not to touch EVERYTHING.
And as we passed a young woman jogging she said,
"She's not touching everything!" and as she pointed to the woman she touched her.
Luckily, the woman was not offended.
"I made a mistake momma. I touched her. Next time I ask 'commission', can I touch you?"

On to the station. When we boarded the train someone gave up their seat for Booty. I struck up a conversation with a woman who, she told me later, was "tatting". This is a form of crocheting, but much more defined. She gave me the name of a shop near my Doctor's office that sells supplies and holds classes.

We got off at Bugis and took the escalator to BHG (Be here for good things), a department store and up again to the third floor to the children's department to buy some walking shoes. It seems all Booty has is flip flops and crocs.

Barbie, Disney, Legos brand, Hello Kitty!, Strawberry Shortcake and a brand named Sweet were the only offerings in size 26 sneakers.
And the color choice was...
PINK. shades of. Sequins and glitter and Bling!
Of course Booty was all over the Barbie sparkly, and Disney Princess sneakers.
"Sorry." I said to her predictably and began one of my familiar refrains,
"I am not paying to advertise for a corporation I don't even like."
Lots of raised eyebrows. (Crazy white lady with child on aisle 4)

We had to settle for a pair of pink and brown Lego brand high top style sneakers, (the logo is hidden on the tongue flap). I bought some lacy socks to girl it up a bit.

She wore them home.

We stopped in the food court and got some juicy Chicken satay. She went back for seconds. And bought some cookies and a freshly baked eclair for me (one of my weaknesses).

We got a seat (Again!) on the train on the way home and Booty was able to look out the window while leaning up against an elderly Singaporean woman, who smiled when the girl finally noticed she was practically in the woman's arms.

Cabbed it home from the station (too hot to walk) and Bee-phia (her nickname for herself) took a nap.

Just finished making some bagels. Sat on the kitchen floor listening but not understanding H's mom and dad speaking Gujurati while I stared at the bagels baking. Sweating.

And now I better get "practiced" before I leave for my course- 4 straight days of silence and meditation. I hear the girl screaming loudly.

Breathe.

Annie Leonard and Free Range Studios strike again with the story of Bottled Water!

Happy Birthday Surekha MOM!




We received some beautiful buntings in the mail today to celebrate the birthdays we are having this week. This lovely Japanese floral print bunting (detail is shown in enlarged photo by creator) is made by Solohandmade, a handcrafted home items store in the Netherlands founded and run by a fellow Bostonian-adoptmom-expat. She makes me crazy with love and envy- if only I could create such magical things! I would be worthy!

Tonite homemade pizza and icecream from Ice Cream Chefs! which is down the road, (don't hit the link unless you don't mind inane music box music). This was mom's request and we are curious to see if this store will live up to our imaginings. We are getting mocha chip, creme brulee and strawberries and cream iceream. They also have more adventurous flavors but I have learned the hard way with the bean paste icecream and the DURIAN. Link provided to show you that I can be fair altho' I think durian is one of God's mistakes, sort of like bungi jumping.

Lots of Indian food on the menu for the next few weeks!
And in one week I will be going to BALI for the Art of Living Part 2 Silence course. Yes!
I get to be quiet for 5 days. The mind will rest. In preparation I will be fasting for the three days prior and taking myself off processed sugar, coffee, and tea. This means just veggie broth, decaffenated tea, lemon water and juice for me.

This Is What An Internet Scam looks like. I received this several days ago and share this with you. I contacted the individual that this scammer is imitating but no report has been made.
All names have been removed but not the $details.

Hello,

How are you doing? I hope this email reaches you on time, i had a trip to the United Kingdom, but unfortunately for me i got mugged at the park of the hotel,all my cash, credit card and cell-phone were taken away from me. I don't even have a phone where i can be reached right now because of my hotel bill.

Presently my things are been held down by the hotel management due to my inability to pay the hotel bills which i currently owe, they even had to restrict my access to the hotel facilitates until outstanding bills are cleared and i don't have a dime on me again,i had to walk down to the city library in order to send you this email.

I need you to kindly assist me with about 1,280:08 Pounds so that i can settle the hotel bills and make arrangement to return back home, please let me know how much you can assist me with soonest.

Thanks,
S****

Oh S****
I am sorry I didn't receive this until just now.
But anyway. I am also sorry I don't have 1000 pounds.
I am thinking of you and hoping you are ok.
Best,
XXXX

I really appreciate your prompt response and concern about my situation. i will appreciate whatever you can afford to send right away. things are really in a bad shape here so i need to leave here soonest.

Below is the details you need to send money to me through western union money transfer:

Receiver Name: S**** ***
Address: ### Romford Road
City: Stratford, London
Postcode: E15 3NS
Country: United Kingdom.

As soon as you send the money kindly email me the transfer detail or scan and send the transfer receipt as an attachment.
Thanks once again.

I wonder what would happen if someone went to that location looking for that Identity thief.

We wish you a Happy Birthday
A joyful and celebrated birthday
to our dear Sun Booty
May you have a long, healthy life!

The grandparents are here! And this morning our dear Masami did a short birthday puppet story for Booty! So, after a request from the girl for pictures of her birth mother (I want to see me coming out of her tummy!)- we did a slideshow for her of our trip to Ethiopia including pictures of our time with her birth family.
Tomorrow Raj's family will come over for snacks and cake.

Last night we went to one of the many glam malls in Singapore. This one is called "Iluma" because the facade of the mall is made up of light cells that illuminate in a wave so it looks like Las Vegas. We had an unsatisfactory meal at Manhattan Fish House and something like icecream at Marble stone Creamery before we went to see "Up in the Air"- our second choice, (The Hurt Locker was sold out).
H did not much care for the movie but thought the woman who played Alex was quite good. I enjoyed it. But I am not as picky now when I see american films, so homesick am I .

She was known to drink coffee from a bag.

The first installment of my autobiography



Once upon a time...
there lived a strange, STRANGE woman.

Booty Contemplates Death but Deems the Rest Quite Satisfactory

In the cab yesterday on the way to the ferry:
"The Hunter came with his gun. Babar's Mama is dead. Really dead."

Why the heck did I buy that book!? I thought it was going to be filled with all those detailed illustrations I remember, elephants and monkeys playing in the water. Quaint French villages and vintage style clothing and cars. But instead we have a dead mummy, a poisoned king, a crying elephant, and tribal, spear-wielding hunters that look pretty darned racists to me, (they all look the same and their mouths are the central exaggerated feature).

But she seemed undisturbed as she continued to talk in the taxi about her life and how things work.



She also had a joyful time on Kusu (turtle) Island and was intrigued by the Imperial Cheng Ho cruise boat which provides breakfast, tea and dinner cruises around Singapore and stops briefly on Kusu Island. We did not take the cruise but a ferry instead. On the island she proceeded to collect many sticks for her dadda raft (one of her father's nicknames) even battling red ants. After being bitten by a red ant because she "poked him", she cried loudly until I explained that the ant bit her because he was afraid. She stopped crying. This seemed to make sense to her. The trees on the island had huge ridge-like roots that were perfect for hidden treasures or building fairy houses if one had been of a mind to do so.

Later in the afternoon we visited the turtle sanctuaries on the island (3 that we know of) and finally went swimming. The island was all but deserted and we were happy to have brought water, food and sunblock. Kusu island is quiet but provides nothing but bathrooms, two temples (one Malay and one Chinese), scenery and a place to rest from the sun. If you like to see huge container ships, barges, or the like, the view from the island is excellent.

Arriving home we were famished and felt very icky (from the oil-slicked sea). We promptly bathed and came down for a delicious meal made by M of sauteed tofu, vegetable stir fry with red Thai rice and garlic spinach. Desert was homemade yogert and fresh applesauce (still cooling. After a long day in the hot sun, this was such a treat. Booty and I fell asleep in a heap on our bed by 7pm.

Inutile!

My feet aren't the same.
As before that is, before I moved to hotter climes.
Since I mostly wear flip flops out of doors, and no shoes in doors, my feet have changed and have become soft. Not used to shoes. Of any kind.
I found this out when I walked to the train station last week with a new pair of Sketcher flats.
By the time I reached Bugis Street I had 6 raging blisters. I stopped at the pharmacy and bought some blister covers which only partly worked ( to detail this is to subject you to a fair amount of cringe). And so I stopped at the nearest shoe store and bought, you guessed it, another pair of flip flops. Green Tevas.

My daughter isn't the same either.
Not that I expected her to listen to me and her father when we said, "Do not change! We like you the way you are RIGHT NOW and so no growing up and getting particular." Whoever came up with the phrase "terrible twos" was a year off. As my friend A has said, we are being given "the business". Our girl doesn't know what she wants and therefor we must dance until the entertainment suffices. One of my sisters referred to her son as "the puppet master". Yes. All this is dawning on me now. And just to add more fun to the situation, Mr. D is travelling (He may be at your house right now!) And I have taken myself off prescription "help". When Booty says in regard our sweet friend Minaz, "She's like my mama!" I hear, "I wish she was my mama because my mama is a mean, old bag!" Sigh. Learning curve? Learning? HA! (Very witchy laugh let me tell you).

I have been avoiding other blogs. I have a blog friend who is absolutely brilliant, beautiful (yes you) AND sweet tempered (How do I know? I KNOW.) Because I feel so. so.

I was recently told, by someone I love, that I have not yet met my "destiny" and that something is in the way. Instead of making me feel excited about this- "Oh cool, you mean travelling around the world with these beautiful people is not what I am supposed to do? There is MORE out there WAITING for me?" I feel like, "Oh great! Someone else knows what I know, that I am not accomplishing anything despite my efforts." I am in a word, inutile! Or another, superflu! When you read these words you must say them aloud, in French with an accusatory tone. "In OO Teel!" "Soo Pair Floo!" Thank you.

Somehow just talking in this way makes me feel better.

I just finished "The Lacuna", by Barbara Kingsolver. A sad but beautifully told story of a young writer whose life is changed by his close association with the Rivera/Kahlo household. It is a nice hunk of a book (500 pages) and I was glad of the length and breadth of the tale.

I am now reading, "Say you're one of them" by Uwem Akpan. So far, excellent.

While it appears I am wasting this lifetime away, I have taken on some additional Anthroposophic study. This week we are studying the senses. Not just the 5 you know about but an additional 7 as well. This study of the 12 senses directly and profoundly relates to the development of the child.

I finished two more dresses from the lovely khadi that we bought in Bombay. Perhaps I will ask the da-in-la to purchase more before they visit for the Booty's birthday coming up very soon. "My Pink Birthday! I want a pink dress, and a pink cake and a pink camera and a pink phone with pink buttons!"

All I can think is, "How did it happen?"

This morning Booty and I are hanging out. At this moment she is eating homemade applesauce and yogert. I think she stays healthy partly because she eats mostly unprocessed food every day. And enough to gag a construction worker.

We have had some delightful guests of late. Our Anthroposophical pediatrician from India has been staying with us and seeing special needs patients on our third floor (usually my study and our guest room). It has been so lovely having a steady stream of families visiting who care deeply about the "whole person" well-being of their children. When she and her partner(a physical therapist) left, I felt a sense of loss, as if my family had just left.

This past week was Shiva'ratri and Chinese New Year. We celebrated both but on a small scale, with bajhans and banners. Playgroup at our house will start up again next week.

Yesterday we went to the bookstore and Booty announced, "Pee!" and promptly produced a large puddle on the floor in the children's section. I had not brought any change of clothing or wipies or anything.

This morning upon entering our bedroom to wake up her dad, she found my cup of water and dumped the contents on my bedside dresser, soaking my cell phone and reading book.

The cats too have received their fair share, from tail-stepping, to ear pulling to slapping.

All with a smile.

It is the year of the Tiger. And in my first dream I was chased and mauled (and perhaps even devoured) by a tiger. Dreams are very complicated so I don't know how to interpret this one.

Auspicious?

When he disses. He disses good.
Once again the president hit the nail on the proverbial head.

"When times are tough, you tighten your belts," Obama said, according to a White House transcript of his appearance Tuesday at a high school in North Nashua, N.H.

"You don't go buying a boat when you can barely pay your mortgage," Obama said. "You don't blow a bunch of cash on Vegas when you're trying to save for college. You prioritize. You make tough choices."

"I'll do everything I can to give him the boot," Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman said during a hastily called news conference, adding that he was incensed when he heard about the comments and said he would no longer welcome the president here if he visits.

Am I terrible because this gave me a hearty laugh?
Because once again President Barack Obama, (my hero most of the time) says it like it is? It seems to me at least.

I have been known to call Vegas "Hell on earth", and if you are the mayor of "hell" you don't want any of Obama's ilk keeping people out.

Unfortunately, Obama backpedaled and said later to soothe the objectors, he didn't mean to pick on Vegas and "There is no place better to have fun than Vegas, one of our country's great destinations."

How about everyone who loves Vegas gets to send their children to school there? How about they have their parents retire there? And they can also live and work there? How about that?

The rest of us will try to save our money, put our kids into decent schools and build community instead of money pits that drain the integrity out of every day people.

Singapore is building a huge casino on Sentosa, a small island hugging its shores. Sentosa used to be a peaceful luxury spot with a quiet beach but I am worried about the effect of a casino on the country.

This poem is ALWAYS a hit at parties. And it is a good poem to teach your class for assemblies, (the parents LOVE it). I love it too.


The Embarrassing Episode of Little Miss Muffet
by Guy Wetmore Carryl

Little Miss Muffet discovered a tuffet,
(Which never occurred to the rest of us)
And, as ’twas a June day, and just about noonday,
She wanted to eat -- like the best of us:
Her diet was whey, and I hasten to say
It is wholesome and people grow fat on it.
The spot being lonely, the lady not only
Discovered the tuffet, but sat on it.

A rivulet gabbled beside her and babbled,
As rivulets always are thought to do,
And dragon flies sported around and cavorted,
As poets say dragon flies ought to do;
When, glancing aside for a moment, she spied
A horrible sight that brought fear to her,
A hideous spider was sitting beside her,
And most unavoidably near to her!

Albeit unsightly, this creature politely
Said, "Madam, I earnestly vow to you,
I’m penitent that I did not bring my hat. I
Should otherwise certainly bow to you."
Though anxious to please, he was so ill at ease
That he lost all sense of propriety,
And grew so inept that he clumsily stept
In her plate -- which is barred in Society.

This curious error completed her terror;
She shuddered, and growing much paler, not
Only left tuffet, but dealt him a buffet
Which doubled him up in a sailor knot.
It should be explained that at this he was pained;
He cried, "I have vexed you, no doubt of it!
Your fist’s like a truncheon." "You’re still in my luncheon,"
Was all that she answered. "Get out of it!"

And THE MORAL is this: Be it madam or miss
To whom you have something to say,
You are only absurd when you get in the curd
But you’re rude when you get in the whey!

New Book I recommend to all parents of young children and people who are interested,
"Simplicity Parenting" by Kim John Payne.

I have studied and worked with Kim Payne during my years as a Waldorf teacher in the states. His "Social Inclusion" work with schools is a productive "no blame" approach to bullying and could be used on a wider scale in the world to beautiful effect. To be in the presence of Kim is to witness a person with a truly wise and peaceful nature.

Many publishers have been trying to get him to publish his work and finally Random House has landed him. This book is an easy read and an even easier set of lessons on which to follow through.

If you can't buy it now, try to find it in your local bookstore and browse through it.

If only words could express my pleasure at discovering his new book and my excitement at the thought that many parents would read it!!!

KUROSAWA!
Today DHL delivered The Criterion Collection, "25 Films of Akira Kurosawa". This was a gift from my mother in Maine, (Thanks mom!) via an Amazon e-certificate. Most people associate Kurosawa with "Seven Samurai" and epic warrior tales. But those who know his work can see that his pictures are both portraits of the human being on a grand scale and stories of the common man. His movies are as much masterpiece paintings as historic theater on film. Certainly, he was the first Japanese film director known in the west but also one of the first directors, along with Fellini and Bergman to prove film is an art.

My first Kurosawa film was released in 1980. I was a sophomore in high school and saw the film, "Kagemusha" at the Nickelodian theater on Cape Cod.

My first realization of his genius came after seeing, "Throne of Blood", a take on Shakespeare's, "Macbeth". The images in its most famous ending of Wishizu's demise are still imprinted in my memory.

My favorite Kurosawa film actor is Toshiro Mifune. Altho' he lays it on thick, he is mesmerizing, versatile and breathtakingly powerful. Takashi Shimura, is also wonderful and carries his roles with more subtlety and depth.

I haven't seen all 25 in the collection. However, my favorite is still "Seven Samurai". But "Stray Dogs", "Ikiru", "The Lower Depths", "The Hidden Fortress" (hilarious) and "Red Beard" also rank as some of my favorite movies.

Above image thanks to Wikipedia.

Booty and mom have new Kurtas. Again not perfect but fun to make!

And starting next week we have our Waldorf playgroup here at our house on Mondays and Fridays. This is not the drop off program but a mom and tot thing.

And what else is new? Still working on the Waldorf primary school initiative which I have offered at our house but we still need at least 2 more students enrolled.

This is how everything is transported up the mountain as no cars are allowed.



Roadside shop on MG Road (Mahatma Ghandi Road) in Matheran.



Sheets out to dry at the Regal Hotel in Matheran, India.



This is a nice quiet morning spot for breakfast and the newspaper, (in Mumbai).

It doesn't look good for the drop off program we planned. But that just means more time to make stuff!

I finally made the purse roll today. It is nice because you can take out the inside zip pockets to make more room for bigger stuff (passports, wallets...)I admit, tho' that it isn't really made with precision. I just sewed it up without ironing or measuring. I guess I am more a sculptor than a seamstress. I got the shiny ribbon from Bombay, my absolute favorite place to shop.

Behind my family's house are alleyway shops and streets filled with open air shops where you can find some seriously beautiful things for shockingly low prices. It helps to bring Mr. Discount (my father-in-law). He is notoriously thrifty and will bargain a shopkeeper down to the last rupee. I can't decide if I feel good about my purchases or guilty.

Now that camp and the Holidays are finished I can find time to post a little.
Goodness what a busy month! Camp went extremely well and despite some boy-girl bickering and a little "We aren't your friend" business Yeng Yen and I had a wonderful time with the campers. We made lanterns, felted slippers with recycled newspaper pulp soles, clay turtle candle holders, wove bags and a bunch of other crafts and games and songs. Christmas was quiet but nice. We went to Arab street and then downtown Singapore to show Booty the crazy Christmas lights which were way over the top. The day after Christmas we flew out to Bombay. Now that we don't live in India I can't get enough of it. Especially Mumbai (Bombay). Dad took me to all the back alley shops and markets. It was an amazing feast for the senses. Booty, H and I drove to Matheran, which is a mountain village outside of the city. They don't allow cars so one has to walk up to the top of the mountain or take a horse. We took horses. Booty remarked that our horse was beautiful and was hooked. The next two days she wanted to ride on the horsies. And ride she did! We saw lots of monkeys at close range. Booty also made a number of friends. The children were extremely friendly and stunningly gorgeous. The food was also delicious! Our only complaint was that we were COLD! And not prepared for the weather. A lovely holiday!

I am supposed to be working on my camp preparation. Since I have only 10 days left before it begins. Camp is FULL! And I just came up with a brilliant idea for a "totally recycled" art project. More details to come. But look! There is a Leeeee Zard on top of our back gate! You may not know this but I love lizards. I had to stop for a moment and gaze adoringly at her (or him).

We are in the process of obtaining a POI card for me and Booty. Which is funny because POI stands for Person of Indian Origin. I can pretend that in some distant past I WAS Indian. But for Booty it ain't right. She is from Opi Opia, (Ethiopia in Booty speak). The reason why a 10 year visa isn't good enough is because there is a new restriction on long term visas. One cannot return to India on a 10 year visa before 2 months. This doesn't work for us. We may need to go home for family.

My schedule has filled up. There are visits with Anthroposophic doctors. And workshops (this weekend) to attend and to present (next month). Parent meetings (tomorrow!) to discuss starting a school here. And art supplies to purchase with the abundance flowing to me.

Yes I am still retiring very early at night, (9pm) but I am up and ready by the time super girl has her cape on and begins to sing.
LOUDLY!

Happy Thanksgiving

On each grain is written the name
of the eater.
The giver is the one.
The giver is the creator.

Sometimes, just to feel productive I make an origami box. It only takes a few minutes but then I can add it to the list of boxes I know. My schedule is kaput. But then again I didn't know this energy-sucking malaise would hit me at exactly the time when the Waldorf Community wanted me "back in the saddle" again.

Camp is going to kick my butt.
That is, if the ladies in my Waldorf support group don't, (I have promised to host a workshop on Waldorf Education focusing on math and a NUMBER of other things).

!!!

A lot of activity on the homefront. A few more "campers" have registered, which makes the group more lively. So far, the girls outnumber the boys 2-1. I guess since it is a "Craft" camp, more girls would come. But is that it? Hmmmm.

I took some pictures today of my walk between home and the train station. It is a walk I enjoy, even when it is so hot I am using an umbrella for protection. I think it is because I like alleyways and canals. Singapore is full of these sort of hidden passageways. Where the laundry hangs and the foreign domestic workers cook and things are not all sterile and the ladies gossip tho' I know not what they say. But I know they do because our helper M tells me.

Picture 1: Alleyway off Swan Lake Avenue on the way to Bedock station.
Picture 2: The reason I wait in the public restroom for the ONE non-squatter toilet.
Picture 3: Our convenience store.
Picture 4: Our take-away.
Picture 5: No car in the driveway.

Waldorf Camp

My camp is up and running as I now have enough campers registered for everyone to get paid, (me, an assistant and space rental).

What with the useless medication (that only makes me tired) and the flu, I have been utterly without purpose this last week. Sorry.

Interesting stuff to read (watch) about H1N1 though. If you want to read Teresa Forcades presentation.

Or watch her on Youtube:

flu.
bla.

Tonite I am excited about going to this talk at the Waldorf School that is in my neighborhood!


Waldorf Steiner Education Association Singapore
Presents:

Connecting With Your Destiny
A Talk by Hans van Forenstein Mulder

Hans van Florenstein Mulder
Hans was born in Sumatra. He served as General Secretary of the Anthroposophical Society in New Zealand from 1992- 2006. He and his wife Ineke were involved in founding the first Waldorf High School in New Zealand. Hans was also director of the one-year diploma course in biodynamic agriculture at Taruna. Since 2006, he has been assisting the Executive Council at the Goetheanum in Dornach to foster the life of the General Anthroposophical Society and the School of Spiritual Science in Asia.

I think the joke is on me.

Last week I started researching post-graduate school and online courses. There are many universities (like UMASS) that are offering degrees online. I started to get excited about this. Being productive. Improving myself!

This week I was persuaded to step back into the Waldorf community and agree to offer some time. My friend RR has offered to co-teach a two day morning program for 2 to 3 year olds with me. And after attending a very intense Anthroposophic mother's support group I believe I will be busy next year starting a 1st grade and supplementing main stream curriculum.

So much for career advancement.

Booty and I took the train into the city with Mr.D and stayed on the train when he got off to go to work. In order for Booty to be able to sit safely I kindly requested a young gentleman to get up (after waiting for him to offer for 5 minutes) out of the seat reserved for disabled, elderly and people with young children. We got off the train at Jurong East, a short walk to the Singapore Science Center. I had been told a number of times from one of the dads at our Friday playgroup that this was one his 2 year old twins' favorite places to go.

We weren't impressed.

Most of our time was spent pushing buttons.
But alot of the interactive exhibits were broken. And could not be physically reached by a 2 year old, (and mine is TALL). And this is besides the point. Nothing was appropriate for toddlers. No musical stairs. No spaceship to play in.

Not that the elementary school classrooms visiting today were truly taking advantage of the fine knowledge and demonstrations of science all around them. What we saw was a lot of students chasing each other through hallways or unthinkingly hitting buttons or levers without reading the explanations.

When we walked in I asked the ladies taking tickets what exhibits were good for young children. They looked at each other as if I asked them to recite the quadratic equation.And declined to answer.

How about nothing, ladies? Would that about sum it up?

It started to pour when we were leaving the building and there were about 6 large groups of children sprawled at the entranceway, completely blocking it. No-one seemed to notice nor move when they saw us with the stroller. We had to turn around and go out into the rain and back in to find a spot near the taxi stand.

At the entranceway before you pay your admission fee there is a huge T-Rex that grumbles and moves his head and eyes. Booty wanted to "ride it" and continued to ask me if we could go see the dinosaur while we were inside the Science Center.

When we left the building 2 hours later and walked past T-Rex again she was so excited and wanted to get all up in his face as if this was what she had been waiting all day to see.

Once we were back home we opened the 'brella and stood in the rain.
"Very unhygenic!"

Finished.

PONYO
Today is review day and I haven't thought too hard about the movie I am going to review but it is a movie I was waiting to see for a long time.

Ponyo on the cliff by the sea

Written and Directed by Hayao Miyazaki out of studio Ghibli

A beautiful film, no surprise there but how beautiful? Not to be believed until you see it. A lot of water scenes and a number of fabulous storm scenes. Imagine a young girl with red hair running and jumping on top of huge fish/waves in the middle of a storm while you are trying to escape the storm in a small car, driving on a coastal road. This is where the tension of the movie exists most- before Ponyo meets Sosuke as a human.

Sosuke is a confident boy who befriends a fish with a human-like face. He calls her Ponyo and loses her when her sorcerer father reclaims her to the sea. When she escapes again chaos ensues.

The end of the movie was sort of anti-climatic but this is probably because so much of the movie is a wonder. One has to come down from the high at some point.

Prehistoric fish. A sea goddess.A town under water. The moon falling to earth. Millions of tiny ponyo-sisters shooting up like un-falling stars.

wow.

Here is the trailer.

Five campers so far

Five Waldorf campers have signed up so far:

Two 8 year old boys
A 7 year old boy
A 5 year old boy and
A 5 year old girl

We cannot have camp unless two more children enroll. I have had many requests from parents to stretch the age limits (5-8) but I feel that this gap is quite big enough.

I remember when I was teaching how rewarding the work with the children was and how challenging the work with the parents. This is still true. I still seem to be easily caught off guard by their seemingly "silly" questions and requests. I know this is one of my tests in this life. To breathe and work toward understanding how I can help the parents of my students.

Poop and pee

We have had a little backsliding on the potty "training".
And I am not sure if it is because the Booty is feeling insecure or because our housekeeper/nanny MB is not paying attention or being as diligent as me. This week each day she came home from the playground she didn't make it to the bathroom. One time she even pooped her pants, which she has never done before.
What was troubling was that when I surprised the two of them (Booty and MB) on the playground MB was busy texting and Booty was soaked. When we arrived home she had two more accidents before we made it to the bathroom. It seemed as tho' she was holding it in. But I don't know. She can get distracted and forget to go. This is why I always make it a habit to have her go periodically.
Also, she is only 2 and a half. What should I expect?

Finally, (wagging fingers) bought a baby monitor and used it last night. The girl's bed returns to its room.

Saw the movies Munich and Hamlet(2000) last week.
I was very taken with Munich but felt a bit overwhelmed by the lack of focus. The film is based on the book Vengeance: The True Story of an Israeli Counter-Terrorist Team by Canadian journalist George Jonas, which in turn was based on the story of Yuval Aviv, who claims to have been a Mossad agent.It would have been very cool if Spielberg had taken a little more time with the "terroritsts" that were the targets. The performances however, were wonderful. Weird sex scene tho' after Eric Bana's character goes home. It was a bit confusing. He didn't witness the Munich Olympic killings and yet this seemed like a flashback. I liked the last scene. As if G.Rush's character is saying, "We may both be extremist Jews who would risk our lives for our country but you aren't fit to break bread with. Anyway it was just business. See ya!" Cold!

Hamlet(2000) was pretty poor. The acting left a lot to be wanting. Ethan Hawke's Hamlet was abysmal and the high tech angle did not work. Just bad.

My afternoon sleepiness (due to medication I am taking) persists. But I have made some progress with the standing doll. What should I name her?

Massive!

Singapore harbor is kind of menacing but cool. It gives me the goosebumps to see all these huge ships so close. I have always had a thing with big ships. My first real movie at the theater was The Poseidon Adventure and it made an impression on me and my older brother. That and Jaws.

Yesterday after an appointment at Mt. Elizabeth's Medical Center I walked across Orchard Road (Singapore's Michigan Avenue) to Takashimaya, an upscale mall. When I say upscale I mean it. Singapore's malls are the most luxurious and modern in all the world. Can I say that? Not really, but I just did and would be surprised to find an equal number of posh indoor shopping arenas. Anyway, I found an excellent art store, ART FRIEND. This was wonderful for me specifically because I had been looking for some origami paper and here it was, along with other much needed supplies.

Here is what my flyer says:

Do you ever wonder if your child needs to “do” more and “think” less? Or compete less and work as a team member more?

Here is a chance for them to experience a different kind of camp at the Waldorf Steiner School in Singapore.

5 days of hands on activities like wool felting, painting, crafts, drama, speech, cooperative games, music, treasure hunts and more!

This Steiner Camp is for children 5-8 years old
December 14- December 18, 2009
830-1pm
Early Bird special **$250.00 if you register your child before November 15
Registration is $280.00 after November 15
Camp size is limited to 12 with a minimum of 7 children
Location: 72 Elite Park Avenue

The camp will be run by *my name here*, an experienced Waldorf teacher from the United States. ** has taught Waldorf education as a 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grade teacher and has lead Waldorf camp for children aged 6-9. She has handwork experience (knitting, crotcheting, dollmaking, felting, weaving, sewing etc.) and specializes in form drawing, drama, music and the manual arts .** hopes that Waldorf education will “sing” in Singapore and perhaps you will join her in making this joyful wish come true.

One of Booty's rituals in Bintan was feeding the KOI. The concierge was very kind and always gave us fish food.

"You have to let me work Dada!"
Give some body a job and she will be content. Tho' there are times...
"I'm helping you mama!!!" When actually, um, she isn't. She is just dumping the bowl of eggs and creating a mess.
"Oh wow!" I have trained myself to say, "You really want to do it."
"How about we clean this up and try again?"
"Do over!" She cries. Just like I do when I make a mistake, or yell. We go back and try it again.

And then the negotiations.
"If you finish your egg you can have more toast."
"If you eat your breakfast you can have more juice."

I have begun to notice the number of negotiations that go down every day. And now I am calling a memorandum. She is only 2. And not a lawyer or mediator. Yet.
Using less words. And more gestures.

Instead of reading to the girl every naptime and pre-bedtime I have been telling stories with her wooden animals. It is absolutely magic. After a couple of weeks of doing this she is more independent in the morning when she wakes up, often re-telling the story with the animals herself. Or when I am taking a shower or busy on the phone. And most of the time she prefers told stories to books. In my stories there is always a song. And she digs this.