2012.05.13 _ 33

Enjoyed Eliza's talk about the eight consciousnesses. A Yogacara conceptual map. Like there's a Christian conceptual map, a Zen one, a Tibetan Buddhist one etc. Can be helpful as pointers so long as we realize they are just maps that point to something, and not the reality itself. (That idea is a map too I guess, my present one.)

At last I have finished this pine cone. I was beginning to get depressed with all the many shades of brown, grey and black. I am sure I have learned something in the 4 week process - perhaps never to start something I wont enjoy finishing.
But now I can go out in the sunshine and look at blue skies, green leaves and red tulips.

"Where I Hide: Ordinary Space, Available Light"

A gentle rain throughout this whole day. Excellent for the new corn crop - and for getting things done inside.

Aph, your pine cone is simply WONDERFUL! edited 00:28, 14 May 2012

Yes! And I'll bet the pine cone is even better "live"; browns are so hard to capture on screen.

Today is Mother's Day in the US. I'm so used to it being at the end of March but I'm getting used it as yet another difference here. Both her children came too, plus one partner. And Mrs. Nordwind wanted her favorite dinner, so I spent three hours cooking naans and biryani for five people. And that turned out to be a lot of exercise!

Enjoying everyone's comments and Aphrodite's beautiful pinecone! Meditation at Zen Retreat tonight, mantras earlier in the day... not much to report really, a pleasant "Mother's Day".
:) And Thanks Zen.