tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54770339659773485662024-03-13T13:52:53.297-07:00Out of the Lotus Second Generation "Out of the Lotus": art, poetry, food recipes, occasional rants, politics, and the good life of a retired and busy Bubbe who wears purple.Taradharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17665801586196931603noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477033965977348566.post-14157850665353583272013-08-10T01:00:00.000-07:002013-08-10T01:00:06.902-07:00Vacation<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Headed out to Sea. See you when I get back!</b></span></div>
Taradharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17665801586196931603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477033965977348566.post-74875736187184014502013-07-08T10:30:00.001-07:002013-07-08T10:30:56.324-07:00What's Going OnHere are the words that are dominating my thoughts these days:<br />
<br />
Ask yourself if what you're doing today will take you where you want to be tomorrow...<br />
The only difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do!<br />Stop looking back. You're not going that way!<br />
<br />
<br />Taradharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17665801586196931603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477033965977348566.post-47062743590458467802013-07-04T05:44:00.001-07:002013-07-04T05:44:38.988-07:00Happy 4th of JulyOn this date in...<br />
<br />
<strong>1911 </strong> <span class="c8"> U.S.A. </span> <span class="c9"> Deadly Heat Wave </span>
4th July 1911 : Following a deadly heat wave in the
northeastern United States including New York, Philadelphia and many
other cities temperatures reached 106 degrees Fahrenheit in Nashua, New
Hampshire. The heat wave caused the death of 380 people through
heatstroke.<br />
<br />
<strong>1932 </strong> <span class="c8"> U.S.A. </span> <span class="c9"> Hours Cut To Save Jobs </span>
4th July 1932 : The plan by many organizations, companies and
Government Departments to cut the number of hours worked or days worked
by those in current employment, this provides better chances for
workers of staying employed and also should help with those seeking work
in these testing times. Feelings are mixed with many of those in work
concerned about the drop in wages but in general the plan is accepted as
a way forward out of the current problems facing the country. <br />
<br />
<strong>1946 </strong> <span class="c8"> Philippines </span> <span class="c9"> Independence </span>
4th July 1946 : The Philippines became a self-governing nation after 48 years of U.S. sovereignty. <br />
<br />
<strong>1968 </strong> <span class="c8"> UK </span> <span class="c9">Alec Rose Arrives Home </span>
4th July 1968 : Alec Rose on his 36ft ketch 'Lively Lady'
receives a hero's welcome as he sailed into Portsmouth Harbour after his
354-day round-the-world trip.
Unlike many of the earlier and later solo trips around the world Alec
Rose did not have large corporate sponsors and had truly sailed round
the world on his own. He was knighted the next day to become Sir Alec
Rose for his achievement. <br />
<br />
<strong>1969 </strong> <span class="c8"> U.S.A. </span> <span class="c9">Atlanta International Pop Festival </span>
4th July 1969 : Atlanta International Pop Festival held at
Atlanta International Raceway featuring some of the great names in music
at the time including Janis Joplin, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Canned
Heat, Joe Cocker, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Led Zeppelin
attracts 100,000 even in temperatures nearing 100 degrees. The concert
was billed as a great success with peace, harmony and great music .<br />
<br />
<b>1998</b> My nephew Cal was born.<br />
<br />
<b>2013</b> I did not sleep a wink last night nor this morning. Oh, what a day this is going to be. Perhaps I shall nap while floating in the pool at the party I'm going to. Especially if there are those floaty raft things with a beer caddy.Taradharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17665801586196931603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477033965977348566.post-10875635320486051892013-07-03T01:00:00.000-07:002013-07-03T01:00:03.708-07:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNVFb5qWE0yIbEcBbhr01Xs5Zk8JXRZn3zeghHUP1znXg31MJUdpzZDl889SwAAfrEHUmNZ24cKdE5BDsErJpTkCrFJP7226YKQo3UPSstXvQK541g6QV6Ehasta4hyphenhypheng526KEZRySk_3h/s1600/grasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNVFb5qWE0yIbEcBbhr01Xs5Zk8JXRZn3zeghHUP1znXg31MJUdpzZDl889SwAAfrEHUmNZ24cKdE5BDsErJpTkCrFJP7226YKQo3UPSstXvQK541g6QV6Ehasta4hyphenhypheng526KEZRySk_3h/s1600/grasses.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Taradharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17665801586196931603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477033965977348566.post-28219324951128323802013-07-02T09:47:00.001-07:002013-07-02T09:47:10.456-07:00The Brass Ring<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">I'm sharing writer Anne Lamott's Facebook post here. I have a love/hate thing with her work. She comes off as incredibly self-indulgent at times, to the point of embarrassment. And yet...her writing is compelling and speaks to me of how raw and open our hearts are. Perhaps it is that quality in myself that I struggle with: feeling RAW. Always reaching for the brass ring of mental balance and peace. I think I'm alone in this, and then I talk to someone, or read a post like this one. I am not alone, and I would do well to remember this when I get bereft. I wish I didn't have "bereft" as the default mode, but there it is. There is no perfection in this life. The brass ring is usually just out of reach. When you do manage to snag it, <u><i>you immediately throw it into the clown's mouth</i></u>.</span></span></h5>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_H4KtonnGHvdhSuDEnb6oGceTHd7m6DPC0IxoxilRroBXXGblEzhK2VqFrBm1LTz9x7btr4TvXKcIXFw-K4DwJ9K7CY0X69aea_6NMa3T329nyvvY5jfVpbvOXq9aOEeHnpUsYqzhZ_CB/s960/560445_185943504868634_978674376_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_H4KtonnGHvdhSuDEnb6oGceTHd7m6DPC0IxoxilRroBXXGblEzhK2VqFrBm1LTz9x7btr4TvXKcIXFw-K4DwJ9K7CY0X69aea_6NMa3T329nyvvY5jfVpbvOXq9aOEeHnpUsYqzhZ_CB/s400/560445_185943504868634_978674376_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anne Lamott</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<i><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">"I
got to do a once-in-lifetime writerly thing last week, one of those
high octane events where you just KNOW you will feel completely better
about yourself for the rest of your life in every way, because it means
you will have truly </span></span></i></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<i>
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"> arrived...And I got VERY lost. It has taken me four
days, two Kissing dogs, church, three hikes, two huggy girlfriends, and
two visiting brothers for me to get found.<br /> <br /> My entire life
I have believed that there was something I could achieve, own, lease or
date that would make me feel permanently whole, and I'm pretty sure
that this side of eternity, this will be my default mode. If only THIS
would happen, or if only that would fall into place, or if I just met
the right person, or got the right review, or got to live in a house
with a fill-in-the-blank....<br /> <br /> But the horrible truth of
life is that this whole less, being friends with your own heart, is
ALWAYS going to be an inside job.<br /> <br /> I so hate and resent this. I DO NOT AGREE TO THIS.<br /> <br />
I want it to be out there, where I can go get it, and put it in my
car, with the seatbelt buckling it is so I will never be without it
again.<br /> <br /> Like it would be so much skin off God's teeth to let
me track it down in the realms of power, prestige, stature, money,
weight, and Macy's.<br /> <br /> But nooooooooooo. <br /> <br /> Last week, when I was having the experience that almost every writer longs for, I got
as mental and confused and low self-esteem as I've been in a while.
And everyone I was with was extremely sweet, smart and affirming. It
was the damn system that failed, the system I was raised believing in,
that I can achieve and impress and people-please SO successfully, that I
will finally get the seal of approval sufficient to fill the Swiss
cheesey holes in my soul. I will have arrived, finally. Yay<br /> <br />
During this pretty high-falutin' experience under the bright lights,
w/ kind smart people and FABULOUS make-up, I felt like I'd 9 cups of
coffee, two bags of candy corn, a box of chocolate truffles-- Heaven,
right? I love being out of my body, tripping on my own fabulousness,
mood-altered to within an inch of my life. And then guess what
happened? You're going to hate this<br /> <br /> It ended. Yes! My
turn was over. All the smart kind people--and even my make-up
person--TRAITOR!--went on to the next person. <br /> <br /> And then
there was just me, even more needy, worried, and self-doubting than
usual--had I talked too much? Too fast? I had meant to sound like a
cross between Gloria Steinem and Ram Dass--but had just sounded like a
very caffeinated ME. Regular old human me, beautiful, slightly nuts,
flawed. Trying to tell my truth about God and being human, in my own
voice.<br /> <br /> Sigh. Then I flew home, to my dogs, my life, my
writing, church, etc, and I drank a lot of water, and my friends loved
me out of ALL sense of proportion, and I got to do the sacraments that
save me--plop and putter. Reading to my grandson. </span></span></i></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<i><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">Radical
self-care--lots of rest, Wimbledon, salads, rubbing lotion into my
fabulous jiggly thighs. Eating delicious low-sugar life-giving foods,
with perhaps an excess of cherries and peaches. Okay, and plums. And
that one night w/some See's. Getting a little writing done EVERY day,
by pre-arrangement with myself, as a debt of honor. Teaching my Sunday
school kids, that they are loved and chosen, safe beyond all
understanding, and that to be alive in a miracle. </span></span><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">Home!
In my funny gorgeous dumb puttery life! Sweeping the kitchen, singing
along with the Beatles. Hallelujah, and wow, and thank you thank you
thank you."</span></span></i></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<i>
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"> </span></span></i></h5>
Taradharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17665801586196931603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477033965977348566.post-66407175604419619302013-07-01T15:28:00.002-07:002013-07-01T15:28:43.991-07:00Dawgs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56yn3715P6M32lIrMfYAp04PS6yMs3a4UQEsG_9ZgvKvZxNBkqszJCY4AAz-Rx4UIAqHsh5K8k_3ESSQjThIfdtkw6J08W2eppaRdh0Gsvk83oltyMp46GlitQi8zjbWWxqJf0OKwhyXh/s720/28486_113929611974777_3537070_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56yn3715P6M32lIrMfYAp04PS6yMs3a4UQEsG_9ZgvKvZxNBkqszJCY4AAz-Rx4UIAqHsh5K8k_3ESSQjThIfdtkw6J08W2eppaRdh0Gsvk83oltyMp46GlitQi8zjbWWxqJf0OKwhyXh/s400/28486_113929611974777_3537070_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This is one of my all-time favorite animal pictures. My little three-legged Lucy was being stalked by vicious Shirley (RIP).<br />
<br />
I spent time at the SPCA today walking and playing with puppies. I haven't done that aspect of volunteering for quite awhile, because frankly it tugged at my heart strings too much. Today, however, since I was already our there doing a delivery, a decided to cuddle some dogs. Oh! How I miss them. I lost all my pets in my divorce, and though I would really love to have Lucy back in my life, I'm guessing my ex would say no. Lucy is also great good friends with the other dogs in the house, so it would be unfair to pull her apart from her bonded buddies. But...I do so miss her big dark eyes and warm body that loved to cuddle. <br />
<br />
I think there is a dog in my future...I hope there is. There's a cute Chihuahua mix at the shelter named Bullet, and he's a quiet, sweet little guy. It took all my resolve today to walk out of there without the adorable Bullet. Sigh....Taradharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17665801586196931603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477033965977348566.post-22812658473468728892013-06-30T10:50:00.002-07:002013-06-30T10:54:48.090-07:00San Francisco Dyke March<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcWLG8G3dcXEioh2psDWedKjOc5zUbEA-l2Lc_UD5P0ElzMhvQfv058AexKnquJPO7y3jJdJaG6vXULxaAQSy5kToOdWzYsoPWlxBPHgpmUwuLBsMZQGLA2ROXs94HwaCnlhzVRp9H__Q/s640/Les.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcWLG8G3dcXEioh2psDWedKjOc5zUbEA-l2Lc_UD5P0ElzMhvQfv058AexKnquJPO7y3jJdJaG6vXULxaAQSy5kToOdWzYsoPWlxBPHgpmUwuLBsMZQGLA2ROXs94HwaCnlhzVRp9H__Q/s400/Les.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqzHkTaCc9NtvFKK9k_yENtaOBST2ZKvqX0oLsIFli2bySYLlWgTkQGXRAMWhCy8cUqiTE06CjcAZwSxVapDRXeqOqI32v7x1fcTvyI5_25v3E5PRHDerp3XRqMHL6H-Hkbw7iCFOOe02/s640/Dolores.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqzHkTaCc9NtvFKK9k_yENtaOBST2ZKvqX0oLsIFli2bySYLlWgTkQGXRAMWhCy8cUqiTE06CjcAZwSxVapDRXeqOqI32v7x1fcTvyI5_25v3E5PRHDerp3XRqMHL6H-Hkbw7iCFOOe02/s400/Dolores.jpg" width="400" /></a>The ride on BART was hell on earth. Seriously - the air conditioning was not working! After enduring half the ride with determination to just get there, we abandoned ship and stepped onto the cool breezy platform and waited for a second train with real actual functioning air conditioning. Whew.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Dolores Park was chock full of people, music, swag vendors and bacon-wrapped hothogs every 20 feet or so. Not a Vegan's paradise, but the dogs were really good.<br />
<br />
So, this Dyke March, apparently not just for dykes anymore, but oh well. I've never been to a women's music festival, and I thought this would be akin to that. But no, lots of dudes. One guy in a mesh bathing suit bottom -- I can never unsee that now that I have seen it. Argh.''<br />
<br />
Never mind, there were plenty of gorgeous woman in various states of undress, proudly showing what the Good Lord gave 'em.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3LkFgyi4iE0WviG-PfuVFxadD5k98jo2G94-SAmynG6dm93WfYQgOw5FQO1AVbpo3MFFcU8f0hwtKurejyBdTiKl22KR13AAR6BgwhnkhjdvJI3c7VB4fILExI24dHkTUsqxSD4yNr1Y/s642/1000833_603371439697256_140853975_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3LkFgyi4iE0WviG-PfuVFxadD5k98jo2G94-SAmynG6dm93WfYQgOw5FQO1AVbpo3MFFcU8f0hwtKurejyBdTiKl22KR13AAR6BgwhnkhjdvJI3c7VB4fILExI24dHkTUsqxSD4yNr1Y/s400/1000833_603371439697256_140853975_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I loved all the folks hanging out their windows with signs and throwing beads to us in the crowd!<br />
<br />
I loved all the bare breasted women delighting in their nakedness...hmmm makes me wonder if an all nude Dyke March is in the future. Not that I would join in, just sayin.....<br />
<br />
<br />
Estimates were 200,000 attended. Dolores Park was swamped. A little too much for me, but I had to try it once, you know?<br />
<br />
A good day, all in all. And certainly my friends that went with me made it a whole lotta fun. And for a brief moment there, I could fantasize that we did, indeed, take over the world. Rainbow Warriors, all.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CRkwN6IPosvtFx2Jb225Cdm8VYhQgz2HWDzxONKbNz4RA8tMEColOgbeWNYyrtOKYgsF4LiyW6SmpjO3RfYO3uT57esOwnlUKM-GRPqqC1sCNqCOVKASBWX4UTWld5BU9VmM9YAADrJt/s640/pole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CRkwN6IPosvtFx2Jb225Cdm8VYhQgz2HWDzxONKbNz4RA8tMEColOgbeWNYyrtOKYgsF4LiyW6SmpjO3RfYO3uT57esOwnlUKM-GRPqqC1sCNqCOVKASBWX4UTWld5BU9VmM9YAADrJt/s640/pole.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />Taradharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17665801586196931603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477033965977348566.post-70744396084647829072013-06-27T00:16:00.000-07:002013-06-27T00:16:24.277-07:00History is Made!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5ENa4aIhl2Ch-_HWO5x8YdfBAGFpXdgbeV-khvPJyI2NGDq8OceZlbeQbLmGDhrxZ8B7Lm_EFuMdP91YOECay0MTl04sjjxNk70Zc3cauA2CLCbtkerR7QmDzDHYy3_5f0781mRaeB-_/s1600/News.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5ENa4aIhl2Ch-_HWO5x8YdfBAGFpXdgbeV-khvPJyI2NGDq8OceZlbeQbLmGDhrxZ8B7Lm_EFuMdP91YOECay0MTl04sjjxNk70Zc3cauA2CLCbtkerR7QmDzDHYy3_5f0781mRaeB-_/s400/News.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
It's been a long road. Nine years ago I married in San Francisco when it was briefly legal. It was a celebration of love, friendship and community. It was history in the making. A couple of days later I hopped on a plane to D.C. for a work conference, and there on the television in my hotel room was a video of my wife and I getting married. A surreal experience to see myself on television, on the opposite side of the country.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, once again, I found myself on FOX News (if you can believe it) holding a sign saying "Marriage is for EVERYone" in front of our local community center. I was there, awaiting the news on the Supreme Court decisions on DOMA and California's Prop. 8. Both came in on the side of liberty and justice. You can read about DOMA <a href="http://www.towleroad.com/2013/06/supreme-court-strikes-down-doma-summary-and-analysis.html">here</a>. For Prop. 8 here in California, it means that Prop. 8 was unconstitutional and marriage licenses for same-sex couples must be issued. The Governor can lift the current stay immediately, or wait for the Court of Appeals to lift it, which will take about 25 days.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Personally, there is a tinge of sadness in the middle of all this joy. I am not part of a happy couple proudly proclaiming my love. My story is that my divorce will be final next month. I watched as couple after couple interviewed for television news, saying essentially many of the same things I said 9 years ago. I was sending them my heartfelt good wishes and I hope their unions are long and happy ones. Even though my divorce is imminent, I am still overjoyed that the courts decided this way. It's not about me, it's about justice for countless U.S. citizens.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpN5or9dInLdVHaWaWG9D4injb5BpQaNAvW-cLWXcnLeY4Ll7FU1DkZAyp7ZpGL1uoKXN09D6n1_BkikgA_UdyH0npnO3aGO1c1D4v81mvxWNzaEaeRHezpdJcsebG-ECzQrqLg_hc0QDV/s1600/7750_601648243202909_202488094_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpN5or9dInLdVHaWaWG9D4injb5BpQaNAvW-cLWXcnLeY4Ll7FU1DkZAyp7ZpGL1uoKXN09D6n1_BkikgA_UdyH0npnO3aGO1c1D4v81mvxWNzaEaeRHezpdJcsebG-ECzQrqLg_hc0QDV/s400/7750_601648243202909_202488094_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating at the Press Conference</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2synlKcEKU_OsrVQviE3trfgaDkmyrllcGwGpYoahfiqObAKrr6n0rdtyQ2DqI9ipthCfEIgmoZXjZZR3S-Ax4H7u_LCEf78_K3SQJos4gQ_N9DdGHtQ5kU5oUiQOmPlxFwn5Flwi1FU/s1600/1001445_601641359870264_1910695218_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2synlKcEKU_OsrVQviE3trfgaDkmyrllcGwGpYoahfiqObAKrr6n0rdtyQ2DqI9ipthCfEIgmoZXjZZR3S-Ax4H7u_LCEf78_K3SQJos4gQ_N9DdGHtQ5kU5oUiQOmPlxFwn5Flwi1FU/s400/1001445_601641359870264_1910695218_n.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interviewing with Fox News</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In states where same-sex marriage is legal, with the striking down of DOMA it means that married couples will now be able to file joint federal tax returns, receive over 1,000 benefits formerly offered only to heterosexual married couples. <br />
<br />
We've come a long way, and we still have a long way to go. Securing the right to marry is one of many agenda items to tackle in securing a safe and steady existence for LGBTQIA (Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender/Questioning/Intersex/Allies). A <a href="http://www.bilerico.com/2013/06/stay_motivated_a_short_caution_from_canada.php?utm_source=front_page&utm_medium=top_story&utm_campaign=Top_Story">cautionary note</a> from Canada reminds us to remain vigilant. So we shall.Taradharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17665801586196931603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477033965977348566.post-61780151214937220792013-06-26T01:00:00.000-07:002013-06-26T07:22:44.123-07:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPck9O6ffQOKIiO2ORw8hMqq1RJcq6hyWKO20Po-p4UmrKAs_m_XYNdTtCzFw3TLwouvfvbGKJp8TqL_M3IpNWPXptQ1Kv3RZGXo8kq3LYja0nfobd3Qj_4VqvBy3MOuYL42ZPL98bayst/s1600/994141_647742048587063_695293901_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPck9O6ffQOKIiO2ORw8hMqq1RJcq6hyWKO20Po-p4UmrKAs_m_XYNdTtCzFw3TLwouvfvbGKJp8TqL_M3IpNWPXptQ1Kv3RZGXo8kq3LYja0nfobd3Qj_4VqvBy3MOuYL42ZPL98bayst/s1600/994141_647742048587063_695293901_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Taradharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17665801586196931603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477033965977348566.post-87917253276810178452013-06-25T11:43:00.001-07:002013-06-25T11:43:05.142-07:00Radical Self-LoveA friend gave a great gift recently. Her gift was information, background and perspective on something that had been troubling me for a long time. Her gift liberated me; freed me from all the ruminations I've been grappling with. Cryptic, I know, but I don't feel I want to share more. Except to say that sometimes a real friend holds back (rightly so) and other times comes forward with much needed feedback. I've already made it through the crisis, but her honesty with me freed me from the fear of ever having to doubt myself over this again. Ever. <br />
<br />
Which leads me to this quote, "It is not my destiny to be self-sacrificing for fear of disappointing someone or hurting other people, but instead <b><i>my responsibility to protect, love, and honor my well-being and happiness</i></b>."<br />
<br />
That's really all any of us can do. If everyone took full ownership of that, think how much simpler our communications could be. Could you honor that in someone else? It's a fine line, a 2 inch Wallenda, if you will. How to protect oneself while staying open to serving others. (No doubt mental health workers grapple with this every day.) Like the burnt out mother who snaps at her children and just needs a respite. Like the overworked, overburdened employee who once found the job a challenge and a joy and now has completed disengaged. Where did the self-care go? Where's the balance?<br />
<br />
In all of this activity of dating I am doing, I would do well to remember, and act on, the honoring of my well-being and happiness, above all else. It is the only thing I can do to remain true and authentic, to have a <i>real me</i>, <i>present,</i> when the time comes to love. <br />
<br />
Yesterday I read a great post about NICE girls & boys. It was called <a href="http://rediscoverthemagic.com/the-curse-of-being-good/">How Being Good Can be a Curse</a> and it speaks to all the barriers to good self-care that have been drummed into us since we were knee-high to a grasshopper. At the end, she asks readers, "<span style="font-size: 16px;">Are you are ready to give yourself permission to be YOU? If not, what are you waiting for?" What, indeed. For someone like me, who has spent a life-time trying to read others' needs and address them ahead of my own, the work is going to be hard. But I'm willing to begin.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>Taradharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17665801586196931603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477033965977348566.post-90441867451581100952013-06-24T01:00:00.000-07:002013-06-24T01:00:05.073-07:00Monday Musings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4Diva-nQoznmNGjgK1ojItk_0AtDCSyFGbVouMkir18-1nEXdOBeT1P4xTg7ByWyIa4qfj1TPK2q5v2ezEZjQQOZgCLJtLzmUR9oIw6G6N-qwOLdal1BWudk6E9FBHHYneyK0Lj8ck3m/s1600/16826_347898081991139_988518526_n-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4Diva-nQoznmNGjgK1ojItk_0AtDCSyFGbVouMkir18-1nEXdOBeT1P4xTg7ByWyIa4qfj1TPK2q5v2ezEZjQQOZgCLJtLzmUR9oIw6G6N-qwOLdal1BWudk6E9FBHHYneyK0Lj8ck3m/s400/16826_347898081991139_988518526_n-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
That Lao Tzu has been lobbing great wisdom to us over the centuries. Sometimes we forget we're not the first humans to be experiencing LIFE. There are wise ones that have gone before us, and we're lucky to still have the gifts of their experience.<br />
<br />
This particular quote resonates, because I was headed down a path, in response and reaction to something I thought <i>happened to me</i> and by golly, I had to respond in kind. Not kindly. Certainly not kindly. But tit for tat. I had quite the scenario in my head, and an elaborate fantasy of how it would all play out.<br />
<br />
I did awake from this revenge fantasy. No one was harmed in the machinations of my devilish mind. Except me. I am surprised at the depth of my primitive angry self at times. This was one of those times. Now that I've let the feelings go, I feel at peace again, with a renewed sense that I can always always take refuge in the Dharma. It's where love and sanity wins. It's where self-respect resides. <br />
<br />
How do you wake up? What brings you back to your essential goodness?Taradharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17665801586196931603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477033965977348566.post-78014047752366430502013-06-23T16:56:00.003-07:002013-06-23T16:56:56.432-07:00Zen ResonanceI read these two things today and they really went "ping!" deep down.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li> Being enlightened isn't something you <i>become</i>, it is something you continually <i>do</i>. </li>
<li>"There are no enlightened people, there is only enlightened activity." Suzuki Roshi </li>
</ul>
<br />
I often harbor the mistaken belief that if I just meditated long enough or correctly enough that I would become this enlightened person. But, as in all things, it's not until we put in motion our intentions and beliefs that we reap the rewards of being awake. I think some people call this walking your talk. Suzuki Roshi takes a huge load off me. I don't need to be an enlightened being in order to feel worthy of existence. I can just be. And I can do things, make choices about my responses and reactions, every moment of every day. Sometimes my choices are going to be skillful and mindful, other times they are going to come from a deep unconscious place with no mindfulness whatsoever!<br />
<br />
Welcome to the human race. Taradharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17665801586196931603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477033965977348566.post-80855917499246722412013-06-21T01:00:00.000-07:002013-06-21T08:43:37.706-07:00TGIFI'm leaving the old URL behind and switching to this one: outofthelotus.blogspot.com. If you're a regular reader, and want to continue, please adjust your links.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReXcTACoIIQLmpzfDXaeb-74tjdq92kxb1MFUSS0m-K9jYFVJAvicWesgaqRZYDN5Cx9Xzyf1aJ0LfyPVLdhJTyamUUGkraaoFqdnfjazbCJYAX7CU0XOTI_2eGa136VyUuv9rWv9In60/s1600/clear.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReXcTACoIIQLmpzfDXaeb-74tjdq92kxb1MFUSS0m-K9jYFVJAvicWesgaqRZYDN5Cx9Xzyf1aJ0LfyPVLdhJTyamUUGkraaoFqdnfjazbCJYAX7CU0XOTI_2eGa136VyUuv9rWv9In60/s320/clear.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I've been posting on the former URL for many many years now, so it feels like moving into a new house to switch: I've got no history here. New from here on out. If you want to revisit the other site, go to it <a href="http://taradharma.blogspot.com/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
I've been on the road a lot lately, and Saturday I hit it again to watch a Giants game at ATT Park. I've never been there so I'm very excited. To add fun to the trip, I'm driving to Vallejo and taking the ferry from there directly to the park. I love being on the water!<br />
<br />
I feel so lucky to be living in Northern California. Several good wine regions (not just Napa anymore), Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, San Francisco are all within my reach. <br />
<br />
Happy Friday to you! Hope you have the kind of weekend that you wish for. Taradharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17665801586196931603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5477033965977348566.post-86169520268340020342013-06-20T17:05:00.003-07:002013-06-20T17:05:28.452-07:00Babes in ParadiseThe kids just went on a vacation to Oahu. My grandson will probably not remember it when he's older (just like my niece doesn't remember her jaunt to <i>freakin' Ireland </i>when she was 3 years old) but they have the photos to prove he was there.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MUYIXiZhQALv5JLY4vqvEq1EYBKREkDu1cOR1dZYE6IpL1s2kyHn7hPfLBC8LVMLcrdruDSmkSSADuyZkra8ASF4dxlOpUWeNIoaxeCALL_kfq0lg6Px2XQ1mmWq3URucKviOpWj6E2-/s1600/994171_10151702190715309_274802549_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MUYIXiZhQALv5JLY4vqvEq1EYBKREkDu1cOR1dZYE6IpL1s2kyHn7hPfLBC8LVMLcrdruDSmkSSADuyZkra8ASF4dxlOpUWeNIoaxeCALL_kfq0lg6Px2XQ1mmWq3URucKviOpWj6E2-/s400/994171_10151702190715309_274802549_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dude's a world traveler at 23 mos.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9qONK8g8MTo8gWKplxS9_NNMpi1ErNS4etMWBA4yoSX10In55YFuGFqFozvKCvlbSe3VHGZeY6cxPUUqX9zA02k-8YEZ5wPDWsrk3Ng-PEKk37o1jqeQNZsXdGKlLhm4gncg9zzXIWFI/s1600/998253_10151707577590309_787597109_n-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9qONK8g8MTo8gWKplxS9_NNMpi1ErNS4etMWBA4yoSX10In55YFuGFqFozvKCvlbSe3VHGZeY6cxPUUqX9zA02k-8YEZ5wPDWsrk3Ng-PEKk37o1jqeQNZsXdGKlLhm4gncg9zzXIWFI/s400/998253_10151707577590309_787597109_n-1.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Okay, I know I'm his grand ma, but how deliciously adorable is this little guy? </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7quOMD1MSdRki1y-prApWA57F68RjiF3rtVc12lGkGNr8fmsa_IRF4Fabp1FDeKSMLVha7HGGWfu7O-tZGcjLer-YCkqCEBn8JfNUgn-SXOVqZr5g_ubGqXIXykJZnoxlP1g5riFAjLBF/s1600/998997_10151711769570309_1804251571_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7quOMD1MSdRki1y-prApWA57F68RjiF3rtVc12lGkGNr8fmsa_IRF4Fabp1FDeKSMLVha7HGGWfu7O-tZGcjLer-YCkqCEBn8JfNUgn-SXOVqZr5g_ubGqXIXykJZnoxlP1g5riFAjLBF/s400/998997_10151711769570309_1804251571_n.jpg" width="400" /></a>And his parents, well, they are mighty cute, too. This vacation celebrated her graduation from college before she starts her graduate work.<br />
<br />
They deserved it big time. Vacationing with a child this age is always a challenge, but they managed to get out and about and keep him from sunburn.<br />
<br />
Can't wait to get my hands on him. Nom. Nom. Nom.Taradharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17665801586196931603noreply@blogger.com