bonbu: a foolish being

I have moved

2011-11-04T13:31:00.001-04:00

Attributed to Jan van Scorel [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons I am now writing my blog at markjacobina.wordpress.com head over there, read and join in a discussion.

Fear and Bigotry

2011-09-23T11:21:00.002-04:00

No one shows respect for for someone risking his life for them while they sit on their behinds Something very telling happened last night at the GOP Fox News/Google Debate. Army service member Stephen Hill was booed and jeered and, moreover, none of the presidential candidates stood up for him, acknowledged his service, or even thanked him for his question, as would be routine. But how

First rain of fall

2011-08-24T18:39:00.001-04:00

Late August morning rain the curtains are no match they cannot hold back the arrival of the first cool morning wind prophesying the end of summer, the beginning of that time when our Ancestors told stories inside an ancient school the late August rain heralds endings, beginnings unknown

Gene, as a Teacher

2011-08-11T14:21:00.002-04:00

Thoughts on the passing of the Patricarch of my L'Arche family in DC.On White Ashes (Hakkotsu no Gobunshø) This letter by Rennyo Shonin is usually read by Shin ministers at funeral services. Now, if we look realistically at the nature of human life, we see that it is fleeting and unpredictable, illusive almost. Birth, life and death pass by in the twinkling of an eye. Thus we never hear of the

School Boy Mark

2011-07-08T14:20:00.002-04:00

Last Saturday's mail caused a shout to wake up the neighborhood, if anyone was asleep at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. The delivery included the "big envelope" from the University of Pittsburgh emblazoned with the message, "Congratulations . . . " Starting August 29th I will be doing something I haven't really done for 34 years, going to school.Wow. What am I getting myself into? Between now and

My new kitten

2011-05-25T13:08:00.001-04:00

Meet Neko Since last we met . . . I've got a big addition to my world. Well actually she is very small, but she has taken over a huge part of my heart. A fellow Cannon Coffee regular came in one day last month and said, "Does anyone what a kitty? My sister has some that she giving away." Before she was done talking I had said, "Yes!" A devastatingly cute grey tiger kitten showed up a few

One of the most important videos I've ever watched

2011-04-19T21:12:00.003-04:00

This woman is changing my life Dr. Brene Brown One of those books that you force your friends to read My therapist introduced me to Dr. Brown with this video of her TED lecture from a while back. It resonated so well with me and my experience, with the people I have known and admired, that I downloaded her book, The Gifts of Imperfection right away. Be expecting this gift for next

Mark goes to College

2011-04-07T15:40:00.002-04:00

Mark goes to college I am only about 35 years late getting my application in. This week I finally took action on something that I have been pondering for quite some time. I met with the recruitment manager at the College of General Studies at the University of Pittsburgh. I decided to get over my fear of asking stupid questions and dive into the idea of going to school. Brett was very

Opening Day 2011

2011-04-01T19:33:00.009-04:00

Baseball is the only major sport that appears backwards in a mirror. ~George Carlin, Brain Droppings, 1997 Today is Opening Day for the most perfect game ever played by humans. Baseball Baseball is so beautiful to watch and play. It did help that my team started gloriously today. (Walker's slam lifts Bucs past Cubs) Never mind that the weather is not cooperating. Never mind that our first

2011-03-30T12:54:00.002-04:00

Created by Oatmeal

Tea with Milk

2011-03-03T23:05:00.001-05:00

Evening with Grandmother a memory of youth just this moment as I poured the milk into my black tea after a busy day of domestic chores and the blessing of cooking a good meal, just this moment pouring the milk into my tea I could smell my grandmother's kitchen last thing before bed tea with milk a prayer book in Italian the St Ann's chaplet the quiet secure peace ~ ~ ~

the feather: waiting

2011-03-03T22:10:00.000-05:00

a very good new blog that I am following. This post captures an image that is imprinted deeply in me, that of the cherry trees of DC, waiting for the spring.the feather: waiting: "empty cherry tree branches spread wide - waiting"

Just what is a bonbu?

2011-02-09T17:38:00.002-05:00

bonbu: a foolish being Every once in a while something happens to remind me about what I am doing, seeking, and what is important in my life. As many of you know, about eight years ago I embarked on the task of dealing with depression and what eventually I would come to identify as a diagnosis of Bipolar II. This is a serious, even life threatening, illness like cancer and needs to be treated.

from the department of Oh Well

2011-02-03T15:21:00.001-05:00

I just spent over two hours typing up an insightful post on happiness.When I went to post it from BlogPress it vanished. Totally. In its place, I offer this, more helpful, tweet that I read this morning:“@Maynard72: "Treat every moment as your last. It is not preparation for something else." ~Shunryu Suzuki”- Posted using BlogPress from my iPadLocation:

Football in Heaven

2011-01-06T15:32:00.001-05:00

Tom Brady, after living a full life, died. When he got to heaven, God was showing him around. They came to a modest ranch house with a Patriots flag hanging in the window."This house is yours for eternity, Tom," said God. "This is very special; not everyone gets a house up here."Tom felt special, indeed, and walked up to his house.On his way up the porch, he noticed another house just around the

Looking for something good to do in 2011?

2010-12-31T11:08:00.001-05:00

Nothing But Nets Campaign Join me in supporting this group that directly saves lives. Malaria kills so many in the world, but because the victims don't have money it is not being researched aggressively. A simple mosquito net can save many lives. Make a difference in 2011. Thanks, Mark

What I am thinking about

2010-12-15T17:51:00.002-05:00

Thinking is just thinking Why should I give more weight to the circular and troubling worries and anger than wondering what I am going to have for lunch. They are both just thinking. Nothing to fight or feel shame about. Just thinking. As the eye sees the light and color, the mind thinks thoughts. No such thing and "empty space" Things to do not take up space, they reveal, express it.

Poem on a fall day

2010-11-22T16:08:00.003-05:00

Patterns on a windy and warm fall day outside the main library 11/22/2010 ------------ The leaves, wind-scattered on cobblestones blown into the same shapes and patterns of the stars and the galaxies above, that is to say, no-pattern. Ours are the patterns of our own minds brilliantly projected onto the great planetarium sky-vault of our ideas. We, no different than those ancients who

Human Culture is diversity

2010-11-04T11:25:00.000-04:00

Wisdom is in our diversity In the midst of World Culture (and oppression in some places) it is important to realize that so much of what we have learned as a species is housed in our languages and various cultures. I am fully enthralled in the developing universal human connections fostered by technology. The most important outcome of this are the ideas of universal human rights and the dignity

Amazing "Testimony"

2010-10-31T09:56:00.000-04:00

It Gets Better Randy Roberts Potts reads a letter to his gay Uncle Ronnie, who met an untimely death in June of 1982.

Look down

2010-10-31T09:30:00.002-04:00

Enlightenment is at your feet On a wonderful August day I went for a walk with a friend in the Phipps Conservatory outside garden. I was struck by this flower. I purposely added my foot to the frame. In the several times I worked with this photo, however, I was so focused on the flower that I no longer noticed my foot! At any rate, I like this photograph because it serves as a reminder that

Remembering a hat trick on hat night

2010-10-31T01:56:00.000-04:00

Just because it is so cool Lets Go Pens!

Fall Day, Crossing

2010-10-29T17:37:00.002-04:00

Amida Buddha's compassion Crisp air, cool sun, hurried cloud, the river surface set vibrating by wind and currents, the bridge strains, labors to carry the crossers over to the other side - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Crossing Rivers

2010-10-21T15:08:00.004-04:00

Load up the zipcar, papa, we're moving again.New stomping groundsDon't worry, I'm just changing neighborhoods, not moving out of the best place in the Universe.In response to particular needs for respite services we are going to use our house on Troy Hill more intensely. I start living there today.Troy HillWikipedia has a good short introduction to the neighborhood and here is a good set of

Things I think about (2)

2010-10-16T13:29:00.002-04:00

Truth is perception, perspective is everything I recently learned from some VSPs (very smart people) that the Actual Universe is much larger than the Observable Universe. Remember when the super structures of billions of galaxies, each formed of billions of stars stretching out to unimaginable distances, was a big thing?They now tell me that the Observable Universe is to the Actual Universe as

I really, really like autumn

2010-10-13T11:11:00.002-04:00

falling leaves hide the path so quietly ~John Bailey, "Autumn," a haiku year, 2001, as posted on oldgreypoet.com Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn. ~Elizabeth Lawrence Fall is possibly my favorite time of year. Especially here in western Pennsylvania. The weather, crisp yet delicious sun, like sharp apples. Football on still green grass (yeah we play it on

Things I think about (1)

2010-10-12T13:44:00.002-04:00

I find that there are a few ideas and concepts that keep showing up in my mind. Something I overhear on the street, something I see from the bus, or something that I read online, starts a chain reaction in my head returning me to the same themes. I'd like to share some of them with you. The Skillful Means of the Bodhisattva The white daylight shone over all the world, the endless

It's not that mysterious. Really.

2010-10-10T15:13:00.001-04:00

Markus "Uku" Laitinen of Espoo, Finland is onto the truth:Sitting zazen with my kids. - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Too much caffeine

2010-10-10T13:55:00.001-04:00

Enjoying a binary day. 101010But this Buddhist Thought: Not binary nor quantum. Not on, or off. Not not on, nor not off. Neither on and off, nor not not on and off. Entirely empty, made up of non-self elements.I eat a bagel. - Posted using BlogPress from my iPadLocation:Sarah St,Pittsburgh,United States

Kindness?

2010-10-07T16:27:00.001-04:00

Check out this poem on kindness in a blog I recently discovered (like today). And keep your eye on Full Contact Enlightenment. I am.****In other news . . .It's a great day for hockey!!

Random n'at

2010-10-06T16:18:00.000-04:00

Stealing a title and idea from one on my favorite blogs, That's Church, I present a post of just stuff I am thinking about. source 1. My Intolerance As I meet and follow more folks on Twitter, Facebook and elsewhere, including, gasp, in person, I am increasing challenged by my own intolerance of other spiritual outlooks. First. I consider myself religious, a Buddhist. That said, I don't "

Sangha

2010-10-05T17:26:00.000-04:00

A Community of Practice Common to all Buddhists is the three-part "taking refuge" in the Buddha, Dharma and the Sangha. Traditionally, the sangha is viewed as the community of monastics well versed and advanced in the way taught by the Buddha, the living continuity of those teachings passed on to us. Sangha can also be seen as the human chain of individuals reflecting on the nature of

Values

2010-09-30T11:09:00.002-04:00

Thinking about my Values For some reason I have been thinking about my values and goals for my life. I'm sure that it has to do with my move here to Pittsburgh or thinking about my 51st birthday next month. At any rate, over the last few days I have been working on this statement of my values as a base for goals to work on this year. These are statements of things I value, not things that I

Who is the Buddha?

2010-09-27T15:00:00.002-04:00

"O Saichi, who is the Buddha? He is no other than myself. Who is the founder of Shin Buddhism? He is no other than myself. What is the canonical text? It is no other than myself." -- Asahara Saichi (1850-1932) - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Sunday spontaneous road trip

2010-09-07T12:35:00.003-04:00

Clubman (yes, all Zipcars have names) seemed a little relieved when I picked him up on a whim after my plans to join Neal and Michael on John's boat fell through on Sunday. I don't think he didn't want to be alone on the holiday weekend. Clubman and I picked up Neal a few minutes later. We didn't have a plan of where and what to do, but Route 30 into the hills of western PA seemed enough of a

Happiness is a sweet bit of technology

2010-09-04T16:12:00.001-04:00

There is a new love in my life. Here you see me and my iPad syncing for the first time. Yes, I am That Guy. If you doubt it, just ask Neal, who had a front row seat for my happy dance. And took photos. Now on to figure out BlogPress and other apps . . . - Posted using BlogPress from my iPadLocation:Dunster St,Pittsburgh,United States

Turning

2010-09-02T13:22:00.001-04:00

I can feel it, even in this heat At night, when it doesn't think you will notice Summer is turning turning, not letting go, not grasping one thing, another summer, old, yielding to the earth, dried leaves, fruit on the ground watch and learn ..........

Love is truth

2010-08-19T18:02:00.000-04:00

Random thoughts on love from a racing mind. A friend's status post on Facebook: "When you visualized a man or woman carefully, you could always begin to feel pity. That was a quality God's image carried with it. When you saw the lines at the corners of the eyes, the shape of the mouth, how the hair grew, it was impossible to hate. Hate was just a failure of imagination." -Graham Greene, The

At work in the mountians and falling in love at work

2010-08-12T11:30:00.002-04:00

On Vacation with Eummaus Community Emmaus is spending five days in the Laurel Highlands of western Pennsylvania at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. Though I am working, it is a great time to enjoy being together. I am getting to know the residents and staff better, espceially the folks from the other houses and the office. It is good to be up in the hills again. Fresh air, blue-green

St Francis on Patience

2010-08-06T00:08:00.001-04:00

[source] Today I have been thinking about patience. Ah, no, correction: today I have been angry. Bothered by difficulties and work and such. Not burning mad all day, just annoyance that a few times boiled up to a froth. Knowing myself and how my brain works (or doesn't), I know this means that I have to take care of my mental hygiene. But it also reminded me of something in one of my

Coffee

2010-07-30T18:21:00.001-04:00

I like coffee As you already know, Cannon Coffee on Brookline Blvd is my main hangout here in the neighborhood. It has good coffee, internet, good people, and they have made the shop a meeting place for the community. I am there at least four times a week. You may hear me read some poetry on mic nights, 8 PM on Wednesdays. So, since it is such an important thing in my life, I thought I would

Two "This is not" poems

2010-07-30T16:46:00.007-04:00

1983 Ford F150 4x4 This Is Not A Country Song thoughts while walking homeafter deciding not to be afraidof being hit by lightning in a summer storm I miss my truck I miss my truck.Not as much as I miss my dogBut I miss my truck No. I miss my dogI miss having a truck Actually I've had four trucksTwo F150's, a Ford Ranger, and a Mazda B4000I don't have a truck nowI want a truck I want an iPad

Something to Enjoy

2010-07-23T15:17:00.000-04:00

Animation Art This amazes me every time I watch it. Check it out here or go to the source page. The credits from BLU follow. BIG BANG BIG BOOM - the new wall-painted animation by BLU from blu on Vimeo. "BIG BANG BIG BOOM: an unscientific point of view on the beginning and evolution of life ... and how it could probably end. direction and animation by BLU http://www.blublu.org

Some New Favorite Things

2010-07-21T18:02:00.002-04:00

OK that last depressing, but important, post was up by itself too long. Time for an upper. Some of my new Favorite Things I find that my work schedule gives me off a good chunk of time (while compressing a whole week's worth of work into a weekend). That gives me an opportunity to seek out some new pleasures and experiences. Some of these I may have mentioned before. Carnegie Library of

Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds

2010-07-16T10:19:00.003-04:00

July 16, 1945 I think that now and again we should pause to remember history, think about it and decide what to do. Today is the anniversary of the first explosion of an atomic bomb. From the Writer's Almanac for today by Garrison Keeler: J. Robert Oppenheimer was the physicist who led the Manhattan Project, which created the atomic weapon. Years later, he said that what came to his

The nature of things is change itself

2010-07-15T16:04:00.003-04:00

Yeah, good luck with that. A sign on the corner of Wood St and Liberty Ave downtown.I was struck with the alternate meaning. Change Of course my life is always changing, as is everything else. My teacher at my temple in Anchorage used to say, "the nature of things is change itself." But even more than usual I have been experiencing it in these last eight weeks. Actually I am mostly

Just a Sip at Twilight

2010-07-06T16:52:00.001-04:00

What to do in the Dog Days of Summer in Pittsburgh So it is hot. How hot? Well, as I walked to the coffee shop I was wondering how hot it was in the old steel mills that crowded the river fronts here. As I write this the current temperature is 94 degrees F. Being off today, I am basically staying inside. I arranged my room, continuing the process of moving in and making it my own. I walked

From the Cool Dad File

2010-07-01T09:56:00.000-04:00

This could have gone very bad, but, on a coolness scale of 1 - 10 this rates a solid 15. I am glad they were able to recover the tooth so the Tooth Fairy didn't have to pay up.

Found Words

2010-06-29T15:29:00.001-04:00

Found on a 3x5 card at Cannon Coffee on Brookline Blvd : Dear Bern - Is there a message for Sandy? Flame, Broccoli, Passion Things will settle into as "known" situation. Continue to "Let Go" & try not to focus on your fears. When you focus on emotion it behaves as if a lens magnifies it. The fear is a form of energy. You would be unhappy if you continued to focus on your fears.

Meet me under Kaufmann's Clock

2010-06-24T11:00:00.001-04:00

Settling in, contined Settling in here in Pittsburgh continues, and I am enjoying it. Today I don't start work on Troy Hill until one o'clock so I am taking some time hanging out downtown (you know how to say it by now). Because I could, I took the time and got off the bus at Station Square and walked across the Smithfield Street Bridge. I stopped for a cup of coffee at Crazy Mocha on Liberty

Driving in the City of Bridges: The Pittsburgh Left and other oddities

2010-06-08T14:42:00.005-04:00

Really, Pittsburgh? OK. Seventh St and Seventh Ave cross Liberty Ave four blocks from each other? And Sixth Ave for practical purposes becomes Seventh St as is crosses Liberty as well? Really? And they wonder why folks get lost in this town. View Larger Map And would it kill you to put up signs telling which way to turn before one notices that he should have turned back there? Or any signs

Mark? What's up with him?

2010-06-05T14:39:00.002-04:00

What the heck is happening with Mark? Well. I moved in to my new digs in Brookline on Memorial Day and started training at my new job at Emmaus Community the next day. Lots, and lots, and lots of stuff to hear, learn and absorb. Lots. But it is all good. I am very happy I joined this outfit. Though it does not have the same kind of community life as L'Arche, they have a warm, person to

Arriving

2010-05-29T17:40:00.002-04:00

An arriving means Also a departure Carrying all your Belongings, baggage Toward change Perhaps hope Arriving at Where you find yourself now Mark

more about moving to the 'brugh

2010-05-17T16:51:00.002-04:00

Today I am in Pittsburgh dropping off most of my worldly belongings at my new home. I am a bit surprised that they fit into so few boxes. I will take that as an accomplishment of simple living. As I transition, I will be sharing a few photos that I take along with a written reflections on what this all means to me. First of all, a list of things that I won't miss about living in Washington

sunny day

2010-05-07T09:41:00.002-04:00

warm wind stirs red flag, tulip tree across the street, the hairs on my arm ________ image from art.com

Pittsburgh dreamin'

2010-04-30T15:24:00.004-04:00

Dear friends, As many of you already know, I have made final plans to move to Pittsburgh. I am here this week firming up plans and investigating possibilities. First of all, I have accepted a job at Emaus Community. Emaus is a non-profit organization serving individuals with developmental disabilities with residential and respite services. I am going to work in the respite

gnar city

2010-04-23T22:47:00.001-04:00

New Poem

2010-04-21T15:55:00.003-04:00

holding hands with the earthon being handed a ball of clay this tangerine-sized red-brownlump of clay still holdsthe coolness of my youth when i used to reach downon a hot sweaty mosquito laden summer dayto grasp the cool hand of the earth now it is reaching out to meafter all these yearsseeking me out, an old friend,now grown, now a man comforting mereassuring me that we will meet againthat i

Piano stairs - TheFunTheory.com - Rolighetsteorin.se

2010-04-15T22:27:00.000-04:00

Yom HaShoah

2010-04-12T09:42:00.000-04:00

The time to remember is now

2010-04-11T22:35:00.003-04:00

http://www.ushmm.org/remembrance/dor/

That time of year again!

2010-04-09T19:35:00.003-04:00

It is good to decide to remember.

2010-03-23T15:36:00.001-04:00

Days of Remembrance are upon us To remember is to commit to action now and to hope for the future.

spring

2010-03-22T10:22:00.001-04:00

quiet rainy day, house finches at the feeder, looking for nothing to do

Spring Crashes In

2010-03-21T11:53:00.002-04:00

Spring's wonderful slap upside the head Yesterday spring arrived with explosive beauty. All the early flowers appeared seeming at once. As I made my way around DC I was overwhelmed by the magnolias, dafodils, ornamental plums, and many others. As I was coming home from Annies Steak House in the wee hours I was taken aback by the scent of a flower tree above me that I hadn't

Bucs vs. Fear

2010-03-21T11:32:00.002-04:00

As The Day Of Opening approches for the Pittsburgh Pirates and us Pirate Fans I offer this Litany against fear of the Bene Gesserit: I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone

Oh Yeah. One more thing I am not worring about

2010-03-18T22:52:00.001-04:00

The Pirates Failing because the season will be over in late May. Oh, I love you, Bucs. I love where you play. I love your park. Why do you make me cry? Of course THIS could happen.

More things that I have decided not to fear

2010-03-16T11:19:00.000-04:00

I am becoming more and more aware of how much we are bombarded by messages of fear. The world is always about to come to an end. We are going to get sick and die from any number of groups, germs or killer bees. These messages come from all directions, left, right and center, environmentalists, fundamentalists, pacifists, and epiphenomenalists. I question this motivation by fear, even for "good

Heroes? Part II

2010-03-07T10:48:00.003-05:00

Following the somewhat rambling and not-so-clear previous post, I offer the following example of what I was talking about. A hero is someone who strives to achieve what they know they can become. Usually we associate this with doing good as we define it for ourselves, but as Mr. Rabeder states, "I do not have the right to give any other person advice. I was just listening to the voice of

Heroes?

2010-03-05T19:31:00.017-05:00

I watched the opening and closing ceremonies of the recent Winter Olympics like everyone, and like everyone I was interested with the performances, the march of the Olympians, the fanfare, etc. Like most folks, too, I wasn't too concerned with the speeches of the Canadian and international Olympic committees. But something caught my ear. Like a note dropped on the floor by the Kings Chapel Choir

Last post about Snowmaggedon

2010-02-19T21:55:00.000-05:00

This is cooler than anything I saw posted so far.

Sidewalk Shoveling Awards

2010-02-08T15:09:00.003-05:00

Snowpocalypse2 Sidewalk Shoveling Awards As I walked around yesterday I decided to make note of some great shoveling jobs and some shameful ones. Sorry I don't I have photos of the winners but I will post google maps. Just click on the names. Note that these are just places that I walked on not in the city in general. Best Residential Sidewalk Clearing Award Apartment Building at the Corner

snowmageddon or snowpocalyse2

2010-02-06T22:12:00.003-05:00

Tweeting and posting to Facebook I spelled the name of this storm many different ways, dropping a's and w's or adding them where they didn't belong. In the heat of the fun (or cold of it) twitter was alive with folks talking to others and the world in general about this great shared event. To be clear, I've experienced two feet of snow many times, but here in DC it is an Event worthy of

More to think about from "this I believe"

2010-02-01T11:38:00.012-05:00

thisibelieve.orgThe Power of Mysteries Alan Lightman - Boston, MassachusettsAs heard on NPR’s Morning Edition, January 2, 2006Read or Listen to this thought provoking essay from a great mind and a great series.

2010-01-28T12:35:00.003-05:00

More about L'Arche in Haiti. thanks for your care and concern.

More on L'Arche Haiti

2010-01-21T12:58:00.002-05:00

David's Reflecitons David was part of the reconstrution work in New Orleans after Katrina. I offer his insights as something to think about. [Click Here] Discuss. More News from L'arche Haiti. Here is a much better place to get news and insight about what is happening with our communities in Haiti. [En français] [In English] Help There is some interest in sending help direct to

Latest News from L'Arche Haiti

2010-01-18T11:57:00.001-05:00

We have received word from our community in Carrefour, Port-au-Prince. http://www.larche.org/update-on-situation-of-l-arche-in-haiti.en-gb.54.139.content.htm Keep holding the Haitian people in your heart.

L'Arche Haiti

2010-01-15T11:10:00.009-05:00

We were relieved to receive news from our sister community in Port-au-Prince that everyone survived the initial earthquake, possibly unhurt. But the story does not stop there. Now I am concerned for them and the other survivors as they may be facing days without water, food and medical care. Our members already have health issues and this strain on them must be very difficult for them and

Haiti Needs Our Money

2010-01-14T00:19:00.001-05:00

My research sent me here. You may want to give elsewhere, but I think we need to give. Rush Limbaugh said the morning after the earthquake, "Besides, we've already donated to Haiti. It's called the US income tax." But you are better than that. The death toll may reach 100,00 and the injured and sick so much more. Let's do what we can.

What I am thinking about these days

2010-01-08T22:35:00.003-05:00

Here a few things that I am reading on the net. They will give you an idea where my head is as we head into 2010. http://sustainablechoices.stanford.edu/ http://www.sustainabletable.org/home.php I am thinking that 2010 is the year that I make the effort to do well by doing good, to take care of myself, my neighbor, and my world. To speak and act for Justice http://

Waiting on happiness

2009-12-31T19:00:00.000-05:00

“@Maynard72: "Treat every moment as your last. It is not preparation for something else." ~Shunryu Suzuki” “@Maynard72: Sometimes, just to be alive is enough. ~Shunryu Suzuki Roshi” When I logged into Twitter today these two tweets were waiting in my timeline. Suzuki-roshi's words have often been a source inspiration for me, at times ambushing me with their truth. I was reminded of something

Changing Years, Lists of Stuff

2009-12-29T20:59:00.038-05:00

As I sat down at a coffee place I like in Dupont Circle indulging in a guilty pleasure, I started thinking of things to change, update, and generally promise to do better in this time of resolutions. Before that I thought it would be fun for you to get to know me better through lists of things. So here a a few caffeine induced revelatory lists of random things that popped into my head:

Celebrating Bradley's Life, Dogs and Us

2009-12-06T10:18:00.010-05:00

This past week I received a phone call from John Cook telling me that his wonderful dog, Bradley had died. Yesterday Mo, Sonny and I joined Elizabeth and John to celebrate with and support them as they are letting go of their friend. Bradley had been a part of John and Elizabeth's family for many years. I have had the joy of sharing a bit of life with him when John and Elizabeth went on vacations

Christmas Lists?

2009-12-03T12:35:00.009-05:00

OK so now that I reconciled to the fact that I got not one of the gifts on my list. I will move on. I may note that Christmas is just around the corner, and don't let the fact that I am not a Christian deter you from buying me gifts. OK, as I said, moving on. <-- Lists can inspire people and angels. Good news mom is going home after a long stay in hospital/rehab. Dad called and left a

Just 13 Shopping Days Until Mark's Birthday

2009-10-23T22:58:00.013-04:00

I wanted to remind everyone that there isn't much time left to shop for my birthday. To help you, because some of you might be wondering just what to give me, I have compiled a short list for you to pick from. You will find, conveniently arranged for you, three choices in each category. 1) The Gold Choice to show just how much you like me 2) The Silver Choice, if you are little strapped for

Just Like Me

2009-08-10T10:54:00.006-04:00

Just Like Me - on taking care of a friend's cats and birds, and the questions I don't like to ask are the birds grateful for the food and the fact that I clean up their poop? I think the cats are, That I feed them and clean up their litter box, that is I have a real affection for mammals but am not so sure of the other guys I guess I would feel the same way about aliens if they landed here

Things are a changin'

2009-08-06T21:02:00.006-04:00

I am feeling like I am making some progress and turning a corner in my life this week. As some of you know I have been wrestling with an old friend, depression, and his attendant gang of symptoms. I have found good doctors and new treatments and they are beginning to pay off. I'd like to thank everyone for the support you have given so freely. As I have written before, I hesitated to write

On Patrol with "America's Battalion"

2009-07-30T22:21:00.003-04:00

Watch this. Pause to think. Think about how war should always be avoided. Think about how it should be prosecuted if it can't be avoided. Think about the ones who fight in our name. Do not avoid thinking about it.

Onboard the Capitol Limited descending with the Youghiogheny river toward Pittsburgh

2009-07-06T07:48:00.008-04:00

Written July 5 Some images from this week: On Thursday I attended a committee meeting (we like committees in L'Arche) at our home in Arlington. As we left, I passed by the dinning room where the house was gathered around the table after dinner. By the light of a candle they were closing the day with prayer, reflection and silence, each according to her own tradition or his own choice. A quick

Steps to take

2009-06-29T22:42:00.008-04:00

A warm but not too hot day here in DC. One can feel the real heat on the way, however. Waking down Q Street with the sun at my back it had that strong radiant feel that makes you prefer to stand in the shade of the traffic light as you wait to cross. I traveled a great part of NW DC catching up with doctors. I am starting to take care of myself a bit better. I find that I have the energy to do

Greetings to old and new friends

2009-06-28T11:50:00.009-04:00

"As faithful listeners will recall . . . " I do like old time radio. I am fairly certain that I don't have many faithful readers left, but I hope to bring some back and meet some new ones. I started this blog in 2005 as a way to chronicle my move from my beloved Alaska to the "terra incognito" of Washington, DC and to stay in touch with my good friends that I left in the Great Land. I went

again . . .

2009-06-27T14:44:00.004-04:00

Like ever . . . I am starting anew. Look for more to come here in this spot. Thank You Mark

Things I like about Pittsburgh that are not sports related.

2009-03-23T17:03:00.004-04:00

A bridge named for Andy Warhol and another for Rachel Carson -- both Pittsburghers. Crazy Mocha, good local coffee and Internet access. Jazz on WDUQ. View Larger Map Ramps. Pittsburgh is just as much the city of ramps as bridges. It's like a real life Hotwheels track. They go high in the air and twist under themselves. Highway engineers have too much fun in this town. Bars were you

from a day retreat at the begining of March

2009-03-14T23:35:00.001-04:00

Late Winter Day Walkon being startled by the noise of geesetrying to land on a frozen pondthe March snow crunches under my stepsbarely stirring the things that sleep beneathI try to remember the names of the flowers that grow theresuddenlythe urgent arrival of noisy geese!in the shock of their din,I forget the name of geeseand the name of snowand the mouldy leaveseven the name of the Earth

Is it time for Baseball yet?

2009-02-19T10:58:00.005-05:00

The Great Pittsburgh Pierogi Race N'at

A City, A People, A Team

2009-02-07T10:11:00.003-05:00

Ever since dancing in the streets with strangers last Sunday evening I've been thinking of writing a reflection on the Steelers and Pittsburgh. Then I read this article this morning in the Post Gazette. Don't be put off by the headline, this is not about sports bragging rights. Are the Steelers the greatest franchise in sports? Team, city weld together like steel Saturday, February 07, 2009

2009-02-04T21:07:00.004-05:00

Here is a link to photos from the Super Bowl Party for the Ages last weekend in Pittsburgh. I plan to share some reflections soon. But for now, here are the photos.

Yinz got six?

2009-02-01T23:04:00.002-05:00

We are dancing in the streets! -- Post From My iPhone

In the Burgh

2009-02-01T14:19:00.001-05:00

Pictures to come but wanted to say this town is going insane. In the streets, decked out in black n gold, it's like Mardi Gras and Christmas and New years all in one! -- Post From My iPhone

The Rockstar Collective Presents: A Yinzer Anthem (One For The First Ring Finger On The Other Hand)

2009-01-31T14:22:00.003-05:00

This is the greatest tawn ever!