"Paint like a 5 year old" with Marcia Sandmeyer Wilson

Here is the fantabulous Marcia Sandmeyer Wilson with two of her paintings. Two friends from WDC and I went to the Newark Museum of her class in early August. The theme was to get away from self critism and enjoy the painting. The Newark Museum has an incredible program and space for adult creative arts. I definitely want to take more classes.
My friends Elizabeth and Kate beginning to paint.
One in Elizabeth's "Crow watching zazen" series.

I did a "Wood Spider helping me with my zazen" series as a boost to my next mosaic piece. Will need to take a few photos of the paintings to post.

Body, Mind and Spirit Retreat at Tassajara in July

Kenny, Michael and I are preparing to depart from SFZC for the drive to Tassajara.

This little guy looked a little smokey from the fires last summer.
Finishing another delicious lunch with the Body, Mind and Spirit retreat group.
Our last dinner together overlooking the creek was beautifully laid out and fabulous tasting too!
The valley's surrounding Tassajara are beautiful even with the blackened tree's paying testament to last summers fires.

San Francisco Pre-Tassajara Retreat

This is my favorite place to eat pancakes in San Francisco Dottie's True Blue Cafe. It is a tiny place in the tenderloin district. It has a great vibe, great food and great service.

Found this little park by chance walking back to Zen Center.
Wonderful murals adourn the walls and it has a "tell me your story" recording booth to the left. I love the national park style sign.

Below is the money shot that makes everyone think California is some kind of paradise. It was a fabulous day in S.F. But is was fabulous because it doesn't usually look and feel like this photo. I've got to agree with Mark Twain when he lamented that "the coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco".

July Project - Refreshing the Studio/Zendo space

Upon returning from Tassajara with the help of friends I began the process of refreshing the studio/zendo. This entailed washing lots of blankets, windows, walls and floors. Moving the furniture around to apply two coats of tung oil to the heartwood pine floors. Many thanks to Francy, Amy and Elizabeth for their time and efforts.

The floor had not been treated with tung oil since originally laid about 10 years ago. It was beginning to show the signs of many persons and four leggeds coming and going. Below is the surface drying from the application of new oil.
With the bathroom doors closed, this might be a good new location for this cabinet. Waiting to see how the Feng Shui of it feels for a few days before deciding one way or the other.