They should be on a plane to Bangkok...

If the schedule they told me is still accurate, I would imagine they are sitting on a plane in Kathmandu airport right now waiting to take off soon on their short flight to Bangkok. They lay over there for about a half a day, then it's Japan and the then the long haul across the Pacific!

Another message from Janice...

This morning I received this directly from Janice...

We are heading home tomorrow, at least leaving Nepal. Wow, the time has gone by so fast for me and so slow for Paige.

But back to the trek. Our next mission was to find the special place to string the prayer flags. These flags have flown over my patio for ten years and many well-wishers had written words upon the yellow, blue, white, green and red cotton pages of prayer and life. I have photographed each page so the flags might fade but the words and images will live on forever. Before leaving home I went again to visit my sons grave site and got an rubbing from his head stone and soiled the four corners with the earth. Then each of my children and myself signed the white flag and surrounded Erik with love. These flags were for him and my heart was there also.

As we ascended I knew exactly where I wanted to hang the flags. It would be on the high side of a long old wooden bridge that crossed the rushing glacier water far below. We paused for some time on a large warm rock and I cried rather healthily into my scarf. Paige and Lhukpa allowed me the time and I took it with deep and meaningful sorrow. Then I pointed to Lhukpa that I wanted the flags strung from the modest cedar tree about six above the rock butte and the other end touching the other flags covering the upward side of the bridge. Lhukpa climbed the boulder and the tree to place the at the highest point that he could reach and then secured the other draping side securely. I captured the entire process in my mind as well as through the lens of my video camera. Tears were streaming down my cheeks as my dream was being completed. what a blessing for the flags, the cedar tree and for myself.

From the flags point of view there was and rushing blue grey glacier river far below, wind, snow, endless streams of people and animals. It is the belief that the flags with eventually lose the color, words and cloth back to the earth from where they began. My human flag poles motioned that it was time to move on and I did knowing that a part of myself would remain there forever.

More from Janice this morning...

Got another message directly from Janice...
After we said our good-byes to the Tsedam Sherpa family we began our ascend down the mountain. The two porters (Dali Lama and Kissin' Cousin) heading off with 60 pounds on their backs. Paige was on her own as she really got tired of looking over her shoulder watching for me - I was in great hands with Pumpkin (Lhakpa). Before the three of us officially became separated by altitude we meandered through Namche for the final time. Shop keepers came out to wish us well. "Big Mouth:", from the internet cafe by the bakery, said "Don't forget to send me an iPod."

Paige pulled ahead as we passed through the Blessing Gate and I turned around for one more look at the hamlet in the sky fully covered in fresh white snow. That one photo will remain in my mind all by itself. My Canon camera took a whole bunch of different photos earlier that morning. My devoted Pumpkin was carrying his backpack, my backpack, one of my trekking poles all the while holding out his left arm to guide down each and every stone.

The view --- obviously the snow level had dropped to foot level and all off the hills and mountains above my feet were white. Mountains, big mountain, were off to our right and we clung to the left side of our mountain going ever lower. Moss covered the low forest setting to my left and a rather significant drop was to you right. It sounds so magical until I add into your view the jopjock (they look like cows on steroids with big horns to me) carrying huge loads of everything and wearing cow bells. LOOK OUT when you hear the bells coming up (or down) the trail. I case you are interested - always lean against the hill side when then pass - wide load could knock you off your rocker.

But down we go into the snowless valley of the Himalayan Mountain range. With Pumpkin at my side, and Paige knowing where to wait, I know exactly where to hang my (our) prayer flags. Tomorrow I'll have to fill you in on a great deal as the following morning we fly out of Kathmandu. I can't wait to tell you about the terrific physics gift that I found along the way.

And when they tell you, Don't Feed the Dogs - they meant it an now Paige and I have a much finer understanding of the problem.

Until tomorrow, Namaste

Message from Janice...

Got the following from Janice directly this morning (I had trouble posting it at first)...

I've got my CNN. I have arrived in Kathmandu. Actually, we arrived yesterday with ABD (Altitude Brain Damage). ABD is what Paige and I have been calling our complete loss of short and long term memory. Quite by accident on the way down the hill (12,300 feet down to 8,700 and back up again to 9,000 ft) we met someone who told us that NASA was currently studying high altitude brain damage. If we could remember how to find them we wold have had a good talk. Once we arrived in our Radisson hotel room I was listening to the news and the discussion was about the Philippines - I could NOT remember where that country was to save my soul. Still a little shaky on the topic.

But might I say that we took three days to travel down to Lukla and our pre-assigned schedule called for us to make the TREK in one day. Nope. When we left the Zamling Lodge the entire family came out to say good-bye as we captured it all on video. Tsedam Sherpa, owner and a very honorable man, gave us white blessing scarves to wear on our journey. We did not pay our bill for an eight day stay as our money was in Kathmandu. The payment will be run back up the hill to him as soon as our main Mountain Madness guide returns to Lukla. The honorable Mr. Tsedam Sherpa gave our personal guide, Lhukpa, 5,000 rp to insure our safe journey. Again, I ask if you have not yet sent him an email thanking him for our care and great protection, I beg you to do so. There is a link already set up to do it easily.

Then off we went, Paige, Janice, Pumpkin (Lhakpa) and two porters named Dali Lama and Kissin' Cousin. We were heading down the mountain leaving the Namche Bazaar covered with beautiful white snow and clear blue skies.

Tomorrow I will give you the full account of the three day adventure and the most amazing people that we met along the way. With the three days I was able to ascend with Lhukla holding out his arm to me the entire way while he was carrying my backpack and his own. When you hear the stories will fall into great appreciation of this strong young 26 year old man.

Namaste,

Janice

Kathmandu it is...

Got confirmation tonight (Saturday morning for Janice and Paige) - they are safe and sound in Kathmandu - they were going on another tour of the city today to see more monasteries and Temples. Paige says there her head is still a little "off" from the altitude sickness but we'll get her checked out when she's home on Tuesday - and she says that Janice's knee is doing better. So, pretty good news all around I would say!

Small bit of news - I believe they are in Kathmandu...

OK - again with the short phone call from Paige, so I don't know how accurate my information is here - but I believe she and Janice have made it back to Kathmandu now - I don't have any further information on where they are staying or how they are, but I feel a little better that they have made it that much more into "civilization" :-)

They are in Lukla!

I don't have much information, but I got a very short call on the Sat phone from Paige and an email overnight letting me know that their trek to Lukla is over - they made it! So, next step would be the flight in the small plane from Lukla back to Kathmandu - I believe Paige said they were doing that flight at 6 - but I don't know if she meant 6 pm their time or 6 am their time tomorrow - I'll post as soon as I have solid information on that.

No news heard today...

I know that's not very helpful, but I know folks are watching here for updates on Janice, so thought rather than just leave it "silent" I'd post that I didn't hear anything today and I'm assuming they have just moved into the next day of coming down out of the mountains towards Lukla and the airstrip there. Hopefully they reach Lukla tomorrow (well, it's already tomorrow for them) and/or we hear something from them soon.

One down, two to go

Well, I heard from our princesses this morning -- which means evening for them. They just finished the first leg down the hill from Namche Bazaar. They took it very slow, with lots of time for resting and talking to the kids who were everywhere. They wound up at another village of some kind and will spend the night there.

Their mood is almost ecstatic. I think they're so happy to be on the move that nothing else matters. I'm happy too, of course, 'cause I just want them home.

A link to some images...

All - Paige told me that they may stop in "Monjo" tonight - which she described as a "very small hamlet" - or, if they are making good time they'll continue on to "Pahdking".

A quick Google search netted me these photos someone posted which shows the terrain between Monjo and Pahdking and Lukla - it seems to help me to be able to visualize where they are at :-)

Click here to see pics of where Janice will be today

Leaving Namche Bazar...

It's Tuesday morning for Janice and Paige in Namche Bazar - I just got this email from Janice...

I can't leave Namche without telling you about our experience after my internet blogging last night. It was snowing and getting dark yet we stopped next door for hot chocolate and donuts. THEN when we walked out of the cafe Paige started dancing and singing, "Dancing in the snow, just dancing in the snow," in true 40's style. Lhukpa (lock-paw) joined in with her. Store keepers came out to see all of the laughter - mostly from me. Those two children finally broke out into a complete snowball fight. Paige thought that she had the advantage over a born mountain boy (with no sisters).

That went on all of the way up the hill (big hill) and we laughed all through dinner. Last night we had the heater and two hot water bottles. Yummmmm

This morning the skies are sunny and clear. Warm as toast and snow melting as fast as butter on a stove. We had breakfast and met our two porters and packed it all up. Our final farewell to the owner, his wife and daughter are loving caught on tape.

The owner GAVE me the amazing mask I had been watching on the wall and blessed us with two silk scarves for safe travels. A bitter sweet goodbye.

We loved our week in Namche and store keepers all along the cobble stones are waving to us as we leave.

My legs are great, my head is high and Paige (along with Lhukpa and two porters) will get us safely down to Lukla. We are truly blessed and we will be just fine. Talk to you from Lukla.

Namaste,

Janice

Direct message from Janice...

Today is our last day in Namche:-( We have truly become a part of the community. We have tea and finger chips (french fries) with the honored owner of the Zamling Lodge. He talked about his mother who still lives in Namche very near to his lodge. Honor and respect are worth so much more than money. It seems to be the one thing you can never get again if you lose it.

While we were chatting we'd occasionally look out of the window and watch the snow flakes falling all around. Hot tea, good friends, warm heater and snow - what a blessing.

I fail to mention that the day we hiked seven hours to the doctor we took the short cut back and walked across the reported highest airport runway in the world. No signs, no planes, no terminal, no rights just one flat and level piece of land. Our summit that day was 13,000 ft, our highest point on the trip.

Just a note to Leianna, my personal shopper and friend, from REI - I got your stones. On our day hike to the doctor we stopped for a Coke and water where I could photograph my prayer flags. I asked Lhukpa to find me some small stones to hold down the flags and he got four precious small pieces of rock. Then I decided these rocks are for Leianna - so I took pictures of the outdoor cafe and the rock piles from where they came. You will be getting the soon.

Tomorrow we are indeed heading down. Most people are scheduled to do it in ONE day. Not us we are taking four - maybe three. We're going slowly and safely with no pressure at all. It seems that one of my many problems (besides snoring) is that I stop to talk to all of the children and all of the animals. Can't help it!

We are safe and we will stay that way. After a three to four day hike down we will fly back to Kathmandu one day earlier. That means nothing as days mean nothing. You got up with the sun and you go to bed with the moon.

To all of the dancers at Long Dance I will see you in September but be with you everyday. At Long Dance Alya and the other fire keepers will keep us warm and I will dance all night - my prayers were answered.

I will be in touch as soon as we reach another internet cafe - until then the boys will report our travels through text messages via sat phone.

Namaste to all,

Janice

Snow in Namche Bazar...

I got a brief phone call from Paige on the Sat phone this morning - she described the snow there to me as wonderful and beautiful (although the natives said it was early in the year for snow at that altitude) . She said she and Janice "played" in it - even had a snowball fight - so I'm going to assume it wasn't the sort of storm that should have any of us concerned. She did tell me that she asked the guides if it might affect their starting their walk back out tomorrow morning - and his response was to point at his ankle and say "if the snow gets to here, no problem", then point to his knee and say "if the snow gets to here, no problem", then he pointed to his waist and said "if the snow gets to here, then we talk". So, hopefully no waist-high snow overnight ;-)

One more day in Namche Bazar...

The news received today was that Janice and Paige will spend on more day (it's Monday morning for them already) in Namche Bazar and then tomorrow morning (so Tuesday morning for them) they plan to start the three day walk back down to Lukla. I'm taking it as a good sigh that they are feeling healthier if they are saying they are up to this next leg of their return journey!

Let's all send some positive energy their way...

In the middle of that post below from Janice, I put an "edit" saying I would find out how we could all contac the owner/manager of the Hotel these ladies are staying at - well, I got that information from Paige tonight (Sunday morning from them).

To remind everyone what this is about...

Here was Janice's request on this: "please email them (the man who runs the Zamling Guest House) with extreme kind words for taking such good care of Janice and Paige."

Here is what Paige sent me in an email a few days ago: "Could you please write an email to the owners of Zamling Guest House - they have taken us in and treated us like family. They even brought us hot water bottles for our beds last night as the rooms are not heated. It would mean a great deal to me if you could honor them that way. Honor and respect go so much further here than money."

Click here to send Tsedam an email

Or, if for some reason that link doesn't work for you, here is the email address: tsedam2002@yahoo.com

A direct message from Janice...

Got the below in an email from Janice tonight (so Saturday morning her time)...

First of all I really want to thank Roger for translating our mixed messages. Four ( of three) days ago when we arrived in Namche Bazaar I thought that we were both in trouble. No, I knew I was in trouble due to the fall onto my right knee and the left knee dragging me to a halt - but my REI pants did not tear - just my flesh. No real bleeding as it was too deep to bleed. Our guide asked for our first aid kit but it was in our main pack. We had planned to only become injury in our beds.

After that mishap three guides huffed and puffed pulling and pulling me up the remainder of the 1800 ft climb to Namche. Right knee badly bruised and left kee in pain. OOps.

We truly struggled to climp 2600 ft in one day at a incline greater than 45 degrees. I got to the tea table at our lodge Zambling Guest House (www.zamblingguesthouse.com - please email them with extreme kind words for taking such good care of Janice and Paige) I could only sit for a few minutes and Carol said that Paige really needs to see you.

** edit by Roger - I don't think that website exist - both Paige and Janice told me it, but it doesn't seem to exist - I'll see if I can track down a way for us all to send them email - end of edit by Roger **

I climbed 15 more steps to our room and found Paige in her sleeping bag with two blankets on top of her and she was nearly lifeless. Our main guide Tschring came into check on her. Nausea, head aches, lifeless, COLD, and one plastic straw from her REI water bladder laying by her pillow. They brought her warm tea, more water, more blankets aamd kept a good eye on her. It was dark and we could NOT have gone up (4 hours up to airport) or down ( 8 hour climb down) - nothing to be done until morning.

I stayed awake until she warmed up and could sit up to drink some water. We were both going to survive the night.

I did notice that all of the way from Kathmandu to Namche we had two crows following us. As soon as Paige got sick we only had one crow. Crows are Roger's totem - I think he's mad at me. Today we asked him to pray fro both us this morning and now two crows have returned. Thanks Roger.

I will soon tell you about he next two days and especially the 7 hour hike to the hospital. I'm sure that makes perfect sense up here but I'm new. Last night snow level dropped to 40 yards above our lodge. We're cold.

More later,

REI Rocks
Mountain Madness Rocks
Long Dance Rocks
Husbands Rock,

Janice

Staying put

I heard from Janice last night (complete static, inaudible) and again this morning for a short time. I don't know if it's all Iridium satphones, or just that one in particular, but we're sure not getting good clean calls.

Anyhoo, Janice and Paige spent 7 hours hiking to see the doctor. (Hmm, right off the bat that sounds like a bad idea to me.) This was as much for insurance purposes as actual damage control. Other than that, the ladies are finding it very pleasant in Banchi Bazaar (I probably have that wrong, but I know there's shopping there) and they're staying for a few more days. Then they're taking 3 days to hike back down to Lukla where they will meet the rest of their party.

And speaking of the party, they didn't do so well either. The onward trekkers encountered unseasonable rain and snow (so, when is snow unseasonable on Mt. Everest?). As I get it, two returned early and two are pushing on to Base Camp, weather or not. So, by getting injured early in the trek, our ladies may have actually had the best possible experience under the circumstances. (How's that for a positive spin?)

I was hoping she'd be home soon (I miss her) but I guess she'll be taking the full time as planned.

Not much new news...

Sorry to report I don't have much news today - spoke briefly with Paige - she and Janice where going to rest more today and try to walk a short distance outside of Namche Bazar to somewhere they thought they might see a doctor - although that wasn't exactly made clear to me in the short time I had a good connection to their sat phone. Plan still seems to be to rest for a few days then consider the hike back downhill to Lukla. From their, things aren't clear at all yet.

I'm hoping for some emails tonight (their Friday day) - I'll post any updates I get tomorrow morning.

More info...

OK - in an attempt to continue keeping all info possible up here for all to read, I'll post that I bounced a few emails back and forth with Paige tonight (tomorrow morning their time) - they both seem to be in better spirits - which was great to hear! I've been in touch with the travel insurance both of them where certainly smart enough to get on a trip like this (although let that be a lesson to us all - always, always pay for the insurance when you can ;-) and options are being checked on how best to get the two of them home.

More info to come as it's available.

On a positive note...

I felt like things have been sounding a little negative for the past few posts as Dave and I have done our best to simply report what we hear is going on with the two travelers - I just wanted to say that I am overwhelmed with respect and admiration for the effort both these ladies have shown going as far up in the Himalayans as they have! I know, in my heart, that I could not do what they have done - I'm really, really impressed with their accomplishment and know they will return with wonderful stories of their experience.

Confirmed - they won't be going any higher...

OK - again, just to keep the most current information up here for all to know - I got a short call from Paige (so it's very early Thursday morning for them) - before the sat phone cut out (arg, super frustrating) on her, she was able to tell me that they will be staying in Namche Bazar for a few days to recuperate and then do a slow decent back to Lukla to fly out. They will NOT be going on with the rest of the group to Base Camp. She did confirm that she (Paige) was suffering from the extreme altitude and that Janice is indeed having knee problems - she was starting to give me more details on that when I lost the call.

So, I'll get more up here as soon as I have it - let's all send our best wishes their way - I'm sure they can use our supportive thoughts at this point. Thanks.

Possible early end to the trip...

It's been my hope to just report here what I hear from Janice as this trip went on, but this morning I find myself with information gotten through Dave, Janice's husband, which I think is important enough for me to post for all to read even before I get anything directly from Janice or Paige. It sounds like Paige is not adjusting to the altitude well, and that Janice may possibly be having problems with a knee. The end result sounds like they may be cutting their trek short. All I know at this point is that they may stay in Namche Bazar for more than the intended one rest day (possibly three days) and then head back - I would assume that might mean a walk back to Lukla where the airport is, then a flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. This is all just guessing on my part, and I hate to put guesses up here, but I knew it was important for all to know any news I had. I will post more information as soon as I get it.

As high as you're gonna get

I heard from Janice this morning. Their 8-hour hike yesterday was too much for both of them. Janice injured her knee, and Paige didn't accomodate well to the exertion at altitude.

They're aborting the mission. They'll spend a few days in the village they're at now, then hike back down the hill. There'll be lots of time for pictures and journaling, and Janice may be able to get on line and add her own message.

Anyway, all her family and friends are glad she's OK and that she knew when it was too much for her. Come home soon, sweetie. We all miss you.

Talked to Janice and Paige on the sat phone tonight!

First, let me remember to thank Dave Held for getting me an account set up so that I can post these "as myself" rather then Janice - I'm sure that was confusing some - thanks Dave!

On to business - rather than a text from the sat phone, tonight I got a call! Janice and Paige have reached Namche Bazar on the route from Lukla to Base Camp. It was great to hear both their voices, although the stories they told me of the effort it took to do yesterdays march had me nervous at first - they both described it as very trying, to say the least. Apparently they ascended 2600 feet in one day! But, the conversations ended on a positive note - they were getting breakfast to eat, and they get the whole day to "acclimate" to the higher altitude in Namche Bazar. I'm hoping they take it easy - there's more trekking ahead of them.

Namche Bazar, Nepal

Received early this morning...

So that's Monday night for Janice:"Arrived at camp one at 4 pm. I had a crying spree at hour 3 of trail. This is hard stuff! Going forward tomorrow with new attitude! I am freezing - off to bed. J."

Just some links - not a text post from Janice

I thought I would add these - found them searching the internet for information on where Janice and Paige are and how they might be doing (something I spend a lot of time thinking about these days) - the first is a series of pictures I found on Flickr that someone took back in October, 2004 of Lukla Airport, Nepal - so that helps to visualize where they're at, and the time of year is the same, so maybe the weather is just as good - and the second is a link to the weather (just your standard internet weather site - but hopefully accurate) so we can keep tabs on how that might be going for our explorers - the weather sounds wonderful for them today.

Lukla Airport

Weather in Lukla, Nepal

Janice has arrived in Lukla!

This just in from Janice: "Arrived safely in Lukla on 30 yard runway. Easy flt. hard walk today. J."

Got another text this morning

This came in from Janice while I was out and about this morning, so it's a few hours old:"We leave for Lukla in 7 hours. Must now. Today wild, temples, monkeys, cows and crazy traffic. Amazing! Luv, JH".

Last day in Kathmandu

If they stay on schdule, tomorrow Janice will head out of Kathmandu for Lukla where the real trekking begins - tonight she sent the following text:"This day was filled with an amazing tour of temples and shrines. The sacred cows roaming the streets is still amazing. Tomorrow we fly high. JH".

Arrived in Kathmandu!

Got the following text overnight - came in at 2:30 AM California time - Janice is now 12 hours and 45 minute ahead of that:"We are finally in Kathmandu! Unbelievable place, amazing poverty. So much to learn. JH".

got another message tonight!

Got the following text shortly after posting the above: "Hey, we can send messages from plane over Bay of Bengal! Food served is a little funny skipping lunch. Kisses to all. JH".

If it helps anyone to know where that puts them in flight...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bay_of_Bengal

FIRST POST from Janice - in Bangkok!

Hello all - this is being posted by Janice's son-in-law. Janice will be sending me text messages during her Nepal Trek and I'll get them up here as quickly as possible. Thursday morning (yesterday) we saw Janice and my wife (her daughter) off to San Francisco Airport where they flew non-stop to Japan. I got a late night phone call from them saying they were safe (but tired) in Japan - they were trying to rest for a few hours (even though it was mid-afternoon on Friday in Japan at that point) before they would get back on a plane headed for Bangkok, their next stop on their journey. Now tonight I've just received my first text message from Janice - it reads: "Second message, off to Nepal! Love Bangkok! JH". Just to be clear, the first message they sent me was just a test to make sure the satellite phone Janice will be carrying worked (which it seems to be doing well). I'll post any form of communication I get from Janice and Paige so all can follow along as they head toward their final destination - Base Camp of Mount Everest!

Long Dance

For the past three years I have had the privilege of attending a Long Dance. The Long Dance is the annual ritual for the women of the Chumash Native Americans.



It is performed as a gift to and from the earth, fire, wind, air and a bountiful harvest. The ritual is a weekend event for some, a yearlong event for others, with a date set nearest to the autumnal equinox.



Women from all over the country return yearly to dance ALL night around the abundant fire pit warming us as we travel. The journey is for the purpose of returning to our personal goals and our personal misgivings.



Lodges made of heavy canvas are attached to the long poles of the tipi. One lodge is for Grandmother’s and a whole spirited young Blessing Bear is our attendant.



Blessing Bear and I have become loving friends and she keeps me, as well as all Grandmothers, in hot tea and food all night long.



Every sister of the dance has her own personal reason for dancing. Prayers are the main focus of our mental state while circling the fire. Drums begin the ceremony and continue with the beat of the heart until the morning.



The ancient songs and chants of the tribe fill the night air and heart with words of blessings and gratitude. There is so much joy in being with magnificent friends and magic while we strut and talk until dawn. At dawn and as the sunlight hits the fire pit the drums stop suddenly.



The brothers, who have been standing sentry, climb the rocks the top and stand with the eastern sun at their back while the sing the ‘Welcome to the Day’ song that has been sung for hundreds of years. That moment always brings me to tears just knowing that the protection and love from the brothers was such an important element of the journey.



Our strong leader is Hua. She has been dancing all her life for the women of the Chumash. Becomes a leader of a tribe is because of strength, determination and memories.



Hua has all of those components and she commands reverence. Not because of her position but rather because Hua getting angry is something that one does not completely enjoy.



The current and desire and focus of our prayers is to own our own land. Hua promised me that when we get our own land I could build a rock staircase. We found that out as I attempted to build stone steps for all of our sisters.



I love Long Dance and if not for Rhea and Playful Otter I never would have found my way into the night sky of Arro Grande. This year I found something else. A young girl with the sweetest heart stood next to me as we were entering the sweat lodge.



I humbly admitted to Kim that this was my first sweat lodge. Kim said, “me too!” Aha, two sweat lodge virgins, as Hua would say. Kim and I checked in with each other during the three and a half hour event. The lodge ceremony is extremely private as it is a place of prayer. It is wrong to discuss the events within the lodge or to merely photograph the lodge itself.




I can tell you about my prayers and they were totally for our journeying team, six travelers to Nepal. Along with three porters, three yaks and one Nepalese guide who speaks English.




Another sister of the dance was offering face painting and I asked her to paint me a mountain on my forehead. She painted three with a gold spiral in the middle. I danced for 9 hours and each step was dancing toward The Mountain.




By early morning we were gathering our belongings and giving hugs and kisses to all who attended. Kim and I knew that we ought to try to stay in contact. I humbly offered her my citified business card. She looked so surprised and said, “ I just finished my master’s degree in psychotherapy.” I held my breath a little bit and asked, “Where did you go to school?” The magic in her voice and music to my ears she communicated, ”Antioch University in Culver City!” My almamater is Antioch! Blessing abound.




I send all of my respect to the sisters of the dance. I encourage everyone to visit the website for the “Church of Empowerment” and send in your tax-deductible donations so we can buy some land and I can build my staircase of stones.

To my sisters with love,
Sayla