Help on hand 20200225

It was wonderful this morning when two volunteers agreed to help me stick posters onto frames for the demonstration garden.  They ended up doing all of them and doing it very well.  Now they are on the metal frames the posters look lovely.  It felt really good to be sitting and doing my regular computer work knowing that this very necessary job was being done at the same time. With these posters and the painted wooden signs done last week I am now feeling very optimistic about this garden.

Another volunteer wants to come and video me in the new garden tomorrow.  He agreed I can use the video clips for my promotional video for the garden.  Once again someone offering to do something so I don’t have to do everything myself.  Very good.

Busy day 20200224

Had a really busy day doing the kitchen shopping this morning and then going to Udavi school to talk about the nursery this afternoon.

Found something called Channa Sattu which might be the supplement I am looking for.  Its ground and roasted chick pea flour which in the north of India is used to make a drink that has 20% protein.  I feel I could use a little bit of extra protein these days.

The picture is of the newly painted frames for the demonstration garden posters hanging up to dry.  I think it looks like a piece of modern art!

Still tired 20200223

 Felt quite ill with tiredness today.  Hope it is not due to something horrible like cancer.  I don’t wake up tired but seem to get tired rather quickly!  Despite that managed to turn out the weekly video this morning which was finished and uploaded by lunch time.

Had a lovely lunch organised by the volunteers and felt better.  No one outside Buddha Garden wanted to come, but it was lovely sitting down with all the people with Buddha Garden connections.  It helped to restore my spirit. I still feel that I got less rest than I really need and will see how I am tomorrow.

I ache all over 20200222

I have found it hard to keep going today as I feel extremely tired.

The picture is of the wooden signs that a volunteer recently finished for the demonstration garden.  I am extremely grateful , as I haven’t had the energy to do it myself.

Catch up day 20200221

Looking at the picture of me being the anchor of Buddha Garden I realise that I have shown myself as something of a lightening rod.  Bringing the light down.  I hope that doesn’t seem too presumptuous but I think it may be my future role both in Buddha Garden and Auroville.

Which means I have to focus more on being than doing……

Doesn’t look like the Long Table lunch will happen, but things are moving forward on the Garden of Unseen Helpers.  We got the signs painted and the metal frames are here for the posters although they have to be painted.  This is the path we cut into the patch of trees.  Its lovely.

Horrible day 20200220

I had a truly horrendous day today which started when I couldn’t get my computer to start.  Of course I had the new computer but it wasn’t set up.  This meant I had to spend a lot of today setting it up when I had hoped to do it in a less tense situation at the weekend.  I managed to sort out Microsoft and Google but was unable to download my word software.  In the end I just had to leave it.

I managed to get my computer taken over to Mirra and I went and collected it later in the afternoon.  Apparently it had gone to sleep and the person there didn’t have to do anything to wake it up – it just woke up!  I was soooo tired last night I must have pressed the wrong button when I thought I was shutting down. But why wouldn’t it wake up for me?  I pressed the same button many times! Somehow I managed to go to a yoga class, the first since I got back here.  Goodness knows how I managed it.

The picture shows that despite everything life goes on whether it’s the cycle of decay or the grass growing.

A running around day 20200219

This was very much a running around in Auroville day.  First to Transition to teach and supervise seedling planting, then shopping, putting up posters, and lastly to collect my new computer.  Its exactly what I need for traveling  - and I felt very strongly that it was very right to get it.  I wonder where I am going to travel to though.  Especially as when I came back the next door neighbour told me that he was glad I was back.  I then had a very strong image of me sitting on an anchor which anchored everything in Buddha Garden.

Before work began I did a little lesson for the volunteers about how to use the eco cleaning things that we now have.  Later I also talked to Mala.  We will see how things progress……

Back to old working habits 20200218

Another day when I worked and worked and worked.  I see how difficult it is for me to stop when I am living here and there is so much to do.  As the picture shows though, I now have a lovely place to work.

I did a lot of work on the Garden of Unseen Helpers which included deciding on posters and labels for the trees and creating the rest of the posters.  In doing this I got really excited and hope I will be able to set it all up by Sunday when we have the long table lunch.

Also had good conversation with Emma who is going to London with Sam and Rachael who is in Cardiff with Alex.  Yes, its half term holiday.  Emma has done very well in her accountancy exams.

First day back 20200217

First day back and it was lovely not to have that cycle ride first thing in the morning.  It was also good to start the work at the same time as everyone else.

Unfortunately the morning did not get off to a good start when Pierre shouted at me when I tried to tackle him about the new sign he has put up without discussion.  Managed to keep my cool but the gulf between us feels wider than ever.

Had a very busy morning doing a lot of errands although had a very inspiring talk with Vivek.  From it I feel I have learnt a bit about how to develop my new role in Buddha Garden.  I think its going to be based more on my being than doing.  Not sure at this stage what that will look like.

The picture is of the pottery he brought yesterday and I have started to use.

Settled in 20200216

Had a meeting with volunteers this morning who want to have a ‘long table lunch’ next Sunday.  Feel a bit weak about it but want to support their energy.  Decided I will combine it with a tour of the new Garden of Unseen Helpers.

Went to the GUH and have decided to change how I am going to do it.  There are some very good examples of different sorts of decay and I will have to think how best to point these out.  I think it would be good to do something online where people can watch.  A picture a week or something.

Vivek came today with some beautiful pottery.  I now have a lovely pottery glass and jug to use for my water.

The picture is of the poster I made for the Sunday lunch invitation.  Yes it did turn out that this event has made more jobs for Priya!

Sorting things out and.... 20200215

I must have been mad but….. Managed to sort out quite a bit this morning and then went with Rajan to Pondy this afternoon to do shopping for Buddha Garden.  I managed to get the things I needed for myself which means I now have two plates instead of one!

I love this picture which I think shows that even in adverse conditions it is possible to develop in individual and unexpected ways that can bring a smile to your face.

Not surprisingly I feel very tired.

Moved back in 20200214

At last I have moved back.  In the end it wasn’t too traumatic despite a change in plan for the moving time and having difficulty getting the table into the van. 

I managed to finish cleaning the floor and some of the sorting out.  I had a bed to sleep in and the kitchen ready to make breakfast tomorrow.

It was lovely seeing the colours of this lettuce on the beds.

Housework 20200213

At last my room is finished and I’ve spent a lot of time clearing stuff out and then cleaning everything. I feel I have spent the whole day scrubbing a very dirty floor. I didn’t even have time to finish it!.  I had Vasantha’s help so at least the bathroom is done and all the cupboards have been cleaned if not sorted out.  I’ve organised to move tomorrow at 4.30pm –  Sangeeta should be very pleased as that is the most auspicious time on the most auspicious day. 

I would have like to have everything sorted out before I moved in but its better to move in so I have all my computer stuff to do the weekly video.  At least if everything is together I can sort out at the same time as doing the video.

At least I hope so.

Windows finished! 20200212

It was wonderful to get to Buddha Garden to find that all the mosquito netting on the windows had been installed.  Of course it wasn’t finished!  There were quite a few gaps around the new frames but Rajan said that he had asked the painters to fill in the gaps with the same white gunk that they use for filling in cracks.  The painters all turned up so hopefully they will finish today.

After Buddha Garden I went to Transition.  In some ways it was a difficult class as Moorthy was very distracted dealing with a problem and had to leave me on my own.  I enjoyed it though.

Unexpected rain 20200211

Had some unexpected rain during work time this morning.  This was followed by really bright sunshine, but as the picture shows, there were no rainbows to be seen.

Someone did turn up to do the windows this morning, but only because there was an electricity cut at the place where he was supposed to be working, so he couldn’t do the job there.  He started off by saying he would finish the job, but then ended up saying he would try to finish the job.  So far Rajan has given me no hint as to how he is getting on.

Had to go to a really boring meeting this morning which has made me feel really out of sorts.  I am finding it very hard to get back to my art work and writing, although I have managed to do some crochet.

Feeling better 20200210

Thank goodness I feel I have a bit more energy today.  Lying down all afternoon yesterday obviously helped.

Went to Buddha Garden this morning to find that all the metal and my door had been painted a very deep blue.  This colour was chosen by Rajan and its lovely.  A painter and someone else turned up and I had great hopes of getting at least one window done today, but it was not to be.  They disappeared because they needed another person who did not turn up.  He needed what Rajan called a ‘small Sunday’ to get over the ‘big Sunday’ drinking session.

The interior painting is streaky and will have to be painted again.  Rajan said they will do it on Wednesday.  Rajan has done a lot of work on the soakaway which I think needs just a few tweaks from a plumber to make it work.

Maybe I can move on Saturday? No, I cannot move on Saturday as according to Rajan it is not an auspicious day to do so

My eyes are hurting 20200209

My eyes are smarting, probably because of the Goshen Tai So session yesterday.  We looked at the liver and gall bladder again.  The eyes are connected with them.

I’ve had to finish the video as well as doing some writing work for Vivek.  Which hasn’t helped them much.  Don’t see myself getting much rest today and I still feel very tired.

Managed to have some time off in the afternoon, but my eyes are watering and I still feel tired.

Decorating time 20200208

Went to the Visitors Centre to get my lunch and called in to  see what was going on with my house.  The mosquito netting frames have arrived but they don’t have a drop of paint on them yet, not even primer.  I argued with Rajan that they can’t possibly get everything done by Monday.  Unless we want the paint to peel off because it wasn’t able to dry properly.

I think Wednesday or Friday are much better days and will give me time to get some cleaning done before I move in.  According to Rajan they are both good days to move.

Had a difficult discussion about the gate with our next door neighbours.

So tired 20200207

I am feeling so tired these days and am so glad to have my early morning cycle ride through the forest.  Which seems to give me energy.

The sunrises are lovely this time of year.  I love how the sun seems to be streaming out in this picture.

Phew again and again and again! 20200206

We had a group of 53 students come this morning.  It was only fairly chaotic and this group seemed more interested than most.

I enjoyed it but now feel very tired.

Phew again! 20200205

Another very busy day which started off with a school session and ended with having to go to the Visitors Centre for lunch.  Went to Buddha Garden to see that absolutely nothing was happening on the house.  Phoned Rajan and apparently the painting wasn’t finished.  After some discussion it appeared that the metal windows only had primer on them so they could never have been put in today.  Together we worked out that it will take at least two days to paint so the quickest they can be put in is Saturday.  I told Rajan to tell the builder that if they are not in by Saturday evening I am cancelling the project!

The painter will come tomorrow but that means there will be touch up work to do after they have put in the mosquito net frames.  Rajan said they will do it.  Rajan said he will get all the soakaway stuff tomorrow afternoon.

Dare I think about moving in Monday afternoon?

Phew! 20200204

Such a busy day again – I cycled around after work trying to see someone as well as going shopping yet again for things needed in the kitchen.  Was informed today that we have a student group of 50 coming on Thursday morning, the day I have organised a lunch time meeting in Buddha Garden.

Fortunately I don’t feel as tired as yesterday.

I love sunflowers although this year’s harvest isn’t as dramatic and large as last year’s.

Beauty everywhere 20200203

After what I felt was a busy weekend when I didn’t really get much rest its perhaps not surprising that I felt quite tired this morning.  Although as the day wore on I felt more energetic and I did go to yoga in the evening.

I just love the light at this time of year.  The sunrises are beautiful and the colours of the cool weather plants seem to shimmer in their intensity.

I have told Rajan that whether my house is ready or not I am moving back next week.  I have been away for long enough.

Goodbye Subash 20200202

Yesterday I heard that Subash had died.  I was surprised as I knew he wasn’t that well but apparently he died from Parkinsons.

I got to know him quite well when I first came to Auroville in New Creation.  He had just arrived as well and was teaching in the school where I was also teaching.  We’ve had intermittent contact since then but whenever we did meet it was always lovely.  I remember once he came into Buddha Garden and I looked around and everyone was smiling.  He had that sort of energy about him.

I didn’t go to the funeral (too many people) and hoped I’d be able to get into the burial place just after the ceremony.  But they don’t leave the gate open anymore and everything was locked up.  So I created this collage of pictures I took of the flowers left hanging on the gate.  Its my tribute to him.

Green 20200201

This is the picture from my Goshen Tai So session.  She is the mistress of my heart.  The thing that came across to me is that she was so green, even the snake.