In My Mind’s Zen Garden

Sunset, Manila Bay, Philippines, originally uploaded by Michelle Lyles.

This is a beautiful photo of a sunset at Manila Bay in The Philippines. Love the colours.

The family is planning a trip to The Philippines in June 2008. I can’t wait to go back. For me I think it’s been almost 20 years?

Anyway, we’re planning on visiting the following Asian cities in this order: Tokyo, Japan - Kyoto, Japan - Beijing, China - Hong Kong - Manila, Philippines. Can we do this in 15 days? Hmm…

I can’t believe I forgot about these old Yosemite photos from 2000. In my old online journal at carlos.ricebowljournals.com I have a photo section and I didn’t even link to the photo collection from Yosemite! They were uploaded but never linked.

So I just thought I’d share them now: Yosemite 2000

Okay, what is striking about this old collection of photos is how small my childrren were at the time, and also my nieces and nephew. Well, we’re talking a span of 8 years, and thus the change from childhood/adolesence to young adulthood is pretty dramatic.

So, I visited Yahoo.com for the first time this year and right off the bat I see the top article:

Top 5 Habits To Increase Longevity

Okay, this is information I’ve read about before. Especially the part about eating several smaller meals a day, instead of 3, or even 1 meal a day like I used to do long ago.

In the Western culture, meals are taken three times a day, but it is much better to eat five smaller meals. When you eat smaller portions five times a day, you deliver a steady stream of nutrients, blood sugar, and energy to your body throughout the day.

Additionally, eating this way is less taxing on the digestive and metabolic systems and also reduces your risk of heart disease.

. . . .

The Home with New Shutters

. . . .

Eating 5 or 6 smaller meals a day is something I’ve been doing lately, so I’m already into that habit. I totally agree that it’s less taxing on the digestive system as a whole. Easier on the body in general. And I notice I have more energy throughout the day. If one feels like taking a nap or feeling sluggish after a meal, then that’s probably when you’ve eaten too much food at one time, obviously.

And I’ve also read before that a good habit doesn’t take hold until like the 19th day, so the following makes sense. After so many days a habit becomes automatic:

It takes 14 to 21 days of repetitive behavior to form a new pattern in your brain. Once the pattern is formed, it becomes an automatic behavioral response.

Okay. The Top 5 Habits….

1. Eat five small meals a day.

2. Climb the stairs instead of using elevators.

3. Laugh it up!

4. Drink 8 glasses of water every day.

5. Unwind with meditation.

Sure, these make perfect sense. And I pretty much already follow these with exception to drinking 8 glasses of water every day. Does anyone really do this? As a mostly raw vegan I eat plenty of fruits and veggies that contain mostly water. But, I’ve read recently that there is a difference between getting your water from food and drinking the water directly. But, I’d said I can drink about 4-5 glasses of water a day. I have plenty of juices and smoothies, but I wonder if it counts or not.

Resolutions

People usually say they don’t make New Year’s resolutions, or they make them around this time of year.

Sure, I’ve made them. But I think the world “resolution” has gotten a bad rep over the years.

I prefer the word “Goal” nowadays.

It’s important to make plans and set goals at the beginning of the year. I’m sort of bad at making all those detailed goals. But I’m good at setting some big goals, like traveling and acquiring something of importance.

Here are some of my random goals for 2008:

1. Improve on my (mostly raw) vegan diet even further.

2. Get a dehydrator (for making gourmet raw vegan dishes).

3. Travel to Asia in June.

4. Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Times Square in New York.

5. Finish the meditation garden in the backyard.

6. Perform more on piano (and practice more).

7. Improve on my yoga and meditation practices.

And I think that’s plenty to think about. I think it’s important not to set too many goals. Then one might compromise a few important goals and simply make it too hard to achieve them all.

But, I’ll definitely have to follow the above tips for longevity.

I was rushing to my gig downtown yesterday, driving south on highway 395, when I caught something to my right.

I quickly noticed a cloud of smoke coming from a car that appeared to be either exiting or entering this freeway offramp. It was one of those where cars have to merge, both exiting and entering the freeway.

So, after deflecting off the post the car crossed the lane in an angle and violently banged into the protective railing at the side of the offramp, then slowly came to a halt. At that time I was passing the vehicle and noticed the driver was leaning against the window.

Immediately, I thought… this person must’ve passed out and apparently lost control of the vehicle, and I was thinking that the worst could’ve happened. Maybe the person had a stroke? Maybe the person had a heart attack? Or had a seizure of some sort… either way, it was one of the most eerie things I’d witnessed on the freeways and highways of California.

I was thinking of turning around to help but I was like in the second to the left-most lane on the freeway and I’d have to take the next freeway exit which was at least a mile down the road. Fortunately, I noticed at least 2-3 cars pulling up behind the banged up car. So, I trust that they had called 911. And I assumed they would call it in. I definitely would have called 911 had the accident happen directly in front of my in the same lane or road.

So, I rationalized that someone was taking care of that emergency. And I continued on to my destination so that I wouldn’t be late for my gig.

I’ve witnessed a few accidents that have happened before my eyes, aside from the few accidents I’d been involved in. Once, I witnessed this car running the red light and a car (that had the green light) slammed into the car that ran the red light and pushed it into the center pole (that had the traffic lights) and the car wrapped around that pole and at the same time knocked it down! Very strange to actually watch accidents.

Another accident I witnessed was recently… maybe last year. A car was pulling out onto a boulevard and was hit by an oncoming car. The car that was hit (pulling out) was launched into the air on its side and landed into a chain link fence. I watched the driver and front passenger still strapped in their seats and on their side, as the vehicle flew into the air and landed on its left side! Really freaky stuff. The two people seemed to be alright and they climbed out of the vehicle, apparently un-injured. But you never know. They might’ve broken a few bones or suffered whiplash but were still shell shocked by what had just happened.

Last year I was bumped from behind by another car on the freeway and because my vehicle was bigger I suffered very minor damage, but the other vehicle looked totalled yet seemed drivable. We both pulled over to the emergency lane but then the other guy took off and made the incident a hit-and-run. Maybe he didn’t have insurance?

Anyway, car accidents are scary events. Especially because you have automobiles traveling very fast, tons of metal on concrete and asphalt. I’ve been in several close calls too, because of people who seemed drunk that they weren’t in full control of their cars. I gig at nights and come home late at night, so I see a LOT of crazy drivers out there after the gigs, on the way home.

Scary stuff, really….

Right now, I’m blogging from the airport in San Diego, getting ready to fly up to San Francisco for my niece’s art exhibition.

Basically, the event is called the “Cultivated” and here is the information, in case anyone in SF is interested in attending.

The event is FREE to the public.

CultivatedEvent.com

Cultivated Event

9PM - 2AM|October 6th 2007|San Francisco|CA

Cultivated celebrates art inspired by landscape architecture and design. Held in conjunction with the annual ASLA conference, this year’s gathering takes place in San Francisco, “bringing to light” various forms of appreciation and expression of landscape.

Sorry this is so last minute, but hope to see a few fellow bloggers there….

. . . .

It feels like ages since I last flew on a plane. I think it was Europe in 2005.

Anyways, I don’t know if I really hate flying or not. It’s okay I guess. For some odd reason I love airplane food. Maybe it’s the way the food is compartmentalized and such, like those Swanson TV dinners my Mom used to make for us. We actually had the TV trays so that we could watch and eat. Kind of weird I know. Looking back. But I guess I got used to the idea of food being compartmentalized in their own containers and depressions. Like those paper plates with the dividers to separate the food.

Well, there won’t be any meals on this flight, being that it’s a short trip. But another weekend in SF. It should be pretty nice for a change. No gigs this weekend other than last night at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club.

Flamenco music has really been a big part of my life lately…..

Basically, you enter your birthdate and it comes up with an analysis of your last “earthly incarnation”.

What’s rather uncanny and strange is that I’ve always longed to travel to the Himalayas and Tibet. That general region has interested me ever since I can remember. Read my journal entry about wanting to travel to the Himalayas.

Anyway, here is my Past Life Analysis:

I don’t know how you feel about it, but you were male in your last earthly incarnation.You were born somewhere in the territory of modern Tibet around the year 1800. Your profession was that of a seaman, dealer, businessman or broker.

Your brief psychological profile in your past life:
Bohemian personality, mysterious, highly gifted, capable to understand ancient books. With a magician’s abilities, you could have been a servant of dark forces.

The lesson that your last past life brought to your present incarnation:
The timid, lonely and self-confident people are everywhere, and your task is to overcome these tendencies in yourself and then to help other people.

Very interesting analysis….

And curious as to the algorithm used in this software, and went to the disclaimer which reads:

The analysis program is based on a 445 lines of Javascript code which perform relatively simple numeric calculations. If you would like to know the details of the algorithm, you can examine it using the “view source” option of your browser.

It is up to you how you interpret the information given by this program; however, you should know that this software is only slightly more sophisticated than an electronic fortune cookie.

Thomas Knierim
Editor & Webmaster

Electric Fortune Cookie!

Anyway, I was just curious and rather weirded out about the results in relation to my present life, and my longing to go to the Himalayas and Tibet.

This entry is part of the July 2007 Collaborations Project at Rice Bowl Journals

Is there a particular, far away place you’ve always dreamed of going to, but for one reason or another you could never go? And once you got there, what would you do? What places would you see?

A Place That Has Intrigued Me

A couple of years ago I fulfilled a lifelong dream of traveling to Europe. And my wife and I took our two boys, and we all had so much fun. Just the idea of traveling to another continent was so exciting and adventurous. To travel to countries and cities on the other side of the world… England, France, and Italy… London, Paris, Venice, Florence, and Rome was literally a dream come true. We had such a wonderful time.

But, there has been a place that has intrigued me. And I have had dreams from long ago about this place. And even though I’ve never been there it’s still in my thoughts, and in the back of my mind.

Originating From A Dream I Had

I have always dreamed of traveling to The Himalayas.

And the dream is usually of me meditating in lotus posture in the snowy peaks of The Himalayas.

Well, you’re probably thinking (as I have)…

How would anyone survive several days of meditating in the snow in a distant, foreign country, let alone in the desolate heights of the Himalayan mountain range?

Well, Tibetan Buddhist texts have documented certain yogis being able to generate a lot of body heat through meditation and yoga techniques, and are able to miraculously withstand the cold and the constant snow. But, that’s another story for another time….

The Highest Mountain Range in the World

I have always had this feeling of traveling to that part of the world. And maybe it IS because there is something spiritual about the place. A certain reverence that beckons to many to trek the highest mountain range in the world.

There is a mountain in The Himalayas called Mount Kailash. Many say it is the holiest mountain in the world, and it has a connection to four of the great world religions.

A great mass of black rock soaring to over 22,000 feet, Mt. Kailash has the unique distinction of being the world’s most venerated holy place at the same time that it is the least visited. The supremely sacred site of four religions and billions of people, Kailash is seen by no more than a few thousand pilgrims each year.

Many have taken pilgrimages to this desolate part of the world. And the traditional route to take is a circular path around the mountain as documented in Wikipedia:

Every year, thousands make a pilgrimage to Kailash, following a tradition going back thousands of years. Pilgrims of several religions believe that circumambulating Mount Kailash on foot is a holy ritual that will bring good fortune. The peregrination is made in a clockwise direction by Hindus and Buddhists. Followers of the Jain and Bönpo religions circumambulate the mountain in a counterclockwise direction. The path around Mount Kailash is 52 km (32 mi) long.

Some pilgrims believe that the entire walk around Kailash should be made in a single day. This is not easy. A person in good shape walking fast would take perhaps 15 hours to complete the 52 km trek. Some of the devout do accomplish this feat, little daunted by the uneven terrain, altitude sickness and harsh conditions faced in the process.

I Would Go Trekking To Llasa and Kathmandu

Well, as you can see, this sort of trekking is rather hardcore and can last a month or more, depending on how one goes about it.

But I guess that feeling is there… and has been in my mind. How to get there? That is the big question.

I think that ideally, and with no obstacles such as time, finances and prior obligations… I would love to devote 6 months of my life to exploring the entire region of the Himalayas. And since it extends not just into Nepal and Tibet, but also into India and Bhutan, I would take a long journey throughout the entire region. And make sure I visit key places such as the monastery in India where the Dalai Lama resides, and also visit Kathmandu in Nepal. And if possible, journey to the Potala Palace in Llasa, Tibet.

But realistically speaking, I would have to take some mountaineering classes, start rock climbing and work on getting in peak physical condition. Once there I would need a couple of weeks to get acclimated to the high altitudes.

A Lifelong Dream

So, is my lifelong dream of trekking in The Himalayas a possibility?

That’s the thing… and it’s hard to say. As I get older it becomes less of a possibility. I wouldn’t be climbing to the top of Mount Everest, but if I were to somehow get the funds and time, I would plan to do the pilgrimage around Mount Kailash, and visit parts of India, Nepal and Bhutan.

As Walt Disney has said:

If you can dream it, you can do it. Always remember that this whole thing was started with a dream and a mouse.

How prophetic…

My own journey to The Himalayas has begun with a dream… and the click of a mouse…

I pray that I may someday be afforded the opportunity to travel to that far off, distant land. That place I’ve never been to, but only in my dreams….

Here is a photo of a butte, near Sedona, Arizona.

We’re back from our trip to Arizona. It’s sunny this morning, after it rained overnight. My two sons are sick. My wife’s kind of sick. I’m feeling okay. Going to do yoga this morning, before my doctor’s appointment. No rehearsal tonight. Just going to rest up today. Take it easy.

The full set of grand canyon photos.

We took highway 180, which began for us in the northwestern section of Flagstaff, Arizona. Most of the road went through fairly mountainous areas. And at one point we stopped by the side of the road to take in the vistas. Humphreys Peak is something you can’t miss around Flagstaff. It’s the highest point in Arizona at 12,633 ft.

This photo of Humphreys Peak was taken just west of it. The trip from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon was roughly 1.5 hours.

When I first caught my first real glimpse of the Grand Canyon, it was sort of strange. It didn’t look real at first… like a painting. And considering the ponderosa trees and dry chaparral seen on the way there, one is in for a bit of a surprise, because of the stark contrasts in terrain.

The Grand Canyon was so mesmerizing to me, one simply HAS to believe in God, because it had to have been made by Him. Nevertheless, everyone should agree that the Grand Canyon is something one must see in one’s lifetime.

We spent the whole afternoon hiking along the South Rim Trail, from Mather Point to Yavapai Point, and over to the El Tovar Hotel. I was actually surprised that much of the trail had no railing, and just a few feet away was a sheer drop of several hundred feet in some areas.

I was surprised to find a few people sitting over the edge! I mean, there are signs that say, people HAVE died here… so, I personally am NOT that courageous… or crazy!

Anyway, it took me a long, long time to get to this place in my journey to have viewed this amazing wonder firsthand, and I’m glad I finally did.

Yesterday, the family and I drove all the way from San Diego to Flagstaff, Arizona. It turned out to be a 9 hour drive, including rest stops and a couple of detours to a gas station. So, Wednesday was spent just getting to our first destination.

The trip through Arizona was pretty much uneventful. Just miles and miles of dry, desolate desert. Many times, the road was one straight line for miles and miles. But it was sunny and warm… a dry heat.

There was a bit of heavy traffic when we reached the outskirts of Phoenix. I saw the skyline in the distance, but we had to take the 101 Loop to I-17 which led us straight toward Flagstaff.

We stayed overnight in Flagstaff, and today we journey to The Grand Canyon. Hopefully, I’ll be able to take some really good pictures. The day looks sunny so far.

At 5,000 ft. elevation, it’s cool up here.

I’ve begun uploading the many photos taken when I was in Europe, so for those who’ve been waiting to see them, you can find them over there.

I’m not sure who painted this one, nor do I know its name (if you do, then please let me know).

I was in awe of all the paintings and frescos, the detailed gold moldings and artwork found on many of the ceilings of The Louvre. One never really appreciates or understands the magnitude of the more than 35,000 pieces of art showcased at The Louvre until one sees it with his/her own eyes. I was simply astounded at the size of this former palace, and the sheer number of works on display.

I mainly went to The Louvre to see the Mona Lisa, but there was The Winged Victory, and the Venus De Milo, and the opulent apartments of Napoleon, and more…

Anyways, more photos will be uploaded to my flickr account, so keep checking back. The photos will be divided by city: London, Paris, Venice, Florence, Pisa, Rome, and the Vatican City.

Today, we travel to the final destination of our European Trip, to Rome. We’ll stay here until August 30, when we travel back home to San Diego.

We stayed in Florence the past 3 nights, and before that we were in Venice. Here is a photo taken in Venice near the Basilica San Marco. The rides on the gondolas were between 80 and 120 Euros per person. The locals say the Mafia runs the gondolas, and one waiter said it was a “rip-off”. The water buses were the easiest and quickest way to get around Venice. That and a lot of walking, but the little shops and markets were a delight.

It’s like a maze to stroll around Venice, but it’s a beautiful city, and one gets the feeling that you’re transported back to the days of Marco Polo. The city has remained the same for several centuries, though now they say the city is sinking, and parts of it are susceptible to flooding and high tides.

In the photo to the right, a friendly pigeon has decided to rest on Jordan’s shoulder while we were in the Piazza San Marco in Venice. You can purchase a package of seeds from a vendor to feed the pigeons, and they were everywhere and very friendly toward us tourists, a sure sign that many people have fed these birds in the past.

Unless I come back to The Louvre in Paris any time soon, this will be the closest I will ever get to the Mona Lisa.

When we finally arrived in the large room that showcased her, there was a certain excitement in the air, and a big crowd of people flocking to take a picture. There were ropes that prevented people from getting too close and ropes to divide the crowd into lines. It took at least 15 minutes to get to the front where I could take a decent photo, although I wasn’t too happy with my angle and the resulting reflection from what looked like thick bullet-proof glass, perhaps.

But, I’m glad I had the experience of viewing the painting firsthand. I felt like crying, having viewed her in person, but held back my inner emotions. I’ve seen this painting countless times in books and other published media, but there is nothing like actually meeting her in person for the first time. It was a very moving experience.

. . . .

WORDS FROM HIS HOLINESS, THE DALAI LAMA:

…under no circumstances
should you lose hope

on the other hand, if your
mind gives way to anger
then even when the world
is at peace and comfortable
peace of mind will elude you…
—The Dalai Lama

We arrived back home around 7:00pm, from San Francisco! It was a lot of fun celebrating my niece’s graduation at UC Berkeley, and going all over-the-place in SF. But, gosh-darn-it, the trip back home through Fresno and Bakersfield was a total snooze-fest. One straight line for miles and miles. zzZZzZzzzZZZzzZZZZ!!! :)

Anyways, I was doing some random searches and found out that a cousin of my niece has been touring the country starring in a musical… Thoroughly Modern Millie. Awesome! I remember when he visited our house once, but he was a young kid, and now he’s doing musicals!

Happy Birthday, Aein! And congratulations in advance regarding your graduating from high school, and best wishes on your college-bound journey.

awesome photos of girl and flowers

And also, congratulations to Alaysia on her graduation and start of a brand new career. And while we’re on the subject of careers, belated congratulations to Pat on the new and awesome job!
. . . .

So, I’ll be performing this Friday at Bistro 221 as usual (hopefully it will be on piano), but on Saturday the family and I must travel to San Francisco to attend my niece’s graduation ceremony at UC Berkeley.

I envy young, rising stars, and she’s already landed a job with a top architectural firm in the Bay Area.

One of my favorite photos taken in New York is that of the Hello Kitty store near Times Square.

The store is located on 42nd street near the Westin Hotel, where we stayed on the corner of 8th and 42nd street. New York’s Time Square was just one long block away.

By the way, the original journal entry about our NYC trip can be found here