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The “Waking fully to living and dying” group is having their 2012 planning meeting this Thursday the 26th at 7:30pm at the zendo. If you are curious about what this group is up to, please join us!
The group hosted a packed speaking engagement by Dean Sharpe of Bend, Oregon’s Sacred Art of Living Center last November. The full 2 hour audio recording of the talk is available below, as well as a transcription of the first section.
Dean Sharpe from Oregon’s Sacred Art of Living Center speaks at Vashon Community Care, November 29, 2011:
transcription of the first 15 minutes of the talk
Sissel Johannessen brings us this poem from islander Dorothy Bauer in preparation for this week’s meeting. Some words from Sissel about Dorothy:
Dorothy Bauer was born in 1922 in Tacoma, and spent childhood summers on Vashon Island. She moved here permanently in 1983. Dorothy has produced a number (# 5 just came out, she’s working on #6) of small books called “Islanders Meet Their Neighbors,” which feature photo portraits and interviews with interesting Islanders. Dorothy donates the proceeds from her books to the InterFaith Council To Prevent Homelessness.
We got to know each other this past summer when I helped her out with her gardening after she broke her hip. She was interested by Dean Sharpe’s talk at VCC last November, and sent me a copy of her poem, which she has kindly allowed us to post.
A Nursing Home, Anyone?
Sometimes I think of Mother when she sat in her chair that day
Back in the 70s or 80s
In that little house on 35th.
She looked anything but happy.
My sisters, Kathryn and Sylvia, were in the kitchen
Wrapping dishes, packing glasses
storing kettles and pans in boxes.
Did Mother have pain?
Was it that sciatica?
Or was it the pain of leaving her life
Her life of making apple pies for the neighbors
Getting a ride to church
Having dinner for Bob who I was divorcing
She liked Bob.
I visited her at the Norse Home
They had put her in with a mixed up lady
Who didn’t speak Norwegian correctly
Mother tossed her head and tried to correct the lady’s Norwegian.
Her room was small
2 beds, 2 small chests of drawers, 2 chairs
Mother could bring her chair and a few clothes
And that was all of Mother’s life
After 90 years of living.
“Dorothy,” Mother said, “I wasn’t ready to come here
But I’m going to like it.”
That was Mother.
Now it’s 2011
My skiing, hiking children say, “Mother,
Old people in nursing homes who are cute
Get better treatment.
Keep your hair curled.”
Dad had it easy back in the 20s
He just moved in to Grandpa and Grandma Skov’s house
When he and Mother got married.
Their house was big enough for us 4 girls who came on fast
and the high school girl who moved in to help.
Grandma Skov made breakfast for me
And teeter-tottered with us on the beach at Vashon Island
Then I saw Grandpa all laid out in his black suit
I helped Mother empty Grandma’s bedpan.
Yes, Dad had it easy, Mother stayed steady, Grandma and Grandpa had it lovely, and I’m keeping
my hair curled for whatever might happen, and I’m hoping it will be my decision
-Dorothy Hall Bauer
December 2011
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We can do all of that at PSZC–that’s just how we roll.
Here are some pictures from Sunday’s Family Zen service, and Saturday’s half-day sit!
When all else fails, play tug of war over your cushion
Or wiggle a bit if you must
Or be gentle with Buddha
Shoji in training
Oatmeal!
Closing bows at the half-day sit
Smiles and laughter afterwards
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