Chatting with Queen Elizabeth

Dream right before I woke up: While taking a break at some sort of event, people were outdoors chatting. I sat down on the grass near Queen Elizabeth II, then got closer to her so I could hear her better. She didn't mind my company and was comfortable to be with. I asked her if she had her own garden to take care of, and she enjoyed telling me about it. We also talked about feeling sorry for celebrities when they went out in public, and people would constantly approach them asking to take a selfie. Some photographer for the event passing by stopped to take our photo. I wished I had worn something nicer. It's not every day that one gets to chat with the queen.

Walk for Peace

I've followed the monks nearly every day on the Walk for Peace from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C.  They completed it in exactly 108 days, through conditions of all sorts.  

I'm one of the many fans of Aloka, the dog who accompanied them until he required surgery on a leg.  At first he seemed frustrated about having to ride in the van when he rejoined the monks, but he gradually adapted to it.  He was admirably well-behaved on the journey and at the ceremonies in Washington.

I watched the service inside Washington Cathedral, and was especially inspired by the talk given by the venerable Bikkhu Bodhi.  It was truly moving to see members of the clergy of all faiths joining together in mindfulness.  

 

 

#1 in DuoLinguo Amethyst League

I had to get a screen shot because it didn't last very long! That was yesterday.  Before today's lesson I was at 15 and 7 at the end.