From the WHITE HOUSE

Hey everybody -- This morning, President Obama talked about the tragedy in Newtown, which happened 104 days ago, and brought a room to silence with a simple point: "The entire country was shocked," he said. "And the entire country pledged we would do something about it and that this time would be different. Shame on us if we've forgotten. I haven't forgotten those kids. Shame on us if we've forgotten." He was in the East Room, standing with a group of mothers who have lost children to gun violence. He was pushing Congress to act on common-sense steps to help protect our kids by reducing that kind of violence. Measures like eliminating background check loopholes that an overwhelming majority of Americans support. "Right now, 90 percent of Americans -- 90 percent -- support background checks that will keep criminals and people who have been found to be a danger to themselves or others from buying a gun. More than 80 percent of Republicans agree. More than 80 percent of gun owners agree. Think about that. How often do 90 percent of Americans agree on anything?" You've got to watch this video -- and then forward this message along to make sure no one forgets the obligation we all have to act.

That's What I Like About the South

Drum Roll, please...... Next year we'll be living (and working!) in TRIVANDRUM, India.  Trivandrum is the capital of the state of Kerala,a state known for its extremely high literacy rate (>90%), Communist Party affiliations, and all the beautiful beaches, waterways, tea plantations, beautiful scenery.  We're here this week for a look-see, and we like what we've seen.  Here are more photos of our new home:    http://flic.kr/s/aHsjEvgAP2  Check out Trivandrum on a map; it's almost exactly at the bottom of this vast sub-continent.  If we floated away in a southern direction I don't believe there's anything to stop us until Antarctica.

My goal is to be like the coconut wallah in this photo: feet up, relaxed and carefree.  Let's see how that works out.  Tomorrow we are taking the train up the coast to a city called Thrissur, where I'll be doing some workshops at a conference.  We decided on the train rather than the quick flight so we could check out the very green scenery of the state.  The first full day we were here S. and I thought we gave ourselves a mini-sun stroke not because we were intentionally out in the sun very long, but our bodies were just not ready for the level of heat + humidity.  It's probably a higher temperature in Jaipur, Rajasthan now, but there is almost no humidity, so it's bearable.  This climate will be different and I think I will have to channel the coconut wallah so as not to over extend myself.
We ate fish in coconut curry last night and I could eat that for about a year and not get tired of it.  I also got a cookbook of Keralan cooking and I"m looking forward to having a kitchen and trying some of them.  We're looking at a couple of apartments today, both with kitchens!
We're not sure when we're coming here because we could either go back to the States for a month mid-July or wait for a certain family wedding and then perhaps go back then.  Either way we're headed here in the summer, and I hope just before a 10-day festival a future colleague told me the whole state celebrates.  I'm glad to learn we're moving to a place that knows how to celebrate.

HAPPY HOLI!

Today is the festival of Holi in the Hindu calendar.  There is a long story about someone who had the power of walking through fire and a jealous father, but after that it gets really confusing.  On Tuesday evening in Rajasthan there were small fires and effigies of Holi or the brother, not sure which, and then they spend the day  throwing or squirting paint all over each other. I have no idea how the throwing of the paint is related to the girl who could walk through fire, but it's a big deal in Rajasthan. It sounds like something out of Animal House, so S. and I weren't sorry to miss it, because we're in the South this week.   The only Holi being celebrated here is Holy Week, as we're in Kerala, the state which is about 18% Christian.








For me the highlight of Holi was the empanada-like sweet called gujia, which you see featured here.  My driver got me some to take on the plane since we were going to miss the festival, and I had low expectations for them, since most of the Indian sweets are not of my taste.  However, when I bit into this, a gush of honey greeted me, and it was followed by a fruit and nut mixture inside that tasted a lot like baklava.  Really good baklava.  It was a reason to be sorry to miss the paint.

Living in Another Culture Challenges

Living in another culture creates situations that you don’t have to deal with when you are just traveling through a country, and one that I have experienced with some pain is getting a hair cut where you don't speak the language. Now that it’s two weeks past and the sting has abated, I can report about getting the worst haircut of my entire life.  And for those of you who remember my annual summer “pixie” haircut as a young girl, yes, it’s worse than that.  I have already gotten a bad haircut in India with someone who spoke just enough English to look at my hair and say “Oooh, very thin,” so I took the precaution of getting a personal reference for my next hope, and also called the salon to inquire if he spoke English.  Absolutely.

When I arrived and greeted him, I got nothing but a scared look in return, so quickly retreated to the reception to ask for MY hairdresser, because this one clearly wasn’t.  They assured me he was “the best” and provided someone to translate, and I should have bolted, but thought, how bad could it be, so I told her to ask him to  “…not too cut too much, and don’t make me look like a man.”  Well, based on the output, my input was delivered without the negatives, so it sounded something like “…cut a lot, and make her look like a man.”

Second mistake (first was not leaving) was, sad to admit, I fell asleep after a few minutes.  It was a grueling week, what can I say? The first few minutes, my skinny demon took his scissors in hand and kept slashing and cutting in the air above my hair as if to prepare for the slaughter.  I tried to chalk it up to his preparation routine, but it rather unnerved me, so I closed my eyes.  Next thing I remembered, I woke up staring a man in the mirror, one with a mullet in the back, and nothing anywhere else.  I saw him taking hold of the few remaining locks I had in the front, so I called a halt to the production swiftly.   I’ve been avoiding mirrors, wearing skirts to help people with gender identification and keep telling myself that hair grows. Silver lining for this event is I’ll be saving some money that was earmarked for haircuts in the next few months.

S. and I immensely enjoyed the Planet Earth  BBC series we watched last fall, and now we have another travelogue multi-episode event we highly recommend:  Michael Palin:  FULL CIRCLE.   This chronicles Palin’s (yes, the Michael Palin of Monty Python fame) journey through all the countries bordering the Pacific Rim.  We’ve seen 2 episodes and they were both fascinating, and with Palin as host, intermittently hilarious.  He’s chosen some very intriguing choices for places to explore, and some of it has never been photographed before. If you are still suffering through a winter in your area, or even if you aren’t, I would highly recommend checking your public library for this series. I think there are 9 episodes in all.

Check out more pictures of spring in Rajasthan here:  http://flic.kr/s/aHsjEsiLUX

Everything is in high bloom, and violet blooms just appeared on the tree outside our window, reminiscent of the lovely redbud, but not the same.  Here we are being treated to bougainvillea of every color of the rainbow, and in some cases, 2 colors on the same stalk.  Last week a bright orange tulip-like bloom appeared on leafless trees, and lit up the area with its brilliance. Looks like it’s from the magnolia family; it’s a stunner.

Someone Special Turns 60

Someone very special turned 60 today.  S was served greetings throughout the day from associates, friends, and family around the world.  He began the day with his very own rendition of Gangman Style, conceived by Abba, performed by many family and friends, and masterfully molded by JC in Seattle.  Well done, everyone, I got to hear the signature laugh several times today as he enjoyed watching and rewatching it.   For my part, I was rather surprised how many people in my family have rhythm.  We should probably form a dance club and challenge people....after we practice a little more.

When we got in the car to go to an art festival, S was greeted by our driver waxing quite elegant about how auspicious the 60th birthday is and how he hopes to be like S when he reaches that age, complete with lovely wife (I didn't make that up!), etc.  Then he presented S with his very own turban, which is a very Rajasthani thing to do, and is something worn only for the most festive of occasions, like a wedding, important meeting, or a 60th birthday.  It looks great, as you can see in this photo which features S posing as either a Maharaja or imitating Ben Stiller in Zoolander, I can't decide which.  Some of both, I think.

Here is a link to the interesting art festival we attended, and snaps of other people greeting Steve on his special day, and some interesting birds that passed through the garden today to put in their 2 cents worth. Many happy returns on the day to someone who has aged well.  Keep up the good work.

http://flic.kr/s/aHsjEphAHN

Two Book Reviews

Here I offer a book review of two great books, quite different from each other.  First, The Illicit Happiness of other People.  Author Manu Joseph has done that most extraordinary of author feats; created a world that you become a part of, a world you can’t wait to get back to, and are very sad to leave when the last page is in sight.  The fully developed characters have become part of your crazy family, and you can identify with several, not the least of which is the young protagonist.  It’s that good.  It’s very comic, in its own dark, twisted way, but suffice it to say it’s not fluff; sometimes I found myself wondering how much darker it could get, but gobbling up each page eagerly anyway.  It’s definitely a top 10 read for the year thus far.  Don’t miss this one.  You probably won’t see much about it in the West, but he’s a big deal here, and he should be.  We heard him read at the Jaipur Lit Festival, and he’s as funny in person as on the page.  If you like dark humor, erudite musings, an adolescent’s search for truth, and a great story that continues to unfold in unexpected ways, this is your book.

Mark Adams’ Turn Right At Machu Picchu was a temporary lapse on my part from my decision to read only Indian writers this year, or books written about India.  Whatever, I bought it at an Indian bookstore, so that counts, right?  This is one of those books that is so delightful and funny that you find yourself walking around your home following a person who you are reading aloud to.  Then you laugh again, and get back at it.  But it’s not JUST funny.  It’s a very approachable book with a very lofty mission; he tries to piece together, from an incredible array of sources, exactly what Hiram Bingham did before, during, and after his finding of Machu Picchu, and, even more complex, what was Machu Picchu to the Incas?  This type of book is usually too dry for me, but he does a great job of laying out the facts without putting you to sleep. Oh, I almost forgot the other part of the story, which is interspersed in the historical accounts, is his narrative of his own adventures of traveling the Incan Trail, and other various Incan “must sees” with a very veteran guide/adventurer.  Also, not a spoiler so I can add that he is a very rank beginner on the trekking scene, which provides for much of the laughter.  I could relate to much of his pain.  The enjoyment of this book was enhanced by my 2011 pilgrimage to Machu Picchu, but it’s not a prerequisite.  Be forewarned, however; this book may make you want to buy a ticket to go there either for the first time or a repeat trip.  This is travel writing at its best.  It doesn’t take itself too seriously yet has plenty of historical cred, and is delightful reading.

INTERNET GOODNESS

I’m aware there are many parallel universes on the Internet, yet I’m always surprised when I fall into one.  While researching some topics for an upcoming teacher training, I found a few things to share. 

1.     GOOD READS:  I don’t know why I didn’t know about this website, because apparently one of my daughters told S. about it some time ago, but maybe I was out of the room when they were talking about it?  Anyway, it’s a place to keep a list of books you’ve either read, or want to read.  Their description is:  Goodreads is a free website for book lovers. Imagine it as a large library that you can wander through and see everyone's bookshelves, their reviews, and their ratings. You can also post your own reviews and catalog what you have read, are currently reading, and plan to read in the future. Don’t stop there – join a discussion group, start a book club, contact an author, and even post your own writing.  www.goodreads.com  I discovered the site because they also have great quotes by themes like empathy, leadership, etc.  I've always tried to keep a book journal, but I've always been unsuccessful. No more; I'm going to begin today to keep track of what I've read, and get responsible.  I was hoping there might be one of these places to keep track of movies, but I haven't seen it. Anyone else know of such a tool?

2.     http://www.presentationzen.com/presentationzen/  This is a blog I sometimes am able to get to, and it’s always interesting.  S gets credit for sending this my way.  This young boy who calls himself KID PRESIDENT has a good, short video in which he prods us to encourage others.  Check it out.

3.     Sesame Street and hip musician YouTube videos.  It’s been a while since I watched any Sesame Street, and a few things have changed since my kids watched it, like the Internet.  So now you can see short videos of artists like Will.i.am (thanks I. of Des Moines!), Feist counting her 1.2.3.4 song, and more.  I am also planning a workshop for elementary teachers in a couple of weeks and I was looking for some new beats.  Got them, and with video!

4.     www.Soulpancake.com “Our brain batter of art, culture, science, philosophy, spirituality, and humor is designed to open your mind, challenge your friends, and feel damn good.”  Actually, I did feel better after I watched this interview.  This is Rainn Wilson’s creation, and what I watched was very thoughtful, and very positive.  I’ll be back.  He interviewed a singer named Josh Ritter, who had also written a book.  Ok, so he’s got some talent.

5.     Sad news about South Dakota’s Legislature.  Maybe you didn’t see it, but South Dakota is the first state to legalize teacher’s ability to carry firearms to school.  Good grief.  Who the hell thinks that is a good idea that’s ever been around schools or educators or educational settings or teenagers or human beings?  REALLY????  As if teachers don’t have enough on their plates, now we have to be Wyatt Earp when the occasion calls for it? Shame on South Dakota.

Winter Quilts Taking some Sun before Storage

Spring is in full bloom here.  Enjoy the photos and take a deep breath.

Happy Shivratri

Gajar Halwah, before consumption

Today is Shivratri, a Hindu holiday devoted to Lord Shiva (above). [Some say it's His and Parvati's anniversary.] The day is observed by fasting, and visiting Shiva temples.  In the market yesterday there were 2 things for sale, a small bag of various fruits to be used as an offering for a puja, and second, lots of carrots. Carrots, you ask? Well, here in Rajasthan at least there is a special treat in store for Hindus today, my favorite Indian dessert of all time, Gajar Halwah, carrot halvah.  According to my driver/cultural informant, someone made the rule that the fast isn't exactly a fast, because Hindus are allowed to consume gajar halwah once during the fast.  Hmmm, my kind of religion.  Second, my driver's family made their own rule that since they can eat it once, why not eat it as much as they wanted?  I'm not sure about the reasoning on this one, but I like the way his family thinks!  Any time you can turn some austere fasting into a dessert feast, I'm in. I have no idea if the rest of India connects the holiday with the carrot goodness, but I'm glad I'm in a state that has its priorities in place.
This delectable treat is made by grating lots of carrots, then adding sugar and that ever present ghee (clarified butter) and slowly cooking the concoction for several hours until it's so good you should definitely not eat directly out of the container, like I did and now I don't have any for today.

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Yes, I'm aware it's a day late, but I had great intentions to get this posted a day early.  It's been a hectic week, what can I say?  The day here was marked by a large parade at my workplace of "Women Scouts" who looked like a force to be reckoned with.  There were also free promotions at my gym for all the females, but they had a poster for the day that read "Women:  You've Got it So Easy."  I had to have a word with the management.

Anyway, 3 shout outs to all the strong, loving, fun-to-be-around women in my life.  Keep flexing those muscles.

1.  Check out this uplifting, light-hearted youtube video, and please sing along, inserting adjectives about your wonderful self where appropriate.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8Vd2UHBbjA  SPOILER ALERT:  ELMO is a hero of mine, even if he isn't a she.

2.  I'm reading a fascinating, sometimes hilarious book titled "Turn Right at Macchu Picchu" by Mark Adams.  In it he recounts some of the adventures of Hiram Bingham, who did a lot of exploring of Macchu Picchu around 1911-13.  Funny thing, though, there was a woman at the time, a Ms. Annie M. Peck, who climbed mountains higher than him, and before he got to him. When she reached the summit of one she planted a flag reading VOTES FOR WOMEN, as she was a strong supporter of women's suffrage. And she was a sassy pants who sent him barbed offers of help to find his way on mountains she had already climbed. Why have we not read more about this woman in our history books?

3. In a recent NYTimes Blog for India called India Ink, Neha Thirani Bagri writes a very compelling blog titled "Where is India's Feminist Movement Headed?" in which she puts to pen what is to me the most difficult issue for women in India.  "But one of the most difficult tasks for feminists can’t be accomplished in a courtroom or in a mass protest: that is, changing men’s underlying attitudes toward women, which many advocates say is necessary for a permanent end to the violence, abuse and persecution that women in India experience." Amen, sister.  

Here's the link to the rest of the article: http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/08/where-is-indias-feminist-movement-headed/?ref=world

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MOVIE REVIEW: SAMSARA

SAMSARA, from the Sanskrit, means the eternal cycle of birth, suffering, death, and rebirth.  

Samsara  is also a “.... 2011 documentary filmed over 5 year in 25 countries in 5 continents on 70 millimeter (high def, I think).  It transports sacred grounds, disaster zones, industrial complexes and natural wonders.”  [International Movie database.]  Countries featured: LOTS.  Watch with someone so you can play a game of “Where is this?” as the film stuns you with both visual beauty and disturbing images. Then watch the credits and crow when you guessed correctly.  There are some famous places it would be hard not to know, and then LOTS that are not so obvious, at least not to us.  No spoiler alert, but we had been to some of the places in the film.

 I enjoyed much of this film, which by the way has zero dialogue, but I think the director should have put a little ticker along the bottom telling you where the footage was shot to save the annoyance.  There were 2 previous films by this director, BARAKA and KHRONOS. I am intrigued enough by the visual beauty of this one to explore the others.  This movie has been described as a “…nonverbal guided meditation” that is   “frustrating as it is beautiful. “ If the director would have asked me, I could have saved him the second comment.  I highly recommend this film, although I did tell S. if you watched it regularly it could make you want to (1) never eat meat again, and (2) never consume anything ever.  However, I still recommend watching it.  The beauty of many of the shots is, literally, beyond words.  I rented it via iTunes.