My Last Post for a Bit.

Where have I been? So very, very busy. It is a lot of work to be away and not just close the shop!
Since I wrote last, I have made up a fairly hefty binder of all the stuff one needs to know to run the shop (at least everything I can remember). We had a dry run with it Saturday. Unfortunately, I forgot to introduce Susan, a non-spinner (for now anyway), to the spinning accessories. So, what does the first person in the door want? A niddy noddy. Now how is someone supposed to know what a niddy noddy is if they’ve never heard of one?? It’s not like a bobbin or carding combs that you can figure out by the name. And, of course, Murphy’s Law being in full swing, what does the next person want to know about? Spinning wheel prices. What is the only price list I forgot to print out and put in the book? You guessed it. Susan and Kimberly both persevered in the face of my failings and all was well.
Needless to say, I’ve got the spinning wheel prices in the folder now and I’ve showed Susan all the spinning stuff. I hope whatever else I’ve forgotten to write down isn’t going to leave my lovely shop people too much in the lurch. If it does, I’m apologizing now. I did the best I could, kids.
BTW, the bike ride to RI was great. I’m going to do it again next year though not this year. I managed to irritate my back yesterday and, discretion being the better part of valor, I’m taking the train down tomorrow.
Now, I thought you would like to see a few pictures of the place I’m going to be spending the next 10 days.
Welcome to Diamond Hill Monastery.

My school saved up for years to purchase this building from Korea. It came to the US in boxes. Unfortunately, when it got here, there were no directions how to put it together! They had to hire at least one person from Korea to come over and help them assemble it. The roof alone is one big jigsaw puzzle of blue tiles. Check out the detail.

The monastery has a beautiful dharma room (where I’ll be spending most of my time).

Check this link for a 360-degree look at the place.

Here is one of the bedrooms.

This will definitely be a no-frills experience! Also, the only place in the monastery that has A/C is the dharma room. Because of this and because it was just time, I’ve cut off all my hair!

The ponytail is no more!

It is remarkably difficult to take a picture of the back of your own head. This picture is something like my sixth try. I couldn’t take any pictures of the sides of my head because the glare off my gray streaks was just too much. I’m not making this up!
Anyway, have a good few weeks. I’ll be attempting to get enlightenment and probably having a few leg cramps. Hey, there is no attainment without suffering!

If you can, come say hi to my lovely and talented team of Susan, Patience, Annie, Carol and Doria. I'll be back in the shop on August 16. See you then!