Here's a shot of the Enlightenment Stupa yesterday. I worked (at the hospital today) so wasn't around to get any pictures. I did talk with Norbu, so got the update!

He and Ardys applied the second coat of paint to the bumpa. I talked with him early in the afternoon, so I don't know how it all turned out. I'll be there tomorrow to see!

For myself, I placed yet another order for mortar (at least after the sandblasting, I do know this process will end....eventually...). Ashby is heading to Hanover tomorrow to pick it up, so we should be back on track doing repairs late tomorrow afternoon! Thanks Ashby!

Needless to say I also sent trusty KT another email informing her of another increase in the projected budget. : ) I think she's getting use to it.

Chokhor Duchen is coming up this Sunday, so we're hoping we can get some folks out to paint! Keep an eye out here, and we'll let you know if we're on track for that or not. Right now it looks like a go, the weather is our biggest concern. The paint requires 48 hours to cure after application, so we have to really pay attention to the forecast before setting everyone loose. If we don't paint, we will offer you something to do for the Stupas if you come out!

Finally, always remember no work is required to come out and visit. We'd love to see you, though you can come anytime--day or night! The Stupas are here for you, constantly pouring forth blessings, just waiting for you to come use them! As I've mentioned before, even images of the Stupas carry blessings, heck, even the memory of a Stupa carries a blessing! So just visiting us here, in the comfort of your own home, or during a break at the office, those blessings are connecting with you!

It is for these reasons we here on the Stupa Crew are working so hard, to keep these precious sources of blessings in the world. We know that in our present state (not yet enlightened) we have little to offer beings in the way of liberation. We can point to what we know will lead you there (point-point--Stupas), and we can work hard to keep these profound objects in the world. The great thing about Stupas is they are so easy to use, you don't have to know anything about them! Just seeing them, touching them, or walking around them brings blessings, prosperity, health, and peace. Even if the whole concept of "blessings" makes you shift uncomfortably in your seat, the Stupas are situated in a beautiful, natural setting. They are authentic Buddhist structures, built according to instructions that can be traced back to Shakyamuni Buddha himself. They are well worth the trip to Poolesville to see, if you can make the trip! Otherwise, we will keep you updated on this auspicious activity here!