Here's a look at the current situation with the relief. Though the shot isn't tight enough to see it, the paint has faded significantly. In fact, there are areas where it is rubbing off just by touching it. The lotus petals are no longer pink, and the cloak on Migyur Dorje is really faded in areas.

If you've followed this blog for a while you know that none of us Stupa Dudes consider ourselves artists. We barely know what we're doing when painting one color... Lisa is an artist, but she's in the process of changing jobs and moving, and won't have lots of time to spend working on the Stupa. To us non-artists this looks like it could take some time...

The Stupas have a way of calling those who are needed, so we're basically waiting for the artist/s to show up. : ) Lots of wishing prayers happening though! We have had some fortunate arrivals already...David Parker showed when we needed someone to help us build a platform, Quang showed up when we needed someone to help us heft around 100 lb bags of sand, Gabriel has just shown up now that Norbu's truck is out of commission. Heck, Ani Sherab herself showed up in May when we needed to learn how to cast lotus petals...all the way from Arizona, by coincidence! So we have reason to feel confident someone will be showing up soon...we hope...

If you're looking at this and feeling like maybe you're up to this, rest assured we do plan on building you a platform! ; ) Seriously, we are looking for someone who is willing to take this on. We'll supply the paint, brushes and support (we'll need guidance on what to get). If you're interested you can comment to this post, or if you already know us, just let us know! We're secretly hoping for a team of folks to show up...but we'll see. : ) Regardless, there is amazing merit in restoring the body of the Buddha!

And of course, even if you're not an artist, you can always come take advantage of the blessings of the Stupas! They exist for no other reason than to bring benefit to beings, no strings attached! And if you can't make it out to Poolesville, we'll bring them to you on this blog...