Saturday, November 30, 2013

White Clay


My friend and I spent a wonderful day exploring the natural beauty of the white cliffs near Kewa, Washington, and Shelly was our guide. It's difficult to estimate the height of the cliffs, but I'm guessing they stand at least 40 or 50 feet high, or more. The clay forms some bizarre, interesting patterns of multicolored layers. It is a strikingly beautiful place along the shore of the Columbia River. 

More importantly, we also had deep, life-affirming conversations about life, culture, and spirituality.  









The roots of a tree growing 
into the white clay. 

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

TEDxCCS


I forgot that I took these pictures of our TEDxCCS rehearsal. In this photograph, my friend Lori spoke about the Power of Mentoring. Eventually, the videos will appear on the TED website: 



A choir performed before the speeches. 


The dreaded clock... 


CCS fashioned its own TED-style red carpet.  

Crossing


A railroad crossing at sunset in Hillyard. 

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

3 Blind Mice


This picture was taken in the green room at the Bing Crosby Theater when Whitney played one of the three blind mice in Shrek the Musical. 

Monday, November 25, 2013

A Thousand Buddhas


My daughter and I also visited the Garden of a Thousand Buddhas near Arlee, Montana. It was a beautiful sunny day when we arrived, which only added to the magnificence of seeing hundreds of white Buddha statues lined one after the other. 

During our visit, my daughter asked the golden question: "What is Buddhism?" I told her the story of Siddartha Gautama and how he found enlightenment. I am not Buddhist, but I admire the Buddha and his philosophy of compassion and non-attachment. I especially appreciate the opportunity to experience different religions and cultures with my children. 


The garden is shaped like a wheel with spokes radiating from a center point. The outer perimeter was lined with tiny stupas, each with its own miniature Buddha inside. 


The center point is a golden statue of the Buddha sitting under a cover. 


A golden Buddha. 


The "spokes" of the wheel emanating from the center. 


Does anyone know what this says? 


Prayer flag mark the entrance to the garden. 



Offerings outside the garden. 


A small place for offerings. Well, I don't actually know if this structure was intended for offerings, but people are using it in that way. 

St. Ignatius


My daughter and I also visited St. Ignatius on the Flathead Indian Reservation. More than anything, I wanted to see the painting Christ as an Indian Chief, which was featured on the cover of Chad Hamill's book, Songs of Power and Prayer in the Columbia Plateau. This image absolutely fascinated me because of the syncretism of Native American and Catholic imagery. 


I was also surprised to learn that the painting was modeled after Jerome Vanderberg. 


The front of St. Ignatius.


The interior of the church was filled with religious artwork, like this statuette depicting the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. 


The windows of the church. 


The Last Supper depicted on the main altar.


Frescoes painted on the wall behind the altar. 

Friendship


The major portion of our Montana trip was to visit friends, and for my daughter and I to share a positive bonding experience. I'm so grateful for these amazing connections. And of course, I threatened promised to post these pictures on my blog. 

This is dedicated to Mikey and Dru. I'm filled with gratitude for your friendship.  


Whitney and I near Hot Springs, MT. 


The scenery is amazing. 


Three swans on the river. 


We stayed at the Symes Hotel in Hot Springs, MT. 

Salish


My daughter and I visited the Flathead Indian Reservation this weekend. I was impressed to see the major place names listed in Salish. Actually, I can't tell you how simply re-claiming the original names filled me with pride. We should start a movement to do the same in Spokane. Who's with me? 

Provo


My family visited Provo, Utah last week. 
During that time, I had the chance 
to take a walking tour and see the sights. 


A statue titled, "The American Family." 


The county courthouse. 


The LDS Church is building a new temple
across the street from the courthouse 
from the shell of the old burned Tabernacle. 


The Wasatch Mountains are spectacular. 


A statue on the main street. 

Wedding


The Reams-Parks wedding was celebrated 
in the Corbin Mansion on 11/12/13.


Carole and Kevin


Doris


Cupcakes instead of cake.