I realized that we had officially become settled in just the other day. It was time to mop. I don’t mind household chores, but mopping this apartment is a different thing. With hardwood and tile floors throughout, every room needs mopping. Now I know it is not a technically challenging duty, but trying to negotiate a clumsy mop around all the furniture legs was not as easy as I had initially figured. Plus, having to change the mop water a couple of times did not endear the task very much.
Now that we have gotten settled in, it is time for us to go places. This last weekend was busy for both of us, but we were off in different directions this time. Joel was back in Little Rock for his big conference, trade show, and annual meeting. He was worn thin trying to get all the last minute details in line, but he managed to make everything happen without putting out an eye or having to bury any evidence. He flew down, picked up my car that we had stored with a dear friend, and drove it back up here when the convention ended. Needless to say, he needed a day or two off before driving all the way back, but he made it just fine.
I have been sitting with a Zen group downtown, and they held a short Sesshin (Meditation retreat) up in Evanston. It started Thursday night and went through Sunday morning. Even though it was not particlarly long, the sitting was no less brutal than any other retreat I have taken. They do everything the Japanese way, despite the lack of a single Asian in the group. They also incorporate other practices that I found fascinating. Brush calligraphy (Shodo) is a clear way to demonstrate the focus and naturalness of a mind. Using the same three character phrase for everyone, the brush strokes from each person became something of a signature of the mind. The Roshi described the places where confusion and disorientation in the work were apparent, but he also pointed out where good technique and freedom of movement adds energy to the piece. This feedback is clear and undeniable, and analyzing the works in front of the group permits everyone an opportunity to learn from the examples and mistakes of others. This also made a great souvenir.
Joel is off to work tomorrow for his first day, which will be spent in training. I suppose I will just sit around and eat bon-bons while the soaps and talk shows slowly calcify my brain. Hmmm, still sounds better than working. I need to get tired of this soon, but it doesn’t seem to be happening.