Snow Lion

Two snow lions appear on the flag of Tibet.

The flag is banned in the People's Republic of China.

Today I finally watched Tibet: Cry of the Snow Lion. (I've only checked it out from the library on three separate occasions...this time it was already a day overdue.) I highly recommend this film. It offers a fascinating look at the Tibetan people, their hopes, prayers, and their daily suffering. Despite their struggle, the joy and happiness, in their compassion for one another, is profoundly inspiring.

How do we approach suffering? How do we deal with oppression?

One of the greatest challenges we face is to live our lives joyfully.

ramble ramble ramble...or is it mumble mumble mumble?...

I feel as though I've been neglecting this blog, so I'm going to ramble or mumble for a few minutes about nothing in particular.

Hrm, let's see...I'm on a computer which has 54% battery power remaining, so I'll work fast.

Aha! A list:

1. Finally saw a movie this evening for the first time in a long time (have been watching documentaries and tv on dvd) - The Prestige. I found it quite riveting, and was pleased since it was probably the 4th movie I saw from last year's releases (there was alot going on last year in my life...). Michael Caine was at his usual level of quiet skillfulness in his somewhat minor role. More enjoyable than the actual acting was the denouement - the slow peeling back of the layers of the onion. Complex story. Although I figured out one of the rather lurid reveals before its time, I still found myself wondering a bit, even at the end.

2. Made chocolate chip cookies with all kinds of things in them - rolled oats, wheat, barley, cinnamon, vanilla, lemon juice. They're tasty! Anyone want some? I have dozens!

3. I have been experimenting with all kinds of new recipes. One of the ones I tried today was a Japanese carrot salad - this involved julienne-ing 3+ carrots.

I've decided this is actually a worthwhile and even relaxing pursuit.

4. I am more excited every day for friends Curtis and Jenny and the impending arrival of their new baby (godson-to-be for Jonathan and myself) :-) They're in our thoughts.

5. Books I'm currently reading: well, ok, I'm actually only actively reading one at the moment - The Subtle Knife, by Philip Pullman. It's book 2 of the Trilogy called His Dark Materials. A good read :-)

6. My latest learning interest is Tai Chi. I'm attending a classes every week in Traditional Yang style Tai Chi with Grand Master Huang. It's quite interesting, and, needless to say, the teaching is excellent. I'm learning alot, although it is difficult to practice the forms with the correct technique. (It is hard to correct oneself, as one has to do when not in class.)

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Having an interesting time here - life goes on.

Cheers!