Saturday, April 28th, 2012
O ancient one
of moving rock,
What distance have you come to me?
Surely we can offer you more than this.
Gracious always –
mountain patience,
I will come to you
in service one day.
Archive for April, 2012
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Moving on…
Tuesday, April 24th, 2012Today is Tuesday, I am heading out of Udaipur this afternoon by bus, down to Bangalore via Mumbai where I take the train and maybe a Bhangra class too! I am on an elephant pilgrimage.
Yesterday was my last day at Animal Aid. They threw a samosa party with plenty of Mirinda (the most delicious neon orange liquid you’ll ever drink) to go round. There were embarrassing speeches and an even more embarrassing request for a spontaneous dance which thankfully I managed to squeeze my way out of. My time here was very special and felt like the first step on a wonderful new path. That doesn’t mean that I will leave everything else behind – in fact it just enriches what is already been walked. A very big thanks to the wonderful staff, to the founding family – Erika, Jim and Claire , and extra thanks to the beautiful animals I had the great fortune of being with. I hope to write some more reflections over the next few weeks, with photos of course.
The day before yesterday, Kirsty-Anne passed away. It was within a few hours of us deciding that it was only fair to give her a sedation. She had been lying down for about 10 days which is a very, very long time as far as cattle go, due to their complicated digestive systems. It was the right time to go. I had been caring for her from when I arrived, for an hour or 2 each day, and we found the best way to get water down (an empty beer bottle works so well) and how to get down a little grain, cucumber and tomatoes – her favourite.
This was a very special experience for me. I had to listen, to return to myself in order to be present, to keep on asking questions even if I didn’t understand the answers, and to relax into what is there without anxiety. I don’t think I can say what this relationship was, but it gave me confidence. There was a complicity and she knew that I was with her, and I with her – and that is so much already. My gratitude goes on with her continuation.
Again thank you Animal Aid. I hope to be back one day.
Hey Chapati-bum-bum
Saturday, April 21st, 2012
I am getting a ghee-gut I think. So many chapatis!!
Afternoon walking: me and Jimmy Superfly
Thursday, April 19th, 2012
I head down to the dogs' handicapped area. Jimmy is lying down, head up and bright-eyed. He has good teeth, a full-fluffed red-gold coat and a good coloured tongue. I step ... [Continue reading this entry] Love Unlimited
Sunday, April 15th, 2012
14th April 2012
After my first Udaipur shimmering lakeside breakfast of rotis and chai with fellow travelers - I headed off to Badi Village by autorickshaw to find Animal Aid Unlimited. I was ... [Continue reading this entry]
After my first Udaipur shimmering lakeside breakfast of rotis and chai with fellow travelers - I headed off to Badi Village by autorickshaw to find Animal Aid Unlimited. I was ... [Continue reading this entry] 
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