Tribute

Just one week ago the other Interns and I retreated at Mt. Calvary Monastary with the Benedictines in Santa Barbara. Every year of interns traditionally retreat there twice a year. It was started in 1947 by The Order of the Holy Cross.

A place of stunning beauty. Stunning silence. And peace. It had libraries with floor to ceiling books and big plush chairs to read the books in. They had a front room with tea, coffee, and calligraphy cards made by the monks on site.

There was a simple chapel where they met four times a day for Eucharist, vespers, etc. The little nook where their white cape thingies hung whenever they weren't in the chapel. A grand hallway with wooden floors led to the eating area where three times a day they gathered with their guests for food and fellowship. All rooms had huge windows overlooking breathtaking mountain and ocean views.

A courtyard garden in the middle of the building, in which I saw one of the monks working during the day. A stone labrynth in the back. Trees and stones aged with blue-green moss. Lush cacti garden in the front--if cacti can even be considered "lush"....and the above tree that I couldn't take my eyes off of...

I found out today that yesterday it burned to the ground in a wildfire. All the monks were safe, but the destruction is still disarming...send positive thoughts and prayers their way.

Election Fever

Due to an unfortunate absentee ballot mistake in 2000, last Tuesday was my first time voting.

I was determined to register here so that I could go to the polls instead of sending off my pen marks hoping they'll be counted by somebody. Thus, last Tuesday was my first time at the polls and first time voting. Thought I'd give a little rundown for anyone interested....

I walked to my polling place--Inglewood 1st United Methodist Church, got there about 6:40 am--already a long line. Polls opened at 7 am and I finally voted by 8:30. I was the only white person in line. Everyone was very friendly, making conversation, etc. The lady in front of my was telling me how she has never seen so many in people in line to vote before.

After work, my roommates and I went to our director's house in a different part of LA for a watch party. But I kind of wish I was closer to our hood to hear it all because some workers

at the YMCA told me that election night in Inglewood sounded like WW III because of all the celebratory firecrackers and noisemakers going off.

I also saw lots of random people hugging and celebrating on the street and in parking lots throughout wednesday...as well as the above sign, a few blocks from my house.