Before leaving to go train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu I had a feeling I'd need to carry my zoom lens that I use for wildlife. I'd just gotten off the phone with Flavia Zortea, and our conversations about life, and what I've been experiencing at the Temple had me feeling like I'm on the right path. One of the subjects we spoke about was how I always go to the Temple to walk around the Stupa to meditate. Over the winter I'd rarely see anyone out and about on the grounds. I mentioned how some of the teachings were a bit over my head. She suggested that eventually I'd meet a "down to earth" monk and it would go from there. It would just work it self out. So, on my way to BJJ, as is my habit I stopped to walk and contemplate things at Deer Park. I'd no sooner parked when I heard these Sandhill Cranes flying overhead. Taking their photo was easy as I'd prepared my camera for the manual shot before leaving the house. The exposure just happened to be set correctly. As I approached the path to the Stupa the head monk of the monastery, Sherab, was standing there. We spoke for a brief moment, and after talking about what I do, namely walk around the Stupa in meditation, he invited me to use the smaller, older temple near the Stupa for my meditations. Serendipity.
