Birds, refuge

Snow on Mt. Diablo
from Hwy 24, Lafayette, California, 12:45pm, January 17, 2006

After a strenuous effort this morning to remember all the details of my routine for getting ready and going to work, I discovered -- too late -- that I had forgot: (1) Ricola throat lozenge, (2) weekly planner, notebook, and current lunch reading ("Transformation", J.G. Bennett). I was leaving too late to drive and find a parking space at BART, so I left the car at home and walked to my Pleasant Hill BART station (1.7 mi.). Beautiful morning, and not overly cold. But once you get some distance from the starting point, when walking there is no turning back.

On the train I pulled out my old stand-by book, which I always have in my jacket: "Start Where You Are", by Pema Chödrön [Compassion Box edition]. I've read the book twice and I've thumbed through this pocket edition many times, randomly picking a reading to see what message I get for the day. The lojong slogan that came up was "When the world is filled with evil, Transform all mishaps into the path of bodhi". Here is a brief quote...

This is tricky business. What's the difference between seeing that harm has been done and blaming? Perhaps it is that rather than point the finger of blame, we raise questions: "How can I communicate? How can I help the harm that has been done unravel itself? How can I help others find their own wisdom, kindness, and sense of humor?" That's a much greater challenge than blaming and hating and acting out."

On my way from the train station to the office, I saw Elaine. As I mentioned below, on Tuesday Lynn said that Elaine had everything confiscated by CalTrans no thanks to her "friends" under the freeway. I went to buy a StreetSpirit from her, and when she saw me she started to cry. She seemed like she had given up when my familiar face showed up, tears gushed from her swolen, slit eyes. She'd been given two sleeping bags since Tuesday, had the best night sleep, and today was woken up by CHP, "Wake up sleeping beauty". Just total despair, no possibility in the moment for hope. I gave her a small amount of money, enough for food. She wanted my advice, should she go to this particular hospital. "What would stop you from going?". The stigma, she said. Bless her heart. I encouraged her: tell them "I need help, I cannot manage this by myself anymore." Her face lit up by my encouragement, she took off. I can only hope she gave herself a brief reprieve and felt she was worth asking for the help.

Lunch time, no book. But camera, I remembered my camera. Easy decision: head over to the bird refuge at Lake Merritt. On my walk, as I left our office building (Kaiser Center), I had a good view of the construction next door on the soon-to-be-landmark church.

21st and Harrison, Oakland, California
noon, January 18, 2007

It's been many months since I've headed into Lake Merritt park to see the birds. On the way we pass the Lawn Bowling activities, with a good view of the Kaiser Center in the backround (center building)...

Lawn Bowling, Lake Merritt, 12:10pm, January 18, 2007

Herons, Lake Merritt, 12:20pm, January 18, 2007

Ducks and Coots, Lake Merritt, 12:20pm, January 18, 2007

Goose, Lake Merritt, 12:20pm, January 18, 2007

Two Great Egrets and an Egyptian Goose, Lake Merritt, 12:10pm, January 18, 2007

Pelican, Lake Merritt, 12:30pm, January 18, 2007

Long day. I very much like the people I work with. My boss came in today after being out sick for two days, her voice is nearly gone. I plan to see a friend who works nearby tomorrow for a lunch-hour talk; I'm looking forwarding to catching up on what's been happening in his life lately. Tired on the train home. The walk from station to home went quick, twilight dark. Kim wanted to meet at the local Starbucks. We had decafs and honest talk. And refuge.

View of San Francisco from Kaiser Center
5:10pm, January 18, 2007