Friday, February 29, 2008

Tibet


It is bitterly cold today. I just walked a few blocks from the subway to my office and I feel like I've been wrung out like a washcloth. Frigid temperatures make your whole body clench up, and when you get into the warmth again you're surprisingly exhausted!

Last night I made a quick trip up the Hudson River to Nyack, to meet up with cool cat Chedwick and surprisingly timid Dennis, and their human doppelganger. (Turns out Chedwick and Dennis have a third feline crony, Jeffrey, who I'm told "doesn't like to blog." Who knew?)

Anyway, Chedwick's human doppelganger and I went to an event called "An Evening in Tibet," which featured Buddhist monks performing deep, resonant ritual chants, followed by an excellent film about the Dalai Lama and a panel discussion. The evening was a fund-raiser for the Tibetan Home of Hope, a school for Tibetan children dedicated partly to maintaining Tibetan culture. It was an interesting evening. The movie, "Compassion in Exile" by Mickey Lemle, was especially enjoyable.

Audience members pledged hundreds and thousands of dollars for items like a boiler and a playground. It was heartening to see such generosity, including gifts from celebrities like Jonathan Demme and Didi Conn. (I bought a t-shirt, so I did my part, commensurate with my financial status.)

Then I stayed over at Chez Chedwick - which had a terrific view of the sunrise over the Hudson - and made my way back to the city this morning. Thanks to Ched and household for a terrific exurban experience!

(Photo: Chelsea, Feb. 2008)

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow! What is left to be said?

Anonymous said...

sounds like a TERRIFIC evening. did you learn if the "an evening in tibet" is something that will be 'on tour' or a nyack only event.

dennis timid - no way!

stay warm. if our weather ends up getting to you I'll fire a warning that more snow and frigid temps are heading that way.......brrrrrr

Anonymous said...

Dennis was BUSY with some important documents in his office and did not have TIME to chat with Steve.

Anonymous said...

dennis likes the photo, it says i i i i i to Dennis.

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed staring at you. Next time, bring catnip mice.

Anonymous said...

Steve is a great person and an incredibly pleasant houseguest. He is an example for all to follow.

[Please note: this is not an open invitation to stalk
Steve and mimic his every action. It's simply praise.
Some of you are a bit literal and we'd all wish you'd STOP.]

Anonymous said...

Just in case any Canadians ever drop by this blog, I'll mention that the Tibetan Home of Hope people have (or had) a shop in Toronto where you could buy exquisite Tibetan jewelry. Proceeds going to the school, of course.
The photo is also exquisite, Steve.

Anonymous said...

so steve, i want to hear about your stalker.

Anonymous said...

Sounds nice and that you all we able to get together.

As for donations, no matter what one gives, it's in the giving itself! ; )

Anonymous said...

Actually we prefer to be called a fan club rather than stalkers.

Anonymous said...

Dennis says Free Tibet!

Anonymous said...

The two Tashi's behind the Home of Hope are truly great people. I am proud to be a supporter.