Rev. Margaret and Orlando two

Orlando Two – stalking
Wow! what a racket late at night here in Portland. A train hooter close by, now the hum and rattle as the cavalcade goes by. American trains hauling goods. Sounds so close and maybe the line IS that close. Now the cat here at Portland, Mr. B, is tinkling his collar outside of the room I’m in. He’s a most vocal cat but there is only the tinkle. No meows at this late hour. Thankfully.

The Reverend and I have been walking regularly in the neighbourhood around the Portland Priory. Yesterday we saw eleven cats. Today just five. Orlando, all orange cats are Orlando to me, was extending himself in the most charming way. Readying for a charge across the road for a squirrel.

It is such a pleasure to spend time with my long time monastic friend. We have many interests in common, cats, vintage American cars, the Dharma. And more.

People came: from California to gamble their paychecks. People came: and never left. People came: for a quick divorce. And then left.
Ah! the bright city lights. The promise of winning. The dream, lived for a moment. Perhaps. And there are people who call Reno home. People who grew up outside of the confines of the money spinning city blocks.

Reno shouts out to the world

a facade

glittering

while life grows on

Going to Reno. Walking up and down the streets. Taking photographs. Meeting residents. Hearing about the rise and now decline of this city whose name alone conjures up images of unbridled debauchery. I’m left pondering the whole matter of reputation. Of cities with reputations. They all have them. I’m left remembering walking up a city street in Seattle last year and realizing the authority carried by these great names. I’m left wondering on matters to do with humans congregating. In cities.

People magnets by another name!

Census day was Sunday 27th March. Now, all over Britain, people are scurrying to fill in their Census form. This can be done by filling out the multiple page paper form or by completing an on-line form. It is ones civic duty to do this. There is a 1000 pound fine if you don’t.

Where do you normally live? and Who usually lives at this address? Good questions which I tried to answer honestly, using the on-line option. And then before I knew it I’d clicked a button and the form had been submitted. Gone! In my effort to be honest I’d edited myself out of the 2011 Census all together. In the click of a mouse, I was not!

There must be many people, like me, who are not included in the 2011 Census. Homeless people. Traveling people. People who live in non official places. Tree houses perhaps. Not bad company. All the same I’m sad to be not. Not part of this huge data gathering exercise, not officially included as being anywhere on the night of the 27th March.

In Buddhism we regard our country as being one of the four benefactors which allow the peaceful conditions to practice ones religion. In Britain we are fortunate to be free to be Buddhist. The other three benefactors are, ones parents, the Buddha and all beings*. During formal meals there is a verse we recite where gratitude is offered to the four benefactors.

*Correct me if I’m wrong, I’ve not got a scripture book beside me.