A Visit with my Meditation Teacher in Upper Burma and The Reclining Buddha on Mandalay Hill

"My hut lies in the middle of a dense forest; Every year the green ivy grows longer. No news of the affairs of men, Only the occasional song of a woodcutter. The sun shines and I mend my robe; When the moon comes out I read...poems.
I have nothing to report, my friends. If you want to find the meaning [of life], stop chasing after so many things."
—Zen Master Ryokan

Our friend Maybelle drove us to Kyaswa Monastery, an hour from Mandalay to visit with my esteemed meditation teacher, Michele McDonald who was just about to complete leading a three week meditation retreat. She was kind enough to create a half hour window for us to meet, which wasn’t easy, as I contacted the retreat manager last minute. I hadn’t seen Michele for eight years, yet she remembered me. Over the years Cecile and I have supported the local nunneries and school affiliated with the monastery. This year was no different. One of the highlights of doing a meditation retreat at the monastery is the opportunity after the retreat to give out uniforms to the kids in their classrooms and having the young nuns sing loving kindness chants just before the last sit of the evening. 

With over 30 years as an insight meditation teacher, Michelle was the first woman to teach a formal silent meditation retreat along side senior monastic figures at Kyaswa. I was fortunate to have her as one of my main lay teachers several times in Myanmar (Burma) and the US. I found her down to earth style of teaching to be accessible, incisive, compassionate and illuminating. She definitely assisted me to find entry points into stillness and find peace no matter what challenges came my way both in the meditation hall and in everyday life. The last time I sat a retreat with her was around 2010. 

In the early evening Maybelle took me to see the gilded majestic looking reclining Buddha, housed in an old museum type building on the lower part of Mandalay Hill not to far from our hotel. It appeared to be closed. The door was locked and the lights were out. That didn’t stop Maybelle as she is as persistent as she is kind, and she managed to find the custodian of building who is a young monk who also lives there. The pleasant monastic is pretty handy. Apparently, all the donations visitors place in the glass container are used to maintain the statues and the pedestals they sit on. This is the Burma I know, based on the wisdom of kindness and generosity. 

Speaking of generosity, I have learned a lot from Maybelle. In a country that is 90% Buddhist, she makes it a regular practice to help people that are hungry, disabled, elderly at any given opportunity, no matter what their religious preference. She is also a part of a sisterhood who make small seed loans to women for small opportunities.

Photos: With the exception of the reclining Buddha, all photos were taken at the monastery on this trip and in 2010. The wrap around dress is called a longyi and along with a white shirt is required clothing for men at these monastery retreats. The four story building with the stone steps to the right is the meditation hall. The hut I was assigned has a bed, closet, desk and bathroom. I was quite happy there.

Young Burmese Nuns in Pink and the Revered Golden Mahamuni Pagoda

The Pali word for Buddhist nuns who wear a baby pink robe is Bhikkhuni. Child nuns are seen almost everywhere in Burma, making alms rounds with older nuns twice a week.

Many come from poor families or are orphans. Hence, they stay in the nunnery for many years and are supported with education and food. They walk with so much grace and confidence. Once younger novices become adults they can decide if whether they wish to remain in the order. That said, the term “order,” is controversial as the ordination process to become ordained is thought to confer no more status than a pious laywoman who must abide by taking additional vows. Unfortunately, patriarchy still exists here.

The Mahamuni Pagoda that houses the Mahamudi Buddha statue as seen here is one of the most revered Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Burma. It was built in 1785. The crown is set with precious stones including diamonds and rubies. Each morning at 4 AM the Buddha image is washed and witnessed by devout Buddhists. Maybelle took me to the pagoda at around 3:30 PM and I got to apply 5 thin patches of gold leaf to the image as I have done several times in years past. Preparations were under way for the full moon celebration on the lunar calendar. Tons of food items are donated to benefit the poor and disabled including sticky rice. It’s also a real treat for the monastery dogs which warms the heart. The young, sweet Burmese girl at my side assisted me in tossing wood offerings into the fire pit.

Crossing the Teakwood U Bein Bridge on the Outskirts of Mandalay To Witness the "Mother of All Sunsets"

“The World is a book and those who do not travel it read only a page.”—St. Augustine

After visiting more monasteries containing bigger than life statues of the Buddha and other legendary deities, I crossed the historic U Bein Bridge with Maybelle’s daughter, Michelle MhuMadii who I have haven’t seen in eight years. She has grown into a respectful, pretty and delightful young lady. 

The U Bein bridge was built over 150 year ago and is believed to be the largest teakwood bridge in the world. It stretches out to 1.2 kilometers across the Taungthaman Lake in the ancient capital of Amarapura on the outskirts of Mandalay. It is one of Myanmar’s favorite adventures for fun-loving tourists from around the world. U Bein Bridge was named after a mayor who had it built. It is supported by over 1000 teakwood poles is an Important part of everyday life in the community. It makes it possible for villagers to get their kids to school, fisherman to catch their fish and for locals to reach religious sites and food markets. Like many people present, we were there to experience the magnificent golden yellow sunset together. When we got to the end of the bridge, I hired out a boat so Michelle and I could obtain a better vantage point to see the sun gradually melt below the horizon. Afterwards our oarsman took us to shore with a colorful flotilla of boats where we met Maybelle for the drive back to the hotel. 

What’s interesting about bridges is they symbolize hope. If you can just get over that bridge, you just may find yourself in a better place. Some bridges are harder to cross than others. If you are afraid of heights they can be scary. If feeling the bridge shakes beneath your feet—as it did mine—makes you unsettled, then crossing can pose a challenge. If a bridge is narrow and has no guard rails like U Bein, it can make you pause. On the other hand, the prospect of better things to come on the distant shore gives one hope. In this case the reward was the sunset for all those who were present. As actor, director and producer Woody Allen said: “The secret of success is showing up.”

Postscript: There are so many monastery dogs that sadly look malnourished. I took a photo of these two cute puppies that appeared to be from the same litter cuddling one another. There is also a photo of a group of young monks who appear to be making a getaway with a cart, but in fact they are really doing their chores—sweeping the monastery grounds—which is a meditation in and of itself.

Touring the Ancient Golden Palace Monastery and Another Pagoda

"Travel isn't always pretty. It isn't always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that's okay. The journey changes you; it should change you...It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart...You take something with you. Hopefully you leave something good behind." —Anthony Bourdain

Our Dear friend Maybelle and daughter Michelle, residents of Mandalay took us to see The Golden Palace Monastery. It is heavily gilded and adorned with mythical animals, dancing figures and floral designs carved in gold relief and was once the beloved King Mindon's Royal Apartment. After his death, his son dismantled it and built a monastery in 1883 and dedicated it to the Buddhist Order. It was the only Palace Building to survive the destruction of WW ll in 1945.
This is a hotspot to visit for locals as well as overseas tourists as seen here. Michelle is ringing the monastery bell.
In the backdrop the monks are doing devotional chanting 24 hours straight for 7 days. From our room it serenades us to sleep, and I experience a deep sense of nostalgia from my meditation retreats at a monastery outside Mandalay back in the day.

Good Morning Mandalay! Touring Gilded Pagodas & Visiting with an English Speaking Monk Whose Name means Knowledge & Bliss

"Being rich in pagodas and monasteries, Mandalay is considered the heart-land of Myanmar..."

Cecile and I awoke to this beautiful sunrise and the sound of peaceful chanting of the monks from our room at the Mandalay Hill Hotel. Our dear friend Maybelle picked us up at the airport and was the one who recommended the Mandalay Hotel. Upon our arrival she arranged with hotel management to get us a street side view to the hillside view room facing the hillside and the top of the famous Mandalay Hill.
Cecile and I recalled our visits to the local pagodas the night before like the Kuthodaw Pagoda seen here, known as the world’s biggest book as it comprises a spectacular golden pagoda that contains white alabaster shrines that house 729 inscribed marble slabs, each simulating the page of book of Buddhist teachings.
The “Pagoda” also called the “Royal merit pagoda,” was built by King Mindon Min shortly after the founding of Mandalay in 1857. It was meant as a legacy for
future generations. We were accompanied by our friend Maybelle and her lovely daughter Michelle, who I have had the privilege of knowing for 8 years during my many visits to Mandalay to study meditation. 
Maybelle introduced us to an English young monk in burgundy robes named Vidya Ananda. When he realized I knew that it meant “Knowledge and Bliss,” he beamed a smile. Ananda was actually the name of the Buddha’s first disciple. We spoke about his life as a Buddhist monk and his joy of meeting and getting to practice his English with visitors from abroad.

The Journey Begins: Images Along the Way from San Francisco to Southeast Asia

“The beautiful Journey of today can only begin when we learn to let go of yesterday.” —Dr. Steve Maraboli

It was a long haul from to SF to Bangkok with a stopover in Narita Airport in Tokyo, 23 hours in fact including the four hour layover. To me any journey, trip or pilgrimage always begins the moment I step on the plane. You never know who you will meet and what you will experience as you enter the realm of Holiday Consciousness.
We lucked out getting an upgrade to Biz class. Betty, the flight attendant for United Airlines took good care of us.
It turns out she is a student of meditation in the Tibetan tradition. Her husband is a German Translator for the Dalai Lama. She is a Brit who lives with her husband in Switzerland, and does acupuncture on the side. We connected in a meaningful way and had many opportunities to talk. The food was incredibly good as was the wine and dessert. I loved the colors of the kimonos of two Japanese women sharing their tradition with travelers waiting for their next connection, like the Sikh with his precious little boy looking so joyful in a form of dress different than his own.

When we arrived in Bangkok at passed midnight, Cecile and I stayed over night at the Miracle Hotel and Spa at the airport. We are now awaiting a flight to Myanmar (Burma).
While I was writing this post on my laptop, I noticed a monk seated to my left side. Some young Thai men brought him food. They bowed as a gesture of respect. I have witnessed traditional alms giving many times, and even participated in some. But this was the first time I have seen an offering of food at the airport. When the young men walked away, the monk then got on his mobile device as I got off mine. I smiled to myself. Even monks have adapted to the digital age in recent years.

Reconnecting with an Old Friend Who Certifies that Satellites are Safe to Launch & Shares a mutual Interest in Mind-Body Medicine

Retrouvailles is a French word meaning the happiness of meeting again after a long time.

Sometimes, due to distance, time and circumstance, one becomes separated from friends and acquaintances from our past. It had been about 20 years since I last saw Brian Kosinski, and I was amazed how we were able to pick up where we left off. He saw me on Facebook and contacted me to get together to rekindle our friendship. I recommended lunch at the Veggie Grill in San Jose. He ordered the Sonora Bowl that I recommended, I had Meatballs and Polenta and we shared a dish of crispy Cauliflower.

Brian, an electrical engineer is Vice President of Mission Assurance at Space Systems Loral in Palo Alto. He is responsible for quality control to ensure satellites are designed, built and tested to approved standards before they are certified to launch. 

It has been said that, “Good health does not always come from medicine or scientific breakthroughs. Most of the time it comes from peace of mind, peace in the heart—through love and laughter, and peace in the soul. ” There have been times, when medicine and science has failed to recognize that the wisdom of the ages were onto something.

Brian's favorite hobby and part time business is distributing books on healing, meditation and spirituality. The company he created back in the day is called “Namaste," which in Sanskrit roughly translated means "The light in me recognizes the light in you."

He and I met in the mid 90s after my book: “Invisible Means of Support: A Transformational Journey" was published. He had seen references in my book attributed to the late Eknath Easwaran, an Indian born spiritual teacher, Fulbright scholar and author of more than 20 books including “Formulas for Transformation," a pocket-sized version of the book I used to carry everywhere. His main teaching was using focusing techniques to calm the mind to reduce stress and negative emotions. Some years later I did a day retreat in Los Gatos led by some of Easwaran’s students. Brian used to drive to Petaluma every Tuesday night to hear the gifted teacher give talks at the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation, a non-profit organization Eswaran founded in 1961. 

What I always liked about Brian, is we shared similar interests in spirituality even though we were both trained in the scientific method. He is an Electrical Engineer and I was a retired Podiatric Physician and Surgeon. We both believed in the parallels between science and Eastern mysticism. 
Brian still owns Namaste’, and currently distributes Jon Kabat-Zinn’s book: "Full Catastrophe Living," to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Stanford Medical Center and the Center of Integrative Medicine and UCSF. 
The book is based on a mindfulness-based stress reduction program on how to use medically proven mind-body approaches with roots in meditation and yoga to counteract stress, and establish greater balance in one’s life. Another classic book he wrote that I read in 2001 is called “Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life.”Zinn is a scientist, writer, gifted meditation teacher in his own right, and professor of medicine at the University of Massachusettes Medical School, where he was the founding director of the Center of Mindfulness in Medicine.

Postscript: Another classic book written by Easwaran, who was a professor of literature and taught the first accredited course on the theory and practice of meditation at UC Berkeley is called “Words to Live By.” Each page comments on a penetrating quote by the world’s best-known philosophers, saints, writers and scientists.

A Middle Eastern Feast with Persian-American Friends at Negeen Restaurant

“Iran was mind-blowing. My crew has never been treated so well-by total strangers everywhere. We had heard that Persians were nice. But Nicest? Didn’t see that coming.”
—Anthony Bourdain

It’s always a pleasure to go out to dinner with our dear friends, Simin Malek and Mohssen (Mo) Rastegar, successful real estate professionals with Coldwell Banker.
They decided to treat us to Negeen Restaurant in Campbell, CA. Negeen in Persian means “precious gem.” It was our first time there. Mo recommended we sit at a cozy corner table near the entrance so we can view the entire room with ease. The place was bubbling with so much joy and excitement we felt we were at a private reception.
Negeen is considered one of Silicon Valley’s finest and authentic Persian restaurants. I love good Persian food and I can say Negeen did not disappoint. Meals come with a complimentary basket of lavash bread accompanied by fresh mint and basil leaves, half of raw onion and feta cheese. Then we had Kashk-e-Bademjan which is cooked pureed eggplant topped mint and creamy yogurt sauce. We also had stewed meat and kidney beans atop of crispy rice.

At the heart of Persian cooking are kabobs and there are many options to choose from. Mo and Simin ordered a tender, juicy platter of kabobs (without the skewers) to share. It included chicken breast, lamb, ground beef (Koobideh), filet of beef, salmon fillet, accompanied by grilled tomatoes and a platter of fluffy, fragrant basmati rice.
For dessert, we shared Bastani, a flavored Persian ice cream with saffron, rose water, chunks of pistachios and a cold Persian noodle dish called Faloodeh: tiny thin, Vermicelli rice noodles mixed with a semi-frozen syrup of sugar, lemon and rose water with optional cherry juice on the side.
The room looks like a medium size banquet hall, with gold chandeliers, heavy upholstered chairs and mint green tablecloths. It also has a fine looking chest with decorative Persian art, a full-bar and dance floor. On the weekends, there is a live entertainment with Soroosh and his band, and exotic belly dancers that roam around the tables entertaining guests. Mo and Simin invited one of them to our table and I got to dance with her. All I can say is thank God for yoga to help me keep those hips moving.

There are misconceptions about belly dancers being of a lower social standing. Nothing can be further than the truth. Most women have studied the art of belly dancing for years, and are software developers, lawyers, mothers, barristers, etc. They love what they do and love to share their performance art with others. Of course it is customary to tip the dancer by gently slipping dollar bills into their waist band which can be challenging at times when their hips are bouncing up and down, and moving to and fro, and its enough to make one blush. Once the band played Cecile, Simin, Mo and I made our way to the dance floor. 

During dinner, Mo and Simin shared photos of their recent trip to Iran. Simin always dreamed of opening an orphanage for young girls in her native country that she left in her mid-teens to pursue the American Dream. This past year she realized that dream when she attended the grand opening of the orphanage that was covered by local Iranian TV. She gave a speech to the 200 plus people who attended and greeted each child as if they were her own-letting them know they were loved. The orphanage named after her, was built one-hour away from where she was born in Isfahan, considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is not easy opening an orphanage in a country thousands of miles away. But with a deep passion, and an open heart, the generosity of donors and the help of friends with contacts in the building trade, she persevered. 

The late Maya Angelou once wrote: “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” Being a deeply compassionate and loving person, Simin has given hope to young girls with the desire to provide them with a better future. Like her loving husband Mo, son Navid and daughter Mozhdeh, Cecile and I are proud of Simin’s desire to “give back” and we are happy and honored to have played a part in assisting her to realize her dream. Though her name in Persian means "Silver," we know her as the woman with a golden heart.

Fun Belly Dancing Video Clip link to Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dennis.augustine.18/posts/10155975183631668?comment_id=10155979272731668&notif_id=1516667274540550&notif_t=feed_comment&ref=notif

A Thai Pan-Asian Delight to get us in the Groove for our Upcoming Trip to Southeast Asia

“Sometimes happiness is as simple as getting together with friends and sharing a meal together.”

It didn’t exactly begin as the best of days. Cecile and I had our Typhoid shots for our upcoming trip to Southeast Asia. She awoke with pain in her arm and feeling fatigued and I found myself feeling anxious and sniffly—all side effects from the injections. But, an afternoon nap made it possible to keep our plans for the evening. 

Cecile and I had dinner at the Mint Leaf with friends, Mark and Marleen  Brodsky and Lori and Rob Chaykin. It was a congenial group, the conversations were fun and flowing—as was the wine. Over the last few years Mint Leaf—which officially Opened for business in 2010—has become one of our favorite Southeast Asian eateries. This storefront restaurant in the historic downtown area of Saratoga has become a popular venue for Thai and Pan-Asian cuisine. Thai owners Mint Sirisawad and Laksana Churangpia struck a chord with patrons by providing an extensive offering of delicious food—including an array of vegetarian options—from different parts of Asia and beyond.
Aside from the exotic food dishes, one feature that draws people in, is inviting them to bring their own wine without charging exorbitant corkage fees. We brought three bottles. The atmosphere has a cozy elegance about it. The decor reminds us of the ornate Thai temples Cecile and I have visited in Thailand and are about to do so again. Colorful silk pillows and tapestries adorn and soften the chairs and wood benches, crimson and gold leaf sculptures catch the eye and draping white banners hang from the ceiling.

Our food servers were Souwani (unsure of the spelling) whose family is from Bangkok and a San Jose State student called “Music,” a nickname given to her partly because she would rock out to music when she was a kid, and; her Chinese name is difficult to pronounce. They were cheerful and attentive. I had met Souwani before and struck up a conversation with her about meditation. I even visited the kitchen where the cooks joyfully flashed me the peace sign.

We began with our culinary feast with Thai style chicken Satay with peanut sauce and cucumber salad and Chicken Pot Stickers. For the entrees we enjoyed Spicy Garlic Noodles with New York Steak, and my very favorite Yellow curry with carrots, potatoes, and onion with a juicy filet of salmon. As we left the restaurant I noticed a table with a bowl of plastic wrapped fortune cookies next to the business cards and a vase of red flowers. I took one.
I ate part of it and slipped the rest into my pocket. When I got home I read the familiar white strip which said: "Pack your bags. You are bound for an exciting and exotic destination.”

Hmmm…how did they know that?

Nazanine Bain: An up and Coming Silicon Valley Yoga Teacher With Heart

…“An amazing yoga teacher is a beacon of light who is willing to share that light with everyone around them, making their class a special place to be.”—Anna Coventry

Nazanine (pronounced nah-zah-neen) is a common Persian name that means “sweetheart, lovely and delightful." If you speak to her students, friends and teachers, they will all agree that the name fits her perfectly. 

Born in Los Gatos, she was introduced to yoga by her beloved mother at the tender age of 16. Little did her mother know the introduction would change the trajectory of her daughter’s life. Now 36, Nazanine describes her yoga practice as being a “Vehicle for her personal Transformation.” She firmly believes it can assist anyone to become a healthier, happier, and a more authentic, conscious human being. “Yoga creates the atmosphere for bad energy to exit the body so that good energy may enter and enliven it,” she says.”

I first met Nazanine Bain about two years ago, when she took over the class from a popular and well-respected yoga teacher I had been taking classes with at Courtside Bay Club for many years. As a certified yoga teacher back in the day, I can say without reservation it is not easy to replace a teacher that students revere. However, it wasn’t too long before Nazanine won over the hearts and minds of a growing body of students who support her brand of yoga. A year later another beloved yoga teacher decided to give up her class due to health issues and again Nazanine was embraced as the new instructor. 

In my thirty years of practice, I have seen instructors come and go and have a good sense who has the “right stuff,” to become a great yoga teacher. My first impression of Nazanine was her sincerity, presence, preparation, winning personality and her ability to connect with students at the heart level. Her sheer energy and joyful presence that fills the room inspires you to want to practice yoga even when you’re not particularly in the mood. If that doesn’t motivate you or put you at ease, her infectious giggle will. Whether you’re a first time student or a seasoned yogi, she has a gift for making everyone feel connected and bends over backwards to be of service. Even though some of the photos seen here could easily make the cover of Yoga Magazine, Nazanine leaves her ego at the door. She knows it’s not about her own practice but rather to lead and support students in doing asanas (poses) safely and suitable for their level.

Nazanine received her 200-hour Flow Yoga teacher certification at Yoga Source in Los Gatos, CA and completed her 500-hour teacher training at “Breathe Together Yoga Studio" (formerly called “Breathe”) that was co-founded by Jennifer Prugh, whom she calls her primary yoga teacher mentor.

But, the greatest teacher in her life is her precious two year old son, Mackai. “As a single mother, he teaches me patience, unconditional love, the meaning of ‘letting-go’ and how to enjoy the simple things in life,”’ she says. “If there is anyone that lives entirely in the present moment it’s my son,” she proudly adds.

Nazanine’s training has evolved to include a broad variety of yoga styles including Power Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, Yin Yoga, Gentle Yoga, and Restorative Yoga to name a few. She teaches classes at Courtside Bay Club, and St. Mary’s, a private school in Los Gatos. On the corporate side, she leads classes for employees at Apple Computer. She also teaches one-on-one private lessons. 

With a deep passion to learn, improve her skill set and share the latest trends in yoga, Nazanine has taken special training in “Yoga Nidra,” often referred to as “Sleep Yoga,” a powerful meditation technique that can be practiced by young and old alike, and can easily be incorporated into your daily lifestyle. It instills a deep sense of inner peace and leaves you feeling relaxed, present and thoroughly rejuvenated. It’s just another tool in Nazanine’s yoga toolbox that allows her to better serve and support her students.

For more information about Nazanine Bain and her body of work, Please direct all inquires to: nazanineyoga@email.com

You could also check out her website and instagram: nazanineyoga.com and connect with her via twitter.com/nazanineyoga

Postscript: Watch Nazanine's short Vimeo Video clip about what yoga means to her filmed out doors near the Golden Gate Bridge: https://vimeo.com/241452956

Photos: of her postures were provided courtesy of Nazanine.

Photo:   of Nazanine and I doing a double tree partner pose outside the Mind-Body Studio at Courtside last summer just for the fun of it.

Namaste’! 🙏❤️🙏

Return Visit to The Blue Door Restaurant With Good Friends: An American Greek Dining Experience

“So long as you have food in your mouth, you have solved all questions for the time being.”—Franz Kafka

The evening began at the beautiful home of our good friends and neighbors, Mark and Marleen Brodsky that overlooks Silicon Valley. We were joined by Ruth and Stan Litwin and Tina and Wayne Levenfeld. We had wine and an assorted tasty appetizer plate.

For dinner my wife Cecile had recommended The Blue Door Restaurant in San Jose which offers up classic American favorites with a Greek inspired twist. After doing a review of our experience here last year and publishing it on my blog: enjoyyourlifenow.net I emailed it to Sylvia Foundas who along with her husband Pete founded the restaurant. Responding to my review she thanked me and added that she believed it spoke to the essence of what they were trying to achieve when coming up with the concept, design, and theme for their eatery and bar, which was to create an environment where guests could feel comfortable and “feel the soul of the restaurant in order to capture…it’s essence.” Being first-generation Greek Americans, and having traveled several times to southern Greece, they wanted to bring a “little slice” of it to San Jose. Apparently, they succeeded. In 2016, The Eater Staff listed The Blue Door as one of “The 15 Hottest New Restaurants in Silicon Valley.” Following that first review Sylvia had invited us to ask for her whenever we returned. Since Cecile and I arrived first we asked the receptionist to let Sylvia know we were here. After welcoming us back we informed her that we recommended the Blue Door to our friends who would be joining us shortly. We were escorted into one of the private dining rooms. It turned out to be a perfect venue to relax and enjoy the evening. Tina and Wayne generously brought two bottles of wine, while some of us ordered cocktails. Our charming young waiter, Wesley was attentive and his overall service was excellent. We ordered lamb burgers, Natural Cheeseburger topped with a friend egg, Chicken Kebabs with rice pilaf and tabbouleh salad and Fish and Chips. Following our dinner Wesly brought us Churros with caramel and chocolate dipping sauce, compliments of the manager.

As I mentioned in my earlier review last year, choosing the name: The Blue Door had always puzzled me. But, I came to find out that the color blue reflects the shimmering, deep blue color of the Mediterranean, the azure sky and the colors of the Greek flag. It also is the color that the wives of Greek fisherman painted on the front doors of their homes to protect their husbands from misfortune so they can return home safely. As we left the Blue Door, there was a Live Latin Jazz band playing in their swanky bar as there is every Friday at 7:30 PM. Mark and Marleen, the dancers in the group, gave it a whirl that inspired other patrons to get up and dance. We couldn’t have asked for a better evening amongst friends.

The Foundas Restaurants include the Pinecrest Diner in San Francisco and the Boulevard Cafe' in Daly City.

Photo Credit: Sylvia and Pete Foundas, The Blue Door website
Photo Credit: A blue door in Greece by romtomtom

Photographing the Cloud Play and the Sunset After the Rain Storms Hit the Bay Area

"Like moody states of mind, no cloud is so dark that the light can't shine through."

I’m a big fan of sunsets that are embraced by whimsical cloud formations, especially when they occur right outside our window or can be viewed from the street leading up to our home. A good sunset is one that has the power to stop you in your tracks and say OMG. It’s a romantic encounter with Mother Nature if only for a moment. You know it won’t last, so you savor every bit of its' fleeting presence. I thought I was done shooting and then the crescendo—fiery red clouds emerged as the sun went below the horizon line.

Getting Ready to go on "The Road to Mandalay (Burma)

“The Road to Mandalay” and Burma in general conjures up images of Asia at its most Traditional and Timeless. To me, it represents that and much more.

My last trip to Myanmar (Burma) was in 2010. I had gone on several three week silent meditation retreats at Kyaswa Monastery outside of Mandalay from 2005-2010. Few Americans could be seen traveling there. That has all changed since Obama eased US sanctions against the country in 2016 to reward their recent moves toward democracy after decades of military rule. I can’t wait to share the experience Burma with Cecile, our first stop before continuing on to Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Southern Vietnam.

My daughter Michelle and son—in-law Kyle, visited Myanmar last October. Local resident and friend Maybelle escorted them around Mandalay and took them to visit Kyaswa Monastery, overlooking the great Irrawaddy River, where I spent all those years in meditation. Our good friends Jimi and Jennifer Hunter recently returned from Myanmar, declaring it one of their best overseas trips of all time. 

Yesterday, our friends and yoga buddies for many years Dee Blumenthal and Kathy Ramos, emailed me this photo taken of them in front of the 2500 year old Shwedagon Pagoda (aka the Great Dragon Pagoda and/or the Golden Pagoda, located in Yangon (formerly Rangoon). It is a 326-foot tall gilded stupa that enshrines strands of the Buddha’s hair and other relics). It used to be my first stop-must see-must experience pilgrimage before flying to Mandalay. Dee described it aptly as a “feast for the eyes.” it is adorned with 27 metric tons of gold leaf and thousands of diamonds and other precious gems. After dark, when the pagoda is all lit up, it takes on even more of mystical quality than it does in the light of day when the grand dome glistens in the sun. It is no wonder it is referred to as the “Crown of Burma.” 

When I was younger the only thing I knew about Burma (aka Myanmar since the ruling military junta changed its name) was the Burma Shave commercials, old British war movies, and Bob Hopes movie: "The Road to Mandalay). Later, I knew it to be a place where short-story writer, poet and novelist, Rudyard Kipling (The Jungle Book and The Man Who Would be King) had visited the Shwedagon Pagoda and Mandalay in the late 1800s when he was 24 years old. Kipling wrote a poem called “Mandalay" that illustrated his nostalgia and longing as a soldier of the British Empire for Asia’s exoticism.

American Composer, Oley Speaks, best hit song “On the Road to Mandalay,” took the lyrics from Kipling’s poem and it became his first million-selling single.

What awaits us when we arrive in Mandalay is the exotic Mandalay Hill Hotel (photo) where we will stay for four nights before we go on to visit the ancient temple city of Bagan.

Photo with the children was taken in Mandalay in 2010

A Private New York New Year's Eve Dinner Party in California: Let Me Explain!

"For my New Years Resolution I was going to quit all my bad habits until I remembered nobody likes a quitter." 

My wife Cecile and I were invited to attend an Italian dinner party with promises of lots of good wine and dancing to the music of the 50s and 60s by DJ Gary Carnes. The Organizers were three delightful energetic ladies: Anne Cummins, Connie Palladino, and Cindy Gum.

It was scheduled to take place at 6-10 PM at “The Clubhouse” at Rinconada Hills, Los Gatos, CA, the gated community we live in.

The time was set to coincide around New York EST. We would be watching the countdown to the start of the New Year, the ball drop and the anticipated sparkling fireworks on the Big Screen TV. All this without having to stay up past midnight and face the frigid cold front hitting the eastern seaboard. 

When we sent in our RSVP almost a month ago, we had planned to reserve a table with a group of friends. We were so grateful we wouldn't have to drive on the busiest day of the year as we live about a thousand feet from the Clubhouse. The problem was the emotional rollercoaster of losing my 100 year old dad who had died while we were on family vacation in Maui, the challenges of getting back home to California and booking passage to NJ to attend his funeral during the holidays. We were simply exhausted beyond measure. But, after taking an energy restoring nap, we decided to attend rather than stay home alone and we were happy we did.

We walked the winding path to the Clubhouse with the perimeter Pagoda lights and a Full Moon lighting our way along the cascading waterfall, and the tennis courts leading up to the majestic palm trees, where we made our entrance. The party was limited to 60 people which made it very intimate. There was a wine bar tended by the dapper volunteer bartender and neighbor John Palladino who was opening a bottle of champagne as the clock behind him was about to strike 7 PM. The night was still young, even though those of us attending were not. "Not that there is anything wrong with that," as Seinfeld would say. 

Italian appetizers that included homemade bread sticks, stuffed mushrooms and antipasto were being brought around by the servers. We took our seats at a table that included our friends and neighbors, Susan and Nelson Bye, their friends Diana and Norm and our long time friends and neighbors, Marleen and Mark Brodsky. The buffet dinner included Chicken Caesar Salad, a Vegetarian salad, meat and Vegetable Lasagna, and Tiramisu, one my favorite desserts.

One of the food servers, named Carina caught my attention. She was wearing a black T-Shirt that read “The Journey is the Destination.” Every time she passed us I kept reflecting on the fact that life is all about the experiences we have between our major milestone events—just like this. After all, the legacy of a human being is in the way he or she lived their life not arriving at a particular place or destination. Life truly is about the journey. It made me think about my dad, Frank, who was hobbyist winemaker, gardener, nature lover, army veteran and boy scout leader and extraordinary cook in his time, who lived a long fulfilled life, and how much I will miss him. 

I was the self-appointed photographer for the evening, something I enjoy doing. When I’m in the photo, my lovely wife Cecile of over forty years takes the photos. We took photos of everyone at our table and of neighbors and friends scattered around the room like Sue Sullivan, Barry Gotlieb and John Maier, and others.

After dessert, DJ Gary Carnes began singing and playing songs to dance by. Our friends Mark and Marleen were the ones to watch. They have taken dance lessons over the years. Not just any lessons. They took lessons with one of the finest and sexiest female dancers on the hit show: “Dancing with the Stars.” I got to dance “The Twist” with Marleen, so I guess you can say I was only two degrees of separation from dancing with a "television star." My wife says I’m stretching the story line. But I’m from the school of Mark Twain, who once said: “Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.”

Even though Mark and I go way back (Mark Brodsky that is, not Mark Twain), I’m not sure he liked me dancing with his wife Marleen. While taking a photo of him and Nelson Bye in front of the Christmas Tree, Mark went all "Bruce Lee" on me. Look closely at the way Mark thrusts his left arm and fist forward, while aiming his champagne glass at me with his right hand. I thought I was a "gonner." 

As I scanned the room I noticed there were some guests wearing some interesting and colorful apparel. There was Russ's wife Cathy Gillum shown here in a black dress with a wide plum collared jacket with brocade overlay; and Connie Palladino with a red insulated puffer vest with snaps over a black sweater. Then there was the distinguished looking Stewart Mellis McIntosh wearing a classic Scottish outfit that would make the retired Scottish actor Sean Connery green with envy. As the saying goes never call it a skirt or you’ll get “KILT,” so I didn't. Stewart’s lovely wife Nancy complemented her husband by wearing a black pants suit with a dazzling red plaid jacket with eye-catching black cross-straps.

To say a lot of drinking was going on would be an understatement. But, hey! It was New Year's Eve. So I’ll end with a popular Scottish proverb: “Alcohol does not solve any problem, but then neither does milk.”

Happy 2018 Everybody, and I know I speak for everyone when I say thanks to Anne, Connie and Cindy for organizing such a fun event.

Dennis, a retired minimally invasive foot surgeon writes a Lifestyle and Leisure Blog: enjoyyourlifenow.net and has been living at Riconada Hills with his wife Cecile for three years after they downsized from their Saratoga home of 34 years. They are very happy campers here.

Happy Birthday to Dad “Frank the Tank,” Who Would have been 101, T-Shirt Wisdom, the Memorial Tattoo & Grief Yoga

“Grief is as individual as a fingerprint. Do what is right for your soul”

There are different ways to mourn and pay a memorial tribute to a loved one. For my nephew, staff sergeant, Andrew Augustine, who has served in the US Air Force for the passed 9 years, it was to have a memorial tank tattoo inked on his body with grandpa Frank’s name on it. He and his brothers liked to call my dad “Frank the Tank” because he enjoyed rhyming our names (Mine was Dennis the Menace:-) and because dad was a veteran of the US Army. Andrew was recently deployed to Portugal and regrettably was unable to attend his grandpa’s funeral. However, he did get to see him in mid-November when Cecile and I made a short visit to NJ to see my dad and the family.
Today is the day dad would have turned 101. Some family members hoped against hope he might make it. At a New Years Eve event Cecile and I attended one of the servers, named Carina was wearing a black T-Shirt that read “The Journey is the Destination.” Every time she passed by a platter of appetizers, I seemed more interested in the quote on her shirt than the food she was serving. I kept reflecting on the fact that life is about all our experiences that occur “between" the significant milestone events we reach. Whether dad made it to 101 was irrelevent. After all, it was not about reaching a particular age, it was the wonderful way he lived his life that I have recounted here over the years.
The day after we buried him it was pouring rain. I attempted to go to my favorite yoga studio to take a class with my favorite teacher to create some space for myself to deal with the mental and emotional residue of losing him. It had moved to a new location. My Uber driver got misdrected by his GPS and I was not only late, but I wound up at the different studio called Honor Yoga. Their mission statement: Honor your mind, honor your body and honor yourself.
I approached the young woman at the reception area and asked when was her next class and she said 45 minutes. 
I told her I would wait to take the class but felt some disappointment arising. I was still holding on to the assumption that I was best served taking a class with my favorite teacher at the other studio. 
Jennifer Gigantino, co-owner of Honor Yoga and would be leading the class. I found myself staring at her T-shirt which read: “Let it Be, Let it Be, Let it Be. There will be an answer Let it Be.” I had noticed the lyrics written by Paul McCartney when I first checked in. The inspiration came from the Beatles' dead mother, Mary when he was having a tough time dealing with her loss.
Jennifer, a former teacher of autistic children led a good gentle class. She opened with “Let go of any worries and concerns and be in the present moment.” Calming music was being played. At the close, during relaxation pose, she came around to each one of us and massaged some soothing essential oil around the crown of our heads. I had been nursing a sore right elbow for weeks and had I gone to the other yoga studio I would have found myself in a more active class which would have been problematic. Honor Yoga was the place I needed to be. It was gentle, relaxing, peaceful and easy on the elbow. It is interesting how things we often fret about clear up just in the process of life itself, when we don’t try to control the outcome, justing “letting things be.”

Postscript: The last photo of me wearing dad’s winter coat I took home to keep him close.
Photo Credit: Honor Yoga January 2018 Newsletter

Happy 2018 to Friends and Family & the World at Large with a Message of Love, Hope, and Gratefulness

"Begin doing what you want to do NOW. We only have this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand-and melting like a snowflake.”—Sir Francis Bacon

As the year comes to a close and a 2018 begins, Cecile and I feel blessed for all the celebrations we enjoyed with family and friends throughout the year. The highlight was of course Michelle and Kyle getting happily married in Napa last May. It was beyond magical. And while the spotlight was on the newlyweds, Jason who officiated the wedding playing a heartfelt supporting role with humor, grace, and wisdom.

What appeared to be the low point of the year was losing my dad a week before Christmas. Yet, in many ways it was a celebration of a life well lived and brought our entire extended family closer together. One of my teachers, the late scholar and mythologist, Joseph Campbell whose wife wrote an introductory quote to a book I wrote in the 90s called Invisible Means of Support, once wrote: “Participate joyfully in the sorrows of the world. We cannot cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to live in joy.” It sounded like such a revolutionary concept when I first read it. His point was that life does have its hardships and suggested that an individual should embrace the experience of being alive by living affirmatively even in the face of these hardships. Dad in his simple way showed us how this was done, but we hadn’t grasped it at first.

My family and I (photographed here) want to thank all of you again for reaching out with your condolences, thoughts and prayers. It was comforting and empowering. The mind is an interesting thing, it can imprison us or liberate us. When we face a challenging moment or one that is incredibly difficult, it begins to spin us out into another orbit, bringing us a mind storm of confusion, mental and emotional pain. But feeling your support and working with the breath, and grounding myself in awareness with yoga and meditation made it possible to cope with the less enjoyable bits and be fully present with the more surreal and joyful moments including watching my nieces play and enjoy Christmas Day and being loved and contained in a cocoon of a family that love them. They truly show us how to live in the moment.

So I have no great resolutions to make or offer for 2018. I will continue to Live Life Happy as the banner at poolside at Courtside Bay Club says and follow the wisdom of Sir Francis Bacon who once wrote:
"Begin doing what you want to do NOW. We only have this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand-and melting like a snowflake.” 

Stay Safe! Drive Safe! Enjoy!

Postscript: A couple of the photos were taken with my nieces Ava and Emma. The photo taken of the two young girls playing with their dolls are my nieces Zaila and Mia who are the best of friends; and one with my niece Mia holding a dwarf rabbit named HOPE.❤️

Lights, Camera, Action: Chinese-Style "Hot Pot" Post Christmas Dinner at the Chiens

“If the only prayer you ever say is “Thank You,” that will be enough.”—Eckhart Tolle

After my dad passed away a week before Christmas my family on the east coast still decided to celebrate the annual holiday, if for no other reason but for my nieces and nephews. It was a good call. Watching them having fun helped ease our loss. 

Prior to returning home Cecile and I accepted a dinner invitation by our daughter Michelle’s mother-in-law Kim and husband AL, to enjoy Christmas, Part 2 at their home since we weren't able to join them for Christmas Eve. Aside from Kyle and Michelle, Kyle’s brother Chip and Katie visiting from NYC, and our son Jason and Alex were present. Last but not least Kim and AL’s dog Bailey and Michelle and Kyle’s dog Decker kept us entertained throughout the evening.

We first gathered around the kitchen counter and enjoyed cocktails, and chicken and vegetable dumplings that AL prepared, along with Sriracha sauce and soy sauce.
For the main course we had Hot Pot, which Kim described in her invitation as resembling a "Chinese Fondue,” with thinly cut pieces of filet mignon, sliced halibut, morsels of fish, tofu, noodles and vegetables cooked at the table accompanied with a variety of dipping sauces. We also had soup broth with Bok Choy and Chinese see-through Vermicelli noodles. For dessert we had Kim’s signature assorted cookies that are to die for. 

Hot pot is an unofficial Christmas tradition for many Asian families. There is no other communal dish that brings people together the way Hot Pot does. It’s focus is on cooking, sharing and eating together with closest friends and family. It was an ideal choice for a cold evening. 

After dinner we gathered around the decorated, brightly lit Christmas tree that took our breath away. Kim is an absolute artist when it comes to decorating her home for the holidays—preparing weeks in advance. One has a sense that she is simply tapping into the excitement and passion she has for the holidays. It not only makes her happier, but it brings out the inner child in all of us. Experts say that decorating can definitely lift your mood by triggering an increase of dopamine, otherwise called the feel-good hormone. The bright lights, colors and magical ambiance in general increases these levels and boost one's well-being, and that is something to be grateful for.🙏🙏

Dad Received A Military Funeral Salute & A Celebratory Luncheon in his Honor

“There is no amount of money or technology that can deliver the feeling one gets listening to “TAPS" being played for the family of a deceased veteran. To say it brings tears to one’s eyes in an understatement.”

Following a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Grace Church, Dad received a Military Funeral Honors ceremony at Holy Cross Cemetery, in North Arlington, NJ by two uniformed military personnel that included the folding and presentation of the United States burial flag that was preceded by a Solo performance of Taps. The flag was then presented to my sister Josephine McAllister (accompanied by her husband Joe) who was deserving of such an honor. She was a devoted daughter who did the grocery shopping every Friday, coordinated with dad’s dedicated live-in caregiver, Marcelle John and dad’s physician, Dr. Joseph Pollak. Taps can be traced back to a French bugle tune from the early nineteenth century that called for “lights out.” That said, despite his passing the light of our father’s legacy will continue to shine on. 

Following the burial service, we had a celebratory luncheon at El Cafone in Lyndhurst, NJ in his honor. It was the same place we held his 100th birthday dinner party last January.

Thanks again to the more than 600 condolences my family and I received from our "Facebook Friends and Family" and "Real Hoboken Friends and Family No Matter What."

Finally, I wanted to share an excerpt from an email by a nurse Luba from Promised Care awhile back after reading about upcoming honors dad was about to receive.
She wrote: “I have a confession to make: I’m in love with your father. His strength and his outlook at life is an admiration to me….I tell your father’s story to those who blame their circumstances for their failures. I have a great story to tell to inspire them about the future. It begins like this: ’There was an orphan boy [my dad] who grew up in various homes…but the most important point is what the boy has accomplished and his contentment with life at his age.”' 

He truly believed the words of Abraham Lincoln who once said, “Most folks are as happy as they make their minds to be.” 

Thank you dad and May You Rest in Peace. Your devoted children, Dennis, Josie, Michael and Steve.❤️

Postscript: The family wants to thank Rev. Alex Santora of Our Lady of Grace Church for delivering the eulogy, Father Torres for officiating the Funeral Mass and the Elks Lodge members for performing a “Lodge of Sorrow,” ceremony last evening at Failla-McKnight Funeral Home in Hoboken, NJ.

Our Beloved Dad Frank Augustine Made his Final Exit Today

"When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure." —Author Unknown

My brothers Steve, Michael and my sister Josie and I are so blessed to have had our dad in our lives less than 3 weeks short of what would have been his 101st birthday. Just before taking his last breath Marcelle his devoted caregiver said our mother Maria was calling for him to join her. We exchanged the final words between us (I Love You Dad!) when I called him from Maui at 8 PM EST last evening. Cecile and I were fortunate enough to see dad November 14-19. I had an intuition he wouldn't make it beyond the end of this year. We are so happy we did. Here I am visiting with him at his bedside. 
My father never told me how I should live my life, he lived a long life and let me watch how its done. I will always remember the gentle smile of his and his ability to laugh at life no matter what.
I will be flying back to California before heading to New Jersey to join my family in attending his funeral service on a date to be determined. 
Dear Dad May You Rest in Peace❤️
Last photo: My niece Selina getting a kiss on the cheek.
Frank Augustine: Born: 01/05/1917 Died: 12/12/2017

Kyle, Michelle, Jason & Alex Treat us for Dinner at the Award Winning Monkey Pod Kitchen

The Monkey Pod tree was the inspiration for Chef Peter Merriman’s Monkey-Pod Kitchen restaurant in Wailea and more recently at its new location at the newly renovated Whaler’s Village on Kaanapali Beach. 

Cecile and I, Michelle and Kyle and Jason and Alex had Margherita pizza, oven charred Brussel Sprouts with peppers and onions, Freshly caught Fish Tacos, Fresh Mahi-Mahi Fish and Chips, Avocado Cucumber salad, Fresh Organic Herbs Kale Salad and Fresh Gnocchi with Sausage made with fresh ricotta and vine-ripened tomatoes. 

The Monkey-pod tree known as a “Rain-tree” around the globe is a species of a flowering tree from the pea family and was said to have been naturalized in Hawaii where it was grown from a seed in 1847. It has also been reported to have been planted on the Big Island by Mark Twain in 1866. The Monkey tree which is cherished by Hawaiians has a single stalk with branches the spread into a huge canopy. Unlike other trees that kill the grass beneath it, the grass is always greener under the monkey-pod tree because it releases nitrogen which fertilizers the soil beneath it.

The Monkey Tree historically got its name from some countries where monkeys are found of the licorice tasting pods and sit in the trees eating them. Modern research has shown the Monkey Pod tree has antibacterial and anti fungal qualities. In the West Indies the leaves are chewed to relieve toothaches and in the Philippines the leaves are used in an infusion for constipation and stomach aches. During the holidays 8 miles of lights are strung on the Monkey pods at the Grand Wailea Resort. 

Unlike the old Rusty Harpoon, Cane and Taro, Maui Fish & Pasta that have failed at this location, it looks like Monkey Pod Kitchen “where the grass is always greener”is here to stay, and we’ll be back.

To cap off the evening we enjoyed dessert at the new Ono Gelato, next door to the restaurant. The flavors were amazing and the portions were generous and satisfied our sweet tooth.