watch hummingbirds fight for food

Sharing food peacefully....

 Wow, the big one came to declare territory....

 Hurry, before they spot me....








Happy flying away....

Lee Daniels' The Butler (2013, Movie)

I was a bit disappointed that the character Cecil Gaines was "inspired" by the life of Eugene Allen, a real cook and butler at the White House for 34 years. Needless to say, Forest Whitaker & Opray Winfrey were a perfect fit for each other. 

Her (2013, Movie)

This entire movie is simply a statement on humanity's inability to achieve any form of true connection. The story of Theodore and Samantha is moving. Samantha is the self-generated interface of an AI computer operating system. In nanoseconds, the interface analyzes Theodore's emails and other digital history and begins to craft a supportive persona. As is the nature of AI, it grows at logarithmic speed, and becomes increasingly helpful, supportive and intimate. Joaquin Phoenix did a wonderful job,as always.

金桔地瓜

金桔地瓜上灑桂花:

Shamar Rinpoche discusses and signs The Path to Awakening

We went there with hope to be near Rinpoche and possibly receiving his blessings. Hurray, the wish was fulfilled!


“Mind training is a comprehensive practice that is suitable for all types of students. It contains the entire path and does not depend on a person's background. Mind training nurses and cultivates the Buddha Nature, that pure seed of awakening that is at the very heart of every sentient being. It has the power to transform even egotistical self-clinging into self-lessness. Put into practice diligently, it is enough to lead you all the way to awakening. In The Path to Awakening, Shamar Rinpoche gives his own detailed commentary on Chekawa Yeshe Dorje's Seven Points of Mind Training, a text that has been used for transformative practice in Tibetan Buddhism for close to a thousand years. Clear, accessible, and yet profound, this book is filled with practical wisdom, philosophy, and meditation instructions.” – Delphinium Books

Fruit Nut Bran bread

Just out of the oven bread: dried longan, sliced almonds and bran flakes.

Long Mulberry

There are about 150 kinds of mulberry. Have you tried this kind of long mulberry? The length is about 5 to 6 inches. This fruit turns pink and then red while ripening, then dark purple or black, and have a sweet flavor when fully ripe. It's super sweet!