Random Pictures and Thoughts....
I'm too scattered to write a cohesive post but do want to mention a few things.....
1. The service was lovely. The tea ceremony was beautiful, Debbie did some lovely readings and the Sukhavati, which Nancy performed, was perfect. Many, many friends were there and afterward we shared Prosecco, tea and the middle eastern appetizers that Judi loved so much. I meant to take some pictures but it wasn't to be. Here is one of the altar though.... Her favorite food and drink are represented so if you look closely you'll see avocado, shrimp and a margarita! The gold scarf (can't think of the right term) is the one that Arjia Rinpoche presented to her.
2. Judi's ashes are in the pinkish urn on the altar (and now on our mantel). Owen is rather protective of it and if we refer to Judi in the past tense he corrects us, and says, "there she is." He says she is here with us so we shouldn't say 'was' or 'loved'....it should be 'is and loves.' Before we left for the ceremony he came to me with the Obama sticker that Judi's friend Amy had given the guys and asked me if Judi had loved Obama. I told him she had. He then asked if he could put the sticker on Judi (the urn). I kind of stared at him but then he explained that it said 'Yes We Did' and he thought that could mean 'yes we did care for her.' I told him maybe after the ceremony so last night after everybody had left he asked if he could put it on. Part of me wanted to say NOOOO but then I looked at that beautiful little blonde face and thought about him wanting to make Judi happy by having an Obama sticker on her and letting everyone know that we had cared for her and I thought how absolutely right that would be.....
3. After the ceremony I was so tired I couldn't think straight or speak a coherent sentence. My beloved friend Boo (I know I use the word beloved a lot but it works so well....) and her family brought over tons of fabulous food as well as drinks and contributions from others and we sat and talked and laughed and ate and drank. By the end it was down to just Debbie, my mother, Dennis, Ernie and the guys and me and I just trotted over to the couch and laid down. Ernie put a blanket over me and I slept as everyone took off. I know I keep saying I can't thank everyone enough but I CAN'T THANK EVERY ONE ENOUGH!!!
4. My friend Annie sent me this wonderful picture of Wallie entitled, "oh, the paparazzi again." Thanks Annie!
4. I've been enjoying the beautiful flowers people have sent SO much....
5. Thank you all