[claire]7/22 2pm India

[Mark Holmes]

Ok, it's official: morphine is not the drug of choice for Tara.  She 
spent two days trying to switch from the Aleve and occasional codiene 
to morphine, and it really didn't work.  The side effects were strong 
nausea, vomiting and a really sapping of strength, neither of which 
were welcome!  So last night she switched back and this morning seems 
to be turning around.  She also got an anti-nausea shot from a doctor, 
and she is eating more comfortably again to the relief of all.

There's a naturapathic doctor here today who is very vibrant and brings 
a strong energy and message of natural healing into the room.  Tara is 
going to meet again with him later to get some more suggestions on 
natural foods for body cleansing and strength.  We'll let you know how 
it goes.

The rainy season is here, which seems to slow life down a bit, and 
bring a cool breeze to the air.  The birds and insects continue to put 
on amazing shows all around (including an appearance from an 8" 
centipede, packaged and delivered mysteriously by Raju in a 
non-descript paper wrapper.  'Special present' he called it!).

Clare, Vishvaa and I made some popcorn and watched the original version 
of "The Italian Job" last night, with Swami Sivaswaroopananda joining 
in for a while.  I love a movie with a cliff-hanger ending -- literally 
in this case.  I've created a new coffee recipe that we're 
affectionately calling "Karma Coffee"; it's fresh coffee grounds, 
ground cardamom, and cloves with lots of sugar and milk.  Come on by 
and I'll make you some.

Tara's good friend Corey will be flying out next week for her first 
trip to India.  We'll try to welcome her with some baffling and 
beautiful ceremony of some sort, and get her used to sitting on the 
floor eating with her hand.  Corey, don't shake hands with your left 
hand!  I made just that mistake with the senior Swami Mahadev my first 
day...  those habits took a little too long to return for me.  Clare is 
also going to stay on an extra 10 days when Vishvaa returns on 
Saturday.  Again we send blessings and heartfelt thanks their way for 
being so amazing here with open hearts and eager hands.  We wish 
Vishvaa a safe journey, and we will take good care of Clare during her 
extended stay.

Corey asked what to bring, and my suggestion was: umbrella, flip-flops, 
comfortable clothes, and lots of chocolate.  Oh yeah, please bring a 
couple of bags of good popping corn too (not the crappy microwave 
stuff!).  Interesting packing list, eh?  Tara says "I just want her to 
bring mexican food."  Personally I'd love a fresh veggie burrito from 
Cancun on Mission street in SF, but I doubt it would survive the 30 
hour journey.

That's it for today...  as always love and heartfelt thanks to everyone 
for their continued support, prayers and e-mails.  They all help 
tremendously, so keep the love pouring in.

xoxoxo

T & M