anitamo I am glad you asked the questions you asked. Many of the things you ask can be answered by reading the links about Vipassana meditation and what it is and isn't. Your thoughts are not silenced so much as re-directed when they arise. You learn to focus your breathing on a point at the base of your nose on your upper lip area ...a spot the size of your fingertip. Breath normally...don't try to regulate your breathing. As you concentrate on the breath and the spot there will of course be thoughts that will arise..gently...smilingly let them go and refocus on the breath and the spot. This is why it is necessary to meditate for an hour. Some days it takes almost 1/2 or more of that hour to get the mind to settle. The reason people have repeat behaviors ...negative, addictive...whatever they are is because they don't have the patterning in their brain to waylay those thoughts and behaviors. Meditation allows you to get into that calm place that , over time, allows your brain to short circuit the behaviors and reactions that you want to change. There is a split second between the time something touches one of your 6 senses and you react. Meditation allows one to enter that split second and change the response. It is a simple and as complicated as that. This does not happen on a time table. Each person is different. You do really need the intense 10 day course to learn the entire technique. The part I told you about above is only the first 3 days of the course. It is a start though. Meditation is not secular...it is NOT related to any religion. it is a way of life. it is based on the 3 premise that I linked to above. Anyone can learn and anyone can practice and change the habit patterns of the mind. It is an experience that requires a very alert and sharp mind. it is not a passive practice. Sit up right and be alert and allow yourself an hour 2x a day. Set aside a place that is only for your meditation...a pattern will begin to form. Please feel free to email me and we can talk more. I am SO glad you asked. c

This is the current list of attendees. Jennifer in VA Teresa in NC Fran (from MA) Sunnycentralfl (Gwen) Grammyp (Beverly & DH) Colleen (Colleen & Beth, daughter & quilter) Noocha (Linda & DH) Georgia (& baby) So far that's: 9 quilters 2 husbands 1 baby Georgia, got your check today. Thanks These are the types of rooms available: 1 queen bed 1 queen bed + bunk beds 2 twins I have room preference from Georgia (1 queen) & Linda (2 beds). Linda~ Which would your preference be for 2 beds? Everyone else, can you please let me know which type of room you'd like? If you are traveling alone, also let me know if you'd like a roommate (which lowers the individual's cost). First come, first served on preferences...

OK folks, I have packed way too much! I also went a little food crazy. My car will be full to the brim. But never fear, I will get the homemade 3-layer Italian Cream Cake in the car. Now lets just hope it doesn't suffer the same fate as my cupcakes from last year... I guess if it does, we can always turn it upside down and eat it out of the lid like a salad. :)

Yes there was a bear! We heard a noise out back one night. Jen and I went running to the kitchen to see what it was...we thought it might be the cats out there. I turned on the porch light and a bear came around the corner that weighed at least 300 lbs. I turned to Jen as I was locking the door (it was one that pushed open inward) and said &^%^%$^& its a bear! She ran to get her camera but was too late. Jennifer, Teresa and I ended up seeing it but no picture proof. 2 years at Holston and 2 bear sightings. LOL