As the world turns, my life spins round and round..

I am learning to eliminate the words, never, I can't and things will never change from my vocabulary. March 2012 was a month of tremendous growth, change and spiritual advancement for me. It was also the month of studying for the Essentials part 2 Buddhist exam in my faith community, Soka Gakkai International www.sgi-usa.org. I spent the first two weeks of March living in a Santa Rosa hotel, helping my son transition to his new school in Lodi CA (on the edge of North Stockton). At first I thought this would be more of the same. I was surprised. Da boi has been embraced by a culturally diverse staff with many African American male role models. He feels the Central Valley is his home. His 30 day IEP meeting last Monday showed me again his gifts, his creativity his incredible potential. We will be meeting again on May 7th for his Triennial IEP that will set the stage for transitions, vocations, future plans. I am thrilled that he is back on a college prep track, attending Kung Fu four nights a week and other activities. He has even expressed an interest in attending our faith community's youth activities called, Rock The Era. Da dad, da sibs and my cousins are also back in the mix. The rest of March, I stayed with a friend in Penngrove- country delicious gorgeous, green and near Petaluma. More time for me to regroup as well as enter into my worst Asthma/Allergy flare in years. A time of considerable contemplation, exploration and connecting with my family of choice in Southern Sonoma County. I went back to Windsor to take my Buddhist exam on March 30th. El jibaro and I had several dialogues over the month. I was able to reiterate that I could not be in a relationship with him if he was drinking...bottom line. After taking the test, he told me that he had stopped drinking... So the whack shack has become a clean and sober shack. El jibaro and I are taking it a day at a time. Both of us doing lots of chanting. Me also attending as many attitude adjustment and stay in your own lane meetings as possible. It has been good for both of us as both of our families have members with serious illness and challenges at this time. The sweetness is that I have been able to make amends to my brother, continue connecting with family members and friends. Yesterday I found out I will be a great aunt in October. My 25 yo nephew in Minneapolis-St. Paul is the daddy to be. I have reclaimed my writing and creative muse. Last week, I visited with friends in Modesto where I lived for 10 years. I realized that da boi is right. We do need to return home to Modesto for him to finish high school. I am not sure what the family constellation will be or how long the transition will take. I do know that via employing the Strategy of the Lotus Sutra, I have been able to change poison into medicine. My life continues to unfold, jelly side up as always! Triple snaps of Joy and Laughter!