Pin the Tail on the Garuda -- Updated

Well, you just blink and they grow up so fast, don’t they? My stars.

February 23, 2005, was an auspicious day on the Tibetan Buddhist calendar. Did I use that time for retreat into profound prayer and meditation? Er, no. With two weeks to go before first parachuting into the wilds of Central Asia, for good or ill, I chose that date to launch Dreaming of Danzan Ravjaa. And 559 posts later, it seems that I just can’t shut up (OK, all of you who are nodding in agreement? There’ve also been 3,371 comments, so neither could you).

So this is the birfday party for my li’l 4-year old. You’ve been invited to parties for friends’ 4-year olds, yeah? No matter how bratty, self-involved and manipulative the little monster darling is, you always bring a little something, don’t you? Spend maybe 10-20 bucks (maybe a little more if you’re rich Uncle Biff) for something that amuses the precious for maybe a nanosecond, and enriches the Chinese economy just a little more? I know, we’ve all been there.

Well, at this party (yes, you have to wear the stupid little paper hat...there) I’m encouraging gifts but not for me or my precious 4-year old. I’m asking you to help me save a life, and I’m not exaggerating.

My appeal to all of you in the last post for my friend and miraculously-visaed translator to get to America next month kicked in an encouraging start – thank you, truly – but we’re still a ways off. Since some people reading this blog may know to whom I’m referring, I’ve promised to leave out details of her situation. In some ways this is too bad because man, could I paint you a picture. But please believe me when I tell you that her experience is severe, relentless and debilitating. It’s also spiritual in nature and requires a spiritual solution. This trip to America is not a vacation; the Epcot Center is not on the itinerary, and Smith's “Buddhism in Mongolia” conference is really just incidental. This is a rescue mission. My translator is connected to my teacher through me and my teacher is the one who I know has the particular depth and skill to dispel this obstacle. I’ve seen her bring such supreme relief to others. Please help someone get to her who needs the same.

Now.  My Magic Feedburner 8-Ball tells me that as of today there are 229 subscribers to DODR. If only half of you kicked in what you’d spend for your buddy’s 4-year old, we’d be totally home and dry. So let’s play pin-the-tail-on-the-garuda below, shall we? Clicking takes you to a secure donation page, and US citizens will reap a little added tax benefit.

Thank you, beloveds, so much.

Update: You're also welcome to say 'Happy Birthday' in the comments. It'd be fun to see who's been dropping by all this time, especially if you've never commented before.

(Buddha the Pug image nicked from here)

Comments

[Aarlene]

okey dokey :-)

[Konchog]

And Aarlene shall lead them! Dosvidanya!

[Sarah]

Feels better than buying yet another "Go Diego Go" backpack!

[Northmoon]

Hey, I was away this weekend. I have a life too, beyond reading and commenting on DODR every day. (Relax, I'm just kidding)

Happy blog birthday, and I'm very glad you started and most importantly continue this wonderful, informative and fun blog.

[Chris Starling]

woo hoo!!!!!

How are the skies over there? Able to get any good looks at Comet Lulin?

Be safe and thanks for all you do!

many deadhead blessings to you! ;o)
-cstar

[Lama Kunzang]

Happy Birthday & Losar. Whose cute/ugly Pug?

[Gordon]

Tashi Delek! Happy B-Day, and Happy Losar

[Steve Ford]

A late Happy White Month, and Happy Birthday to little DoDR. I would so like to help you with the bucks, for your troubled translator, but my tractor of compassion is occupied in a costly semi-futile effort to pull some other members of the tribe out of the mud.

Isn't there a sutra about how one can't pull others out the mud when one is stuck him/herself? Well it's full speed ahead anyway. I wish you luck too.