...tell him Aloha.' I much prefer my version of the ninth century Zen koan to the original that enjoins you (figuratively speaking, we assume) to kill the Buddha. 
While it rained rivers outside and before Amanda joined me for lunch later that day, I sat inside a Chinese department store and drew some of the many Buddhas and boddhisatvas for sale there. It occurred to me on this latest trip, as it has occurred to a couple of readers, that I'm attracted to certain kinds of things to sketch wherever I am. Fountains---check ( though no fountains in Chinatown that I saw!) Figurative sculpture... check. Lanterns and lamps outdoors and in---check. People---but of course! Meals----absolutely. Masks----check. They're a subset of figurative sculpture, I guess. And I'm apparently a Buddha-seeking organism. In Chinatown, I hit the jackpot. I sketched a couple of old world Buddhas, too, that I saw at the Rubin Museum, but those can wait.
I hope some of that Buddha mind rubbed off on me---the next few weeks are going to be hectic in the extreme as we prepare for our daughter K to be married in our garden, with the reception in our house, as our daughter C graduates from college, as I scurry to finish a couple of art projects. Hectic, exciting, gratifying.
Such excitement for your family! And your Buddas are wonderful. BTW, I took photos of two fountains for you at Montreuil-sur-mer. Will post soon. xo
Posted by: Paris Parfait | April 27, 2007 at 06:05 PM
Laura, I've just clicked over to your site after many months absence to find your magnificent Asian sketches! I love them all, especially the regal dragon which I'm certain my students will love, too. In fact, I can't believe I've let this school year almost slip by without intoducing your splendid work. How negligent of me! Oh, but I do have tomorrow--and the next! (I can't recall when I last wrote with so many exclamation marks!)
Posted by: Connie | April 26, 2007 at 10:47 PM
Wow very pretty! Makes me wanna get off the computer and go outside LOLOL
Posted by: bearuh | April 26, 2007 at 02:33 PM
Thank you for your comments, one and all! Am rushing off again but wanted to address a couple of questions--- Susan, I was only visiting NYC! I hope you and your daughter have a fabulous time!
Linda M, I'm having the reception catered, so no worries. Dee, will post photos, I promise. Katherine, I'm so envious of all your wonderful sketching and painting opportunities.
Posted by: Laura | April 26, 2007 at 01:15 PM
Laura! So much excitement and still you post your delightful w/c's. Dang girl, you make me look sOo bad. Well, ok, you're right I make me look so bad.
I'd forgotten that you're based in NYC where my married-last-September-graduating-this month DD and I are coming on saturday to visit my baby girl.
We've got 8 exciting hug, kiss, talk, explore, partake (yes, vino will be consumed) and snuggle together days ahead and we are all so excited we can hardly stand it!
Joanne has our itinery loosely planned but if you could share any art shops that should not be missed, or if you have any idea where I can find those japanese craft books (I know there's a shop downtown but can't remember where)I would be so grateful.
I wish you and your precious DD's an amazing month.
ps. our disappointment was our photographer make sure she/he knows every important shot!
Posted by: Susan | April 26, 2007 at 12:25 PM
I'm a buddha-seeking organism myself....Nice work!
Posted by: lydia | April 26, 2007 at 10:27 AM