
– Calligraphy by Thich Nhat Hanh
My Godson, Connor, invited me to go to JIKOJI Zen Center on Sunday to meditate and to take part in a poetry reading with the community. An offer I couldn’t refuse; mainly to spend time with him and then the added bonus of a poetry reading.
You may remember I shared that his book, Atomic Flower, was coming out quite a while ago but there were delays in getting it out right away which is the case with everything these days. But it’s finally here and he was bringing me my signed copy which I was so excited about.

We met there since we were coming in separate directions. It took me a little while to find the Zendo but I stumbled on the chef Mark, who was very kind and led me to the room. I spotted my Godson and there was a spot next to him, where I took my seat.
It had a familiar feel as 2 of my dear friends Misha Merrill and Jill Kaplan Ordained Zen Buddhist Priests used to come to my studio with their Sangha and sit and give Dharma talks. They truly were my inspiration for transforming my studio and separating out my workout space from my yoga/meditation room. I turns out, they give a talk every year at JIKOJI. Do visit them if you have time. I love 6 degrees of separation.
Luckily, I was about 20 minutes late since we sat cross legged on the floor for what felt like hours, before the bells rang and we were able to stand for walking meditation. I meditate everyday, but these hips aren’t practiced for much more than 20 minutes, which my body can attest to with it’s creeks and groaning upon standing. The community was very gracious and kind and it was a joy to be around like minded people who share the same values. They made a tribute to Thich Nhat Hanh which was just lovely.
When I announced my sadness that Thich Nhat Hahn had died Saturday night at the dinner table, my family all laughed and said “who in the world is that”? This is when it’s nice to have extended family out of your immediate family, that “get you”.
Everyone was invited to read poetry and a lot of people read Rumi and there were some other beautiful pieces shared. Of course Connor and I assumed they wanted us to read our poetry which we did.
Connor read his poem on page 10 of his book:


And I read my poem:
Clouds in My Coffee
When will the stars
stop raining crimson,
the moon stop hiding
behind the clouds,
and we stop dividing?
Drown out the white noise,
amp up
our frequency of peace.
When will enough blood be shed
and people
be fed,
instead
of finding
empty shells
on the street.
The aroma of bread baking
invite a growling tummy,
the horn from a distant ship
awakens me
to this moment.
Birds sweet song invites hope,
gushing water
of a nearby pond
cleanses
worry and regret.
I awake to scratchy kisses
and kneading
from my sweet kitty,
warm sheets
and savor these tender moments,
with clouds in my coffee.
I say a prayer for all humanity
and begin my day in hope,
as the sunrises once again,
and my toes touch the earth
and a promise to be the best I can.
The words of Thich Nhat Hanh echo
through the land
as he takes his final sip of tea
and becomes a cloud
for all to drink.
Thank you so much for visiting today.
I’m so excited to do an interview with him on his book, Atomic Flower, on Fri-Yay Funday and I hope you’ll join me to hear more about his incredible book.
Have a blessed Wednesday, until Friday!
Beautiful poem Cindy! Loved it. Hope you have great time interviewing your Godson
Thanks so much Sheereen! So glad you liked it!
I sooo will!
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Allll the best
awww thanks and have a great night!~ 💖💖💖
Congralulations to Conner on his book. Wonderful poem.
Thanks so much Tim! He is a great poet and glad you liked it! 💖🙏
Fabulous poem, Cindy ❤️
Thanks a lot Jane!💖
Welcome dear Cindy ❤️
💖💖💖💖🙏🙏🌈🌈🌈
❤️❤️
Congratulations to your Godson and what a beautiful poem!
Nice to find you again, dear, I’ve been off for a while 😉😘
ThanK you so much Manuel. It’s soooo good to see you here!!! 💖💖
I can’t even pull your site up.. sad.. send link here if possible and hope your book is doing great! 💖🌈
Thank you so much dear 😊😘
I’m back to stay this time, just needed time off to reorganize everything.
The book is doing great and I just started to translate it!
So stay tuned! 😁😘
You’re so welcome and glad you took the time you needed to regroup !!! 💖💖💖 I sufre will .. I’m soooo happy to hear the book is doing well
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Thank you so much dear 😊😘
BIG HUGS AND LOVE!💖💖
to you too! ❤️
received thank you! 💖
oh I’m got you up again and are in my favs 👏👏👏👏 💖 I’ve missed you!!! 💖
Miss you too dear! 😘😘
awwww but we’re back 💖💖💖👏👏👏
yes we are 😊😘😘
💖💖🤗
The earthly plane has lost a kind, gentle soul. What an amazing life he shared with so many. You must be over-the-moon proud of your godson! He’s quite the poet! And I love this poem of yours as well, Cindy. You are both blessed beyond measure! And what a little respite this center must have been! Much love to you, my friend. 🌞
Yes so true Lisa and I thought of you when I was there. I knew you would know. I so am proud of him and he so is gifted. Oh that is sweet of you to say. I do feel blessed my dear and your words just perked my day up with some beautiful light. I’m glad you liked our poems and it truly was.. Thanks so much! 💖💖
I am honored that you thought of me while you were there! AND that I could perk up your day! Have a fun weekend, dear one! 🌞
always Lisa!!!! me too.. our shared Unity experience makes me think of you a lot! 💖
Cool! I can hardly wait to meet you face-to-face! 🌞
I can’t either!
This year…. Yes?!
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Yes, yes! 🌞
YAYYYYYYY and high 5 👏👏but I can’t find them right now.. hahaha claps will do us!
Such a lovely time to spend together, the view looks great as well. When you said extended family who gets you, damn how true is that. Lovely and beautiful poems by the way and big congratulations to Corner. 🎉💖
It really was Daphny, and yes the views were amazing.. I’ll post more pics on Fri-Yay!
Right?! you get it and i’m grateful! Glad you liked our poems and I hope he’s reading and feeling the love! 💖
Looking forward to that.
I hope he does, and I wish him the very best. 💖
oh thanks.. I did hear he saw them earlier which was great!!! that is very kind!
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You’re welcome! Have a great weekend ahead 🤗❤️
Wonderful, post !Thank you, Cindy!
Joanna
Thank you sooo much Joanna!! 💖
So much appreciated!
Both poems are lovely, Cindy! This is such a wholesome post!💕
Thank you so much Aaysid!
💖🙏💖
You are very welcome. 😊
Thanks so much dear! 💖
[…] Time with My Godson and a Tribute To Thich Nhat Hahn […]
Loved this post, poems and honoring of Thich naht Hahn 🙏💗🌟
Oh thanks Ellia! So glad you let me know and so much appreciated. I know Connor will be thrilled to know you are here! 💖🌈
First, Cindy, I enjoyed your poem and that of your Godson. I have a feeling that Thich Nhat Hanh would have been pleased. I was inspired to read some of his quotes. Given my love of nature, this was one of my favorites:
“You carry Mother Earth with you. She is not outside of you. Mother Earth is not just your environment. In that insight of inter-being, it is possible to have real communication with the Earth, which is the highest form of prayer.”
Curt
I’m really glad you enjoyed my poem and Connor’s as well Curt. That means the world to me.
Thank you for that beautiful quote you shared of his that is so touching and beautiful! Your footprints are marked on so many places of the earth which are such gifts! 💖💖💖🌈🌈🙏
💖💖💖… Back at you. 🙂
💖💖💖 Back at you Cindy. 🙂
Thanks my friend!!!💖💖💖
Congratulations to Conor on his book. It must be so cool to interview and share poetry with your god son , fabulous. LOVE both poems, such talent Cindy. Just wonderful.💕
Yes it is so wonderful and thanks for that Grace. It really is lovely and I’m so glad you enjoyed our poems. I appreciate your support always! 💖🌈
Always a pleasure 💕
can I say thanks in sweet chocolate kisses or do you like those? 💖🌈
Absolutely.Love those.💕
❤️🙌🙌❤️
Beautiful poetry. You and Connor are true poets in every sense of the word, Cindy. Thanks so much for sharing these poems with is. And kudos to Connor on the publication of his book! It sounds like you had a wonderful experience. 🙂
Thank you so much Mike! I’m happy to hear that and I know he will be too. Yes, I’m impressed with his ability to have done this on his own. It was a lovely day for sure and lovelier with your visit. Thank you!
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Beautiful poetry, Cindy, and beautiful times had by all by the sound of it 🥰🙏💕
Thank you so much Ingrid and you are so right about that!! 💖🌈 Well other than my hips but one body part outta how many ain’t bad 🤣
What a rich deligtful post Cindy, full of poetry and gratitude for The Great Teacher. Both your poetyr and Connor’s is beautiful and so amzing to read at the Jikoji Center! I did not know they had poetry reading events. I hear you about having ‘family’ outside immediate family who ‘get you’ :))) Congratulations Connor on his book and he is so lucky to have you! Much Love & Joy & Sunshine!
Thank you so much Pragalabha! I’m so happy to hear you found meaning in our poetry and another honoring of such a great teacher. I was surprised to learn that as well! It was right after their usual Sunday morning but a lovely treat. We all need extended family and so glad I’m not alone! I appreciate your honest response and your kind hearted response.
It is a delight and honor to share his work and thank you so much.. it is a gift … Much love to you too!
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It sounded like you had a wonderful day despite the creaks and groans. I can relate. A beautiful article and poem. 🤗❤️
We did for sure Curt even with the moans and groans 🤣🤣🤣 I might have to take to a cot with Connor next time.. hahaha. Actually, he didn’t snore but he did say he nodded off a bit. 💖😎🥰 Thanks so much!💖🌈
As a cloud never dies, so too the mindfulness and meditations of Thich Nhat Hanh, cycling through his collective influence, will continue to transform. I’ve enjoyed both poems in your post, dear Cindy, and thank you for sharing your beautiful words. 🙏🏼☁️🍵
Yes you are so right dearest Phil and I love that you shared those truths of wisdom that Thich Nhat Hanh would appreciate. I do. I’m touched and moved you appreciated our poetry, thank you and you are most welcome my friend.
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Wow, my dearest Cindy, I’m so amazed with this. Congrats to your son for his achievement. Thumbs-up for the wonderful reading. I’m so happy to see you smiling and having some fun out, dear. ❤🌷❤
Oh thanks Lamittan!!!
It’s my Godson.. but great all the same and thanks for the thumbs up; that was 2 thumbs and 5 fingers making it a high 5 I hope! 🤣💖🌈🌈🙏🙏
Oh, amazing still, my friend Cindy. You two, notwithstanding, have an uncanny resemblace. Your smiles overwhelmingly gladden the heart with the kindness it carries along. O yes, it’s both a thumbs-up and a high five, 😂😂🤗❤
You are so sweet and kind my friend, thanks so much!❤️😘👍🏼🙌🙌🙏
You’re most welcome, dear. 🥰😘
U. N. i. T. Y. Yes!
You iN i Thank Y.O.U.
WhY Owe YoU Yes!
Namaste! As ‘They’ Sing
Dancing Balancing
Change FLoWinG
Free Dear Cindy
FRiEnDS With
Gravity Freer
All Connecting
Yes “Interbeing”
Holding Nature’s
Hands ThiS Way
Inhaling Peace Exhaling
Love For All Giving, Sharing,
Caring, Healing, Freely Without
Restraint
With SMiLes
of Least Harm
For All of Course on Course Practicing Truly
Yes! May All Commune in JoY oF LoVinG LiFE!
And Yes! i Find You And Your Godson’s Poetry
So Inspiring! In A Way oF UNitY iN iNTerBeinG mY FRiEnD..:)
Thank you dear Fred! I can always count on you for your kind and heartfelt message. I’m so happy to hear you found both of our poems inspiring. Thank you truly for everything!
💖💖
SMiles Dear Cindy
Always A Pleasure
To Come By
And Hear
All Your
California
Dreaming
Wisdom
Coming
Into Fruition Free❤️☺️🙌
Such talent and he has an profoundness that speaks volume. I am happy for you and him, to both have something to bring you together that enriches the relationship… This was a joy to read
I so agree with you and thank you so much for your meaningful comment so gratefully received! I know it will mean the world to him. Yes, it is a special connection when or words bring us together!💖🌈
you are very welcome and I appreciate you sharing such joyful moments… It does my own good to hear. and tell him the art of poetry is in good hands with him❤️🤗🙏🏼
Awwww thanks again…. ! It’s so very kind of you! I will and have a lovely night! 💖💖💖🙏🤗🤗
Wow! Really loved your poem and post, Cindy – Bellissimo!!! 😊😍💕🌹
ohhhh thanks my friend!! I appreciate you and your kind comment. Did you resend the email? 💖
My goodness Cindy dear, I had to really take this post nice and slow girlfriend. 😊 WOW, what an awesome and profound experience with your grandson. There was so much included in here, that you just couldn’t “breeze” through it you had to “breathe” through it! 🌬 Your poem, as well as, your grandson’s poem was so heartwarming. How exciting! I see that since Thích Nhất Hạnh captured the cloud in his tea, you captured your in your coffee eh? ☕⛅☕ Love your energy and what a sweet tribute to him. 👏🏼🦋👏🏼
Beautiful poem Cindy. Congratulations to your Godson.
Thank you so much Dear Sowmya!
I so much appreciate it my friend. I know he does as well! 💖💖💖🙏🙏
With pleasure Cindy
Thanks so much dear Sowmya! 💖
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Beautifully written, Cindy. Heartfelt ❤️ thank you for sharing your Godson’s work. This post needs another reading. Maybe more.
Oh thank you so much Yassy. I’m glad you enjoyed it and you’re soooo welcome. Can’t wait to see you Friday! 💖🌈
Can’t wait 💕👍
An inspiring post, Cindy. Two beautiful poems and lovely photos and video. I look forward to your interview with your godson. <3
oh Cheryl, thanks so much I truly appreciate you taking time while you are being a caregiver in between helping Robert. I hope the improvement continues.
Oh that is so sweet of you 💖
Oh I love your poem… what a beautiful tribute. ❤️💫
Hearty congratulations to Conor on his book!! And urs is a very lovely poem ma’am! 💖
Sounds like you’ve spent a fantastic time with ur godson😊
A beautiful poem, as always, Cindy, as also of Connor. Congratulations to him. I’m happy that you had really a great time.
So great seeing you and Connor together; it’s obvious you share not only a special bond but a great talent and love of life! Thanks for sharing this slice of your life with us! 💕 🌟 🌹 🧘
Oh thank you so much. Yes, I think so. He chose me for a Godmother which I am so honored about. I wasn’t given the title. You’re sweet and welcome. Thanks for appreciating Nancy! 💖💖🙏🌈🌈🌈
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Excellent poem Cindy. Congratulations to your Godson, Connor and your video is so nice. Inspiring talk by Thich Hath Hahn. He was awesome. I have listened to so many of his videos. Loved his teachings on mindfulness. Great post, Cindy.
Oh I’m so glad you liked my poem Kamal! The video was so fun to share and organic. His teachings are awesome and glad to know you honored his presence as well! 💖💖💖
Yes he was very inspiring. Always Cindy ❤️ Have a great Friday ♥️♥️♥️♥️
💖💖💖 Indeed and thanks.. you as well!🥰
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💗💗💗💗🌹🌹🌹
💖🙏
🙏🏼🙏🏼🌹🌹
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indeed! 💖💖
Yes. xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Cindy, you must be so proud. Well done. Keith
Thanks so much Keith!!!
💖🙏 I so am!
Gorgeous poetry, dearest Cindy. It is a beautiful piece, filled with the pain of human beingness, and the light of possibility. ❤️❤️
Thanks so much and so beautifully expressed!!! So sooo sooooooo true!💖
Aww, thank you so much, my dear. I’m honored. It’s all a reflection of your wonderful poetry! Always welcome. ❤️❤️❤️
You’re soooo welcome dearest.. your words light my day. xoxo 💖💖💖
What a celebration of intentional creation through your words and your grandson’s as well. I especially like the last stanza of your poem. I am reflecting these words back to you.
The words of Thich Nhat Hanh echo
through the land
as he takes his final sip of tea
and becomes a cloud
for all to drink.
Peace to you,
Ali
oh thank you so much Ali.
it really was and i loved those lines as well which surprised and consoled me so thanks for reflecting them back at me. 💖💖🙏🌈🙏
“The source of a true smile is an awakened mind. Smiling helps you approach the day with gentleness and understanding. If you have lost your smile and yet are still capable of seeing that a dandelion is keeping it for you, the situation is not too bad. You will have enough mindfulness to see that the smile is there. The dandelion is keeping your smile for you.” Thich Nhat Hahn
These words have always spoken wonders for me. And it pleases me enormously to reenact this in my everyday shenanigans. That’s why I leave smiles (for safekeeping) in different places. Many times too, I give them away to others.
Now I’ll start seeing clouds in my morning coffee. Thanks. This is profound. xoxo
Such a beautiful quote by Thich Nhat Hahn Selma. Thank you so much for sharing and your kind smiles. Happy to hear you enjoyed the clouds in your coffee-:). Smiles and cloudsto you always!
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