Hangzhou Johnny's Guestbook
Comments
Date: 30th September 2007
welconme
Mate...if you only get one go of living outside your own space - let this be it!
From Blog: Ozillations
welconme
Mate...if you only get one go of living outside your own space - let this be it!
From Blog: Ozillations
Date: 7th March 2007
Missing a teacher and friend
When are you going to be back this way?
From Blog: Diamond Dancing
Missing a teacher and friend
When are you going to be back this way?
From Blog: Diamond Dancing
Date: 12th January 2007
huzzah
Hang ten, Hangzhou J.! Glad to see you carry the travelblog over Stateside. No sledding in Shanghai, of course, but it has been chilly enough to snow lately (though it hasn't), and with all the leaves off the plane trees in our (and your old) neighborhood, you can see the buildings all the better. They're looking good. I'll pull an extra-good downward facing dog and dedicate it to you. Shanghai misses you but it sounds like the snowbound neighbors of Denver need you. Carry on. Cheers, David
From Blog: A Christmas Miracle
huzzah
Hang ten, Hangzhou J.! Glad to see you carry the travelblog over Stateside. No sledding in Shanghai, of course, but it has been chilly enough to snow lately (though it hasn't), and with all the leaves off the plane trees in our (and your old) neighborhood, you can see the buildings all the better. They're looking good. I'll pull an extra-good downward facing dog and dedicate it to you. Shanghai misses you but it sounds like the snowbound neighbors of Denver need you. Carry on. Cheers, David
From Blog: A Christmas Miracle
Date: 1st January 2007
great hearts
Your hearts have wings to match the flying runners of your sleds. Your connection with humor and resilience transformed disaster into community bonding. I am grinning from my core. hugs, teri
From Blog: A Christmas Miracle
great hearts
Your hearts have wings to match the flying runners of your sleds. Your connection with humor and resilience transformed disaster into community bonding. I am grinning from my core. hugs, teri
From Blog: A Christmas Miracle
Date: 30th September 2006
on transitions
Oh John, the beauty and depth of your and Sven's thoughts touch me deeply. It is through loss that we often times recognize how important it it to live fully. Many years ago I lost my brother, Paul, in a tragic way. I was so unprepared for living my life without his guiding and loving presence. He had taught me so much about how to be in the world and so, for nearly a year, I felt as though I no longer wanted to be in a world in which he was so painfully absent. The most amazing truth, however, evolved within me as I regained my will to live. Eventually, I arrived at Paul's final lesson for me. The first part is life is too short to be spending time in an unhappy state of mind (and here, the words such as discontent, dissatisfied, angry, bitter, etc. can fill in the blank). The second part is that I am the only person who can "fix it." Yes, those surrounding me can provide love, support, guidance; ultimately, though, it is up to me to engage with and move through that which is difficult. And always, I have discovered, I am richer in mind and spirit for having embraced the conflict. Each September 18th, the anniversary of Paul's death, I move into a reflective frame of mind. Am I living with joy and intention? Do I appreciate the many blessings in my life? Do I challenge myself? Am I kind to others? The many questions on this special day remind me to make the necessay adjustments and to truly live fully. How fortunate we all are to be reminded of the richness of our lives by those who chose to move on before us.
From Blog: Dog Gone It
on transitions
Oh John, the beauty and depth of your and Sven's thoughts touch me deeply. It is through loss that we often times recognize how important it it to live fully. Many years ago I lost my brother, Paul, in a tragic way. I was so unprepared for living my life without his guiding and loving presence. He had taught me so much about how to be in the world and so, for nearly a year, I felt as though I no longer wanted to be in a world in which he was so painfully absent. The most amazing truth, however, evolved within me as I regained my will to live. Eventually, I arrived at Paul's final lesson for me. The first part is life is too short to be spending time in an unhappy state of mind (and here, the words such as discontent, dissatisfied, angry, bitter, etc. can fill in the blank). The second part is that I am the only person who can "fix it." Yes, those surrounding me can provide love, support, guidance; ultimately, though, it is up to me to engage with and move through that which is difficult. And always, I have discovered, I am richer in mind and spirit for having embraced the conflict. Each September 18th, the anniversary of Paul's death, I move into a reflective frame of mind. Am I living with joy and intention? Do I appreciate the many blessings in my life? Do I challenge myself? Am I kind to others? The many questions on this special day remind me to make the necessay adjustments and to truly live fully. How fortunate we all are to be reminded of the richness of our lives by those who chose to move on before us.
From Blog: Dog Gone It
Date: 4th August 2006
it made me smile
thanks for brightening up my day with this story! it really made me smile :) tell your mom thanks for sharing it with everyone.
From Blog: Love in the Time of War
it made me smile
thanks for brightening up my day with this story! it really made me smile :) tell your mom thanks for sharing it with everyone.
From Blog: Love in the Time of War
Date: 22nd July 2006
Fruity tomatoes
You'd have to ask Mom, but seems like she told me once that they put sugar on their tomatoes back on the farm in Nebraska. Dad used to put salt and pepper on cantaloupe. Next time you go somewhere that you can buy handcrafts, see if there are any beads for sale. I've been making jewelry using improvisational beadwork techniques. Love from your sis, Karen
From Blog: A Priceless Lesson
Fruity tomatoes
You'd have to ask Mom, but seems like she told me once that they put sugar on their tomatoes back on the farm in Nebraska. Dad used to put salt and pepper on cantaloupe. Next time you go somewhere that you can buy handcrafts, see if there are any beads for sale. I've been making jewelry using improvisational beadwork techniques. Love from your sis, Karen
From Blog: A Priceless Lesson
Date: 27th June 2006
Value
In what we call "lean" business thinking, we are supposed to produce "value" that the customer is willing to pay for. I think John did a good job getting his $12 worth - letting a girl feel like she's getting pretty good at her job, a meditation on stealing and cheating, a chance to redeem himself for his $1 he owed UNICEF, a good story and a blog post. As a customer, he might not want to spend $12 every day pretending to be gullible, but it wasn't a bad deal today. And at the same time, there's the consciousness that we are extraordinarily priveleged to have access to money, education and friends who can help us. I was in downtown Detroit yesterday at the baseball game - I try to go to one at least every 30 years - and saw a variety of methods for pan handling. My thought every so often is to buy a bunch of McDonalds coupons and give those instead of cash. Would the person use it for food? Sell it to someone else? Throw it back in my face? Sad to say, I just walked by as though I couldn't even see them there. So John - thanks for getting us another look inside the world. (with love from your big sis)
From Blog: Scam-a-lama-ding-dong
Value
In what we call "lean" business thinking, we are supposed to produce "value" that the customer is willing to pay for. I think John did a good job getting his $12 worth - letting a girl feel like she's getting pretty good at her job, a meditation on stealing and cheating, a chance to redeem himself for his $1 he owed UNICEF, a good story and a blog post. As a customer, he might not want to spend $12 every day pretending to be gullible, but it wasn't a bad deal today. And at the same time, there's the consciousness that we are extraordinarily priveleged to have access to money, education and friends who can help us. I was in downtown Detroit yesterday at the baseball game - I try to go to one at least every 30 years - and saw a variety of methods for pan handling. My thought every so often is to buy a bunch of McDonalds coupons and give those instead of cash. Would the person use it for food? Sell it to someone else? Throw it back in my face? Sad to say, I just walked by as though I couldn't even see them there. So John - thanks for getting us another look inside the world. (with love from your big sis)
From Blog: Scam-a-lama-ding-dong
Date: 18th June 2006
Enjoyed Your Interesting Post
Congratulations in your new job, John. It's a big step, but with your will and intelligence and experience and confidence, you surely will succeed. John Creed Fairbanks, Alaska
From Blog: The Quest
Enjoyed Your Interesting Post
Congratulations in your new job, John. It's a big step, but with your will and intelligence and experience and confidence, you surely will succeed. John Creed Fairbanks, Alaska
From Blog: The Quest
Date: 12th June 2006
Cool idea
How nice it would be if we have more salons here in Hangzhou like this.
From Blog: Xi Hu Salon
Cool idea
How nice it would be if we have more salons here in Hangzhou like this.
From Blog: Xi Hu Salon
Date: 10th May 2006
good stuff, thanks for sharing
Thanks, John, many keen and interesting observations here. Do I take it that you can't read your hotmail account? I sent you an article yesterday about expats in China... Snow is almost all gone but mud remains. No leaves yet, but any minute... I am flying to L.A. Sunday to drive up the Alcan with Matt. House purchase not complete yet but should be this week. Cmcmt this Sunday. The world here continues in your absence--amazing, isn't it! Thanks for enriching mine from there...
From Blog: Old & New
good stuff, thanks for sharing
Thanks, John, many keen and interesting observations here. Do I take it that you can't read your hotmail account? I sent you an article yesterday about expats in China... Snow is almost all gone but mud remains. No leaves yet, but any minute... I am flying to L.A. Sunday to drive up the Alcan with Matt. House purchase not complete yet but should be this week. Cmcmt this Sunday. The world here continues in your absence--amazing, isn't it! Thanks for enriching mine from there...
From Blog: Old & New
Date: 7th May 2006
Pugnacity and Language
You've got guts HJ, getting into a near fight with little more than non-verbal communication to defuse it, should events go that far. I've always been content with bu hao, or just a vigorous head-shake; but maybe I'm a coward at heart??? My imagination leads me to 'the fight,' 'the ambulance,' ' the hospital where no one speaks English,' and so forth --- besides --- i'm the visitor; it's their country and they have to survive in it long after I'm gone. As the one to two to three week 'observer' I just hope to survive until the next trip, almost always to a different country.--DLS
From Blog: Shoeshine
Pugnacity and Language
You've got guts HJ, getting into a near fight with little more than non-verbal communication to defuse it, should events go that far. I've always been content with bu hao, or just a vigorous head-shake; but maybe I'm a coward at heart??? My imagination leads me to 'the fight,' 'the ambulance,' ' the hospital where no one speaks English,' and so forth --- besides --- i'm the visitor; it's their country and they have to survive in it long after I'm gone. As the one to two to three week 'observer' I just hope to survive until the next trip, almost always to a different country.--DLS
From Blog: Shoeshine
Date: 12th April 2006
where was I?
Was I there, or does it just feel like I spent an interesting evening with you and your friends? Thanks, I enjoyed it, either way.
From Blog: Xi Hu Salon
where was I?
Was I there, or does it just feel like I spent an interesting evening with you and your friends? Thanks, I enjoyed it, either way.
From Blog: Xi Hu Salon
Date: 8th February 2006
Colonics
Easiest place near US for colonics is Tijuana -- however! be warned -- my local health food guy says that you can get seriously dehydrated from colonics - don't know if this is true, but if so, it is life threatening.
From Blog: Slow Fast
Colonics
Easiest place near US for colonics is Tijuana -- however! be warned -- my local health food guy says that you can get seriously dehydrated from colonics - don't know if this is true, but if so, it is life threatening.
From Blog: Slow Fast
Date: 6th February 2006
This sound like something I need to do. Any idea about were is the states I can find the info on this, or were to go. Thanks again for another wonderful insight to a different place in this world (physical and spiritual). I need and miss your guidance. Thanks again!
From Blog: Slow Fast
This sound like something I need to do. Any idea about were is the states I can find the info on this, or were to go. Thanks again for another wonderful insight to a different place in this world (physical and spiritual). I need and miss your guidance. Thanks again!
From Blog: Slow Fast
Date: 5th February 2006
hey john
hey john i was at lamai beach many years ago and mostly what I remember was the decadence... there were the constant offers of sex (for cash of course.).. i had no idea at the time about the whole sex tourism thing and it was quite an eye opener... it sounds like your experience was quite different... are you really "not shitting" us about the worms... that's freaky, glad you're enjoying yourself so much.. quest starts next weekend and I'll be thinking about you, although I won't be on the trail myself this year, it sounds like it will be a great alaskan vs german run. dave c
From Blog: Slow Fast
hey john
hey john i was at lamai beach many years ago and mostly what I remember was the decadence... there were the constant offers of sex (for cash of course.).. i had no idea at the time about the whole sex tourism thing and it was quite an eye opener... it sounds like your experience was quite different... are you really "not shitting" us about the worms... that's freaky, glad you're enjoying yourself so much.. quest starts next weekend and I'll be thinking about you, although I won't be on the trail myself this year, it sounds like it will be a great alaskan vs german run. dave c
From Blog: Slow Fast
Date: 25th January 2006
tea jars!!
hey john- i'm loving reading your excerpts. so much of what you talk about reminds me of my time in china. speaking of that, my glass tea jar with the screen and lid broke and i'm distraught. can't find one ANYWHERE, not even internet. if you happen to run across a glass tea jar with a screen in one of the markets, could you PLEASE pick me one up. i still have plenty of RMB to bribe you with :) keep on having fun! hope to get out there before october! Sara
From Blog: Food and Water
tea jars!!
hey john- i'm loving reading your excerpts. so much of what you talk about reminds me of my time in china. speaking of that, my glass tea jar with the screen and lid broke and i'm distraught. can't find one ANYWHERE, not even internet. if you happen to run across a glass tea jar with a screen in one of the markets, could you PLEASE pick me one up. i still have plenty of RMB to bribe you with :) keep on having fun! hope to get out there before october! Sara
From Blog: Food and Water
Date: 20th December 2005
John, all I can say is "awesome." In some ways sounds so much like some encounters I had in the Phils. Just awesome! Wish the heck I coulda been there! :-)
From Blog: Christmas Party
John, all I can say is "awesome." In some ways sounds so much like some encounters I had in the Phils. Just awesome! Wish the heck I coulda been there! :-)
From Blog: Christmas Party
Date: 19th December 2005
Cold? Fuggaboudid.
Hi Maria - Don't let the cold stop you. It didn't dissuade Ernest Shackleton and he spent nearly two years on an Antarctic ice floe. Seriously, it's no colder than Philly and you can always buy some long underwear or a coat. Do drop in! - John
From Blog: What I Teach
Cold? Fuggaboudid.
Hi Maria - Don't let the cold stop you. It didn't dissuade Ernest Shackleton and he spent nearly two years on an Antarctic ice floe. Seriously, it's no colder than Philly and you can always buy some long underwear or a coat. Do drop in! - John
From Blog: What I Teach
Date: 12th December 2005
Christmas...
My company also got two Christmas trees up a week ago and i did some decoration for the trees...which is really fun.lol.:) Actually sometimes Chinese dealers consider foreign festivals more important than the traditional festivals..which is bit weird and a pity... Well back to the point..more festival more fun...xixi
From Blog: Christmas Crap
Christmas...
My company also got two Christmas trees up a week ago and i did some decoration for the trees...which is really fun.lol.:) Actually sometimes Chinese dealers consider foreign festivals more important than the traditional festivals..which is bit weird and a pity... Well back to the point..more festival more fun...xixi
From Blog: Christmas Crap
Date: 10th December 2005
Challenges!
You have an incredible set of daily challenges. I have a regular yoga practice here in Philly (We were fortunate to have Duncan Wong here for a week earlier in the year!)and I'm wondering how my upcoming "Asia trip" of some two months will be. I really enjoyed your detailed description of your students in Hangzou; Funny how the students in my Spanish classes are quite similar. I will be in Hong Kong early Feb, and was thinking of flying to Hangzou, but I fear it will be brutally cold in Feb. What are your thoughts on the matter (especially since I'll be coming in from much more temperate S. India). If I make it to HZ, I will certainly visit Y+! Thanks for the insights.
From Blog: What I Teach
Challenges!
You have an incredible set of daily challenges. I have a regular yoga practice here in Philly (We were fortunate to have Duncan Wong here for a week earlier in the year!)and I'm wondering how my upcoming "Asia trip" of some two months will be. I really enjoyed your detailed description of your students in Hangzou; Funny how the students in my Spanish classes are quite similar. I will be in Hong Kong early Feb, and was thinking of flying to Hangzou, but I fear it will be brutally cold in Feb. What are your thoughts on the matter (especially since I'll be coming in from much more temperate S. India). If I make it to HZ, I will certainly visit Y+! Thanks for the insights.
From Blog: What I Teach
Date: 8th December 2005
music
WOW, the adventure continues with you! Is your Christmas party going to be in your apartment or at the yoga studio? Do they celebrate Christmas in China? Singapore sure made a big deal of it.. giving equal time to the other major tradition's holidays. Have you learned anything about Chinese music? We miss you, Teri
From Blog: Cool day
music
WOW, the adventure continues with you! Is your Christmas party going to be in your apartment or at the yoga studio? Do they celebrate Christmas in China? Singapore sure made a big deal of it.. giving equal time to the other major tradition's holidays. Have you learned anything about Chinese music? We miss you, Teri
From Blog: Cool day
Date: 5th December 2005
We enjoy your journals.
Laura and I have been trying to follow your updates and we really enjoy your commentary on the adventures of Hangzhou Johnny. We are glad to see that you are settling in your new environment and, as always, we are amazed at your resilience and sense of adventure. Keep those "cards and letters" coming. Best wishes from your sister and brother-in-law.
From Blog: Cool day
We enjoy your journals.
Laura and I have been trying to follow your updates and we really enjoy your commentary on the adventures of Hangzhou Johnny. We are glad to see that you are settling in your new environment and, as always, we are amazed at your resilience and sense of adventure. Keep those "cards and letters" coming. Best wishes from your sister and brother-in-law.
From Blog: Cool day
sanjay
non-member comment
yog sadhna
hai, i m teaching yoga in india, i think yoga is not only a job its comleat sadhna marg. pls visit. www.foundationoflife.net thanks sanjay
From Blog: Yoga as a Full-time Job