Only in Memphis (A Repost)

Sipping a cool Mochachino at Bluff City Coffee and watching all the folks come and go around the Civil Rights Museum, I remembered writing a post about the Dalai Lama visiting back in 2009. 
So I reposted it.

At first we thought it a bit strange that the Dalai Lama was coming to Memphis, but it was somewhat intriguing as to why... and what did Natalie Cole have to do with it.
The big day came and it made national headlines.
We were proud (although shocked) that our hometown could be open minded enough to promote the peaceful ways of the the Dalai Lama and Buddhism. 

Then, in true Memphis form, one of our Mayors (Yes, we have at least 2)  gave His Holiness the fist bump, (which was kinda cool), but then pitched a sub-par joke that gained national attention for it's questionable taste.
The Dalia Lama seemed to take it with good humor; after all, he is the Dalia Lama; what would Buddha do?
Watch the video here>>> Dalai Lama receives fist bump from Memphis Mayor

Even more off the wall is this article out of the Memphis Commercial Appeal. Here >>>Zen and the art of living in Memphis. The reporter does make a few good points while attempting to be witty. We could benefit from the teachings of this man, but Memphis is way too divided, on so many levels, to even consider it.

What did he do while in Memphis? Quite a lot.

1. He received the International Freedom Award from the National Civil Rights Museum.
2. He received a fist bump from Mayor Pro Tem Myron Lowery.
3. He became an honorary citizen of Memphis. (which will add funkiness to His Holiness)
4. He ate the best BBQ in the world. (even more funkiness for His Holiness)
   
5. He went to Graceland. (No, just kidding)
6. He blessed the Mississippi River. (It really could use more of that.)
7. He said, "Everybody is the same human being. ... We are all the same," (True)
   
8. He also said, "If you keep here -points to his heart-  fear, anger, jealously, everything appears suspicious." (tru dat)
   
9. He convinced both Mayors to pronounce these "Peace and Harmony Days".
   
10. He returned the fist bump to Mayor Pro Tem Myron Lowrey before leaving.

We are proud to know the Dalai Lama was in our town. Even if most Memphians didn't realize, or care,  he was there.

Oh well, we are what we are...  and that's what we are? (paraphrasing the great 20th century philosopher, Popeye,  the sailor-man)  Toot Toot!



Meanwhile here in Stuart, we have been busy doing maintenance on Istaboa. Our friend Will has been extremely helpful and the boat is in better ship shape than ever before.
All raw waterlines have been cleaned out or replaced; (The marine growth and Mussels are bad around here.) we have replaced the whole bonding system and are having a diver take care of replacing the zincs; recaulking the flybridge; the list goes on and on and is, truly, never ending.
It's really nice to be able to drive down the street and buy what you need for your boat, when you need it. Unlike the Exumas or even Pickwick.

Our friends Dave and Shirley, from the Sea Spray days on Elbow Cay, have tied up next to us. So good times has been had... Sometimes too good. We will temper that soon.

We are still crossing our fingers and toes in regards to the big "H". So far, no bad weather or blows.

So that's about it.
Still enjoyin' life and not makin' plans.

Adios,


Istaboa