The “Old Kitchen,” And The Beginning of A New Era

The “Old Kitchen” was a place of nourishment for so many over the decades. Not only was it the wellspring of countless meals, but it was a central gathering place, a direct channel to the dome, and a harbor for those seeking connection. Due to structural instability, this sacred space has now sat largely unused for far too long.

Last year, Lama Council approved the first phase of renovation: the building of an internal structure that will stabilize and enable future dismantling of the exterior while building anew. In March, the Council approved further direction: The new structure will retain the elegance of the initial design, minus internal posts, and add the capacity for year round use. Lastly, approval was given to begin fundraising, with a goal of approximately $250,000.

So…
What will the ‘Old Kitchen’ be when it is renewed?
And how do we move forward?
We are thrilled to be asking these questions, at last. 

As we head into summer, the first phase, approved and already funded, will begin. Continuing Members, Myles Saigh, who developed the 3-phase reconstruction plan and cost estimate, and Ray Bernhardt, who has agreed to spearhead the reconstruction, will be building the internal, stabilizing structure. This alone will give the community-at-large time to rally together around this exciting project.

While we have yet to fine tune our plans for this new building, we do know that the building’s use(s) will be flexible, with internal spaciousness and capacity for varied use at the discretion of each resident circle, season to season.

At annual meeting this summer we will develop a Design Committee, who will help determine specific features – how much to customize, type of siding, heating options, vent-able window styles, etc. This committee will work with Ray to help determine more specific costs.

Fundraiser, Tracy Cates, will be seeking a Fundraising Team to work with her to spearhead the campaign that will support this work.

We invite all of you to join these discussion as we proceed, and to get involved as you are called to do.

If you would like to join in, or have questions or ideas, please contact:
Bird bird@lamafoundation.org – or
Tracy tracy@lamafoundation.org

As a community we will create a new space that represents Lama at the core: for practice, for community, for prayer, for meetings, and for hosting the guest. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to manifest our love and revivify our dreams in Lama Central.

Let’s make the process as beautiful as that which we seek to make.

 

February Tea ’24

“Luck is the Guest that turned up.” Lesley   From Willi S: I am borrowing the words of Gary Snyder, which I think are uniquely applicable today.  We can all individually decide what he means by WILD.  "People often think of art as the most highly cultured, the most...

January Tea ’24

​From Jean K: Our lives / shirts on the ironing board / tears of grief and gratitude / with water and whisk we blend them all / and sip From Kate S: Hurrying to a place where I yearn to slow down, to listen to the sounds of making tea and the jumbled thoughts in my...

December Tea ’23

From Kathy:Running Teachers!! Shiwasu! From Jean:running teachers know the value of mistakes From Lesley:making tea to a single point … a knock at the door … a tap at the window … points in flowing motion From Jean:Phone call, I’m at the door, interruptions happen,...

November Tea ’23

  From VictoriaThe comments on sprouting and awareness of the abundance of kindnesses reminds of the Thanksgiving poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, which starts:We walk on starry fields of whiteAnd do not see the daisies;For blessings common in our sightWe rarely...

October Tea ’23

  From Kathy:   10 Virtues of Tea by Rikyu:  Blessed by gods / shakes off sleepiness / discharges filial duties / wards off disease/ makes one love and respect people / frees one from earthly desires / keeps one healthy / has contact withnobility / prolongs life...

September Tea ’23

  From Gerow Drinking tea/The shifting of the season’s light/ Illumines this double autumn. From Siddiq Approaching the gate / What can I look forward to? /  Never mind those thoughts!   From Deborah Summer to Autumn in 24 hours here; joining friends for...

August Tea ’23

  From Deborah MN First time at the library. Quite noisy and distracting. Fun though to join you even late.   From Karima Thank you soooo much for this beautiful tea time together! Must go.   From Kate I begin in uncertainty, slowly, my hands remember   From Jean...

REMEMBERING – The Old Lama Kitchen

Lama children on the steps of the Old Kitchen (1981).  Arielle, Asha (Bernard) and Jamil inside the kitchen (1981). Photos offered by Asha and Uwais Old Lama Kitchen - A few memories By Irit Umani, June 2023 When I think of Lama’s Old Kitchen, my mind almost...

June Tea ’23

  From Chad Being in NO tea/my body needing to rest/I become a guest. ( thank you) From Jean the glob, it sinks, it floats, it pulls us in, but like healing everywhere, just add a bit of hotwater, whisk and drink, and all of your cares will be gone. From Lesley...

May Tea ’23

From Gerow Purification... Meeting life as it is.... Acceptance orrecognition of the present moment... Respect.... Sense of freedom from "shoulds"   From Karen (who remembered this from another Lama Tea poet) Rains arrived... fire turns tosteam... renewal   From Deb...