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.

 

December Tea ’24

Siddiq Is beginner’s mind / a big thing or a small thing? / No mind is theanswer Tracy Why respond with “no”? / Give freely beyond request / Hindered bynothing Sakina I judge, therefore I am / shoddy foam, perfect foam / can I loveevery bubble? Tracy Three and a half...

August Tea ’24

Kim Tea Space is the perfect host / as the sky hosts clouds / and GreatMind hosts all thoughts Siddiq The imperfection / how shall I learn to treasure / just the way it is? Ulrich No student far or near - you are the task Tracy Aging into tea / No more kneeling, I...

May Tea ’24

From Randy W. "Prayer for Our World" In the midst of thisHorrifying imageThe only solaceFour survivorsPerhaps a familyHolding togetherThe grace of lifeAs if our worldMight be whole againAdorned with treesAnd lemons. From Deborah MN: I'm getting my first lily of the...

April Tea ’24

From Jean K: Thank you for welcoming Chloe to our practice today. I think she will enjoy learningmore about how to fold the fukusa when she and I practice together. We are leaving you allnow to work on the garden. Many spring blessings to all!! From Lesley M: we are...

March Tea ’24

From Susan R: Quiet here this moment, but like returning salmon, the flow was powerful From Lesley M: Stopping the battle … Letting the foam have bubbles … Spring and Autumn mix From Dean O: In the middle of tea / the great-tailed grackles / returned to my yard today...

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...