Spontaneous Bliss, Sahajananda Nritya Gita

Namaste! There is a new Buddhist temple in Portland - the first of its kind outside of Nepal - which is also the new home of Dance Mandal. Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, a Newar Buddhist priest, has built a traditional temple right off 40th and Hawthorne. All of the carvings were handcrafted in Nepal by skilled artisans and it has been built in the time-honored way, including the traditional paint. It is astonishingly beautiful and I hope you have a chance to check it out...

On Saturday and Sunday August 2-3 there will be a few celebrations to commemorate the opening, titled "Spontaneous Bliss." The weekend includes a sacred dance performance on Saturday evening by Prajwal and his Dance Mandal troupe and a dance workshop Sunday afternoon. The weekend concludes on Sunday night with a Charya Nritya (sacred dance) lecture & slide presentation by Miranda Shaw. Please check out the Dance Mandal website for more info. http://dhancemandal.com/

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

My latest local find...

Greetings! I was perusing the Portland Saturday Market on Sunday and stumbled across this gorgeous ring from South American artist Edwin G, who runs Bella Vista. It's completely hand forged of sterling silver with blue Peruvian opal. I usually go for smaller rings, but this one was so stunning I HAD to have it. I wear it everywhere now - even just bumming around the house in my PJs. Next time you're in the Portland area please check him out - as well as many of fine, talented artists - at the Portland Saturday Market...

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

Neglect

Greetings loyal readers! My apologies that I have been neglecting my blog lately. It's been a busy few weeks as my fourth anniversary approaches (hubby surprised me with a FAB getaway to a B&B at the coast), I've started selling in the gift shop at the Portland Classical Chinese Garden, my regular day job has ramped up, and my Fibromyalgia has flared up a bit. Thankfully I'm beginning to get a handle on things (even went for a 12 mile hike Wednesday). I will try to post again this weekend. Thanks for your patience...

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

My work can now be seen at the Portland Classical Chinese Garden gift shop

As many of you know, the Portland Classical Chinese Garden in my sanctuary. I go there at least once a week to soak up the ambiance while having tea and noodles. It's my way of decompressing after a tough work week. It literally recharges my soul. As of yesterday I am lucky enough to be the newest artist to sell my Asian inspired wares in the gift shop - and I am so excited!!! All proceeds from gift shop sales go back to supporting this wonderful oasis of tranquility, and I am honored to be a part of it.

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

http://www.portlandchinesegarden.org/

Kathmandu Cafe will re-open next weekend...

The dictionary may describe momos as "Himalayan dumplings similar to potstickers," but I call them little bundles of nirvana. At least they are when Kirpa Tamang makes them! He runs the Kathmandu Cafe food stall at the Portland Saturday Market foodcourt, March through December 24th. I go EVERY Sunday for the Tour of Asia (momos, curried potatos & green beans, chicken vindaloo, rice, and lentils) and a cup or two of his handmade chai. Mmm! I am constantly amazed at what he can do with just a camp stove and tent. I've been going through withdrawls the last two months without my momos, but next weekend the market will open again. If you're in the Portland, Oregon area the Saturday Market opens March 1 and is open both Saturdays and Sunday through December 24th.

-Wendy Baylis

Dharma Designs

http://dharmadesigns.etsy.com/