Archive for November, 2009

The Greening of Deer Park Monastery

Posted on: November 18th, 2009 by Geoff Livingston
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While in Europe, I had the opportunity to catch up with Brother Phap Thanh (Bernard), the monastic in charge of the Deer Park Monastery solar project, which attracted significant attention in the San Diego region. Deer Park Monastery is part of the Plum Village Tradition of Bhuddhism run by Nobel Peace Prize nominee Thich Nhat Hanh.

The Go Solar! project was an intentional effort to engage the problem of global warming. The photovoltaic solar panel system was permanently installed in 2008, and now the Monastery is completely run off of solar power.

Monasteries and institutions can lead communities into the new environmental era with their own eco-friendly action. Recently, England’s Stanbrook Abbey also became solar powered with its new design.

Here is my brief interview with Brother Bernard describing the project and how it impacted the local San Diego community:

Geoff Livingston is a regular contributor to the Live Earth blog.

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Nous Sommes en France!

Posted on: November 10th, 2009 by Geoff Livingston 1 Comment

map_of_france (Map from Lonely Planet)

Caitlin and I landed in Paris this morning. This is our third trip to France together, and one of many, many journeys for me to France since I was a two-year old boy. I cannot tell you how happy it makes me to be here in my second country. It’s been five years, far too long!

This particular trip has us taking a two-week tour of the southwestern part of the country:

Our first trip together in France was about nine months into our relationship during the summer of 2003.  We toured Paris extensively, and visited my grandmother’s chateaux in Provence (she has since relocated to Ashburn, VA, right by me).

The second trip was even more romantic. Five years ago on Labor Day weekend, I proposed to Caitlin on the French Riviera in Cannes . She knew it was coming because I was a bit of  dork about it, but the sunset made it just right. Further, she wasn’t expecting the massive bouquet of flowers awaiting her in the hotel, or the seven course candlelight meal atop the Sofitel overlooking the night time Cannes vista.  Truly magical. Caitlin carried the bouquet with her to Nice, and back to Paris. I think that was the best trip I have ever taken. 

Other great trips to France include a two week stay in Basqueland on the Atlantic Ocean in Biarritz as well as dozens of summers in Provence. I am blessed to have visited this gorgeous country so frequently.

I promise to take lots of photos!

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Twitter Hiatus – Where Is @geoffliving?

Posted on: November 6th, 2009 by Geoff Livingston 13 Comments

backside As many folks know, I will be traveling quite a bit over the next two months (and also wrapping up a couple CRT/tanaka projects). Rest, reflection and preparation requires significant time for contemplation, etc. To achieve that one needs to separate from the day-to-day grind, and for me that includes Twitter (image by Jen Consalvo).

So to my Twitter friends, I am saying adieu for much of the remainder of 2009. It’s my intent to post a blog periodically, especially right before the big Copenhagen Conference and with an occasional travel update. Those posts will be sent automatically to my Twitter feed. A random picture or two may make its way out there as well.  I may even check in for a chat once in a blue moon (or I may not). But for the most part, don’t expect to see me.

It’s not goodbye, just a break.  I look forward to many new exciting conversations on Twitter in 2010.  Have a great holiday season, my friends!

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