This is quick, because I have a lot to do today. I’m going to the Aiki Summer Retreat 2013 – the one formerly held at Menlo College – at Feather River College in Quincy, California. This will be my second time going. Some people have been going for decades!
I had a great time talking with Frank Bloksberg Sensei, one of the organizers, a few weeks ago. We chatted about what it’s like to go to the Retreat, especially as a first-timer and lower-ranked student. It was a lot of fun. You can watch our 40-minute webinar here, if you like:
I’ll be blogging throughout the week. Here’s the big picture:
Today I’m packing and setting my bags by the door, and then tonight I’m going with some friends to train in Mexico. My teacher, Dave Goldberg Sensei will be leading a workshop at Aikido Tijuana, as he does every few months.
Saturday morning I’ll hop on a plane to Sacramento (only after taking Sudafed, drinking plenty of water, and chewing gum, all to ward off vertigo – I hope) . There I’ll get to visit with Michael’s parents, who are lovely people. I’m planning to show them how to make my favorite kind of gluten-free bread. On Sunday morning they will drive me the 2-½ hours to Quincy and drop me off at the campus.
Sunday afternoon through the following Saturday morning will be Aikido, Aikido, Aikido, plus some food, a little sleep, lots of friends, and the infamous Aiki Retreat. I have a song half written. Must get that finished!
After the Retreat I’m hitching a ride back to Sacramento with a dear friend, one of my Aiki mentors, and flying home. Back to the dojo on Monday.
I’d best get busy packing!
