Third time lucky!

Waldorf education seems to want to happen in the city of Tarapoto but has had difficulties getting started.  The first effort was a little school called Semillas (seeds) which later morphed into Selva Azul (blue jungle).

 Now a new school called Khuyay (love in the Quechua language) has opened its doors in what looks to be a very promising manner.  Certainly the new campus is gorgeous, spacious and has lots of flowers and trees.

Grandchildren Xiara and Zair up a tree in the beautiful grounds of the new Waldorf school.

Teachers, parents and children at the recent 'open house' opening circle.

A presentation of the work done by second graders inside their classrom.

Getting set up for watercolor painting in the kindergarten.

Welcome new volunteers to Estrella de Sauce

On the left is Johanna from Karlsruhe standing with Tara from Freiburg along with parents, baby Michaela and Lourdes.

Johanna and Tara were helping out as greeters during an 'open house' at our new Waldorf school in Tarapoto yesterday.  They will be with us a year working with Lourdes in our Estrella de Sauce educational project in Sauce.

Interestingly Tara and I both attended the first Freiburg Waldorf School (there are now 3 schools there), Tara recently and me way back in 1970 as an exchange student.

Don Howard Lawler spread his wings and flew. October 3 1947 - October 13 2019

My friend, brother and maestro don Howard Lawler gave me an incomparable introduction to  the deep mysteries of Peru back in 2004/5.  The net result of meeting Howard was that I moved to Peru in 2006 and became a peruvian citizen a couple years later.

Sadly Howard passed away after a long and difficult illness on October 13 2019

Up at Heaven's Gate in the Peruvian high Andes back in 2005. Dan Factor, Martin Loarte, Howard Lawler and Martin Stevens.

 Anyone interested in learning more about don Howard can go to  www.biopark.org  for some very well written articles by Parker Sherry and much else besides. You can also search for don Howard Lawler on  www.youtube.com  to see interviews and documentaries.

My book 'Long Road to Chavin' available on  www.amazon.com  in both paperback and Kindle versions  recounts my adventures with this remarkable huachuma maestro.

Back from the USA

I recently returned from Asheville North Carolina after spending 3 1/2 months there helping friends build a house deep in the woods as well as having fun visiting with family and friends.

Here's my son Lief, daughter in law Betsy and grandson Rowan at an August pie party in Asheville.

Retrostyle clothing was one of the requirements for attending the party.

My brother Robin and partner Kim cooling off in a river at Swanannoa during an August heatwave.

My woodland campsite where I stayed during good weather while doing building work.

On the arrival of rain and cold I retreated to comfortable digs provided by friends Chris and Betty and/or Randy and Sally.  Must be getting soft in my older years!

Solar shower can be seen in the background.

Here's an 8ft high door I made from old barnwood recovered from a demolished building on the site.

The handles are made from rhododendron branches.

Chris and Betty's new house sits on 25 peaceful acres (8 hectares) close to the Broad River near Black Mountain North Carolina.

I worked with a great carpentry crew: Steve, Clayton and Andrew.  Here's Steve and Andrew working on the cedar top rail of the second floor deck.