Dancing Goddess (Nepal)

Claimed Object #5

I didn’t think I would want any items from the book. Unlike my mom (who I think just requested an item from you,) I don’t enjoy shopping on trips. I tend to seek out experiences and talks with people and never have room in my suitcase to bring things back.

Yet I fell in love with the photo of the Dancing Goddess and her story. I just turned 50, had a colonoscopy, and am dealing with aches and pains where I haven’t had them before. It is truly the time to embrace flaws and imperfections and recognize we’re all doing the best we can….no matter how our hips are posed.

On a more personal level, you may remember that reading your book is when I first learned Kathmandu was a real place. It was the reason I went off for eight weeks by myself to Nepal and met people who are still friends. Of all my travels, it is the place that I most carry with me everyday. I went back twice more….once with my mom and once with my sister and ex-wife. It’s where I intended to be for my 50th birthday……now it’s my hope to be there for 51. 

I don’t have anything in my home that represents its culture. I have Samuel Beckett photos, lots of Buster Keaton stills, a Barong mask from Bali, some embroidery from Northern Thailand……well, I do have a Tibetan rug but the design is modern. 🙂 This figure would perfectly fill in this gap. 

However, the connection I would most treasure to this object is it reminds me of when I visited my sister in Oakland so many years ago and reached out to you–a famous author to me–to let you know how much I loved “Shopping for Buddhas” and if I could meet you. Not only did you agree and engage me in conversation at an outdoor cafe, you invited me up to your apartment to see the star of that book. It may be a false memory, but I can see this statue draped in glass beads in my mind’s eye as I walked to your living room. 

A dancer chosen by the author who inspired me to go on my most treasured travels….and a reminder of his kindness to give me the gift of time to see his Buddha……..this is an object that I would love to keep watch on for you…..flaws and all.

                              Michael S., Seattle, WA