Dear Guru maharaj,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

I hope this finds you in good health. 

This past weekend, our Bhakti Lounge preaching center had a small retreat for the guests that have been coming regularly to the center. It was the first time I have been in charge of kitchen duty; cooking prasadam for about 20 people is not as easy as it sounds. Some tears, chastisements, burnt granola, sour curry, and vegan lasagna were a few of the highlights; however, it was worth it. A good experience by all means. I'm not sure if I would do it again!

On another note, in my my last post I told you about the dakshina that I collected for you. Your reply was baffling. I might have to cook a lot of potato and squash for Krishna. I apologize for doubting your instruction because I'm a fool. Are you sure you don't want it sent to you? If it is you request that it be used for bhoga then I humbly comply. 

Sadhana is... there. Minimum 16 rounds, 4 regs, not too much reading I regret, sankirtan in some form or another- not neccesarily book distribution. Life is moving along in the temple. My tulasi service is my main concentration although I feel my effort in it is lacking. Do you know how to eliminate spider mites and white flies? There seems to be a slight infestation of both culprits in her leaves.

Jaya Nitai!!! Our bhakti lounge crew meets on Sundays for Srimad Bhagavatam classes. On Nityananda's appearance day, I gave my first ever class which lasted 10 seconds. Speaking in such a way is very scary for me. I did not do a good job. I prefer to sing in public than to speak. I prefer to go out on book distribution than to give class any day. Anyways, too much rambling. It has been a month so I have alot to say! :D

In conclusion, I figured out that Prabhupada is absolutely the boss. I like getting the service to wrap his chaddar around him before he goes to sleep. He is boss :)

Jaya Prabhupada!!

Your aspiring servant,

Rasa-mandali dd

HpS - Jaya!   So nice to hear from you.    Our reporter from Toronto, aye?   No, don't know how to get rid of the white flys but I hear there are manuals.    Devotee in San Jose California has a 9 foot tall tulasi that started from nothing.  In San Jose usually no more than 2 feet tall.

Invest the money in books and then distribute them and whatever income there is we can keep that for Anjana Suta Academy Toronto, a branch of ISKCON!

Very good luck in all your service.

Are you investigating Grhastha ashrama?