Merry Christmas and Happy 2014!

Hello folks,
It's been nearly 2 years since I've posted on this annual blog to update you on the latest goings on in my life.  Though many of my day to day endeavors continue on, there have been some major changes since I've last written.

The first big change is that I'm walking the single life again, and have been so for the last year and a half.  I was not in the best of places during the holidays last year and wasn't in the mood to write an update.  But having gone through a year, I am in a good place and keeping more than busy.

Another big change has been my vehicle.  Since it's been a while since I've written, many of you don't know.  In October 2012 on a wet night, just after 8 pm, I hit a slick spot on Highway 84, loss control and went up an embankment (which is better than me having gone down it).  While I suffered no injury, the Matrix never recovered, and through God's gracious provision, I am now a proud owner of a 2009 Toyota Prius (pictured above).  It's driving well, saving gas, and having less impact on the environment which is, I believe, a very important thing!

After 7 years, I continue to live and serve at Redwood Glen Camp and Conference Center in Loma Mar, CA.  However, I am now the full-time Guest Services/Marketing Coordinator, and have been so since January.  I continue to make my home in Creekside cabin, a 2 bedroom house at camp (pictured above).  It is beside Hoffman Creek, and every day I am blessed as I leave my home and cross the bridge over the creek to get to my car or to walk 2 minutes up the hill to the office.  Not a bad commute, with great co-workers and beautiful surroundings.

Along with 40 hours of work, I also continue in the Doctor of Ministry program at the American Baptist Seminary of the West.  The focus of my studies is ecological spirituality, which considers how our connection with creation allows us to experience God as Creator and embrace our call to care for creation.  I completed my BIG project in October this year, which was a one-day retreat on a Franciscan Lectio Divina of creation.  The group (pictured below) was wonderful to work with and are core to my ongoing project of developing a "Canticle of re:Creation."  (If you are interested in learning more about this topic, or having me lead a retreat in your ministry setting, please let me know or check out my still developing website, "re-creation-network.com")

Overall, the material I presented at this eco-spiritual retreat was well received.  As follow-up and final feedback come in, writing begins this semester on the Christian tradition of the "Book of Nature" and the spiritual discipline of "Lectio Divina".  There is a lot of work ahead, but if I buckle in and focus, the plan is to be done with my D.Min by spring 2015, which means "Dr. Jay" for you all!

Along with work and school, I am also on the Executive Committee of the Ministers Council of the Greater Bay Area (MCGBA), my way of keeping in touch with my pastoral ministry colleagues.  I serve as the communications person and put together the e-newsletter (a task I also do for Redwood Glen).

With everything else, I also wear my pastoral hat on occasion as I performed an outdoor wedding this year at Big Sur, preached a few times, and led a weekend retreat.  Life is very full.

And in case you are wondering, I continue to pursue a vegan diet, and to run so that I can enjoy my chocolate indulgences.  (For my 12 delights of chocolate 2013, see the blog below.)  I tackle about 7 miles, three times a week during the spring, summer, and fall, typically along Old Haul Road on the back side of the camp. Because it gets cold and dark so early during the winter, my exercise routines change.  However, on January 12, 2014, I'll be attempting my first "official" run in a few years.  When I found it, I couldn't resist -- The Hot Chocolate Run seems like it was made for someone like me, someone who runs for the chocolate!

Highlights of 2013 include:

* My 12 delights of chocolate 2013.  Check them out on the blog below.  And if you have suggestions of chocolate I need to try in the new year, don't hesitate in letting me know.

* My godsons graduations.  In June, Brandon graduated from elementary school and Micah from middle school.  Here they are messing around with sister Kayla (now a senior in high school).  Unfortunately, I have not had much time at all in recent years to spend time with them.  It's definitely not like it was when they were little and would see them every week.

* Family vacation in Monterey for my birthday and my parents' 49th wedding anniversary.  A good time hanging out at a rental, which was literally across the street from the ocean, and visiting the sites like the Monterey Bay Aquarium (pictured above).  Tyus is now a teenager who is into desiging robots with Rolling Robots (I saw him compete earlier this year).  Natalie is 11 and will be starring as little Clara in the South Bay Ballet production of the Nutcracker (Uncle Larry is very proud).  And Teresa is 9, reads up a storm, loves animals, and is a little dancer herself with the Torrettes Drill Team.  I continue to make trips to LA at least three times a year, typically to celebrate each of their birthdays.

 

* It was a year of reunions.  In March, I attended the 40th celebration of Asian American Christian Fellowship.  Here I am pictured above with Dave, Arli, and Les, a chain of campus ministers at U.C. Berkeley.  I served with AACF at UCB for 4 years from 1988-1992.

* Then in September, I attended my 30 year high school reunion from Pinole Valley High School.  Go Spartans!  It's hard to believe how quickly time flies.  It was a good night seeing people I had not seen in literally 3 decades, like Laura, Lorie, and Janine.

 * In October I had an article published in the Franciscan bi-monthly magazine, The Way of St. Francis, on the Canticle quilts at San Damiano Retreat in Danville, created by Cindy Wesley.  The article was a side project for some research I conducted in 2012 on art and spirituality in raising ecological consciousness.  It was good to see the article in print and to share the back story on these beautiful quilts with people.  A link to the article is coming!

As 2013 wraps up, I know I am blessed.  God is very good and through my struggles this past year, I am thankful for my faith in Christ who continues to be my strength, my Savior, my friend.  During this season as we celebrate Jesus who was born an Earthling to show us God's love, may you find comfort in the God who is with us, Emmanuel, Christ the Lord.

HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS AND JOY-FILLED NEW YEAR!

The 12 Delights of Chocolate 2013

Chocolate continues to be a passion, with the search for good drinking chocolate and awesome chocolate desserts my ongoing habit.  Though my discoveries are not always vegan (chocolate is my vegan exception), when I do find excellent vegan chocolate creations, it makes the indulgence that much more perfect. 

Here are some of the highlights from my chocolate adventures from this past year.  (They are listed in no particular order.)  And throughout the new year, don't forget to check my chocolate blog for the latest chocolate discoveries.

(1) The European Drinking Chocolate from Dandelion Chocolate in the Mission District of San Francisco, with a chocolate caramel tart and complementary madeline cookie.  Opened in late 2012, Dandelion was one of my best chocolate finds this year.  Their European Drinking Chocolate is Italian-inspired, wonderfully thick and rich, made from 70% cacao Rio Caribe beans, and served in a unique egg shaped cup.  A vegan version is also available.  I could go on about this place, and I do in my review earlier this year during American Chocolate Week.

(2) My vegan chocolate chip loaf.  One of my vegan baking successes, which I've yet to blog about it and I need to!  I brought it to our family vacation in Monterey in June and they all loved it.  They probably wouldn't have even known it was vegan if I didn't tell them.

(3) The Sipping Chocolate at Back Yard Coffee Company in Redwood City.  Made from a pre-made packaged chocolate mix, warmed in a chocolate dispenser, it was sweeter than I prefer (which is disappointing), but it is served in an attractive espresso cup, is relatively inexpensive (under $3), and I enjoy the ambiance at Back Yard Coffee.  They also have parking.  Check out my review from earlier this year during American Chocolate Week.

(4) A scone and the Dark Chocolate Drinking Chocolate from Rue du The in Burlingame.  This had been my "go to" drinking chocolate spot but they made changes this year which limited their selections and impacted the quality of their drinking chocolates making them much sweeter than in the past.  Yet, it is still a great place in spite and it is one of the first places I discovered Italian-style drinking chocolate in the Bay Area.  Check out my review from earlier this year during American Chocolate Week.

(5) A dark chocolate cookie with sea salt and mocha with almond milk at Downtown Local.  This new coffee house in Pescadero opened in October 2013, and provides quality coffee, TCHO chocolate, and wonderful pastries with an eclectic, hipster ambiance.  A great place to spend an afternoon, and another reason to come visit me in the redwoods!  I discovered this little treasure last month and reviewed it on the blog.

(6) The double chocolate muffin from the Pescadero Country Store (just down the block from the new Downtown Local).  Baked fresh by Cindy, this muffin is my "go-to" when I need a chocolate cake fix on the road.  I love getting one in the morning when the muffin is still warm and the chocolate chips are melty.  It is light and not overly sweet.

(7) The chocolate croissant from the Pescadero Country Store.  While I adore their chocolate muffins, I love their chocolate croissants.  Unfortunately, they do not feature them all the time but when they do, I'll get one (along with a chocolate muffin to go).  These are one of my favorite chocolate croissants with a thick layer of deep dark chocolate on the bottom, enfolded in a light flakey pastry.  Check out my blog on chocolate croissants here.

(8) The Drinking Chocolate from Mokka in Berkeley.  65% cacao Madagascar Guittard chocolate melted with your choice of milk.  I made this one soy.  Frothy and foamy rather than creamy and decadent, but a nice balanced taste of sweet and bittersweet, with fruity undertones.  Check out my review from earlier this year during American Chocolate Week.

(9) My attempt at vegan chocolate chip scones.  I planned to blog about these but never got around to it.  I am slowly learning about baking vegan, and while these weren't perfect, they were pretty good.  Using lots of fair-trade, vegan chocolate chips helped.

(10) Vegan chocolate zucchini muffins from one of my baking adventures with my cousin Janeen.  Every few months, we spend a day, catching up and eating falafels for lunch, then chatting and baking vegan desserts.  While this recipe from Colleen Patrick Goudreau's The Joy of Vegan Baking was easy and delicious when baking with Janeen, my attempts at replicating it at home, however, have not been so successful.

(11) The Sipping Chocolate from Serendipity Chocolates in San Carlos.  With drinking chocolate being "my thing" and 5 different drinking chocolates on their menu, Serendipity has become one of my "go to" places when I am looking for a quiet afternoon of journaling, reading, or work.  Made with high quality chocolate, each of their drinking chocolates can be made vegan.  Check out my review from earlier this year during American Chocolate Week.

(12) Double chocolate cookie, chocolate macaroon, and hot chocolate from La Boulange in Burlingame.  Though the hot chocolate was a little light and weak, the desserts however were rich and decadent.  The macaroon was divine, and the cookie was fudgey, brownie-like, thick and gooey.  And I love that they serve their hot chocolate in a bowl which you pick up with both hands to sip.

For 2013, these are my 12 delights of chocolate.  If you have suggestions of places I need to visit in 2014, don't hesitate in contacting me and may be we can meet up, catch up, and check it out together. 

May your 2014 be blessed and full of all things chocolate!

my NEW YEAR 2012 update

With my N-kids (nieces & nephew): Natalie, Tyus, Teresa

For those who may have thought I've fallen off the face of the Earth, this blog letter is to assure you that I am alive and well. My annual New Year letter for 2010 may have been a “no show” and this 2011 letter may be delayed, but there's been good reason. I've been busy with new adventures and a new relationship, and I'll do my best to catch you up on the latest.

First off, the 2010 letter never did get written because I spent the first few weeks of 2011 in Europe, traveling in Italy and Switzerland with Amy, my (yes, it is true) girlfriend. (We are pictured below in Florence.)

Amy and I met while I was finishing up my studies at the Franciscan School of Theology in Berkeley in the spring of 2010. Amy graduated from FST a few years earlier, but attended the Earth Week Celebrations I was overseeing as part of the Green Seminary movement at the school. To say it was love at first sight is probably true – at least for me. Her bringing brownies to our Earth Week potluck didn't hurt either! We went on our first date the day after my graduation in May, and have been seeing each other ever since. We share a common love for nature, a commitment to the environment, and passion for service. We enjoy traveling, used bookstores, and chocolate cake (me, more so than her). We both have a strong connection to our family and the “little people” in our life (though mine are not so little anymore). And while she is not a vegan, I still love her anyway. We began 2011 in Assisi together, and ended the year, beginning 2012 together at a retreat site in Lake County.

With Amy in Burlingame and me still at Redwood Glen, I am often on the road. Though laid off from camp for a year, I re-joined the staff last year, continuing with Guest Services and marketing. I moved from the trailer to Creekside Cabin, and I continue to trek to Berkeley as I continue my life as a student. 

Six weeks after my FST graduation (with family above), I began in the Doctor of Ministry program at the American Baptist Seminary of the West. My area of study is Franciscan Eco-Spirituality with my project being retreat resources to raise ecological consciousness and creation care, based on Francis of Assisi's Canticle of the Creatures. With these growing areas of passion and study, I am looking to learn Italian and make a third pilgrimage to Assisi this new year. I have no plans to rush the D.Min however as I look to a 2015 graduation.

With the G-kids (godkids): Kayla, Brandon, Micah & Tomo

With a new relationship, school, work, and of course, time with my “not so little anymore” people (the N-kids and the G-kids), I do keep busy. However, I continue to run 7 miles 3-4 times a week, maintain regular yoga and core conditioning, and still choose a vegan diet (though chocolate is my big exception).

Though still hunting for the “perfect” chocolate cake and loving Italian-style drinking chocolate, my latest chocolate passion is “hot cacao.” This is a hot chocolate made from ground, roasted cacao beans (see left), which are steeped in hot water, strained, and then served with frothed almond (or soy) milk and a bit of sweetener. I found this new way of drinking chocolate at Bean Street Cafe in downtown San Mateo, one of my favorite places to study.

I continue to blog about my chocolate finds and experiences, though I do not post as regularly as I'd like. You can check out the latest at http://cacao-me.blogspot.com/.  And if you are on Facebook, be sure to check out my “europe via chocolate” photo album featuring my chocolate discoveries a year ago.  I hate to admit it but my favorite find was this chocolate waffle sandwich (above left) in Florence.

Other highlights from 2011:

• kitty-sitting for Amy when she traveled (see me and kitty on the right at home)
• getting to know Amy's family and her little people (she has 3 nephews and 3 nieces, all 4 years and younger) on trips to Champagne, IL., Las Vegas, NV., Pordenone, Italy, and Asilomar, CA. 
• the Jay Family reunion in November with cousins coming in from Hawaii and the East Coast 
• starting compost bins 
• opportunities to speak at churches on the topics of eco-spirituality, creation care, and eco-justice.
• 
  participating in "Kenny's Run" to raise funds for hystiocytosis, a rare childhood cancer.  Kenny is now 11 and healthy.  His family, now living in San Ramon, were members of Sunset Ministry in San Francisco when I was pastor.  (The photo of me running on the left was taken by a local news reporter who covered the event which will hopefully continue in 2012.  Interested in running with me?  Give me a call!)
  

Because I never did get a 2011 letter written,
here are some highlights from 2010:

• traveling to New Zealand and Australia, with my mom accompanying her at the Australian tennis open.  (See me above in Frodo's home at Hobbiton in New Zealand.)
• meeting Amy 
• graduating from FST 
• starting my DMin at ABSW 
• being re-hired at Redwood Glen 
• vacation with my parents and sister's family at Brockway Springs in Tahoe
• moving into a larger house at camp 
• being selected to participate in the National Council of Churches Key Leaders Training 
• eating and drinking all sorts of chocolates!

As 2012 gets underway, I hope you and your loved ones are well. Thank you for your friendship and patience in spite my lack of corresponding diligence.  I do hope to keep in better touch, and at least maintain annual updates on thus blog.  To catch up, you can reach me at Redwood Glen, 100 Wright Drive, Loma Mar, CA 94021; email at me.backpacker@gmail.com, or leave a message on my Google voice number at (650) 762-5153.

I'm always ready to grab some chocolate!

my CHRISTMAS 2009 update

Hello Friends and Family,

BELATED MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY 2010!

The new format for this year-end, New Year's (what used to be Christmas) update letter has created a bit of delay in getting this link sent and posted. But hopefully with a blog, this format will get easier and accomplish its purpose in letting you know the new things going on in my life, which this year included Tomo (see above with Kayla, Brandon, and Micah) - the godkids' dog - giving me a "god-dog" and making me a godfather again!

2009 has been a good but busy year as I continue at FST (Franciscan School of Theology) in Berkeley, pursuing a second master degree and serving in student leadership to "green" the school in its environmental practices. I am thoroughly enjoying my studies which have focused on creation theology, environmental ethics, and the Franciscan tradition. Though I originally thought I would take an extra year and complete my thesis in 2011, I now plan to finish up my degree this upcoming May 2010. Much encouragement from various venues has me thinking about doctoral studies and returning to pastoral ministry. We'll see how the coming months develop. The priority now however is completing my thesis which focuses on St. Francis' Canticle of Creatures in the iconic imaging of the saint from Assisi.

Speaking of Assisi, through a scholarship from the school, I was blessed this summer with a 12-day pilgrimage to Italy to journey in the spirit of Francis and Clare. It was truly the trip of a lifetime as I was able to walk in the footsteps of Francis and experience the renewing presence of God in the places where the saint prayed - among the trees of the Carceri, on the mountainous cliffs of LaVerna, from the vistas at Greccio. Staying in Assisi for nearly 10 days, we rounded out our time in Rome before heading home. Click here for pics.

Italy was not only a time of spiritual renewal and learning, it was a time of fun as I went on my chocolate cake search. I discovered Panforte al Cioccolate in Assisi and savored my first experience with drinking chocolate in LaVerna, both experiences I recorded on my blogs. Check them out via the links.

In addition to a wonderful time in Italy, I was also able to connect with an old friend in Chicago with whom I traveled to Spain on pilgrimage with Sts. John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila. Here we are (left) remembering our time in Spain, toasting with tapas and excellent sangria. Though it had been a long time since we talked, it was almost as if no time had passed. I've had a few experiences like that this year via Facebook as I also reconnected with old college friends whom I've not seen in nearly 20 years. It was great catching up with Alex in September and Carol in October as they traveled to the NorCal area for visits.

I did join the Facebook world back in May, with chocolate being a dominant theme in my status updates and photos. This "obsession" with cacao led to a new blog, "my CHOCOLATE life" where I've posted my chocolate reviews and ramblings. Back in November, I was honored to have one of my reviews featured on the homepage of foodbuzz.com, another food blog site I participate in. Yes, chocolate has become a fascination and hobby for me. I even have my family in on the chocolate action (see above) as my mom (grandma) and the nieces (Teresa and Natalie) lick their spoons after helping me make my infamous "That can't be vegan" Chocolate Pie. For more of my spoon-licking chocolate adventures from 2009, check out my Chocolate Photo Album on Flickr.

Along with my chocolate blog, I also have "my VEGAN life" blog which featured a series this year on the Standard American Diet (SAD) and global food trends. And just in case you're wondering, I'm still a live-food vegan in terms of my dietary choices and find that it continues to work for me physically, ethically, and environmentally (though I do enjoy my two vegan exceptions -- Indian food and chocolate cake).

And given my vegan exceptions of chocolate, Indian buffets, and hobby of sampling all things chocolate (with nephew Tyus - left -at Hometown Buffet - which doesn't do chocolate well), I still continue to run regularly. Though I did not enter any races this year, I still get out 3-4 times a week, averaging about 21-30 miles weekly. On the mornings when I'm not running, I have a core strengthening, weight training, yoga routine which I enjoy.

One of the big changes in 2009 was my work transition from Redwood Glen. The outdoor education program which was at the camp during the school year did not renew its contract this academic year due to budget cuts. Unfortunately, staff reductions at Redwood Glen followed and I am now one of the 10% formerly employed workers in our country receiving unemployment. Though I am volunteering and maintaining my residence at Redwood Glen, the best way to reach me via mail is at my parents' place in Hercules as I commute to classes in Berkeley from there during the weekdays. My contact info is in the right column. Email is always best - larry dot jay at mac dot com.

As I look forward to 2010, there will be a changes ahead as I anticipate graduating in May, beginning a DMin program, considering a PhD in environmental theology and ethics, and searching for a new ministry setting. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers. And if you hear of any good ministry opportunities that may be a good fit for me, please please let me know.

Yes, decisions, changes, and plain old hard work lie ahead in the coming months, but I am thankful for the encouragement of friends like you, and the support of FST classmates (see above). But before my final semester begins, I have the privilege of accompanying my mom in January on a 2-week cruise around New Zealand, followed by 3-days at the Australian Tennis Open - all expenses paid. Thanks Dad (who didn't want to go!)

With another year wrapping up, I trust that you are well. For those who have been on my mailing list for years, thank you for your cards, photos, and update letters. For those who have found me this year, it's nice renewing friendships again (even if it is just on Facebook!) And if you're not sure how to reach me, my updated contact information will always be found on facebook or this blog site - http://update-me-larry.blogspot.com/. Pretty convenient, huh?

I hope to see more of you this upcoming year. Until then, have a happy and safe 2010. And don't forget to stop and enjoy the chocolate.

Peace,
Larry