After a wonderful stay at the ‘Miles to Go’ farm of our good friends, we were on the road again. They not only fed us a wonderful breakfast, but helped us to make lunches for our 11 runners who were left. One of the workers on the farm, Bill, was kind enough to help me diagnose a mechanical problem with our big camper, or R.V. the transmission is leaking fluid and we have to fill it everyday until we have enough time to spend in one town to get it fixed. Such is life on the road.

We always get rewarded for all our efforts and challenges when local citizens come out to greet us and share the ideas and inspiration that harmony evokes. This is exactly what happened as we ran into Brattleboro, Vermont just after noon. About 60 children and many staff members welcomed us at Living Memorial Park. Also joining us was Ken Brautigam who ran with one of our runners and offered us cases of spring water afterwards. He offered us a message welcoming us and saying what a thrill it was to have the Torch of World harmony come through their community. He also said, “Such an important message.”

We were then presented with a proclamation from the town of Brattleboro and Stephen Seidle, Chair of the Select Board, declaring August 8 as world Harmony Run Day. Carol Lalotte, the director of the children’s camp at the park, offered us ice cream bars from Ben and Jerry’s and let some of the runners swim in the very big and clean community pool. We are very grateful to all those from Brattleboro who made the hot and hilly run across Vermont from Bennington well worth the trip.

My long time friend who is originally from Connecticut like me, Susan Thomas, also came to greet us at the park. She then treated some of us to very delicious and healthy food at the Food Coop of Brattleboro. For the guys who had already finished running, she brought them to a great swimming hole, being like a mother and friend to all of us, even though I was the only one she had known beforehand. Susan is a shining example of concern and selflessness for her fellow citizens in this world arena.

Arpan

The Hundreth Monkey Health Food Store

At around 11 a.m., we were flying with Akankha through the streets of Wilmington to stop by Hundreth Monkey health food store. The owners Susan Lewis and Cole Simonson were very kind offering to us drinks and other staff.

After taking pictures under blue Tibetan mandalas hanging above their counter, a ceremony with the torch simultaneously took place in front of the store. It was a very happy one with the participation of these two people who have dedicated their life for more harmony in our environment, selling organic foods in our world and in our life, teaching healing arts. Passing the torch we could feel their sincere oneness with us.

A passing customer Nancy Vandal, also joined us, holding the torch, she quoted a Native American saying,” We are remembered by the tracks we leave behind.” We have an 11 000 mile long track for harmony in people hearts.

The story behind the name is about an experiment with a Japanese monkey Macaca Fuscata, the scientists were providing them with sweet potatoes dropped in the sand. A young female, called Imo learned to wash the potatoes in a nearby stream. When the hundredth monkey learned to wash potatoes, a phenomenon took place, colonies of monkeys on other islands, without any reason changed their old habit and learned how to wash their potatoes. /Lifetide by Lyall Watson,pp.147-148. Bantam Books 1980./

There is a theory believing ,there is a point at which if only one more person tunes-in to different awareness, a field is strengthened so that this awareness is picked up by almost everyone. And this new awareness may be communicated from mind to mind.

At times when I run with happiness, people would start honking and waving in a wave on the route of the torch, responding to this feeling and spreading joy around.

Maria

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