I found one online that's painted like tiger's skin and I kinda want it ... And thank you for answering this for me, Khandro-la.

Khandro-la .. I cannot thank you enough. Of course you'd say everything I needed to hear, especially about it being an obstacle. Thanks for linking the response too!

I needed to hear this .. thank you, Dan.

No, not too forward at all and honestly, very, very welcome. In fact, I *almost* asked you about it after you were done with your practice session Sunday. One side of mine is taught, but the other is slightly warped now. It's humid outside, but inside I'm keeping it cool, so I believe it's popped back because of that; however, I'm not confident in taking heat to the side that's a wee bit warped, or spreading Vaseline on it. I don't put my damaru back into its case - it sits on my larger alter and then my smaller tummo drum always sits out of its case on my smaller tantric alter. Now that one, though it was warped too, has completely come back, so I'm not concerned about that one at all. And so, I don't know what to do @Louise and @Dan Hales! .. I'm afraid of damaging it and though I know it's just a thought, I feel a better Cho practitioner wouldn't have this problem (Louise NOT included - it's jut a Kate thing here). I have to rework that handle on it too, so maybe the Dakinis are telling me something, eh? Thank you both for being so supportive and kind!

LOUISE! .. mine too! It has been sitting on my larger alter and suddenly it's the exact same as you described yours to be. Here where I live we have had changing weather from cold to hot with lots of humidity both ways, and this evening during Tsok I was panicked and really bummed I could not play my damaru with Khandro-la. And so, I echo Louise's question! I also have a smaller tummo damaru that has had that same thing happen to it in the last couple days. I'm really concerned. @Dakinis Whisper

Thank you, Khandro-la.

It's a pottery plate I have had for a long time and I found it on Etsy. In fact, all offering bowls and plates I have from this seller: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DeBaunFineCeramics?ref=usf_2020 The cup is one of two I bought for Tea Offerings - one for Palden Lhamo and the other for Vajrayogini: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D1UCA2W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

I've been here for just a year too, Dan, and your words reflect how I feel too about finding meaning!

.. this is why you are more than *just my teacher, but have become my Guru. The concise answers from you which speak to us in only the way you know how to relay them is skillful perfection. I no longer feel sad!

Thank you for this answer!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS, MY BEAUTIFUL TEACHER! bwahahahahahahahahahahahaha! *squeals in Dakini laughter!

Your journey is an excellent one to watch, Dan! .. it's amazing you have a dakini sitting beside you through it too with your wife! In solidarity, Vajra Brother!

Thank you, Khandro-la!

@Dan Hales You called Khandro-la your Guru awhile ago in a post here and I said to myself, "Yes, yes She is mine too. Why have I never allowed myself to call Khandro-la that?" Thank you for opening your heart and sharing your journey - it inspires me on mine! I believe that I have been so afraid to attach myself to the label of "guru" to any person, but when I have written "heart teacher" in relation to Khandro-la "guru" is what I was really meaning. And so, thank you too for bringing that vulnerability out in me in order to be able to hold Her closer to my heart!

Truly, I believe at this stage of this process within the practice we share there is no other way. I simply cannot see things as regular any longer.

I am inspired by you!

I can't wait for these answers from Khandro-la, Dan .. they're great questions.

Thank you, Khandro-la!

The Black Dakini is Troma Nakmo and I am in love with Her - I see Her jumping out of our Vajrayogini in Cho all the time, Dan!

I needed this song today! THANK YOU! .. it's in my line up now ...