Musings of a First Visit

I'm inspired to share some images and words of my first visit to Wheaton Labs, March 2026.

Day One: two BB submissions, beautiful conversation around the kitchen table, learning the ropes, and my first cuddle with Gink the Friendlie.

Day Two of our visit—meeting more cats at Allerton Abbey and lighting my first rocket stove. What an exciting experience to see fire bend!

Also, remembering what starry skies look like. 🤩✨

Making time for MDiv schoolwork has been a challenge because there are conversations to have and meals to cook and community within which to be present.

Day Four!
In true SEPPer fashion, i attended day one of a Buddhist chaplaincy conference online from the couch. We walked halfway up to the caldera and back.

Take away from today?
“You are the sky; everything else is just weather.” - Pema Chodron

A wild Sunday: day two of the Buddhist chaplaincy conference hosted by Maitripa College, great afternoon conversation with Duke Wheaton about community-building/living, and great dinner conversation about movies and meaning-making.

Some morning BBs, too!

Is that a tape you found in a vehicle on the lab, or at a second hand store somewhere? Circle Square in Missoula has a good selection of cassettes, I found a Devo one there I left for the Rav, but don't remember which actual title...

Coydon Wallham wrote:Is that a tape you found in a vehicle on the lab, or at a second hand store somewhere? Circle Square in Missoula has a good selection of cassettes, I found a Devo one there I left for the Rav, but don't remember which actual title...

Found it in a vehicle at WL! It’s likely this is one is the one you left. I was charmed; I love Devo.

Tracy Joosten wrote:
Found it in a vehicle at WL! It’s likely this is one is the one you left. I was charmed; I love Devo.

I'm not sure if it's okay to talk about Devo Club, but if you check around a little birdie told me there might be other hive heads on campus...

Bittersweet feels as we have our last day and prep to leave this land and its occupants. I feel grateful for the chance to encounter this community and its pillars, and participate for a short time.

Magic of many sorts is happening at Wheaton Labs. I can’t wait for the next opportunity to co-create.