Smile

Hi,

Wednesday morning we slept in, compared to Chiang Rai life. I think we made it to 7am. There are some airport observations, an amazing lunch date, and a painless flight back to L.A. Plus, a reminder about the Sunday event.

Nice to know that so many of you recognized this tune. It's by a duo who mix jazz and rock in a beautiful way.
"Up on the hill they think I'm okay, or so they say. Chinese music always sets me free, angular banjoes sound good to me. __ when all my dime dancin' is through, I run to you." Hint: Here's the ultimate hint: The woman's name is a creative spelling of the part of the world where I live. Hmm.

After packing up, and checking out of our motel, we took Joe to breakfast at a little cafe in Palo Alto. It's our 'new' spot for mornings with Joe. Then we went across the street to his favorite art supply store. The place is an artist's delight. Such a contrast to the shop in Chiang Rai. It was hard to hold back, but we have to consider weight when we pack our bags for the trip back to Thailand.

We spent some quality time in Joe's studio, learning how he does what he does. I really enjoy watching, and listening to the two of them trade insights, trouble shoot, and discuss the various levels of their experiences using Joe' technique. For his next show, which will feature his paper sculptures, the room will be painted black in order to allow the works to stand out. They are mostly white so they will provide a dramatic contrast against the walls. Wish we could be there.

With good directions we drove to Cupertino, and found the Apple headquarters with no problem. We had to wait in the front lobby for our friend Bill, but it was very entertaining. They have a new installation in the main lobby that shows the icons for iPhone applications falling into grids in real time. The entire screen is huge, and holds 10,800 icons at a time. As the apps fall into place columns fill up to the top and then the screen goes black, and starts over again. What we were seeing was unbelievable, and it was something like 5 million downloads to date.

Bill, and his wife Rachelle, and their daughter Cordelia arrived, and we walked across the 'campus' to the main dining room. There were various stations where you could order just about anything you could think of, and more. The energy in the place was very intense. We had great food, and after we finished, Bill told us it was time for a test. He was referring to the busing of our trays. We were led into a small room that had a window with three signs above it. Under each sign was a trash can. The signs were for trash, compost, and recycle. There were examples for each and our job was to sort the contents of our tray into the proper can. What a concept.

While sitting on the runway at LAX, and again in San Jose, I was reminded of how amazing it is that so many airplanes come and go. In Chiang Rai the most you will see on the ground is two airplanes. There's never a wait for take off. It's a lazy little country airport.

This coming Sunday, July 18, from 11am to 4pm at Culver City Park, we will be having The Picnic. Bring what you want to eat or drink, something to sit on, and your smile. We haven't seen some of you in years, and we're hoping to see you on Sunday. Culver City Park is on the corner of Jefferson Bl. and Duquesne Ave.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

Peace,
Danny

"Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile,
but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy."
~Thich Nhat Hanh

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
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http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com