Practice

Hi,

Another sunny day in Chiang Rai. The rainy season isn't over yet, just taking a break. We had a morning swim, an afternoon nap, and an evening wedding reception. What a day.

It has certainly been a busy 'Easy' day. Lots of email on this tune. I think these next lyrics will really bring it home: "Go on now go, walk out the door, just turn around now 'cause you're not welcome anymore. Weren't you the one who tried to hurt me with goodbye? You think I'd crumble, you think I'd lay down and die? Oh no, not I, __ __ __, as long as I know how to love I know I will stay alive..." Hint: Now do you remember? This part of the song became an anthem.

This morning we decided it was the best time to swim since we had an early evening affair that would require preparation. While we were in the pool we got a free beetles concert. That's right, they're on tour. There are these bugs that we've never seen, only heard, and there is no mistaking them. I think the North American counterpart would be the sequeda. They make a buzzing sound that almost sounds mechanical. It grows in intensity and then just shuts off, like someone threw a switch. It sounds like an alien invasion of some kind. The plowing of the field next door probably sent them into the waterfall garden temporarily. They gave us a show, and then moved on. We're so glad.

This evening was the wedding reception for Wui and Jaa (my spelling), who were married last week in Bangkok. The affair was held at a new housing development northeast of us. There were about 100 guests for a buffet dinner. We sat with our friends Nukoon and Sutheera. It turned out that Sutheera was asked, at the last minute, to be the M.C. for the festivities. After we'd finished eating several young people were shown to our table. Pui, younger brother of Wui, introduced us to some of them and we did the rest. Apparently introductions are optional in Thailand. We have noticed on many occasions, that people just expect you to introduce yourself. Most of them spoke English, one of them knew who we were from his business, and all of us had a very interesting time together.

The young man who knew us is general manager of Sinthanee, where we get our major appliances. They also sell motorcycles and this became a topic of discussion when a young woman named Pui joined our party. Her family owns a motorcycle business and she poked fun at the Sinthanee operation because they have 21 locations. Her family has one. It was an evening of conversation, laughter, and perhaps new friends. As the guests were leaving we were all handed a bottle of laundry detergent. I don't know the connection yet, but if I find out I'll report back. We have now been to our first Thai wedding party. The adventure continues.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

Peace,
Danny

"We look at some people as if they were special, gifted, divine.
Nobody is special and gifted and divine.
No more than you are, no more than I am.
The only difference, the very only one,
is that they have begun to understand
what they really are and have begun to practice it.
~Richard Bach

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
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