Spark

Hi,

There is rain in the forecast for the weekend. As for now, it's the same old beautiful weather as before. Today we went into town, decorations were put up for the festival, and we're going to a special art show opening.

I got quite a few responses on the 'Old Folk' song. Unfortunately there aren't a lot of lyrics to this song, but this is the one line that's different from what you got yesterday. "You can't buy my love with money for I never was that kind, __ __ __ __ __ cannot mend this heart of mine." Hint: The song is by a group who took the last name of two of it's members. Dust off that memory and look at the artist from 'Easy Monday'.

This morning we both had appointments with our 'hair people'. Mine took a lot less time so I hung out in a little park for awhile. Chiang Rai has places where one can just go and sit and relax. In addition to park areas, there are many salas (little houses) on the roadside and you will often see people resting, or eating in them. When a surprise rain comes it's the perfect shelter. They are basically small structures with open sides. The roof can be anything from tile to thatch.

Preparations are ramping up for the Festival of Loy Kratong. Colorful banners are being hung from lamp posts, special lights are up on Maefarluang Road, which leads to the festival grounds, and this evening I was briefly distracted by floodlights that were put on the bridge. I think the intention was to light up the bridge, but the angle of the lights shines them right into the traffic. Hmm, adjustments are called for here. Now that I know, I'll just avert my eyes. (Ha) The actual day of the festival is Sunday, the 21st, but I suspect the entire weekend will be one big party across the river. People all over Thailand will flock to the rivers and place Kratongs in the water. A Kratong is usually a small basket made of banana leaves, or bread shaped like a lotus flower. A candle and incense are set in the middle and some have floral arrangements as well. Many people put a few coins on them too. They are set afloat as an offering to the river, and to ask for forgiveness for any harm to it. It is also a releasing of grudges and anger, and float away bad luck. There are many stories about the purpose, but that's the one we were told the first year we went.

Saturday evening we'll be going to 9 Art Gallery for the opening of a show by two artists that will celebrate the birthday of the King. His birthday is on December 3, and the two artists will exhibit works that are all portraits, or representations of the King. It should be interesting.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

Peace,
Danny

"Buried deep within each of us is a spark of greatness,
a spark than can be fanned into flames of passion and achievement.
That spark is not outside of you it is born deep within you."
~James A. Ray

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