Rich

Hi,

Another one of those picture post-card days here in Chiang Rai. It was a quiet day on the compound. Lisa did a lot of art business, I ran a few errands, and we got invitations to events.

It would appear that 'Easy Monday' wasn't so easy. At least not based on the opening lines of the song. Maybe this will ring a bell: "Dreams, they're for those who sleep, life is for us to keep. And if you're wond'ring what this song is leading to, I want to __ __ __ __." Hint: Like I said, the title is four words and I just about gave it away. The group name is what might be served with water in a harsh prison setting. I hope to hear from you.

Daku wanted me to let you know that yesterday was his birthday. He's two years old and we think he filled out a bit while we were away. He got a little chubby, but he's also more muscular. No, he didn't get a cake, but Lisa sang 'Happy Birthday' to him.

The amount of background work involved in putting on an art exhibit is not for the faint of heart. It's huge. The thing that compounds the effort is the fact that we're dealing with two languages, the quality printing we need is not local, and things always take longer than you think. Other than that, it's not so bad. (Ha) There's the catalogue that's being printed in Bangkok, a poster that will also come from there, inserts for the catalogue, someone to 'present' the artist, getting the rest of the work to the framer, making sure all the work gets to the gallery on the scheduled day, and figuring out what to wear for the opening. Whew. Lisa was on the phone a lot today, now she's in her studio working on a new piece. It's been a long day.

This morning I went out to the west end of Chiang Rai to see Gahn about fixing my jeans. The mid morning ride was nice in the country. It came to me that the mantra of motorbike riders must be "No Fear". That seems to be the way most of them ride, regardless of age or gender. When I rode bikes, over 30 years ago, cars and trucks were something to be feared. They were the monsters. When I'm on the road here, it's almost like I'm something of little concern. This will continue to fascinate me for a long time.

Tuesday's are usually the day Lisa teaches ballet to Napa and sometimes Nia. The classes are on hold for awhile because Napa was chosen by her teacher to go to Malaysia to make a presentation in English about Chiang Rai. She is working with an English tutor preparing for the trip. It works out fine considering all we have to do in the next few weeks.

This afternoon I went to 7-11 to pay the power bill and put more money on Lisa's phone. The cell phone system here is very interesting. All the phones are unlocked, meaning there is no carrier that gets a monthly bill. You simply buy a SIM card and pay as you go. The amount you chose to put on your phone is up to you. When it gets down to a certain level, you can 'top up' and continue. Even if you run out of money on the phone, you can still receive calls. It's brilliant.

This afternoon we got an invitation to go see a Reggae band with a lead singer named 'Job To Do'. Not up to standing in a crowded bar listening to loud music. We also got invited to attend 'Australia Night' at the Dusit Island Resort tomorrow night. This will be a buffet dinner affair and we'll be attending. Jaffee invited us and told us we'll have a table by the river. Now that's what I call an evening out. Hmm.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

Peace,
Danny

"If you want to feel rich, just count all of the things you have that
money can't buy."
~Unknown

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