Monday, February 27, 2012

Happiness

Hi,

It feels good to be back in the north where the days are hot and the nights are cool. The art exhibit was wonderful and we came home a day early.

That 'Old School Friday' song was "Maybellene" by Chuck Berry. For 'Easy Monday' this song should be a breeze.
"__ __ all in my brain, lately things don't seem the same. Acting funny and I don't know why, 'scuse me while I kiss the sky." Hint: There's a color involved.

Saturday Lisa and Jaffee went to the flower market district to get some floral arrangements to place around the gallery. In the afternoon we walked to the gallery and put the finishing touches on things. As guests began to arrive we decided to let them browse the exhibit before the official opening. I noticed a long black car with flags on the bumpers cruise by the gallery and I knew that had to be our guest of honor. I was right, it was Ken Foster, the new Consul General of the United States for Chiang Rai. He's a very warm, friendly gentleman who has lived in Thailand for many years. After he and Lisa walked the exhibit he took off his coat and sat down to chat with guests. After some introductions Lisa spoke about her art and it's process and then Mr. Foster was introduced. Then the ribbon was cut and Lisa presented him with a cast acrylic print, which is the custom here. He informed her that in order to receive a gift, he was required to make a donation so he donated the value of the print to The Sold Project. Later he bought two more pieces from the show. The Thailand Director of the project and the Director of Volunteers made a presentation about the project and had a chance to talk to Mr. Foster. It was a good night for everyone involved. There was great interest in the cast acrylic print process as Lisa gave a demonstration of how she creates her artwork. Everyone gathered around a grand piano in the middle of the room with focused attention during the whole thing. We'll probably go back in mid March for an 'encore' reception.

Sunday morning we decided to come back to Chiang Rai, since our work was basically done. On the way out of town, as I was turning onto a narrow bridge, I drove up the ramp that became a curb. The car ended up perched half way around the corner with three wheels in the air and no way to get down. Five men on motorbikes stopped and lifted the car, bit by bit until it was back on the street. Then they casually got on their bikes and drove away. Embarrassed and adrenalized, I drove off. We stopped and made sure nothing was leaking or broken and continued on our journey home.

With the exception of the 'curb surfing' incident, we had a very successful adventure. The local English speaking paper printed a press release about the exhibit, complete with photos of two of Lisa's works. There were several magazine writers at the show and we're hoping for more press in the future.

Have a Great Week.

Peace,
Danny

"Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed."
~Denis Waitley

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