Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Go

Hi,

Chiang Rai had another day of you know what.  Yes, still very hot.  The 'feels like' temps are well over 100F and I can't imagine what living in a tin house without air/con must be like.  Grateful for the air.

The 'Easy Monday' song was "Going Out of My Head" by Little Anthony & The Imperials.  Time to get crazy with another 'Zany Day' song.  "__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __, then listen now to what I say.  Just get an electric guitar and take some time and learn how to play.  And, when your hair's combed right and your pants fit tight it's gonna be all right.  Hint:  Aside from being one of the longest titles in R&R, it's a handbook for stardom in a tongue-in-cheek sort of way.  

There are times in Thailand when it's possible to forget where you are and think you're in the old west.  Cowboy life is very popular in some circles.  There is a restaurant in Chiang Rai called 'Family Bakery' and the motif looks like something from an old western movie.  Wagon wheels, long rifles, spurs on the wall and photos that look authentic.  When I asked about it, I was told that Thailand has cowboys.  They don't necessarily herd cattle, or ride horses, but they are cowboys.  In Chiang Mai there is a shop in one of the malls that focuses on cowboy clothing and accessories.  All this is a build-up to the music we heard a few nights ago at dinner.  Two men, one playing guitar, the other a keyboard, with the assistance of a laptop, gave us a full set of cowboy/country-western music that was very well done.  I closed my eyes and couldn't believe how well the accent on some songs had been mastered.  We have seen some acoustic groups as well, and you can tell they've worked hard to be the real deal, Thai style.  

This morning we drove out to the country north of town, to the frame factory.  As we approached Khun Tawd's complex, we were taken by the view.  On both sides of the narrow, winding road we saw nothing but bright green rice fields.  They went on for miles, with an occasional house in the distance.  It's refreshing to know that even though it seems like the city is growing like crazy, there are still wide expanses of 'land without concrete'.  We picked up the first group of Lisa's new series of cast acrylic prints, framed and ready for her next exhibit.  We also took a print for Tawd, who wanted one of Lisa's works for his collection.  He has work from most of the local Chiang Rai artists and it's quite impressive.  When some artists needed frames for their work in the beginning of their careers, Tawd would trade them framing for one of their pieces.  It's a brilliant collection that will probably be shown in his gallery when it's completed.

Today's photo is the rice fields we experienced on our way to the frame factory.  The beauty was enhanced by the quiet of the morning.


The very hot days coupled with the warm nights and no rain has raised the temperature in the pool to a perfect state.  We slipped into the water this afternoon and immediately noticed a lone plumeria flower floating on the surface.  It was a good day.

It's Time for Wacky Wednesday.

                  Peace,
                            Danny

"Wherever you go, go with all your heart
~Confucius 

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