Spark

Hi,

This day was what one might call ‘picture perfect’.  A little less humidity might have made it perfect, but it didn’t rain and that was important today.  

The ‘Easy Monday’ song this week was “Sailing” by Christopher Cross.  That leaves us looking at another ‘Zany Day’.

“__ __ __ __ you worry me to death.  __ __ __ __ you even worry my pet.  You just __, __ __ __.”  Hint:  Ode to a ‘Chatty Cathy’, someone with excessive conversation.   The year was 1960.  

The big adventure today started at the flower market.  We needed something special to take to Rae Maefarluang for the tribute to The Princess Mother.  Lisa chose a beautiful purple orchid plant.  On our way to the park we encountered heavy traffic.  We’re not sure if some of it was going to the same place, but there were police at each intersection, directing traffic.  Inside the park we quickly realized that this was a much bigger event than we imagined.  We made our way to one of the central areas and left the orchid on a table.  Then Lisa and Ajarn Nakorn (our host) saw each other and he invited us into a tent with chairs, where the ceremony was to take place.  It was nice to be out of the sun and sitting down.  At 9am the monks began chanting.  There were several rounds of prayers and chants, and gifts were given to them.  

When we left the tent, it became clear that there were thousands of people at this tribute.  There were numerous Hill Tribes in traditional outfits, school children in dress uniforms, villages and businesses as well as individuals from all walks of life.  I counted at least 6 dance troupes, and there was a traditional orchestra made up of high school kids, providing a background for festivities.  Each ‘unit’ stood in line and made their way to the area where the flowers were placed on a table.  I’m guessing that when the table would fill up, the flowers were taken to the main display area.  We lasted a little over an hour and then it was time to go.  We are very grateful to Ajarn Nakorn for inviting us to this epic event.  More pics tomorrow.

For a little over 2 years we have been saying/spelling the name of the ‘baby’ wrong.  Natcha asked Lisa to help her write it in Western letters, we think for school, and that’s when we discovered that the sound they are saying is not what we heard (not unusual).  So, her name is ‘Nitchanan’.  It’s very subtle, but when Natcha saw it and sounded it out, she knew that was how it should be spelled.  Her face lit up as she held the piece of paper.  It was that moment when her little girls name could be ‘seen’ in English and she was beaming.  

Looks like a Wacky Wednesday.

                   Peace,

                             Danny

“You’re only given a little spark

of madness. You mustn’t lose it.

~Robin Williams