Grow

Hi,

We made some new discoveries, a beautiful cast acrylic print was finished, the rain didn't come, and preparations are being made for another new year celebration.

Our 'Old School' song was "Daddy's Home" by Shep and the Limelights. Now it's time for the 'Easy Monday' song:
"It used to be so easy living here with you. You were light and breezy and I knew just what to do. Now you look so unhappy, and I feel like a fool. And __ __ __, baby now __ __ __..." Clues: It's from 1971 by a singer who had lots of hits. In this one she faces the fact that time has run out on a relationship. Should be a cinch for most of you.

Saturday we decided to go over to our new favorite store to pick up some water and juice. We found a parking place and discovered that there is a 7-11 on both sides of the street, in the same block. Hmm, talk about convenience. While we were shopping, we couldn't find the bottled water. Lisa asked one of the clerks and she led her into a side room where the water is kept. The clerk then proceeded to carry the two big bottles up to the check-out counter. After we paid for everything, a young man carried the water to the car. Wow, that's what I call service.

The air-conditioner did a weird thing the other day and water started dripping down. Not good considering the weather was warm and there was occasional smoke in the air. We called our service guy and he couldn't come until today. We expected him at 4pm and made arrangements with Boot to be at the house since we had a 3pm massage appointment. The repair guy showed up at 2 and started working. It all worked out and we got to Pai massage on time.

It's one thing to be on time, and another when neither masseuse is there. We left the place and decided to check out a new place we'd seen on the highway. We'd been watching the construction and wondering what it was going to be. It's a very ornate building and we were guessing it was going to be a restaurant. When it turned out to be a massage place we just figured 'some day' we'd try it. Well, today was the day. There were amazing touches throughout, including glitter on the brick walls in the lobby, beautiful lace screens, and sandals to wear after our feet had been washed. When they first had us sit down for the traditional foot washing there was a tray for each of us with a cool damp towel, and a cup of tea. It's the first time we'd had our feet washed and then rinsed in a separate pan. We were then led down a long hallway to a room with a divider down the middle. They use tables instead of mattresses on the floor. The tables had a sash of Thai silk draped across for decoration. Instead of pajamas, we changed into a top/shorts set of light cotton. All the little touches made it feel like we were in a special place. Our massages were not as specific as we get at Pai, but it was our first time. I should also mention that it didn't cost as much, $4.50 for 1 hour. Amazing Thailand.

After our massage we decided to get the car washed and take care of a little project we had. Our friend Kira, back in America, has a school project where a little cut-out of a person named Stanley travels around and has his picture taken in interesting places. We brought Stanley to Thailand with us and today we took him over to the Clock Tower for a photo shoot. He stands about 6 inches tall and has a big smile. We took his picture in front of the Clock, and pointing to the sign at Fat Free Bicycle shop. The pictures are now in America and will go into Kira's collection. It was really fun setting up the shots.

Lisa finished another amazing print in a series she's been doing. Tomorrow we go to Le Meridien Hotel to hang the art show. The new piece will be in the show. The grand opening will be on February 13.

On February 14 there will be grand celebrations around here for the Chinese New Year. It's the Year of the Tiger. As it always happens here in Chiang Rai, celebration will begin before the day and continue until the fireworks are gone. (Ha) There is a large Chinese and Thai/Chinese population here.

Have a Great Week.

Peace,
Danny

"To grow, you must be willing to let your present and future,
be totally unlike your past.
Your history is not your destiny."
~Alan Cohen

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
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