Hi,
After a weekend of sunshine and rain, it looks like we may be having just ‘hot’ for a while. That’s fine with us; it means the pool can get back to swimming temperatures.
A lot of James Brown fans remembered “In A Cold Sweat” as the ‘Old School Friday’ song. ‘Easy Monday’ is:
“When I wake up early in the morning, lift my head, I’m still yawning. When I’m in the middle of a dream, stay in bed, float up stream (float up stream). Please don’t wake me, no, don’t shake me. Leave me where I am, __ __ __.” Hint: Fab Four Friends will know this one. It’s easy.
Saturday was one of the fullest days in recent times. We did the ‘Makro in the Morning’ run for supplies. In the afternoon Lisa and I went to Art Bridge for the shareholders meeting. Several of the artists helped translate the proceedings so we knew what was going on. The great news was the incredible progress that has been made in such a short time. This year we got a dividend. There is money to continue with programs for the coming year, and a large ‘gift’ by a prominent artist has opened the door to help artists in need.
At the end of the meeting, as we headed for the door, one of the senior members informed us that there would be a traditional Northern Thailand style Songkran Ceremony, and that Lisa was to participate since she was one of the older members. About 12 artists sat in chairs at the front of the room. After a ceremonial prayer, a microphone was passed from one to another and they apparently spoke of their gratitude to Art Bridge and the community. Lisa had been told that she only had to sit there... and then came the mic. She spoke in Thai and they were very pleased. Then everyone in the room lined up and took small cups of scented water and crawled on their knees in front of the ‘elders’. They held out the cup and each elder dipped their fingers in the water, sprinkled the holder of the cup and then their own head. This went on for quite a while. It was a moving tribute.
Today’s photo was taken at Art Bridge during the Songkran Ceremony.
The day was far from over. After dinner, Blue, Cat and I set out to try and find the venue for the Brazilian Jazz concert. I should add that just as we got in the van, it began to rain. After a phone call to the ‘club’, we found out we were on the wrong street. Another call helped us get close enough to find the place. The show was actually in a house that also serves as a music school. Once the evening started we were treated to a quartet of musicians who were all from out-of-town. The featured performer was a Frenchman singing in Portuguese. We had a great time, even though we had to sit on little wooden stools. It was worth it to watch the interaction between the players and hear some familiar tunes.
In a conversation about age, Cat told us about a woman in her village that is 103 years old. She told us that during Songkran, everyone in the village makes it a point to go and visit her and pour water over her hands. The mental picture of this will stay with me for a long time. We all decided we should find out what she eats (555).
Have a Great Week.
Peace,
Danny
“Anyone who keeps the ability
to see beauty never grows old.”
~Franz Kafka
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