Thursday, May 20, 2010

Reach

Hi,

We had a beautiful, productive day here in The Rai. A curfew has been imposed but we're not letting it bother us. We usually stay in at night anyway. It's all a precaution, and things are still mellow in the far north.

It's songs like this that let me know who the blues lovers are in the crowd. This one's for you, and anybody who's ever felt down, and out. "I can't read, haven't learned to write. My whole life, has been one big fight. __ __ __ __ __, I been down since I began to crawl. If it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have no luck at all." Clue: While he didn't write the '67 release, it became his best known song, and was covered quite well by a power trio from across the pond. There's a reference to astrology in the title.

We had planned to go to the bank today, but our bank, and some others, will be closed for the rest of the week. We did get some things done while we were in town. It's the same old story regardless of where you are, prices will be higher at the fancy grocery store than at the roadside stand. We priced a watermelon at Tops, and decided to get one from our friend around the corner on the road. The difference was amazing.

Lately we've been seeing the various methods of conveyance with different eyes. While we've gotten used to seeing motorbikes with sidecars of every description, we try to imagine some of these contraptions on the streets of L.A. The idea of a restaurant, complete with a deep fryer pulling up and parking at the curb, or butane gas tanks being delivered on a platform beside a motorbike just wouldn't fly. There's also the lengths that people go to get what they have from point A to point B. The other day we saw a guy on a small motorbike with a 50 pound bag of rice on the floorboard in front of him, and one on the back. It makes riding around a fun adventure.

This afternoon we did what can only be called 'Spring Cleaning'. Everything on the closet shelves was pulled down, sorted into piles, and dealt with. Oh my. There were things to keep, things to give away, and things to put in the trash. Lots of memories were in all three piles. Oh, and we're not done yet. There are still the things that are hanging in the closet. I can't believe I have so many sweatshirts. The thought of putting one on is out of the question. I'm saving a few for winter, but the rest will have to go. It's as if things grow in closets. Hmm (555)

Daku took great pleasure in our cleaning. There was lots to sniff, and he would occasionally grab something, and sneak off with it. I have a hat that he took twice, in addition to one of Lisa's shoes. BamBam was content to just sniff around and watch.

Have a Cool Thursday.

Peace,
Danny

"Reach down and lift others up.
It's the best exercise you can get."
~Unknown

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
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www.lisamosesgallery.com

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Who

Hi,

It's been a bad day in Bangkok; a good one in Chiang Rai. Made some early morning rounds, went to the 'DMV', the vet, the pool, and still had time for a nap. What a day.

The 'Easy' song was "Takin' Care of Business" by Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO). That song has lots of fans. Here's a little something to change the tempo: "Hard luck and trouble, is my only friend. I been on my own ever since I was ten. __ __ __ __ __, I been down since I began to crawl..." Clue: A blues with many covers, about a hard life. It's by a king, but not Elvis. Hmm.

What began as a political protest has turned into chaos on the streets of Bangkok. Even though some of the leaders surrendered, and tried to disband the crowds, groups dispersed to different areas and began setting fires. It's a sad day, and will take a lot of work to repair the damage on every level.

This morning I went out early to get the truck washed. We're letting a friend use it in exchange for services. While it was getting washed I went to the bank, the coffee shop, and the bakery. Both vehicles needed to have registration renewed so we took them to the DMV at the same time. I was imagining waiting in a long line like last time. Today we walked up to the window, presented all the papers, and it was over in less than 10 minutes. Amazing.

We had to take Daku to the vet today. Lisa noticed what looked like a sore under his fur, on his cheek. We've been noticing him scratching it a lot. It turned out to be the aftermath of a tic. The bug is gone, but the itching lingers. He has some medicine to relieve the itching so he won't hurt himself further. He was a perfect gentleman while he was examined. He did want to have a close inspection of the office cat, but we pulled him away.

On the way home from the vet's it started to sprinkle. The clouds drifted, and we were able to get in a swim. The yard is really liking all the water and humidity. The little flowering trees that Daku likes to eat are all blooming like crazy. The white Plumeria tree is full, and the red one is starting to bloom. We have a purple Orchid on the waterfall that has withstood all the recent wind, and rain. It adds an wonderful splash of color against the rocks, and green foliage.

Get ready for a Wacky Wednesday.

Peace,
Danny

"It's not who you are that holds you back, it's who you think you're not."
~Unknown

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
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http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Path

Hi,

Today I remembered stuff I meant to tell you, we ran errands, took care of some business, and tonight we're going for a massage. See, you should have come with us. (555)

Looks as if 'Easy Monday' really was easy. Lots of mail on this one. Here's part of the second verse. Rock on.
"If it were easy as fishin' you could be a musician, you could make sounds loud or mellow. Get a second-hand guitar, chances are you'll go far if you get in with the right bunch of fellows... And we be __ __ __ __ (every day) __ __ __ __ (every way)..." Hint: This 'Boogie Band' had a huge following in the US and Canada. Many thought they were from the south, but they were from the north. Hmm. The group went by initials, and the song title is also used in common language, as initials. Hmm, again.

Last Thursday was "Ploughing Day." It's the day when the Royal Oxen is paraded in a grand arena, and then choses some grains and seeds that are offered. The ones he picks are predicted to be the 'good crop' for the season. This year rice was a winner, with a caution to plant late because of the drought. At this event, farmers are also honored for special harvests, and plants that they've grown. At the end of the ceremonies the spectators stampede to get a grain of rice, a bush, or any other part of the day, as a symbol of good luck.

Without getting into the politics of it all, I find it quite touching the way some people here in the north express how they feel about what's been happening in Bangkok. Feelings are expressed in very poetic terms, that sometimes catch me off guard. I mention this because this morning our banker, who is in his early twenties, said that it "doesn't feel like my Thailand". He is very sad about the pain. Others have put words to the drama in such a way that you really get a sense of emotion, not just opinion.

This afternoon the Rain Gutter Guy, whose play name is Roje (pronounced Rowt) came by with a contract, and showed us some of his other work. He's really a woodwork designer. I think we'll probably be doing some business with him in the future.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

Peace,
Danny

"Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence."
~Henry David Thoreau.

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
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http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com

Monday, May 17, 2010

Kindness

Hi,

Contrary to all the news, life in Chiang Rai is still going on as usual. Over the weekend we dined with friends, went to an art show opening, a dinner party, and watched the Grand Prix. Whew.

Congrats to those who remembered "The Twelfth of Never" as sung by Johnny Mathis. Let's see if you remember this 'Easy Monday' tune: "You get up every morning from you 'larm clock's warning, take the 8:15 to the city... Look at me I'm self-employed, I love to work at nothing all day. And I'll be __ __ __ __ (every day)..." Hint: It's by a group with two last names, who also went by three initials. Many folks are having a hard time doing what this title is about.

While it's true that the city of Bangkok is in a terrible state these days with the protests, and violence that you're seeing on the news, but up here in the north people are going about their lives the way they always have. We continue to enjoy a safe, mellow life-style.

Saturday evening we went to diner with Sutheera, her brother, and his girlfriend. It was our first time meeting her brother, who works in city government. We talked of many things, from education to politics.

After dinner we went straight to 9 Gallery for the opening of an incredible exhibition for a 19 year-old ceramics artist. This young man has been trained in a special process that makes parts of the clay look like metal. We met Count Jerry, and several other expats that we didn't know. The works were priced to sell, and we bought a piece. All of them are statues about a foot tall, of Hill Tribe women. The young artist has quite a bright future ahead of him.

Sunday we went to a dinner party at the home of our friends Martin and Kay. Martin is an artist, and was in the Le Meridien show with Lisa. One of the guests is the manager of the facility where the Thailand Art Festival is held. We had a really cool 'stroll in the garden' before dinner, admiring, and learning about many local plants. There's one little bush that is used to slow down the effects of snake bites. The house is on a hillside in a very rural area, and the bush is a precaution. We don't have that problem since we're in the 'flat land' and we have a wall around our property.

Today we met with a contractor who measured the house for rain gutters, and an awning over the back patio. He'll return in two weeks for the installation. It's one of those things that will make life during the rainy season much dryer.

Have a Great Week.

Peace,
Danny

"Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind."
~Eric Hoffer

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
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http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com

Friday, May 14, 2010

Friday Funnies

Hi,

It's still ridiculously hot here in Chiang Rai. The common greeting these days is 'very hot'. Oh well, not much to do about that. We have a busy weekend coming up, with a dinner, an art show, and a party. Oh, and then there's the F1 GP in Monte Carlo. (Ha)

It should be no surprise to most of you that the song we were working on was "As Time Goes By", as made famous by Sam (Dooley Wilson) in the 1942 film Casablanca. For 'Old School Friday', see if this one loops through your mind over the weekend: "You ask how much I need you, must I explain? I need you, oh my darling, like roses need rain. You ask how long I'll love you, I'll tell you true. Until __ __ __ __ I'll still be loving you." Hint: Another song about the passage of time, first of many ballad hits by a smooth singing artist. 1957.

We spent the morning around the house. Lisa worked on her art and I did some internet investigating. We endured the morning heat as long as we could, and then turned on the air. I don't know how people can live in some of the dwellings here. Of course, they're usually open on at least one side, but the roofs are made of corrugated tin, which just attracts the heat. There's a man who has been working in the field next door, in a long-sleeved shirt. Hmm. It all comes down to adaptation, and insulation I suppose, but I have a hard time wearing anything. (Ha)

This afternoon I traveled into town. Sitting in the traffic was interesting. In the hot weather the motorbikes, and Tuk-Tuks either try to keep moving or turn off the engines at stop lights. You see some bikers stopping before the intersections, waiting under the shade of a tree for the light to change.

My main purpose for going out was to meet with Khun Thoe (sounds like dough), at Sahapaiboon, to talk about rain gutters, and an awning over the patio. We discussed styles, and materials for both projects, and a contractors is coming out on Monday to give us an estimate. I'm hoping to get this work done before the rainy season begins.

I got real brave, and went into the market at 4pm, which is when it gets busy with the food vendors in the street. I entered the area on Post Office street, and was shocked that there was no traffic. I was able to drive right through to a perfect parking place. I had to get Boot a new broom. I got her two for good measure, and got back to the comfort of the car as soon as I could.

Our afternoon swim was almost too hot. We turned on the waterfall and got some cool water flowing into the pool, and it was very pleasant.

Tomorrow evening we're going to dinner with our friend Sutheera, her mother, and her brother. From there we'll go to 9 Gallery for the opening of a new show. The presenter of the show is a Count from Belgium who has been living in Chiang Rai for quite some time, and has done some wonderful things for the art community. I'll tell you more about him next week. Sunday we're going to an afternoon party. Don't forget to set your 'whatever' for the Monte Carlo GP.

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd. Now it's time for the 'Funnies'.

Peace,
Danny

New Ticket Technology
A motorist was mailed a picture of his car speeding through an automated radar. A $40 speeding ticket was included. Being cute, he sent the police department a picture of $40. The police responded with another mailed photo-of handcuffs.

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Danger

Hi,

We had an overnight storm, and light show, we got a copy of our 'press', and the pool party was a big success.

"And when two lovers woo, they still say 'I love you', on that you can rely, no matter what the future brings __ __ __ __." Clue: The artist was asked to 'Play it again'. What was his name. The song is about things that are timeless. Hmm.

The rain we had in the late afternoon should have been enough, but late last night the lighting started, the thunder rolled, the winds came, and brought another storm. Everything went well, the lights stayed on, and nothing blew over or away. All around town the old growth is washed, and the new growth is bright, making it beautiful around here.

Today we went into town to see our friends at Sahapaiboon. We got a copy of the newspaper that had our picture in it from the opening of their housing project. What a neat surprise. Also, Lisa delivered a commissioned cast acrylic print to Jaa, one of the sisters.

The pool party was supposed to start around 12:30pm, but our guests were busy working on the resource center for the Sold Project, and they wanted to finish the work they'd started. They got to the house around 3:30 and after a light lunch, everyone went into the pool. We discovered that when the waterfall is on, the pond is cooler than the pool. What a wonderful revelation. The waterfall pumps water from the surge tank which is underground behind the pool. That water stays cool, so when it comes up and pours into the pond it's quite refreshing. Now we can cool off.

The dogs were very cordial 'hosts', and behaved themselves. Of course there was the investigation of the ground around the table, in hopes of a scrap or two, but basically they had fun too.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

Peace,
Danny

"Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity."
~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
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http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Permission

Hi,

Today we had a whole range of weather. There were lots of chores performed on the compound, and tomorrow we have a 'pool party'.

The 'Easy' song was "Hello, Goodbye" by The Beatles. Nice to know some of your memories are intact. Now try this:
"You must remember this, a kiss is just a kiss, a sigh is just a sigh. The fundamental things apply __ __ __ __."
Clue: This song was featured in a film a long time ago (1942). It should be easy. As for the artist, just tell me who sang it in the film.

Since the weather has been so hot, there has been no use for the solar rings that float in the pool. They've been sitting on the deck for weeks. Today was the day for them to get washed and put away. No easy feat considering each one is 5 feet in diameter. Part of the morning was spent wiping, rinsing, and spreading them out in the driveway to dry. We both came in the house dripping from the heat, and the work. In the afternoon we folded them, and found a place to store them. It's gotten to the point where we could use a garage. (Ha)

It was another 102 degree day, with high humidity. You could feel the moisture in the air. A storm had to be on the way. We were not disappointed. While Lisa was teaching ballet class, the wind came up and kept coming. This was the biggest 'blow' during the daylight hours that I can remember. Then, just as it got dark, the rain came. It's all calm now, but we can hear thunder in the distance. The hot weather we've been having is usually in April. By now it's usually a little cooler. Hmm.

Tomorrow our friends Nate and Rachel are coming over with three friends who are visiting Thailand. We're going to have a pool party. This will be the first time we've had such an event. We're looking forward to sharing the water with friends. Except for the little kids that come over, it's just the two of us using the pool. I'd better break out the lounge chairs.

Stand by for a Wacky Wednesday.

Peace,
Danny

"No one can make you feel inferior without your permission."
~Eleanor Roosevelt.

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com