Miracles

Hi,

The weather in Chiang Rai is still in this weird holding pattern.  Same thing every day.  Not really complaining, but things are drying out.  Where is our rain?  First it was too much rain, now, not enough.  Can't control the weather.

The 'Easy Monday' song has fans.  If it didn't come to you the first time around, here's the second verse:

"Think of what you're saying.  You can get it wrong and still you think that it's all right.  Think of what I'm saying, we can work it out and get it straight, or say good night.  __ __ __ __ __, __ __ __ __ __.  Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend.  I have always thought that it's a crime, so I will ask you once again.  Try to see it my way...."  Clue:  The title is actually in the lyric of the second verse.  So easy it hurts.

This morning we went on a little excursion about 25 minutes out of town to visit our friend Caty and her twin daughters, Taeyo and Jaiyah.  We hadn't seen them in a long time.  They will be two in March and they're quite mobile and talking.  Caty told us they understand both English and Thai.  After a warm-up period, we got lots of smiles and Taeyo actually let me help her with her trike.  They are very concerned with the wellbeing of one another.  A lot can be learned from twins.

There was a big parade this morning on Clock Tower street.  We only saw part of the staging, all of the students from one of the 20 schools involved were walking down the street and the line went for blocks.  The title of the parade was 'March Against Corruption'.  Hmm.  So glad we didn't get trapped in the traffic that must have created.  

Tomorrow is Constitution Day in Thailand.  This is very interesting since there is, at the present time, no constitution.  They're working on it.  Nevertheless, government offices, banks and schools will be closed.  I imagine a few retailers will close, but not many.  It's a busy time of year although High Season is not as high as usual.  

In villages outside of the city limits the soi (street) signs often reflect something about the village.  Some are shaped like a pineapple if that is the main crop.  Others have unique number script.  Yesterday on our drive we spotted a village with a unique color scheme.  Can't miss Soi 2.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                Peace,

                          Danny

"Miracles start to happen

when you give as much energy

to your dreams as you do to 

your fears."

~Unknown

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Compassion

Hi,

It's feeling more like Spring than Winter here in Chiang Rai.  The mornings have warmed up and the days are hot. Clouds appear, only to tease us and run away.  Things are turning brown in some areas so maybe winter really will come.

The 'Old School Friday' song was "The Glory of Love" by The Velvetones.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59RwZFbh1QI  Thought you might like to hear it.   It's time for 'Easy Monday' and a song we all know:

"Try to see it my way, do I have to keep on talking till I can't go on?  While you see it your way, run the risk of knowing that our love may soon be gone. __ __ __ __ __, __ __ __ __ __."  Hint:  An easy one from across the pond.  About the art of negotiation, compromise, and listening.  Blah, blah.

The day after a holiday is always busy around town.  Saturday got a double dose of busy since it was the first Saturday of the month.  We didn't let that stop us from tackling Big C early and then on to the mall.  We bravely walked into an almost empty store, did our shopping and left just in time to drive across the highway to the mall as they unlocked the doors.  It was brilliant.  I was surprised to see how fast the mall filled up.  Many people spend 'Father Day' with family so this was a real 'get in the street' day.  

Sunday morning Blue, Lisa and I went to Art Bridge to take some photos of the exhibit while the gallery was empty.  When we went upstairs one of our artist friends, Khun Yai, was there with one of his students and her father.  They were watching the video of Joe explaining the cast acrylic print process.  A little later another student and her family arrived.  Yai had them meet him at the gallery to see the exhibit and inspire them to try new things.  It was heartwarming to see.  Blue took a lot of photos from different view-points so we will have a nice record of how the whole thing looked.  We returned to Art Bridge in the late afternoon for an "Interview with the Artist" whose work is featured in the downstairs gallery.  A translator was provided so we could follow along with the whole affair.  We learned some interesting things from the interview, about the artist and about art.  What was really cool was the translator.  He's an American who is here on a Fulbright Scholarship, studying Thai Buddhism as part of his PhD program in Asian Religions.  He speaks fluent Thai and we hope to get together with him and his wife in the future.

At Cat's school many of the teachers are now required to teach in English.  This would be great if they spoke and understood English with a degree of accuracy.  Cat's biology class was taught in Thai, but tested in English.  Some of the teachers studied the language when they were in school, but that was years ago.  Now they are having to try to relearn and use English at the same time.  Fortunately, Cat's English is good enough that she knows how to figure out what is being attempted by some teachers.  It's an interesting time for a high school student.

We have noticed that every time we get to the main road during rush hour, there is a much larger volume of traffic than when we moved here.  I wanted to know where they were coming from.  Curiosity got the best of us.    This morning we took a little trip up the main road near our house.  We traveled up the winding road for about 10 kilometers, just to see what was happening.  There are little villages that have grown in the last few years, new houses on hillsides, and more small shops along the way.  The countryside still has lots of open space, but it's easy to see where all the cars and trucks are coming from, and why the traffic in town is growing.  Oh, the price of progress.

Today's photo was taken by Blue from our front yard last week.  A member of the Ultra-Light club was in the neighborhood.

Have a Great Week.

                Peace,

                          Danny

"If you want others to be happy,

practice compassion.

If you want to be happy,

practice compassion."

~Dalai Lama

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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www.lisamosesgallery.com

Friday Funnies

Hi,

This morning was another warmer one, and the sky was full of clouds.  It almost looked like it could rain.

The ‘Zany Day’ tune was “No Particular Place to Go” by Chuck Berry.  ‘Old School Friday’ is one of my favorites.  We will begin with the ‘talking part’ which makes up most of the record.  I’ll send a clip on Monday.

“I hold in my hand dear, three letters.  Three letters from your fine, fine, super-fine career.  The first began ‘Eddie, darling, sweetheart, my wonderful one, I will always be grateful for the things that you’ve done.’…. The third became the joker of the deck.  You ended your letter, ‘enclosed, please sign my check’.  Why you fool!  You  poor, sad, worthless, foolish fool.  If you think that money can pay me… You’ve got to give a little, take a little, and let your poor heart break a little.  That’s the story of, that’s __ __ __ __.”  Clue: There are other songs with the same title, but this is the early, R&B classic.  The group’s name comes from a very soft fabric.

We had a stay-at-home day.  Maybe the cloudy sky had something to do with it, but everybody at the Big Brown House was happy being busy.  At one point I took Daku out on ‘Patrol’ and noticed Cat was watching a movie in her room, Blue was talking on the phone, and Lisa was in her studio.  Early this morning we heard traditional music from the temple in honor of The King’s Birthday.  

Somewhere in Chiang Rai there must have been a parade.  This afternoon we heard a marching band giving a concert at the big field across the river.  It’s dark now and I can hear the booming of fireworks in the distance.  There have been numerous broadcasts showing old footage of The King when he was a young man.  One of them showed a slide show of The King as a musician.  He played clarinet and saxophone and wrote many songs.  He also jammed with famous jazz musicians from America when they would come to Thailand to perform.  At 87 years old, he is the oldest and longest reigning monarch in the world.

Update:  We just watched fireworks from Lisa’s studio window.  The booming was closer and that was the cue that it was possibly colors in the sky.  Now the only booming is from a distant bass guitar by the river. 

Countdown mode has begun for our trip to the states.  Two weeks and three days seems like a long time, but in reality, we’ll be taking off before we know it.  So much to do before that day.  

Today’s photo was taken by the staff photographer at Art Bridge.  Dr. Kobchai and Lisa are cutting the ribbon, officially opening ’Timeless Harmony’.

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.       Hang on for the ‘Funnies’.

                  Peace,

                            Danny 

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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www.lisamosesgallery.com

School

Hi,

Chiang Rai keeps getting warmer.  It’s all just too confusing.  Next week there’s a forecast for rain.  Hmm.

The ‘Zany Day’ song brought quick answers from a few readers.  If you ever went cruisin’ then this song should be no problem.  Here’s the last verse:  “Ridin’ along in my calaboose, still trying to get her belt a-loose.  All the way home I held a grudge for the belt that wouldn’t budge.  Cruisin’ and playing the radio, with __ __ __ __ __."

Clue:  There was no destination.

There was an air of excitement all over Chiang Rai on the day before the celebration of The King’s birthday.  In Thailand it’s called ‘Father Day’ and it’s also a day of tribute to all fathers.  Flags and banners along the highway, giant portraits on street corners, and yellow shirts being sold in shops are all signs of the day.  The King was born on a Monday and the color for Monday is yellow.  We used to wear yellow on Mondays until the creation of the Red and yellow shirt movements.  It caused divisions and people stopped wearing their yellow shirts.  This year, for some reason, it’s back in vogue.  At Cat’s school the teachers will wear yellow shirts all month.  

This evening we drove downtown for dinner.  We were able to go through half of the carnival before a detour.  All of the rides were running and we saw small children on the merry-go-round and the little train.  The ferris wheel and the trampoline were being used to the max and the gaming booths were busy.  Just past the detour we could see the stage that had been erected in the middle of the street.  There was a band playing on our way home.  Tonight there was a brief volley of fireworks and tomorrow night I’m sure we’ll see lots of displays in the sky.  

When we first arrived in Chiang Rai there were only two airlines servicing the city.  Now there are five.  I guess that’s one way to gage the progress.  Also, the number of apartment houses and condos has grown quite a bit.  One thing I never thought about was the concept of the rooming house.  Boot’s brother moved out a few days ago after finding a ‘room’ to stay in near by.  He still comes by to help out, even though he’s not staying here.  We certainly appreciate his help.  

Today’s photo was taken by one of the Art Bridge members.  Lisa has just ‘pulled’ the cast acrylic collage print demo.  

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                  Peace,

                            Danny

“He who opens a school door,

closes a prison.”

~Victor Hugo

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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www.lisamosesgallery.com

Problem

Hi,

Today the weather reversed direction and got warmer.  What?  It’s true.  Not really complaining, but it’s just interesting.  Stay tuned, it could turn any day.  

Well, the ‘Easy Monday’ song was “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?”  by The Shirelles.  That means it’s time for the ‘Zany Day’ tune of the week.  “Riding along in my automobile, my baby beside me at the wheel.  I stole a kiss at the turn of a mile, my curiosity runnin’ wild.  Crusin’ and playin’ the radio, with __ __ __ __ __.”  Hint:  Another from one of the fathers of Rock and Roll.  Think ‘aimless’ and your getting warm.  

This turned out to be one of those ‘around the house’ days.  There are always things to do at the Big Brown House, so it wasn’t just lazing about (555), although there was a bit of that.  It’s been over a year since we got the van and it’s time for insurance.  Imagine our surprise when we were told that it couldn’t be insured in my name because I’m over 70.  Hmm.  I can still be insured, but not the policy holder.  Yes, it’s just different here.  

Lisa’s art exhibit with her father is the first time she’s been in a gallery that has ‘traffic’ after the opening night.  This means that more people will see the work and there are more possibilities for sales.  There are more events and openings of other exhibits while ‘Timeless Harmony’ remains open and that adds a lot of potential traffic into the new gallery.  

Speaking of traffic, this evening the four of us piled into the van for my trip to the dentist.  It was time for teeth cleaning.  Not usually a family affair, but there’s a ‘7’ next door.  Blue and Cat went shopping while I sat in the chair.  On our way, we had to make a detour because the street with the carnival had been blocked off.  It was a major party.  With all the kids darting around, it's much safer that way, but it was a big surprise. 

The photos today are from Blue’s collection on the evening of the exhibit.  The first shows the big banner on the front of the building using part of a Joseph Zirker print, beneath the Art Bridge logo.  The second photo is looking into the restaurant before the festivities began. 

Tomorrow we’re going to visit the twins.  We haven’t seen them in months.  They’ve been on an extended visit to the states, but are back home again.  It should be a fun morning.

Time for Wacky Wednesday.

                    Peace,

                              Danny

“Sometimes the easiest way

to solve a problem 

is to stop participating

in the problem.”

~Unknown

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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www.lisamosesgallery.com

Seeing

Hi,

Every morning it’s a little bit colder.  This afternoon I brought the heaters in from the storage room.  Warm socks are now required in the morning.  Bye, bye tropical weather.

I got a few correct answers from the Bay Area on the ‘Easy Monday’ song.  Maybe the last verse will help:

“I’d like to know that your love is love I can be sure of.  So tell me now, and I won’t ask again.  __ __ __ __ __ __.”  Hint:  So easy.  

We are still reflecting on various things that happened Saturday night at the opening of the art exhibit.  One thing that stands out in my mind was what happened on the patio area outside.  A large group of the local artists were hanging out and Lisa went over to thank them for coming.  They lined up for a group photo with Lisa in the middle.  This said a lot to me about their respect level.  I saw this happen before with another expat artist.  It was like becoming ‘part of the gang’ so to speak.  

Today’s photo from the exhibit is a monk/artist who was captivated by the ‘Machine’ series by Joseph Zirker. 

Yesterday we were quite surprised when we turned onto Clock Tower street and discovered that two long blocks had been turned into a carnival.  Both side of the street are now partial lanes and there is absolutely no parking.  There is a ferris wheel, a merry-go-round, and all of the usual midway games one would see at a carnival.  There are also booths selling everything from stuffed animals to belts and shoes.  What’s really interesting is that it’s right in front of a high school.  Imagine, sitting in class thinking about all that’s waiting on the street.  Hmm.

This cold weather thing is totally relative.  Boot’s boyfriend Rudi is from Holland.  When I go out in the morning I have on a thermal shirt, a t-shirt, and a sweatshirt.  Rudi is sitting outside in a t-shirt talking about ‘nice weather’.  Then we both laugh because he knows I’m cold.  I joke with him about being from Holland.  This afternoon I met a couple from England who are touring around Thailand, Laos and Cambodia for three months to escape the English winter.  When they mentioned that their hotel had a nice pool, I asked if they’d checked the temperature of the water.  They laughed and said it’s cold when they first get in, but that they swim in the sea so it’s not bad. I am still spoiled when it comes to cold I guess.  The adventure continues.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                Peace,

                          Danny

“Seeing is different than being told.”

~African Proverb

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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www.lisamosesgallery.com

Free

Hi,

The opening of “Timeless Harmony” was a smashing success, but first the weather.  It’s getting colder.  Today it didn’t warm up until mid-day.  The overnight was somewhere in the low 50s.  Thermals, hats, and scarves are ready.

It looks like nobody knew the ‘Old School Friday’ song.  Or, everyone was out shopping (555).  The tune was “Poison Ivy”, by The Coasters.  ‘Easy Monday’ is:  “Tonight you’re mine completely.  You give your love so sweetly.  Tonight the light of love is in your eyes, but __ __ __ __ __ __.”  Hint:  Many recordings of this song.  First a Girl-Group, then the writer, then everybody.  It’s a question about the future.

Saturday evening’s art exhibit, “Timeless Harmony”, was scheduled to begin at 7pm.  We arrived at Art Bridge an hour early and some of our friends were already there, having dinner in the restaurant.  That was a nice sign.  After a few last minute touches in the gallery, we tried to relax in the restaurant.  It wasn’t long before more people began to arrive.  At 7pm most of the seats were taken and people were still arriving.  It was ‘Show time’.  

During the ceremony Lisa welcomed the guests and talked about her father and his art, and how she had learned his technique.  Our friend Atom translated portions into Thai.  The video of Joe (Lisa’s dad) speaking to the audience and discussing his work was well received.  Then Lisa introduced two staff members from The Sold Project, one spoke in English, the other in Thai.  Cat also spoke in both languages, telling them that she was the first scholarship student.  She told the audience how the project has been like a family to her as well as mentors.  

Dr. Kobchai also spoke in both languages and was encouraging with regards to Chiang Rai being an art center in the region.  He and Lisa walked through the exhibition before it began and he talked about the works he had seen.  

After the cutting of the ribbon, the crowd filed up the stairs to the gallery.  This is the first time an exhibit like this has been presented.  Not only was it a ‘Father/Daughter’ affair, but it included an internationally acclaimed artist presenting his own ‘invention’ The Cast Acrylic Print.  The response was very positive and people stayed a long time studying various prints.  The Art Bridge artists were there in force and at one point in the evening had Lisa join them for a big group photo.  Outside on the deck, under the night sky, there was food and drink and a lot of conversation.  Later Lisa gave a demonstration of her method of making a cast acrylic collage print and the smaller gallery was almost full.  Guests were recording and taking photos with their phones and asking questions.  

The evening drew a very diverse audience and lots of new faces shared the joy.  Many of Lisa’s friends brought flower bouquets and plants.  The gallery manager estimated at least 150 guests.  During the evening there were two videos playing in an alcove between the two galleries upstairs.  One was Joe describing in detail how he developed the process and how he makes prints.  The other was the recent video shown at the opening.  There were people sitting in the alcove taking notes, watching several times, wanting to learn all they could.  

When the crowd finally thinned and it was time to go, we noticed many of the guests had moved to the restaurant to continue their evening.  We left feeling too excited to be tired.  Two pieces sold and there is interest in more. Blue took about 300 photos of the whole process.  This week you get to see some of those photos.

The first photo is the entrance to the upstairs galleries.  The second gives you an idea of part of the audience present for the opening.

As the weather gets progressively colder we have to make adjustments when it comes to clothing.  Long sleeves for me in the morning hours, and probably a light jacket on the evenings we go out.  We are so used to hot days and warm nights that when the cold comes, we really feel it.  Tomorrow I’ll tell you about the carnival that has been set up on a busy street.

Have a Great Week.

                      Peace,

                                Danny

“You must love in such a way

that the person you love feels 

free.”

~Thich Nhat Hanh

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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