Trick

Hi,

Well, it’s Chinese New Year’s Eve, and the excitement is building in some quarters.  We were startled this morning by the sound of a firecracker string going off at 6:30am.  We were up and around, just not expecting that sound.

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “Make It With You” by Bread.  Now the clues make sense.  This week’s ‘Zany Day’ song will bring back memories, since we’ve ‘played it’ before.  “Aquarius and my name is Ralph.  Now I like a woman who loves her freedom, and I like a woman who can hold her own.  And if you fit that description, baby, come with me.  Take my hand, come with me, baby, to Love Land.  Let me show you how sweet it could be, sharing love with me.  I want you to __, __ __ (Come on, come on, come on, baby, yeah) __, __ __ (Ooh, ooh, baby)…”  Hint:  The group name and the title of the song use the same word.  One uses this word to describe the act of being on one’s back on the surface of water.  Hmm.

This morning, Blue and I ran errands.  Our first stop was the Post Office on wheels.  Every morning it parks on the Super Highway near our bank and it’s much easier than trying to park and climb stairs at the regular P.O.

While we were waiting, I noticed what looked like a long piece of material hanging from a tree.  Upon close inspection I realized it was a string of firecrackers.  I had never seen a string so long.  Today’s photo is in honor of The Year of the Goat (my sign).  At the very top there are two very large crackers to close out the chaos.  When the fuse is lit, it’s going to be a noisy, smokey time.

Our next stop was the Healthy Market, for fresh veggies, fruit, and fish.  I ordered the fish and then we went to one of Lisa’s favorite vendors.  At one point we chose some cauliflower and she went behind her table and came up with two that were much larger.  It’s nice having friends in the market.  

All along Clock Tower street there are little red lanterns suspended above the traffic.  The Chinese Cultural Center is decorated in red and gold, and many shops have signs and banners with Happy New Year in several languages.  It all seems bigger this year.  This evening we went to the mall for some food items and paint for the little elephant.  We had to walk the length of the mall and we noticed many people wearing traditional Chinese tops.  Chiang Rai has a very large Thai/Chinese population that celebrates their heritage.  For many Thais, it’s just another day, but for those who have mixed ancestry, it’s a special time.  In front of many businesses we saw little piles of ashes where they had burned offerings to the ancestors.  

Our front yard got an even bigger dumping of leaves this afternoon as the result of a wind that reminded us of the Santa Anas in Southern California.  The timing was all wrong since Duin had just cleaned off the front lawn.  Daku was totally distracted by the leaves and my guess is that tomorrow morning he’ll be a handful.  

It’s time for Wacky Wednesday.

                    Peace,

                              Danny

“The trick is in what one emphasizes.

We either make ourselves miserable,

or we make ourselves happy.

The amount of work is the same.”

~Carlos Castaneda

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Years

Hi,

Today was one of those days when we didn’t leave the house.  Even so, there was plenty of activity around here.

This week’s ‘Easy Monday’ song has only had two responses.  Hmm, I was so sure you would remember the song with such a strong declaration.  Maybe another verse is in order (555).  “Though you don’t know me well, with every little thing only time will tell.  If you believe the things that I do, then we’ll see it through.  Life can be short or long, love can be right or wrong.  And if I choose the one I’d like to help me through, I’d like to __ __ __ __.  I really think that we can __ __, girl.”  Hint: ‘He' really has a strong desire to be with ‘her’.  The key word is what you would use when producing toast.  You don’t bake it, you __ it.  And that rhymes with bake.

It’s still dark and cold at 6am.  By mid-day it’s getting warm and by mid-afternoon it’s hot.  I’m not complaining at all, considering the weather in other parts of the world.  This morning was also very musical, with spiritual overtones.  The monks at the temple were chanting, and traditional mallet music was drifting through the air.  At the same time, the drum corp at the Jr. High School was practicing.  It was a strange, yet comforting mixture of sounds.  I suppose I liked it because it was people making music, being reverent, and it wasn’t loud for the sake of being loud.  

This  morning Lisa had a visit from a budding artist from Holland who wanted to know more about her work.  They spent about an hour in the studio discussing various mediums, styles, and processes.  During their conversations Lisa learned that a friend of ours in town had previously learned a lot about the cast acrylic process when he visited our house and got the studio tour.  He had explained it to the woman who came over today.  You just never know who is paying attention.  

The saga of the little elephant is an interesting story.  The painting continues and time has become another source of motivation.  At first glance it would appear that it might be fun and easy.  After that glance, one faces the task of painting on a curved surface that is smooth, and it has many areas that are difficult to reach.  ‘He’ has already been on his side once, for access to the inside of his legs.  Soon he will get the same treatment for the other side and then there is his tummy.  It’s looking great and when it’s done it will dazzle the eyes, but right now it’s a lot of work.  Our resident artist is putting in long hours, but smiling at the end of each session.

This afternoon we were faced with a plumbing dilemma.  The details are not as important as what one does in such situations.  When we were in our first year here, I asked a Thai friend if he knew a good plumber.  He asked me, “What is a plumber”.  When I explained, he told me they just had people who worked with pipes.  Oh.  There are those handymen who have made ‘pipes’ their specialty, but they also do lots of other things.  We got the problem solved by someone who doesn’t even work with pipes.  Amazing, and different.

Today’s photo was taken last Friday at the organic vegetable market.  This side of the market has very fresh produce and the opposite side has a mixture of veggies and prepared food.  You can see two young men in dark green in one booth.  They are from the Army base that shares this piece of land once a week.  The soldiers have a large garden and bring some of their produce each week.  Hmm, I like that idea.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                Peace,

                          Danny  

“And in the end, it’s not the 

years in your life that count.

It’s the life in your years.”

~Abraham Lincoln

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Become

Hi,

Chiang Rai is back in the pattern of very warm days and cold nights.  We’re still waiting for those warm nights that will help the pool heat up.  (Sigh)  

The ‘Old School Friday’ tune was “Save The Last Dance For Me” by The Drifters.  That means it’s time for ‘Easy Monday’, and something you might know.  “Hey, have you ever tried, really reaching out for the other side?  I may be climbing on rainbows, but baby here goes.  Dreams are for those who sleep, life is for us to keep.  And if you’re wondering what this song is leading to, I’d like to __ __ __ __.”  Hint:  Sung by a group who’s name is something you use to make toast.  The singer is stating his intentions.  It’s from the early 70s.

Saturday was an interesting day.  We dropped Cat at the orthodontist office to get her braces adjusted and went to the Talat (the main central market).  It was 10am and the place was jammed with shoppers.  One thing that was very evident was the coming of the Chinese New Year on February 19.  There is one stall that always has an assortment of things related to Chinese cultural practices, but this time of year they go all out.  There were large lanterns, banners, and loads of fireworks for sale.  They also have a stock of paper replicas of things to burn in honor of the ancestors.  Everything from iPhones to small cars, to items of clothing.  The color ‘red’ was all through the Talat.  In a few days the fireworks will begin going off and that will last probably until after the 19th.

In the evening, while Lisa worked on the little elephant, Blue and I went out with the intention of going to the opening of the Dark Star Community Building opening.  The traffic was very intense, not only because it was Saturday night and Walking Street was going on, but it was Valentine’s Day, which is celebrated here with much enthusiasm.  At the big high school near us there was a music concert, down the street there were many people gathered to watch the Clock Tower light show, and then there was the traffic trying to get to Walking Street.

Due to some misdirection, we never found the building and went home.  We’ll try and find it in the daytime when the streets are friendlier.

There is a roving dog pack that is currently doing their thing in our neighborhood.  Last night they were barking and howling, giving their own concert to everyone around.  They will leave soon and harass another part of the village.  

The little vegetable farm behind our house has a ‘shack’ where they keep supplies and have their meals during the day.  I noticed that they have a Spirit House next to the shack and decided to take a photo.  These little ‘houses’ on pedestals are all over Thailand.  You can see them in front of businesses, hotels, farms, and especially homes.  Their purpose is to provide an appealing shelter for the spirits, or celestial beings who would otherwise reside in the heavens.  This comes from the ancient practice of Animism, which is still a big part of the Thai culture today.  When we intended to buy our property we were encouraged to go to the land and talk to the spirits of the land and let them know that we would take good care of it and live good lives.  We often see people praying in front of the Spirit House in front of their business.  Offerings are brought and placed on the house as a way of paying respects.  It might be in the form of flowers, incense, or food and drink.  Today’s photo is the Spirit House for the little farm.  It’s just to the left of the shack.  I have added a close-up of a typical house also.

Have a Great Week.

              Peace,

                        Danny

“The important thing is this:

to be able at any moment, 

to sacrifice what we are for

what we could become.”

~Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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www.lisamosesgallery.com

Friday Funnies

Hi,

Things are really heating up in Chiang Rai.  The temps are rising daily and the wardrobe is changing as well.  

Well, that ‘Zany Day’ song was “Lola” by The Kinks.  You should know this (555).  ‘Old School Friday’ is next:

“You can dance ev’ry dance with the guy, who gives you the eye, let him hold you tight.  You can smile for the man who held your hand ‘neath the pale moonlight.  But don’t forget who’s taking you home and in whose arms you’re gonna be.  So darlin’, __ __ __ __ __ __.”  Clue:  The singer is making a request for the end of the evening.

This morning was not as cold as other days.  In fact, I made the mistake of leaving the house wearing a thermal top and a T-shirt only to find myself boiling in a few hours.  We made the rounds of Makro and the Friday farmer's market.  The quality of the Friday ‘crop’ is noticeably better than what is found in the stores.  We plan to find out if they set up in any other locations during the week.  It would be nice to shop with them at least twice a week.  

Boot came home from the hospital today.  She has to rest for a few days, with no heavy lifting and no looking down.  BamBam was very happy to have Boot return.  Life is slowly returning to normal for her.  With Boot at home it means that Duin is also available to help in the yard and the kitchen.  Lisa is doing all the cooking, and now Duin will help with the clean up.  

This afternoon the wind blew for quite awhile.  For us, this time of year means that the giant leaves from the Teak trees across the road blow into our yard.  Duin did a great job of cleaning them up, but not before Mr. Daku had a chance to sample the ‘chip’ menu.  I thought he had outgrown his taste for the big leaves, but I was wrong.  

Today’s photo shows Daku, caught in the act of munching away on one of the many leaves in the yard.  I finally had to distract him to another area without leaves.

Living in Thailand and staying in touch with friends mean that I really do get to celebrate my birthday for two days.  I am very grateful for the number of birthday communications I have received from all around the world.  This is something I never would have dreamed of in the past.  Wow, very cool stuff.

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.      Stay tuned for the ‘Funnies’.

                 Peace,

                           Danny

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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www.lisamosesgallery.com

Art

Hi,

Here in Thailand it’s February 12 and that means it’s my birthday.  By the time some of you read this it will be the 12th where you are.  I had a lovely day and I’m perfectly fine with celebrating it for another couple of days.

A few of you remembered this ‘Zany Day’ song.  This verse gives away a little more about the title.

“Well, I’m not the world’s most physical guy, but when she squeezed me tight she nearly broke my spine, oh my

__, lo lo lo lo __.  Well, I’m not dumb but I can’t understand why she walks like a woman and talks like a man, oh my __, lo lo lo lo __, lo lo lo lo __….”  Hint:  One word, two syllables, first one is mentioned many times.  Easy. 

Today began like most days.  Get up, go outside with Daku after his breakfast and walk the yard, then help with the breakfast for the humans.  My first surprise was gifts from Blue.  We have a running joke about the logo for Mae Farluang University, which is "MFU" so he got me this cool jacket from the campus bookstore, plus a couple of school polo shirts.  When I finally got upstairs and looked at my email, he had made a great greeting card and it was waiting in my inbox, along with one from my brother.  A little later a real card appeared on my keyboard from Lisa.  Inside was a beautiful stone pendant.  My day was complete.  We spent the morning around the house, Lisa painting and me researching various things on my computer.  

After lunch we got a call from our friend Katai, from Work@Home.  She and her husband Thovan were at the gate with a gift.  They brought a gorgeous bouquet of red and orange flowers.  They had never met Daku so today was the day.  It was love at first sight.  Towan greeted Daku as he came down the stairs and that was all he needed to get fired up.  When they left, Towan told Daku he would miss him.  They plan to get another Golden Retriever in the near future.

It was my birthday and I was given an offer I couldn’t refuse.  Yes, I’d love to go to the mall and look for something I’d like.  What?  Lisa, Blue and I went to Central Plaza and I started at the Apple Store.  Then we went to Banana, another electronic store, and back to Apple where I found a cool device for my phone.  Today was a good day.

This evening we went to 9 Art Gallery for the opening of an exhibit featuring 9 artists.  It was like ‘old home week’, with all of the core artists there in full force.  The artwork was quite varied style wise, and overall we enjoyed the paintings.  We had lots of conversations with our friends, many of whom were also working on finishing their elephants by the due date.  There was a band set up, but during the time we were there just the lead singer held court.  This older gentleman in a cowboy hat sang a medley of Elvis songs in English with lots of drama.  As we were leaving he was singing ‘Besame Mucho’ with all his heart.  

On the way to the art exhibit we stopped at the roadside stand near our house that sells eggs.  Lisa brought a ‘bag of eggs’ and it struck me that many of you have probably never seen such a sight.  Today’s photo is how eggs are sold on the street.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                  Peace,

                            Danny

“Look, art knows no prejudice, art knows 

no boundaries, art doesn’t really have judgement

in it’s purest form.  So just go, just go.”

~K.D. Lang

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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Life

Hi,

One word to describe the weather today would be ‘Murky’.  It’s cloudy with a strange haze mixed in, and it stinks.  This usually doesn’t begin until late in the month or early March.  Turn up the air filter.

The ‘Easy Monday’ song was “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life” by Stevie Wonder.  ‘Zany Day’ is next.

“I met her in a club down in old Soho, where you drink champagne and it taste just like cherry cola, c-o-l-a cola.

She walked up to me and she asked me to dance, I asked her name and in a dark brown voice she said, ‘__’, __-__-__- __, __….”  Hint:  The title is one word, and it’s a name.  Kind of a kinky song.

When we first heard about Boot needing surgery, she thought it would be today, but she went to the hospital this morning and this afternoon they told her it would be tomorrow and she must stay overnight.  She thinks she might be home on Friday, but I suspect it will be Saturday.  Life around here is very different without Boot.  Lisa is doing the cooking, which is rather involved, and I’m doing what I can to take up the slack.  Cat helps in the evenings, and we’re all trying to do those little things that we normally don’t have to do.  Duin is still with Boot at the hospital so there will be minimal house cleaning until she returns.  

Tomorrow evening we will attend an art opening at 9 Art Gallery.  Saturday there is an open house for a new project called Dark Star Community & Studio.  It’s a building that will be a center for workshops and classes in various artistic genres and there is also a photography studio/gallery run by the Chiang Rai Photography Club.  Later in the month there’s another opening at NorThai, featuring local artists.  This month is filled with art events.  There will also be the unveiling of the little elephant project in early March.  Exciting times for the community.

I couldn’t resist taking a picture in the fruit section at Makro.  It took me a minute to realize what I was seeing.

I totally get it.  I can’t read Thai and whoever was packing the grapes couldn’t read English.  Grapes are grapes.

This afternoon I finally unpacked the keyboard controller I bought several months ago.  I plugged it into my laptop, opened Garage Band, and started hearing music from my computer.  This hasn’t happened in a very long time.  Now I have a lot to learn, but I already have the seed of an idea.  I’d better get back to it before it floats away (555).

It’s time for Wacky Wednesday.

                   Peace,

                             Danny

“To be able to look back on one’s life

with satisfaction, is to live twice.”

Kahlil Gibran

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Kindness

Hi,

Another day like the last one, weather wise.  Aside from the weather, our days are never the same here.  There are set routines, but in between there are many variations.  

At last, an ‘Easy Monday’ song that really is easy.  Now that the Grammys are over, you can let me know the song.  “You must have known that I was lonely, because you came to my rescue.  And I know that this must be heaven.  How could so much love be inside of you?  __ __ __ __ __ __ __, that’s why I’ll always be around…"

Clue:  Seriously?  It’s a wonder everybody didn’t write in on the first day (555).  

Today Boot’s cousin Duin arrived from Phuket.  She came to help out while Boot recovers from eye surgery tomorrow.  We know that she will be in the hospital at least one night and her cousin will stay with her.  Boot is understandably nervous about the whole thing, but having Duin here has cheered her up.  

We have been noticing a lot of ‘visitors’ around town, even though the ‘High Season’ is nearly over.  I think some lines have been blurred and the definition of the season will have to be changed.  This evening we went to the Night Bazaar and the place was packed.  Before we parked, we saw a car with Chinese plates.  This is becoming a regular occurrence in Northern Thailand since the completion of a highway that goes from China to Laos, and a bridge across the Mekong into Thailand.  In the Night Bazaar we heard many languages and it really felt like a scene from a movie.

The photo for today is another from the front yard.  There are five palm trees next to the driveway.  In this photo you will notice the tops of three of them.  The ‘spike’ sticking up will become a new fronds.  All of the trees have one at the same time.  The shot was taken around 8am, facing east.  The structure behind them is our neighbors addition that never got used.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

                Peace,

                          Danny

“No act of kindness,

no matter how small,

is ever wasted.”

~Aesop

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style 

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www.lisamosesgallery.com