%%USERNAME%%    %%ACCWORDS%% %%ONOFF%% |
 |   A terminal for all blogs coming in or going out. A view into my life. |
Started July 1st 2019 for contests, etc. as other blogs are filling up and have other purposes.  I'm starting a new blog because
I'll be linking to
I've started an appendix (I no longer have one personally) to keep track of my Space Cadet journals for Space Blog. It's a work constantly under construction. Mind the mess.
I needed to start a folder for contests as there are so many deadlines and details to remember.
  |
| 9.เมษายน.2566 but i'm a birdie, and the next hansa is oh-four-thirty, wake up and sing along with me... written at 04:09. It's 04:09 and I put water on to boil as I'm awake, puzzled by a wakening-dream of escaping troops and hiding under the wharves. In Thailand it's a hot red-day. In Montana it's a cold false-spring. I wonder how long it will take for my body to adjust to this time zone. Since the passage of time is divided by artificial human constructs, perhaps I'm merely passing into timelessness. How long one is dead is irrelevant to the Dead. Does Time matter to the Dying? 04:18 Almost time-to-sing. The term “Hansang” means “a table full of food to welcome guests or gather family for festivities. What is the meaning of Hagsaeng? 학생 • (haksaeng) (counter 명(名), hanja 學生) student, scholar, school pupil. Online discussion comment I made re Islam, Arabic and the Qur'an: "Gregory Garecki: How many folks in Iceland know the Icelandic from 1000 years ago? Most. Yes, the language has changed but having a well educated population has kept it fairly close to the original. Even oral traditions can survive for hundreds if not thousands of years. Regardless, classical Arabic is still taught, as it has been for over 1000 years. The Islamic World was educated at a time Europe wasn't. Education, even reading Sacred Texts, was limited. And English? Didn't exist. It evolved from multiple sources. The KJV actually helped stabilize the language, as did Shakespeare; but, English continues to evolve. Regardless, some religious people are nitpickers and ignore the larger picture. For me, spirituality trumps dogma." There came a reckoning to the days as the Sun exposed them for what they had done; and to the boy shivering in the shadows afraid of who he would become. [14] Responded to "Entry #1 of the April 2023 Contest"  https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/teens-have-proven-the-pythagorean-theo... Tumultuous week... almost over. Having trouble getting back into this time zone. 8.เมษายน.2566 Got money, checked balance. Went to post office and picked up bank statement. I have enough to get a long-term visa in Thailand. I checked one-way flights. I ate rice with raisins and an Asiago bagel with cream-cheese. To Steve: "All stories should be recorded. Perhaps elicit his thoughts about the threat of combat. That fear can color a person's life. It affected mine. I lost 5 years being on the cutting block then graduated to a recession that when it was over I was faced with the reality that only veterans were being hired... combat or no combat. I was frozen out of a job because 99 wasn't a high enough score. Absolutely boring except for years of anxiety and depression." To Brian: "I braved 90 degree heat (one day of 102) to come back to a pleasant 50 and snow on the mountains. Snow can be a wonderful inspiration. Hunger and heat? That too but I'll take the Snow-copolypse." A Steven prompt: "Happy Celebration of the Awakening Moon" I hung out in Butterfly Herbs. I saw Lundy and Nancy, spoke to John and Terra, and Gwen. Ran into Hobie on the way back. I visited Travis and now have internet again. It's now 01:34 and I'm tired but awake. This isn't good. 7.เมษายน.2566 A day that lasted over 30 hours. 1 am fight from BKK. 8 am walk to the lounge in ICN to snooze for 9 hours. 5 pm. 10 hours flight to SEA that crossed the imaginary line where Tonight becomes Morning again. Noon-ish in SEA for a 3 hour 'break'; flight delayed. 6 pm in MSO. Ride cancelled. Ran to the bus. Walked home from the station, arrived after 7 pm. 6.เมษายน.2566 Very bad bad day of tears. Thanks to Max, Rob and Ped. 5.เมษายน.2566 Pannya and me go to Wat Arun. 4.เมษายน.2566 Long hot train ride to Krungthep (Bangkok). Hard to find the connections to/through Mochit to Rechathewit. Pannya unhappy and tired, and hungry (as always). 3.เมษายน.2566 I made reservations at Pinto. I wanted to change flight but it's too complicated for my pea-brain. Pannya sleeps. There's too much to do today and I need his help. I may pack light. |
| 2.เมษายน.2566 Bus left Ubon (11:30) arrived before 19:00 in Udon. Long trip. No drama. Rain poured around Khon Kaen. Seats 1 & 2. Bus was rarely full. Took a taxi home. Pan had quite a bit to carry. Michael's wisdom: friends come and go. (Note: reminded me of traveling. I usually stay in hostels and friendships are ephemeral). Michael (from Bavaria) is married to a Thai from Khorat. They live in Germany. He was quite gentle about how it's not easy. Family obligations, et cetera... 1.เมษายน.2566 A wat-ing we will go. Rambled with Fabrice and Cassandre. Lovely time. Pannya worked and got back to the hotel late. Saw photo of the flood last November. It almost reached the hostel. Lots of photos. Pannya came back late (over-slept) and we walked along the river. 31.มีนาคม.2566 I went to Wat Luang next door. A bit warm today so I'm inside but I need to go out again soon. Spoke French yesterday and today. 30.มีนาคม.2566 No sleep for either of us. Caught 08:30 bus from Udon to Ubon. Made an ass out of myself. 12:00 Maha Sarakam. 14:00 Yasathorn. 15:30+ Udon. Puppy picked us up. Shopping. Ate at Lak Nom Sod. Lovely place. 29.มีนาคม.2566 33 at noon. AQI of 62 (not bad but can barely see clouds through the smoke-haze). Threat of rain... a promise? Pannya is sleeping. He made breakfast for me and lay done again. *sigh* I understand the lack of energy but long-term this isn't good. I'm feeling weak as well. <40 words: Happiness: No worries, no obsessing about the could'ves, would'ves, should'ves, letting go of balloons to pursue their dreams, walking through the dappled days of reality, feet to the ground, embracing small miracles along the way. 34w Sadness: Once again, the letting go, the grieving, your hand slipping out of mine, your heart beating out of time, stopped forever. Greatest sadness? No. Stepping on an ant. Not watering a plant. Not asking you to marry me. 38w I deserve: No more, no less. I've been cursed and blessed. Didn't deserve either. Grace and mercy, the kindness of strangers, the virtues that elude me, vanity staring back from the mirror whispering: let go. 33w Our Love: Your leg traps me, your arms hug, your body keeps me warm. In love? In lust? Or just two lost pieces of the puzzle hooking up. Do I dare let go? Out of time and space, each moment matters in this place. 41w Spring: Heat and smoke give way to wind and rain. Snow melts under an unrelenting sun. What remains in Isan, or Montana, if not the mud that covers us, ushers in the change of seasons, this letting go. 38w 28.มีนาคม.2566 It threatened to rain. Pannya met up with a friend and then we went to the vegetable market. Earlier, last day at class. Said goodbye. Took photos. Stephanie, Mieuw, Suwai had good ideas as usual. I will miss them. I think I understand our rental contract now. It goes through November of this year. It's paid through June. I'm unhappy with myself over a silly matter that doesn't even matter. My brain works against me at times. My arm, my leg, my feet, my back, my skin are doing better. Nothing written, and now it's late, 27.มีนาคม.2566 I'm really worn out. I need to study and can't focus. My brain is fuzzy. It's a hot choke-smoke day outside. Pannya is animated today but I still need to know what's going on and I don't have the oomph to make him tell me. I'm somewhat depressed as well. To Dianne: "My boyfriend was zoned out for 8 hours yesterday. I made him sip water, guided him to bed, checked on him hourly to wipe his face with a damp towel. He refused to speak or interact. He took his happy pills today. All better; but, I'm bitter because he won't explain what's going on. I suspect it's bi-polar or schizophrenia. I do what I can.  I could just walk away... but, that's a high price to pay.  "At 14:30 ... It's 40°C (104°F) and the air quality is very poor (135 here in Udon Thani, 398 in Chiang Rai). I don't dare go outside until evening. I feel trapped. Growing up I disliked the steam of summer and the freeze of winter. I would read. Now? Social media... but it's addictive. Weather matters to some of us. It matters even more to the poor (and homeless, been there). We are fortunate enough to have a/c. I need to focus and study for class tomorrow... but I'm struggling. I should thank everyone who has seen my photos posted on facebook. Double thanks to those who commented. I only post on the Newsfeed because few read my blah-blah blog and fewer read my recent writings and very few ever comment. Yes, this depresses me. I live for connections and Montana is failing me, Thailand is failing me, WdC is failing me. So, I deal with a daily double-dose of disappointment and try not to get too depressed. What would help? Any interaction here, there or elsewhere. 7168 |
| 26.มีนาคม.2566 To Zehra: "I try to get my boyfriend to eat what he orders. He is a bottomless pit though... I'm happy to eat 1/4 of what he orders if he eats the rest (I'm successfully losing weight.) as I was raised to not waste and to recycle (before it was 'cool'; we were poor). Food in Thailand is 'cheap' and plastic is an epidemic. So far to go to change attitudes. That said, shaming, blaming, fining only goes so far in this culture. Education is the key and needs to be bottom up and top down. That said 50 euros is nothing to a wealthy Thai. But a poor Thai may make 300 euros in a month." Pannya is zoning and zonked out, eyes half open, resting, sweating. I used a wet towel to try to cool him off. I can't reach him when he's like this and he hasn't told me what I can do to help and I have no way to reach his family to ask them to explain. It's 39C (102F) at 13:13. Love the a/c ... except when I don't. I want to go out but can't reasonably justify a walk. Humidity is 30% with a slight 11 kph breeze. Death Is Nothing At All Henry Scott-Holland Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Nothing has happened. Everything remains exactly as it was. I am I, and you are you, and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by the old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is absolute and unbroken continuity. What is this death but a negligible accident? Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just round the corner. All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before. How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again! Be realistic[7] we all die yet some die twice we all die perhaps to meet again we all die savor this moment we all die but some never live Live! Live! Live! How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again! 43 words Edited and posted: "We all die [180.7] 40w Mar#18" To Rosemary Karel Sinniger: I didn't care for [Brussell sprouts] until my sister made them properly. Broil and/or bacon. Never boil. Newer varieties are easier on the palate. Reconsider! 😃 25.มีนาคม.2566 Pannya didn't come home last night and I didn't sleep well. I don't know all the details, but he's depressed and resting in bed now.  We really need to sort some things out. I didn't realize the rental contract goes until November 1st. We're paid up till the end of May. I think paying June and July would be best as that would give me flexibility for a return date. By then... maybe the best way forward will be clear. I want to be here in July. My present flight leaves April 7th. My visa goes till May 6th. Montana rent is paid through April. Udon Thani rent is paid through May. Possibilities: transfer my money to a Thai bank. Find a place to move to by November 1st. SiSaKet must be considered. Khun Han? Ouch... Pannya's home town 30 minutes south of Sisaket and his home village 15 minutes south of that is very small and I cannot imagine living there. Sisaket may be a great compromise. My effort to learn Thai is hobbled by my lack of focus. CLON COTUM ...because the capital w, s and e were out of reach. Thoughts: I dress like a professional in Thailand because that's how I wish to be perceived. It didn't matter much in Montana and it was problematic elsewhere at other times in my life. Wednesday's lament ... green turns grey at sunset 6 I dress in Sunday's red 8 or pretty-in-pink on Tuesdays. 0 Lonesome blues of Friday come each week; but, 6 Yellow cheers up Mondays. 6 I'm not some messed-up clown, 8 can't turn my smile upside down, 0 and dare not strut in tan like officers. 6 I've never been The Man. © Copyright 2023 Kåre Enga [180.6] (25.mars.2023) 24.มีนาคม.2566 A Blue Day = class. I'm glad we spent 3 days in Vientiane; glad we didn't stay longer. We rested then slept when we got home. Pannya washed the clothes last night. We hung them. They are drying. It may hit 39 (100F) today. Coffee and chocolate for a late breakfast. Rice and pork for elevenses. In a burial ground (Teresita) stone pillars names engraved in ayaguh. the bones now bleached, the spoken words keep dying who will recite the prayers a thousand years from now who will listen [180.5] "Burial Ground, Teresita, 2003 [180.5] <40w Mar#17" }To Pumpkin (heartburn): "And yet there are some very sweet varieties that would do well in a fruit salad. When I write I don't always put much value into conventions. Each language and culture categorizes things differently. Today... is a blue day (sky blue) in Thailand. That means nothing to Americans or Europeans. The same thing with sex and gender (two different but related topics). Thailand and many cultures are much more flexible and acknowledge, tolerate and embrace reality. It's mostly Americans who are confused and insist on putting things like tomatoes into discrete boxes or smoosh them and call it ketchup/catsup." 23.มีนาคม.2566 Back in Udon Thani. This morning we walked to Wat Si Saket as it was only about 4 blocks away. I took a lot of pictures. A couple turned out fine. Also quick photo of the Presidential Palace. Back across the border. Ticket seller couldn't say whether I'd have problems crossing so decided to take local bus, bridge bus and mini-van once on the other side. Not difficult. Just takes time. Visa until May 6. "To rupali: Thank you. I really wanted to prime the pump so-to-say. Flash or short poems are perfect for that. Also... I've been very stressed recently and anxiety and depression has plagued me for years. Very short pieces are better for intense feelings." ![Merit Badge in Be Romantic
[Click For More Info]
Your consistency mesmerizes me.
Continue your writing brilliance.](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/group-Be_Romantic-2283517_1.gif) Be Romantic This is my need: to wake up next to the one who cuddled me all night, bad breath and all, body odor and all, there's nothing worse than lying alone, someday dying alone, Be my need. Be the one who keeps me warm (until I'm cold). [180.4] Edited and posted as "Be My Need [180.4] 40w Mar#16" 43+w so later for two-bits and a shave. I have no appetite so I eat less. I weighed myself: 79.4 kilo. I'm losing weight slowly, which is probably for the best. I guess my ideal weight is 75 k but I haven't been that in years. To Lyn: "I dare not fall. My mother managed wonderfully until she broke her leg at age 97. Me? My bones seem okay but my back went out last week. My father had a bad back; my sister has had operations. Sidewalks and curbs in Thailand are wonky and it's important to be aware and be careful... at all times. We're home from Laos. Took mini-van and buses. Lots of walking. But walking is better than a tuk-tuk that damages my back." Note: traffic in Vientiane is calmer and slower than Udon Thani. Easier to cross the streets. Vientiane seems to have more coffee shops and students than Udon. City is shabby for a national capital, much prettier than San Jose, Costa Rica though. Waterfront was disappointing. Nong Khai across the Mekong is much nicer. The hotel was close to many things and about 3 blocks from the bus station. Breakfast was included. Mosquitoes were nasty. First night a loud guest kept me up; walls are thin. Area is quiet. People seemed ignorant. Bus? Bus stop? Yes, there are buses! Locals seemed oblivious. Tuk-tuk drivers desperate or just plain greedy? Border isn't bad... just a royal pain. 22.มีนาคม.2566 LAOS after a long wait you arrive handsome hung and horny an answer to my longing life plays party tricks promises portend paradise I'll settle for the soft sea-sounds of your snoring [180.3] Edited and posted as "After a long wait [180.3] 38w Mar#15 [18+] " Breakfast is 7 - 9. Pannya got up early to eat! His stomach's a pit with no bottom. Back in bed before 9.  So we walked. Pannya hates walking; plus it was too hot; but there's a bus! Not that he would ask. Not that Lao locals would know or tell the truth. And he's always visited by car! Gen-Z and clueless. So... we are running out of money. Fortunately a famous religious site took baht and gave me change. One can pay in baht here but at a very poor exchange rate. I have felt ripped off. Next time? Use bank atm or exchange baht or dollars for kip. Pannya went out with a friend. I'm happy for him (as long as he doesn't stay out too late or mess up our morning-plans (Wat Sisaket, Presidential Palace are close for photo op) or mess with our trip back (60+110 = 170 baht). I have 340 baht (found an extra 100) and 1,000 baht as emergency back-up. There's little money for food; he MUST eat breakfast. I have 39,000 kip to keep; 18,000 kip to give Pannya for water (bottled water is essential; that should be enough for 3 bottles). I have $76 dollars for any emergency. 21.มีนาคม.2566 Had difficulty getting started in the morning. My goal was 10 am. We got our tickets by 11 and left around 11:30 getting to the border by 12:30 and then had to wait. I'll need to give details later. Taxi to hotel costs 400 baht. Bus to station costs 60 baht and the hotel is close by. LAOS First impression of Vientiane wasn't too positive. It feels like a shabby sleepy river town. At least it was fairly easy to cross the streets and cars slowed and stopped! Laos (pronounced Lao) is country #45. Prompts: 03/21/2023-"Poetry in my life " 03/22/2023-" After a long waiting." 03/23/2023-"That is my need." 03/24/2023-" In a Burial ground" In my life Mark was the song of my youth: gleen as gleen can be. Kev wrapped me with love: layer upon layer. Gare was all I ever wanted to be — and could not be. Pan proves that I'm not dead yet. [180.2] "In my life [180.2] 40w Mar#14" To Ann: And the rains answer the prayers of the dust. (dampens the day, steam baths the sweat, power-washes the grime away be careful with your wishes we whisper surrounded by mud}) 20.มีนาคม.2566 The Baha'i day starts at sunset. It's already 180 B.E. in Thailand.  ![Merit Badge in Groundhog Day
[Click For More Info]
Happy New Year. Regardless of the Groundhog's Opinion it's Spring. Have a great day.](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/group-Groundhog_Day-2288571.gif) Groundhog Day/ Happy New Year. Regardless of the Groundhog's Opinion it's Spring. Have a great day. Summary 179: Blog views in 179: 7141-5670 = 1471 about 4/day. Few comments. Pieces written in 179: 157+ (there are quite a few unnumbered and unedited 'serenades' for summer. Present recognition: 512 LAST DAY OF 179 BE. 20.มีนาคม.2566 https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/23627382/progress-climate-change-poverty-globa... Photo  Passport for Pannya Two crisp $20 bills for border entry to Laos Workers at Thai passport office, Photo shop, Money exchange were all wonderful. *bismile* Pannya is becoming more invested in our relationship. Interesting development!  7141 |
| 19.มีนาคม.2566 To Neva on fb: "I do get the message. However, many books have killed. Even today the Bible is misused to abuse people and yes, even to kill them. And even a ban on guns won't help that. It doesn't help that some of the book-banners are Bible-believing gunslingers." Last night in bed was 'interesting'. Problems with Laos plans. I begged Pannya to renew his passport. It's easy, quick and cheap; but... now he says he can't go to Laos because... I moved Tuesday's class to travel with him? Still... he can get a 3 day border pass (does that include the day it's issued?). If so 20, 21, 22 would be 2 nights in Vientiane, which is close and therefore not too stressful. I need to check options. I'm running out of time though. My current visa expires the 24th and I have class that day as well. Destiny unknown There is only a guide to life, a map so to say, but the wayfarer must learn by walking the paths, each an adventure when one slows down to enjoy it with someone. I want to enjoy it with my lover. But without a passport the borders are closed. Edited and posted in "Destiny unknown [179.156] 36w Mar#12" To Paul: "Yeah... there's the rub. Benevolent kings and queens accomplished much... but then their children or grandchildren became spoiled and greedy and... the rest is history. However, not all advances cycle back, so there's hope. An example? The Wheel!" To Oldgreywolf: "I prefer Pope Joseph to Tyrant Trump but even Dictator Donald didn't destroy everything... he left some for Saint de Santis. Actually, DJT was more like Andrew Jackson, allowing the rabble in to create chaos and havoc... not always unwarranted... not always wrong... but very destructive, and just like Jackson, racist (with xenophobia, nativism, nationalism, theocracy thrown in). Regardless, governments are not perfect, but when there are better choices, choose better." Jellyfish parenting: https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/parenting/jellyfish-parenting-isn-t-just-a-s... To Steven: "I used to know quite a few non-believers, but they are no longer active. A couple of active names come to mind because I read their blogs. I would say that Mid-American White Christians set a general tone at WDC just like Theravada Buddhism does here in Thailand. WDC used to be more diverse. In general Thais tend to be more tolerant than many Americans or folks here at WDC. But that said, other social media sites are downright brutal. Lots of Hate on-line. Both Neva and I are Baha'is. Neva never pushes her faith on others. Me? I get frustrated and rant. There are Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists here as well, but most are careful with what they say and how they say it." 18.มีนาคม.2566 At last the rash fades from red to pink the bruise turns into rainbows the future lies beyond the wounds the ones we survive and smoke gives way to rain and joy overcomes the pain [154] Edited and posted as "At last [179.154] 37w Mar#10" BCoF The daffodils march on and on through all my childhood dreams and a myriad of tulips bloom or so it seems; but now the smoke and chilies choke and durian fills the air and stenches oh to be young again with all my senses Edited and posted in " Daffodils march on and on [179.155] 40w Mar#11" To Waltz: "There are no blue moons in the Baha'i calendar... because... every month has 19 days. I'm sharing a place... which means that we both have quirks and neither of us is wrong. Although... going out the door (even downstairs) without the key and keycard is a no-no. I locked the door to take a shower (we usually leave it unlocked... this place is safe... like Pleasantville circa 1960). I heard him knock but I didn't open the door until I felt like it. It's a lesson that needs to be learned. I check my pockets every time, proclaiming, "Key, Keycard". I do not want to be locked out and the elevator won't take me to the 8th floor without my keycard. As for cats... sometimes better than a clock." 17.มีนาคม.2566 A dusty grey-blue day. My nerves are shot. Your way or the highway? I choose My Way and landed in Norway fifty years after I dreamt it. I wakened to it. The vidda snow capped, my thinning hair turning white, no way to deny the advance of age, the calming of rage, the Coming Home. [153] Edited and posted in "Coming Home [179.153] 40w Mar#9" To Steven: "There are different levels of homelessness for sure. Car, shelter, friend's couch, tent, a covered corner out of the rain. Some folks did two weeks in a cheap motel and two weeks in a shelter. One week eating steak; three weeks eating slop. I did one year at a friend's place, two years in a shelter, another year at a different friend's place. It took 4 years. One year I had no income the entire year. It's why I was grateful to find a cheap place in Montana for the past 15 years... but it may be time to move on. When everything went down the drain in 2003, I wouldn't have predicted living in Oklahoma. Montana was not even given a thought. Nor was living in Costa Rica again. Or traveling? Around the world? Probably country #45 next week? Thinking about living in Thailand? There is life after homelessness... in spite of it never seeming to end." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAX6fsvXKw7M 16.มีนาคม.2566 To Jessica: "It's not necessary that all your friends agree with each other... or even agree with you! My opinion? Do what is best for each relationship." 03/15/2023-"The fear of death." "Death, be not estranged [179.151] 40w Mar#7" 03/16/2023-" The hospitality." 03/17/2023-" The joy of achieving your dream " 03/18/2023-" At last." 03/19/2023-" Destiny is unknown" Thai smiles: It's the smiles that deceive/beguile you. Make you feel welcome enough to stay awhile (or forever); but, beware their wiles! Their guile knows no bounds (Their is bound). Go to Thailand. It's ab-fab worthwhile... but for a trial. Their lifestyle may, or may not, not suit you. [152] reconcile, versatile, textile, beguile, bibliophile (not). Posted as "Thai Smiles {179.152] 40w Mar#8 " The power of Picard swearing! https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/star-trek-swear-words-and-tv-characters-changi... To Tina: "Edit: 1. you have double-adjectives and adverbs that weaken the narrative. One will do or replace both with a stronger word. 2. I do believe it shocks because the mother goes through with it. It was not unheard of 200 years ago in impoverished communities, still isn't (conversation last April... present tense). 3. What is your word count (and goal)? Contests and even submissions usually have word counts in mind. Snip a few words and add a few, but I wouldn't make it much longer. Horror is best served hot or cold and this has ice flowing through it. I think the intro is E, not non-E, but could be better. The language is no worse than a fairy-tale, so 13+ overall imho. 4. Could use a stronger title. Yes, it's about motherly love, but that makes a very weak title. Even a simple date "March 16th" or time (pick one) "Half-past Noon" "2 in the morning" "Pecan Picking Season" etc... would work better (think of the date in "The Lottery") Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lottery has some good pointers. "The Lottery" was set in a time and place and that helped make it real, why it provoked outrage, why it's considered a must-read 75 years later. 5. Steven should read this from a horror-writer's perspective; but don't wait. Edit now and re-edit later. *Shock2* Consider his contest because this fits into the horror genre even better than death, dark, emotional. So yeah...I don't do reviews; but, this is a keeper." I get tired of stupid and disrespectful. 15.มีนาคม.2566 Y'know... went out with Paulo (leaving next week) and Sayan (who was recently ill). I thought just to see a cafe. It became going out to a Vietnamese restaurant. Pannya wasn't ready to go out, so I figured I'd be back soon. Came back with food and... there he sat staring for over 2 hours... I try. I really try. Just got him to stand up and guided him to the toilet. I hope he takes a shower and agrees to go for a walk. I know he's worried, stressed out, and depressed; but, I can't help when he dissociates (because I don't know where he goes...). We went for a walk, bought some food. He's a bit better now. 14.มีนาคม.2566 To Fathertymme: I just blah-blah-blaahg. It really doesn't matter. But it helps me keep track of the days and reminds me that I do accomplish something in spite of my depression. That has lifted a bit. Coming to Thailand has been challenging, but good mentally. It forces me to pay attention to the present (as my Montana routines are upended) and my future looks very different than a year ago. Off to Thai language class today. It's a pink day, a Tuesday... The view of bare butt-cheeks in the morning... is this a prompt? 13.มีนาคม.2566 I responded to Lorem Ipsum, Perhaps?: Thank you for your support. There isn't as much support as there used to be in society in general. I'd say we've left the Age of Aquarius and entered the Error of Estrangement (word choice on purpose). I'd love some comments on this era of distancing, disagreeable disagreements, dissing... in general. Are you experiencing this in your own life? Ponnya and I will brave the smoke-choke to get a coffee and eat. We did go out 304 baht for the two of us. Bought a few things at 7-11 on the way back. My back isn't as bad but I must be careful. As for breathing... wore a mask. The smell of fish boiling, the aroma of cilantro, the stench of... something rotting. What did I say that upset you. Why is there blood turning black in the sink. Where's the dog, the cat, my mother? Am I sure that's fish? [150] Edited and posted as "Dinner for two [179.150] 40w Mar#6" 7016 |
| 12.มีนาคม.2566 I hope... that flames do not consume us, that the smoke doesn't choke, that you'll return to sleep by my side, that rains will fill our dreams, that we will swim as one. [149] A red day. Hazardous AQ. Pannya off to Nong Bua Lomphu for work. I explained that I want to go with him. Does he understand? My back... better than yestereve. I'm being careful. 11.มีนาคม.2566 Ponnya works today? 13:30 - 20:00? Paulo went to Laos so he can renew his passport. I will definitely need details when he returns. 15,30,45 day visas... conflicting information in Udon. Ponnya made breakfast but I have no appetite and it's difficult to eat some things since I can no longer chew properly. Thick air. Letter to latter Day Hebrews "That Book" Yeah, the one that tells lies about me. The one that only shows one side of the conversation. The one that misquotes me, misunderstands me, makes me the Bad Guy. There was no war before you came along. There will be no war after you-all die. Heavily edited and posted in "Letter to Latter Day Liars [179.148] 40w" 10.มีนาคม.2566 I have class at 14:00; I leave at 13:30-ish. I bought a book that includes vocabulary and grammar. I think it will help. Ponnya got home in the morning, earlier than I expected. He ate, made rice for me and now is sleeping... my Sleeping Beauty. It's 11 and I need to focus. Can I? Will I? To Brian: "WDC was a godsend when I was homeless. Covid... however... I needed hugs that I didn't get. Even with the barriers of language and culture, I'm doing better in Thailand at the moment. That said... isolation is increasing in many societies... Even WDC is more impersonal than it once was... in my opinion." March on? Even the birds are listless, the clothes barely move in the morning. Nothing runs quickly through the smoky heat except for fire and anger. Both need to be doused. I'd give him a kiss; but why wake Sleeping Beauty? Edited in "Pannya at 11:07 [179.146] Mar#3" Rubber band: we approach. we flee. carefully. boomerangs are deadly, rubber bands bring closure or cause pain. attachment can be deadly. "Let go". They warn but do not know... when two are one that's a no-go. Edited in "Rubber band [179.147] 37w Mar#4" 9.มีนาคม.2566 Ponnya had a delightful way of waking me up this morning. I could deal with that every day. I love it when he's happy. Ponnya: cooked rice and fish from breakfast. Squid and vegetables for elevenses. He eats. I watch. I really don't have an appetite. To Phyllis: Ideas, thoughts, dreams... golden light at the zenith, burnt copper at the fade of day. Why don't we just hang out? https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/wellness/nobody-knows-how-to-hang-out-anymore-a... So... Ponnya goes out and then visits family 2 hours away and isn't coming home tonight. I really find the lack of communication difficult. 8.มีนาคม.2566 Ponnya leaves for work tomorrow. Enigmatic and non-communicative as usual. Update: now he says he canceled. After a couple days of constipation ... diarrhea ... wonderful. Wash will get done today.  Festival of colors: Always colorful in Udon. One festival after another. Orange to celebrate the city on its day. Red for Lunar New Year. What color is the sky if not blue? It's smoky today. We thirst for rain. May the sky turn black with bolts of lightning. May rains come. Turned this into "Colors of hope (in Udon Thani) [179.144] 39w Mar#1" "Hate is another form of love." There is a line down the highway. You stay on your side I stay on mine. We'll both be happy. But Life laughs and lines wiggle. You wag your fingers then cross onto the other side. Yes, hate resembles love. Yes, I love you. Turned into "Crossing Lines [179.145] 40w M#2 " To Robert: doesn't mean that we can't strive to do better in the future, with updated experience and knowledge. Oh... may I rant? I am frustrated with religious traditionalists who believe in a black/white viewpoint based on a literal understanding of their scripture. They are stuck in the past neither updated experience nor knowledge seems to impress them. Quite the contrary. They rage and rage against the Light." 7.มีนาคม.2566 Leftover pork satay for breakfast. Trip home: boom, boom, boom. No one said anything to the driver. My teacher Mieuw explained to me later that no one says anything when they think the driver is aggressive. Class went fine. Lots of cultural knowledge. I need to buckle down on my studies though. Shrimp-something and pork and sticky rice. Bought 6 pairs of socks for 100 baht. That's about 50 US cents each. I needed socks. 6.มีนาคม.2566 In Nong Khai. No problem getting here and fortuitous in a way as there's a party in the streets. National festival? Local? Ponnya is constantly hungry. I'm not. Plus... I cannot eat chili peppers. Took photos. Met Ponnya's friend. I have no energy. |
| 5.มีนาคม.2566 First massage... went well imho. Ponnya was there, so that was good. I really don't like skylabs (tuk-tuk). I pissed off Ponnya. Not good. 4.มีนาคม.2566 Worn out. Didn't sleep well for some reason. No appetite. Clothes are dry and mostly hung or put away. Colleen on fb: "My problem as well. I'm renting in Thailand and Missoula. Thailand would be better in the future as prices in Missoula are skyrocketing. This region of Thailand is great Nov-Feb (OK in July? I don't mind rain) but Summer starts tomorrow and temps may be 98 next week... plus the smoke is unhealthy. Missoula? Awful air-quality in August and too gloomy and dead in Dec-Jan; plus, not as friendly as it once was. No place is perfect. The central valley of Costa Rica would be perfect for me climate-wise; but, I've lived there twice. There is no Perfect Paradise... snow or no snow. 😃 I wish you the best making choices; it isn't always clear-cut and easy." Quiet day, mostly at home. 3.มีนาคม.2566 ขอบคุณสำหรับคำชม แต่แฟนสุดหล่อของฉันคงอิจฉา Something I need to remember to say when someone tries to pick me up. Like yesterday? Happens all the time in this town, especially near the red-light district. Klass: Mieuw came up with a more direct but still polite response to come-ons. Ponnya gets a massage and later goes out with friends. He seems a bit happier. 2.มีนาคม.2566 Slept in a bit. Ponnya is relaxing (sleeping). I need to go for a walk. Got a haircut. 140 baht. Bought some vegetables. Evening walk... exhausted. We have 30 chicken eggs. We have duck eggs. We have... quite a bit of food. Ponnya cooked but I have no appetite. I need to drink more liquid. 1.มีนาคม.2566 It's March here and I need to breathe in and out. it will be 32-34°C (think 90) for the next 7 days. Getting up early is an option as it's cooler. Someone will ask how I am doing. I prefer to answer by personal message. But... I'm at that difficult stage when everything seems to overwhelm. The Thai months/abbreviations, beginning with March: March มีนาคม / มี.ค April เมษายน / เม.ย May พฤษภาคม / พ.ค June มิถุนายน / มิ.ย July กรกฎาคม / ก.ค August สิงหาคม / ส.ค September กันยายน / ก.ย October ตุลาคม / ต.ค November พฤศจิกายน / พ.ย December ธันวาคม / ธ.ค January มกราคม / ม.ค February กุมภาพันธ์ / ก.พ To Jane: "It's that stage beyond 'a vacation' when the lack of language and cultural understanding seems to loom like a mountain. I feel crushed. This too will pass." Posted: "Ombra mai fu - Largo from Xerxes by Handel [E]" Revised "When rains fall [179.143]" Quill nominations: "To be orange [300]" and "Emerald treasure " . Ponnya came home. He didn't tell me when so he was fortunate that he saw me as he didn't have his key (lost?). We now have a new key, fish and chicken, and a new light bulb. We'll see how this goes. He's supposed to be home for one week. 28.กุมภาพันธ์.2566 Klass today... a pink day. Woke up 7ish; got up 9ish? Anyhoo... now 10ish. Mostly I'm _____-ish. I finished "The Soundtrack of Your Life" early because I just couldn't cope with the stress of seeing the finish line. My mental-health matters. I might get to other contests or I might not. 27.กุมภาพันธ์.2566 I'm so out of it. It took posts by Neva and David on FB to make me realize that it's Ayyam-i-Ha. I'm seriously isolated and out-of-touch. Posted and listed in
1. "Time after Time 🇺🇸 [13+] " 2. "Ue o Muite Arukō l🇯🇵l [13+]" 3. " ลม 🇹🇭 (Lom = Wind) [13+] " 4. "Dancing Queen 🇸🇪 [13+]" 5. "Die Lorelei 🇩🇪 [ASR]" 6. "Dastam Begir 🇮🇷 [ASR]" 7. "Stranger in a Stranger's Land 🇰🇿 [13+]" 8. "En el último lugar del mundo 🇨🇱 [13+]" 9. "Bali Ha'i 🇻🇺 [13+]" 10. "Finlandia |🇫🇮| [ASR]" 11. "Jealous l🏴l [13+] (can overwhelm)" 12. "Arroz con leche 🇨🇷 [ASR]" 13. "Rise like a Phoenix 🇦🇹 [13+]" 14. "Bésame mucho 🇲🇽 [13+]" 15. " 🏴 Lift Every Voice and Sing ⚑ [13+]" 16. "Moscow Nights 🇷🇺 [13+]" 17. "Four Strong Winds 🇨🇦 Ian & Sylvia [E]" 18. "Eres tú 🇪🇸 Mocedades [E]" 19. "Loch Lomond l🏴 Maxine Sullivan" 20. "Coimbra tem mais encanto 🇵🇹 Fernando Machado Soares" 21. "Fields of Athenry 🇮🇪 Brian O'Donnell [ASR]" 22. "La Vie en Rose 🇫🇷 Édith Piaf [18+]" 23. "Morning! 🇳🇴 Grieg [E}" 24. "Yellowbird 🇭🇹 Mills Brothers [E] " 25. "Gracias a la vida 🇦🇷 Mercedes Sosa [13+]" 26. "Stille Nacht 🇦🇹🇭🇺 Gruber/Mohr [18+]" 27. "Garota De Ipanema 🇧🇷 Antônio Carlos Jobim [13+]" 28. "Adeste fidelis l🇻🇦l " |
| 49nd week of the weary year 179. 26.กุมภาพันธ์.2566. 66 (19c) breezy degrees. It would be perfect if it were breathable. One fast note: I seem to be increasingly susceptible to cold! Whether that's due to old age I have no clue. Paulo took me to the other side of town for coffee. He showed me around an upscale home furnishing store. Shades of Portugal and a glimpse into how the middle and upper class might live. I'm definitely lower class. Grammar-check... doesn't like my dialect nor my personal way of expressing myself. Thinking of new ways to tweak relationships. Not everything here works like it does elsewhere. 25.กุมภาพันธ์.2566. I am deeply hurt. Boiling greens, pork bouillon, catfish (or is it snakehead?), two eggs... in my rice cooker. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/buttigieg-praised-as-his-response-to-tru... https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/heres-the-ultimate-truth-about-marjorie-... To Innerlight: "It feels more like climate chaos (a roller-coaster with extremes and anomalies) instead of one-directional climate change. Overall the weather is part of the climate but they aren't the same thing. Here in NE Thailand the weather does reflect the season; but, a local tells me last year at this time was a bit cooler than normal. This year... perhaps warmer. I look outside. There's a haze due to smoke. There's a breeze. It's a pleasant 85 degrees at 13:30. Thankfully it's cooler than yesterday. Highs/lows this week are 91/56. Not one drop in the forecast. But earlier there was severe flooding in other parts of Thailand... during Dry Season. But enough of a rant. You miss Eddie. You need hugs. " Totally worn out. Up late, slept in, got little done. 24.กุมภาพันธ์.2566. When rains fall as they must fall every winter will you let me cry alone or offer me your umbrella. Will the tear-drops I shed mean nothing, as their melodies have always meant nothing, or will the songs of the rains wash away pain and the dust of summer. Beyond shimmers of doubt will harmonies of healing begin. Inspired by a scene in "My School President". I'm watching it on GMMTV right now. Ponnya surprised me at 13:40. I had no time for more than a hug. I had to go to class at 14:00. He's back in Khon Kaen tonight. He explains nothing... Coffee with Paulo. Mieuw is helping me understand a culture where people do what they are told. No questions asked. No curiosity nourished. It's a bit like Catholic grade school with Sister wielding a ruler. Authority is absolute. Middle of the night... Ponnya comes back for his make-up supplies and goes to Sakhon Nakhon without one word of explanation. I stayed up to make sure he could get in. I thought he was coming home to spend the night... my bad. 23.กุมภาพันธ์.2566. Hard getting Ponnya out of bed this morning. I swear he said 7 am. Up at 8:30? Out the door to Khon Kaen for 7 days... maybe? Left over bao, leftover fish stew, finished up the ice cream. I do a little this-and-that. There's no rush. I'm thinking of naming the stuffed toy cat "Reject" ปฏิเสธ. Getting upset won't get me anywhere. There are different stages in coping with a new culture. I'm at one of the difficult stages. 22.กุมภาพันธ์.2566. Visa stamped, but they only gave me till March 24th. That means a trip to Laos. Ponnya really hurt me today by what he said. It's evening and we've moved on but still... Bought chocolate ice cream. Because we have a freezer and it was only 59 baht, Also bought a cat. Ponnya doesn't know yet. 21.กุมภาพันธ์.2566. What hysteria? Can't Ponnya explain anything? Bus at 08:30. Smooth trip Got in around 15:45. This compared to the 9 hour nightmare on Saturday through Ubon to SiSaKet. Now? Nothing... Tomorrow could be another harrowing day... or not. Choice of rice, lasagna, chicken. I must either straighten out things tonight or get up early. Tomorrow is a big day. 20.กุมภาพันธ์.2566. Ponnya went to the doctor. He looks better but I'll need to ask him directly what is going on. Side-effects of meds can be brutal. We caught the bus from Khun Han to Si Sa Ket. About 90 minutes and 45 baht. Lots of water buffaloes in rice fields (not plowed yet). Khun Han isn't pretty and it isn't well-kept and it seems sleepy. Si Sa Ket is clean! Very well organized. Not overly ugly (it's also bigger and vibrant). Hotel T4 is about 550 baht per night (king size bed). Very nice and close to the bus station, walkable from the train station. Ponnya did walk me to the train station and market. He took a moto-taxi back while he arranged for me to take a sam-lor (3 wheel peddle rickshaw/tuk-tuk) The man peddling is 81 years young. Awesome! They are uncommon these days. Unless one is in a hurry they are a good way to see a place. We are planning to take the morning bus to Roi Et and onward to Udon. 6836 |
| 19.กุมภาพันธ์.2566. Had a coffee at The Cup Cafe. Nice place. Khun Han is a 90 minute trip. We are staying at the Amonthep "resort". We're in cottage #9. Very nice. Visited the market. Visited Wat Lan Khuat. Went to dinner with Ponnya's friend and she drove us to his vacant house. I took a lot of photos, one of which may be a 'winner'. Even rode on the back of a motor bike three times. First time in years (I do not remember the last time). However, it wasn't the best of days. I'm on the verge of calling it quits. 18.กุมภาพันธ์.2566. To bed at 02:00. Up at 07:00. To the bus station by 8:30ish. Bus at 10:00 to Ubon... not SisaKet. Seat at the rear by the toilets. Warm and stinky. Khon Kaen, MahaSarakam, Roi Et, Yasathorn, Ubon Ratchathani... then van to SiSaKet. Arrived at 19:ish. T4 Hotel by bus station. I wandered around for an hour. I noticed that it is much cleaner than Udon. And quiet. Could just be the part of town though. Also... saw 3 cafes that were open. Good first impression. 17.กุมภาพันธ์.2566. To Merry: "Folks ask me how I'm doing. I'm used to living alone. I'm struggling. Not all pretty flowers here; there are thorns. Every thorn reminds me that I'm not dead yet." Class. Teacher helped in unexpected ways. She knows a thing or two about mental health. Coffee and soup with Paulo and Sam. Ponnya slept all day. I did manage to make rice in the rice cooker. 16.กุมภาพันธ์.2566. Wasted an hour trying to communicate with Ponnya... ask an either/or question and the answer is 'yes'. "I will take care of you," he promises. Anyhoo... it's an orange day and I'm frazzled. Started packing. On Newsfeed: "Life is difficult at the moment. I can't communicate well because my mind has lapses, I don't speak Thai, and Ponnya answers either/or questions with yes. We'll embark on a 4 day trip, one which I would normally look forward to if it weren't for an important appointment on the 22nd. We'll go to SiSaKet on the 18th and return on the 21st. It's 17:30 and I need to escape for an hour. When I come back I MUST study Thai for my class tomorrow. Not that any of this matters... but in the Land of Smiles (and no worries) I feel a tad stressed." ~35 cents for an egg in the USA ($4.25/12). 130 baht for 30 here. That's $3.79/30 or about 13 cents for each. Escaped and bought a yellow rose, some food, took pictures of stuffed animals. I try. I checked on buses at the bus terminal 1. Very hard to get info as schedules aren't obviously posted. 2. Yes, there are buses to Roi Et. 15.กุมภาพันธ์.2566. Quiet day so far. Ponnya had drinks delivered from Amazon Cafe. He made plain white rice in our new cooker. I reheated half of mine with pork broth, adding pork and eggs (and a touch of garlic). Later: evening meal of grilled fish. Took a couple more photos. Bought donuts... and ate them all. It was a pleasant outing. To Stik on Newsfeed "Note: I found the following on a place called FandomSecr..."  It's a bit harsh. We need all types of characters. Does anyone 'get' a character that is not at all like them? Is this person suggesting that we all right (an unintended 'typo' malaprop that seems to fit) the same stereotypical characters? I can't fathom all the cultural differences here in Thailand, but I assure you that all Thais are human, act as such, and don't need my approval. I watch enough reaction videos to notice when a reactor misses something or misinterprets a scene due to their personal or cultural bias. Me? I don't always act in ways that others understand so that's created issues for me here (in real life... like yesterday...). https://m.dailykos.com/stories/2020/4/27/1940694/-Let-s-Get-Our-Flags-Straight https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/voices-the-conservative-outrage-over-the... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0Qzu6r40_4 The Negro National Anthem: "Lift Every Voice and Sing" by James Weldon Johnson (June 17, 1871 - June 26, 1938) Originally written by Johnson for a presentation in celebration of the birthday of Abraham Lincoln. This was originally performed in Jacksonville, Florida, by children. The popular title for this work is: 'THE NEGRO NATIONAL ANTHEM' 14.กุมภาพันธ์.2566. Today is a pink day in Thailand... it just so happens to fall on V-Day. Wordsmitty ✍️ sent me a C-note. I responded: Thank you. Drink them both! I don't drink...  ... well ... not since the last time... and that was 1974. And except for a sip or two since then that's the truth! I attended class today. I need to work on vocabulary. I need to continue working on sounds. I just need to keep on keeping on. Ponnya had a better day than yesterday but he still isn't "here". I hope a doctor's visit next week will sort that out. We will go out this evening. It was a difficult evening; but, Ponnya bought me a shirt (good color orange/brown, short sleeve, double pocket). Nice gift. I bought a rice-cooker. 13.กุมภาพันธ์.2566. As a comment elsewhere: "Failure is always an option; but, one learns from it and moves forward. My decision to stay in Thailand isn't writ large in stone. If I fail? I've already learned a lot about this place and about myself. My mind is being challenged by learning a new language and new culture. My experience is that I'll struggle until random words and patterns fall into place. When? Who knows! My spatial acuity is very high so I remember places I've been and can draw maps of them years later. Where I put my glasses an hour ago? No clue." We all have strengths and blind spots. Wikipedia: "Jesus Calling has prompted objections from within the evangelical community. The book is written in the voice of Jesus Christ speaking directly to the reader and thereby claiming new revelation from God. The practice of automatic writing while receiving messages is central to the controversy. David Crump, professor of religion at Calvin College, told Christianity Today that Young "puts her thoughts into the first person and then presents that ‘person’ as the resurrected Lord" and said he is tempted to call this "blasphemy". Publisher Thomas Nelson removed references to automatic writing from the book's introduction and claims the book contains Young's own thoughts and inspirations." 6742 |
| 12.กุมภาพันธ์.2566. Up before 8. Unexpected waking dream. Reminded me that it has been 20 years since I left my ancestral home. Mavis asked whether I will stay in Thailand. Good question without an answer. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/his-popular-blog-debunks-christian-myths-with-... On internet: "What better way to control people than saying promises of heaven or being condemned to hell? I consider myself an agnostic atheist." 15:48... not much done. Important video: https://fivethirtyeight.com/videos/americans-are-lonely-that-has-political-conse... https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/why-we-lose-our-friends-as-we-age/ar-AA17mSCm?... Visited Paulo and Sam. Met Taen. Ponnya arrives home at 9 p.m. Tired. 11.กุมภาพันธ์.2566. To Neva: "I'm more perplexed by American Halloween and Christmas going on for months. Festivals here seem to be short, a week or two. V Day has turned Udon a shade of pink. Chinese New Year was red. January 18th was bright orange. December was white (it never snows here... but...). I suspect most if not all displays will come down or be changed on the 15th. Remember department stores that would change their windows on a regular basis? Seems like that. Everything is commercialized in Thailand! But ... it doesn't feel the same. I've been here such a short time so I don't have proper perspective. Christianity co-opted many prior festivals. Commerce monetized those festivals. Globalism spread many of them around the world. So... snow, icicles and penguins in the tropics. A discussion between Valentine and Nicholas would make an interesting creative piece. Throw in Jeanne d'Arc and Priscilla in a discussion of origins and myth." 31 degrees at 11-ish? On its way to 37 today. Will need to turn on the a/c. grievance farmers? https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/the-republican-distraction-farm-is-faili... synethesia maybe? https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/john-mayer-has-a-neurological-condition-sim... Neva posted on fb: https://reference.bahai.org/en/t/ab/PT/pt-54.html... The only real difference that exists between people is that they are at various stages of development. Some are imperfect—these must be brought to perfection. Some are asleep—they must be awakened; some are negligent—they must be roused; but one and all are the children of God. Love them all with your whole heart; no one is a stranger to the other, all are friends. Paris Talks‘ Abdu’l-Bahá p.171 #bahaifaith #TheBab #Bahaullah #bahaireligion #bahaiwriting #unityindiversity #bahaihistory #Bahaiyouth #hiddenWordsofBahallah #Abdulbaha #Shoghieffendi #bahaiquotes #bahaidailyreading #bahaimemes #bahai #bahaiwritings #bahainews #bahaiprayer #bahaicommunity #bahaifast #unity #deepening #peaceonearth #humanity #bahaihistory #unityindiversity #Ridvan #theshininglamp Death by a thousand cuts... just worn out trying to make something happen. *sigh* 10.กุมภาพันธ์.2566. Up at nine, but I was up late... again. Didn't sleep that well... again. Sucking at the Well of Caffeine... already... again. Today is Klass ss ss. Normally I'd look forward to it because it's a hoot; but, I'm worn out and out of sorts. I have 5 hours to pull myself together. I agree with the headline but imho that's not quite what the article is about. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/respectfully-disagreeing-doesnt-work-when-it-c... I spoke with Ponnya. He comes home tomorrow instead of today. The timing is better, but still... . Class went fine. I borrowed flash cards and on the way home I bought a comic/manga for children: "Plants vs Zombies". Lots of pictures. I'm hoping that the vocabulary is MG. I didn't finish some chores because Ponnya wasn't on his way. What's put-off catches up with me. 9.กุมภาพันธ์.2566. Slept in till after 10. Didn't sleep well again. Mosquito got me. The local variety is small and pesky. Small chores every day. But today = clean. Ponnya is coming back tomorrow and I don't want him to be greeted by a mess. Place is small so it's not that difficult. Class tomorrow at 2 so I need to work on Thai as well. A nice wake-me-up badge: ![Merit Badge in Pride
[Click For More Info]
Congratulations on your nomination in the category for [Link To Item #2270971] in [Link To Item #quills] ! Your voice is a beautiful representation of who we are, and [Link To Item #readerie] hopes you’re celebrating yourself! Excellent job, and thank you!](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/general-Pride.gif) Pride To Charley: "1. If you can't climb it or go around it or burrow through it... Migraines are apparently part of your landscape at this stage of life. But... they don't have to control your life. At least that's what I get from what you wrote. 2. I do need to unplug from the insanity of American angst over anything and everything. Traveling helps because I don't have time and from a distance a lot of it seems silly. In Thailand it recedes to the edges of my mind. 3. I'm a cafe kind of guy. Covid closings devastated me. Folks in Montana became more distant than normal. Making new friends in Thailand poses some challenges though. I do get out and acknowledge the people I pass. Walking helps. "It's cheaper in Thailand"  Only if I budget and don't buy 'eye-candy'. We need a rice-cooker. I needed a blanket. My writing continues but in a different way. I'm slowing down as I age. One excuse: I have to learn Thai, and I'm taking classes." But there's this: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/opinion/poll-a-third-of-americans-are-christian-n... I bought greens, 30 eggs for 130 baht, a loaf of bread for 32, a peach-colored rose for 30. I priced rice cookers and electric frying pans. I can buy both for about 1.000 baht (about $30). Talked to Rick about that. Hard to mess up rice with a rice cooker. V Day displays are up. UD Town and Centara do displays. Very photogenic. 8.กุมภาพันธ์.2566. To Blue Moon: "College isn't the only answer for most people to tell the truth. But for me, that has nothing to do with language. Street vendors here speak snippets of English because it's practical. I'm learning Thai because it's practical. Language is a part of culture, but culture encompasses so much more. I'm learning a different way of looking at life. I'm 70. I refuse to use age as an excuse to stop learning. Crayons  More durable than ephemeral chalk (unless sprayed). I have the Big Box.  I could only safely finger paint if I were naked. "My concern as well: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/large-numbers-of-americans-want-a-strong-rough... Slow day small tasks. Less stress that way. I do need to make a list of exercises in Thai, checking them off each time and then crossing a line through it when it's memorized. I also need better habits. Learn enough to order at the market and then practice every time. And read... all signs, all labels. Gave in and bought dinner. I also bought two packages for breakfast tomorrow. Saw David and met a couple from Canada. To Adamski at fb: "I like getting lost in the alleys. It's where people live. After seeing numerous tourist sites it becomes apparent that nobody lives there... which is overstated; but, off season, in the back alleys, life goes on." 7.กุมภาพันธ์.2566. Thai class completed... I must prepare for next one. Managed to buy dish detergent... finally. Bought 4 dumplings... 20 baht each. Two would have been enough. Not 100% today. Clean tonight... or tomorrow? To Holly: "If you want to know how my day went or my opinion about walking in Thailand... then please ask me. BUT if you want to know about general climate or traffic, google it. Safety? Don't bother asking because according to Americans no place outside of their gated community is safe and my experience won't change your predetermined attitude." 6.กุมภาพันธ์.2566. To Sara: "If it's not in the house, I can't eat or drink it. I [don't] drink bottled soda-pop, but in Thailand bottled water is essential unless one trusts the tap water. It supposedly is safe and probably is so I decided to start using tap water to make my coffee. That way we use less bottled water (six packs also take up a lot of space). I must come up with a plan to use up some vegetables instead of wasting them. Boil with broth? Soup? Eating out at the market is cheap here but it does add up. 7-11 has throw-in-the-microwave packages for less than $1.50 but it also has snacks that I've never had. I'm going through them one-at-a-time. The strawberry-cream crispy puffs were nice (a tad too sweet) but must be eaten up immediately as once opened they soften (it's really humid here). I did the Dear Me... just to do it. No expectations and I really don't care. This year isn't writing nor travel goal oriented. I need to learn Thai language and culture and that's less measurable." I started on the Quotation Inspiration contest! To TJ: "I immediately thought of 'parrot'. Not because they make bad pets; they can be excellent pets! The problem with parrots... or elephants... or some cacti... is their longevity. They are better thought of as multi-generational members of the family. As for being eaten by a pet? Sounds like a win-win to me.  "I made soup. Onion, green beans, greens, garlic finely chopped with bologna in a pork-flavored broth. Now... I need a rice cooker. It's warm. 90 already. I'll wear my short-sleeve yellow shirt when I go out. Call from Ponnya. Surprised to see his co-worker. I'd love to visit Khon Kaen. I have to study Thai today. Class tomorrow. Bought fish. Cooked and partially eaten. Also bought a blanket (green/orange for 230 baht). On the way back I met Paulo (Douro, Portugal) who introduced me to his husband Sam (Nong Bua Lamphu). Sam sells coffee. I spoke with Ponnya again. He seems much better. 6678 |
| "journalistic intentions prompts" FLORA Baccara (red rose) https://leisameeuwenristuben.zenfolio.com/p817665884/h6C32654A#h6c32654a Orange submersion Leaves are soooooo replaceable... just saying. Kinda like slaves workers in a factory. One dies or gets old or no longer is useful... get rid of it! The Capitalist and/or Mafia solution (in some unmentionable places, both). As for water. We are water. The leaf is water. All life on earth is apparently water (or revived by it). And all events are just ripples on the surface. Even humans are just ripples in time. Not that all will be calm when humans cease to exist. In time everything is recycled: the earth, the sun, the solar system. Yet, to view a leaf, already dead, whether it knows it or not, is to connect on some level to the beauty of the ephemeral. I wax poetic. BUT, you've already covered the technical side. *Bigsmile* FAUNA Green cat eyes (black/white) https://leisameeuwenristuben.zenfolio.com/p834174327/h66CDCDC0#h66cdcdc0 PLACES Mangrove (green, water) https://leisameeuwenristuben.zenfolio.com/p407138275/hE3031DEC#he3031dec GRAB BAG Booster? https://leisameeuwenristuben.zenfolio.com/p687305872/h79526FFF#h79526fff SOUNDTRACK "The Soundtrack of Your Life" “Garota De Ipanema” 🇧🇷 🇮🇹 Volare? Germany Neun und neunzig loft balon Adeste fidelis |🇻🇦| https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9gQsDQbwUw Stille Nacht 🇨🇭 comp. Gruber SOUNDTRACK "The Soundtrack of Your Life" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9p97sxREC00 Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht! Alles schläft, einsam wacht nur das traute, hochheilige Paar. Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar, schlaf in himmlischer Ruh, schlaf in himmlischer Ruh. Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht! Hirten erst kundgemacht Durch der Engel Alleluja, Tönt es laut bei Ferne und Nah: Christ, der Retter ist da! Christ, der Retter ist da! Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht! Gottes Sohn, o wie lacht Lieb aus deinem göttlichen Mund, da uns schlägt die rettende Stund, Christ, in deiner Geburt, Christ, in deiner Geburt. 1. Time after Time  Lom 🇹🇭 ลม - NUM KALA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEj2v4rNXJw 🇫🇷 Lyrics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guNuexjk-FQ Lorsque au soleil couchant les rivières sont roses, Et qu'un tiède frisson court sur les champs de blé, Un conseil d'être heureux semble sortir des choses Et monter vers le coeur troublé. Un conseil de goûter le charme d'être au monde Cependant qu'on est jeune et que le soir est beau Car nous nous en allons, Comme s'en va cette onde: Elle à la mer, Nous au tombeau Jealous l🏴LlI Josh https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ra_iiSIn4OI |🏴| 🇷🇺 Moscow Nights https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3-z_KKsYhA 🇳🇴 Vaaren, aha! Morning! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rh8gMvzPw0 2. Sukiyaki 🇯🇵 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbTsG9jrJsU&list=RDMM&start_radio=1&rv=mEj2v4rNX... Ue o Muite Arukō #1 1963 Venezuela 🇻🇪 Ricardo Montaner 🇨🇱 Chile https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-EKIhtam08 Espanha 🇪🇸 Juan y Jose eres tu https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EtPSn3qdEI argentina sosa paso a paso mexico volver celito lindo besame mucho scotland lochlomand ireland athenry https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE5pIxR2p3Q https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgbdaEoUk4Y +++++ 3. 🇸🇪 sweden https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sVB91NTa4A Austria https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToqNa0rqUtY Saudade Portugal 🇵🇹 RSA 🇿🇦 Dastam Begir Iran 🇮🇷 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEpoCMEndZI Arroz con leche CR 🇨🇷 O Canada 🇨🇦 🇯🇲 🇭🇹 Yellowbird 🇩🇪 Die Lorelei https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8_QotuhPSk |🇫🇮| https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fE0RbPsC9uE 🇦🇷 Mercedes Sosa 🇦🇹 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToqNa0rqUtY Ne me quitte pas 🇮🇹 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5AiwVp77z8 Nino Lo Casto 🇵🇹 vanuatu flag from en.wikipedia.org 🇻🇺 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81NROmUb7o0 899646 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRjiiA5w4Pw 🇰🇿 Stranger in a strange land Dimash Lyrics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFsB5HVnmSA |
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Awards
Badges
Send Email
Community Newsfeed
General Discussion
Sponsored Items
Book of Trinkets
Static Items
Books
Groups
Interactive Stories
Audio
Campfire Creatives
Community Notes
Crossword Puzzles
Documents
Folders
Images
In & Outs
Madlibs
Photo Albums
Polls
Product Reviews
Quizzes
Survey Forms
Web Pages
Word Searches
