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 |  Left-overs piled on hot rice and mixed. |
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibimbap พีบิมบับ (pheebimbap) At home in Thailand we do something similar. At home, we make rice and top it with whatever we didn't finish from the last meal. I finally decided to use June 2022's entries for my responses to other bloggers' entries. I tend to do this daily anyways and post in my weekly 'catch-all' blog (added to every day} "Porthole"  .
Each entry to be brought to the notice of Ԝ€ß☆ԜiʈCH and StephBee - GOT Survivor when they are running the Bard Blog Contest. For bitem:981150 sponsored by huser:webwitch and huser:sgcardin |
Pannya (Pan) is sad tonight. At least he's not catatonic.  I realize that love comes in all colors. So... what is my love-color for him? Saffron? I do care... a lot. If I didn't my life would be easier... or not. At times we are like two broken trees leaning into each other. Sometimes... that's good enough.Pan washed the clothes today but not before we straightened out our misunderstandings. Clothes didn't get clean last time because the load was too large. I also explained that my clothes can't be put in the dryer... so he only dried the blankets. It all worked out. The clothes smell clean. The blankets are dry and the hung clothes will be dry by tomorrow. Tonight? He's sad, thinking too much and refusing to eat properly because he doesn't want to get fat... I could scream. He needs to eat. His medications are potent and must be taken daily (at three strikes a.k.a. 21:00). In the meantime I have work to do. My chromebook has been acting up. I have to finish this entry, copy-paste just in case it crashes. I cannot afford to lose this entry and cannot reconstruct it. When I post it I'll turn on the television and hopefully wake Pan up so he takes his meds. I think... not sure... that the final episode of "I feel you linger in the air" airs tonight. It's an awesome historical (1920s Chiang Mai) time travel Thai BoyLove series of 12 episodes. Very moving. Excellent acting, lovely cinematography, lovingly done. I'll re-watch it with subtitles. I wrote something silly in response to Jack's post, but that's how my Muse a-muses himself. I've had silly outbursts that transform into serious writing before.  Wish I could write a Thai BL that way.K.E. To tj ~ endeavors to persevere! in "Unexpected Road Trip" : "I don't understand American Insurance... other than... the rich must get richer and the health of the poor doesn't matter. Even the poor in Thailand are treated better. Clinic visit is 30 baht ($1). 3 hours and $5 will get me to Khon Kaen. *sigh* There's so much about Thailand that annoys me but I may have to stay here or move to another cheap country because I'm poor in the US. Sleeping, seeing and hearing is important though. So... good luck." To Khola Mousethyme in "Invalid Entry" : "I've had problems with my chromebook. Amazing how some of us raised on paper and pencil (as a left-hander... always smudged) can barely remember what that was like. Some of us need more down time than others. I crave connections but not interruptions. Are their mental-physical-emotional health resources closer to where you live and more convenient? I ask because Pan's doctor is an 8+ hour bus ride away. He goes 3 or 4 times per year. Still not easy." To QPdoll in "Random Thoughts" "I made mistakes all the time. I don't think I fully appreciated how having a good boss made a huge difference until I had a couple that added a lot of stress. A scholarship or grant can make a huge difference. I couldn't go where I wanted to go because of our finances. I have lived alone for years. Sharing this place with Pan has been great for my health and well-being. I'm not sure that I want to be on my own anymore. I'm adjusting to a different stage of life." To The Lone Crab in "Invalid Entry" "I write short poetry... sometimes short prose. What do my prose and poetry share? They're short.  My Muse is not as short-of-breath or as short-sighted or as short as I am but he's a tad fickle. Alexander Pretorius Mayberry Alexandrovic a.k.a. Aliosha was as huge as a mini-planet... and his ears as large as an elephant. He could hear my footsteps dancing on the rings of Saturn even though he was on the far side of Pluto. Nothing escaped the attention of my dearest Aliosha. Not even the poisoned stiletto with his name on it. Just a-musing myself! Who knows.  I save scraps. Some actually become the genesis of stories.670 words 311 |
| Blogs give me ideas and prompts. Today: frost/freeze/snow; missing seasons and people; limits of beauty; acknowledging strengths; darkness; mentoring; ducks! I miss snow. Last night was 'cool'. Winter begins when temperatures dip to 23 degrees. Unfortunately, a hot sunny week is the forecast. It's easier to exorcise and walk when it's overcast or cool. I try to dress appropriately. Long sleeves and pants help guard against mosquitoes and sunburn. Wearing a hat or carrying an umbrella is advised. There's no frost or freeze here so bugs don't die off. They do come and go. Now is a change of seasons, of flowers, fruits, leaf fall and/or new growth. That said... at times I miss the life I once had. I have too many memories of people I'll never see again. I thought of a former boss who was great at details but not so great at managing people. And Marie and Tawny who would often set me straight about living in the Inner City. I do miss my therapist and a professor who mentored me in Kansas. It's been years but they helped immensely. New people? Today: a man, 63, from Dijon who knows Thailand quite well and a young man, 30, from Incheon, Korea who has only been here a couple days. I also spoke with Rube from Israel and P'Nan who works in the guesthouse Surada. As for ducks... Udon Thani uses a yellow duck as a local symbol, along with the orange flowering trees. Today, Thursday was an orange day. The social media comments I made today: To Impekabl at YCC re frost in Hill Country, Texas: "Frost and freeze is mostly good... except in Florida. However, a severe unseasonal freeze does great damage. Thinking of a friend who lost her fields of lavender when a deep freeze settled-in in early October. She lost her income... planted elsewhere as soon as she could." To Ralene on bookfate: "I like winter when it snows. In Thailand (no snow) it officially begins when the temperature dips to 73 degrees. It was 72 or lower last night. 65-70 would be better; but, I'll take what's offered. My seasons are spring and autumn elsewhere. I cover up, sometimes even when it's hot, to avoid sunburn, flies and mosquitoes." To Jolanda van Leersum: "I found Cape Town beautiful but disturbing. The people were either friendly or hostile. "The Two Faces of Kapstad" To Lani in "My favorite Author" : "Very nicely done. Almost a formal cinquain (I tweak formal ones; written a lot). Speaker: soft voice, cool head, maneuvering, calculating, observing. Wends his way to Paradise one vote at a time. Johnson. [180.148] I don't agree with US House Speaker Johnson of Louisiana on most issues; but, he stepped up to do a difficult job and his calm cool demeanor may help him move forward. I vehemently oppose his world view, but 2024 looms. I remind myself to be patient. As for Austen... different time, different culture, different use of language. I'm more fond of the dark Bronte sisters: Charlotte, Emily, Anne." To Apondia in "Mentors" : "I hated English in school. One teacher did get me but she was a second semester substitute for another who died. I avoided the subject at university. When I was homeless folks encouraged my writing. I was gifted an individual session with a professor. She was wonderful. I functioned better in life when people supported me emotionally. Mentoring would've been even better. Will you join WriBloPoMo at "Invalid Item" ?"To Lazy Writer est 4/24/2008 in "Day 1 30-day blogging challenge 11/1/23" : "Sad how much dental work costs in the US. I need to be reminded that here in Thailand it's cheaper... and that maybe I should avail myself of that option. I need to make decisions regarding... most everything... At the moment I'm listless. Someone does help me; but, he has severe medications and I need to look after him as well. It's like two trees leaning on each other. Not a perfect situation, but better than being alone." To THANKFUL SONALI Now What? in "Of Unicorns, Frogs and Cows" "I wish I would've been there. I did see your post of the froggle  ...  I begged Pan to let me go with him in a 'taxi' to a Japanese restaurant. If he has money in his hand he spends it... but I don't. I wasn't hungry so I didn't stay and walked home. He doesn't seem to understand: I don't waste money; I need to walk every day; I don't eat when I'm not hungry. So hard to explain... I suspect it's beyond his cultural knowledge. So... glad you encouraged your friend's son to go with her. I do so much alone... another issue. Your father is fortunate. I visit the same places as often as I can. Even walking by and smiling helps establish a connection. A few words... even better. I cross class distinction boundaries as often as I can. As a traveler I don't always approve of artificial borders. Good personal boundaries are something else however (something I need to work on)." and "Confession Time" "Since "A Big Yellow Duck" is one of the symbols of Udon Thani I should give it a glow (it's a sunny ducky day).The other Duck Song by Bryant Oden:" 855 words + 467 = 1322 so far. 307 |
| November ... I'll try to remember. NaBloPoMo#1 To SandraLynn Team Florent! in "Murder Mysteries Please" : "Thanks for the suggestions. I love mysteries but no longer read anything current. I do love serial mysteries. I loved the Chyna Bayles mysteries written by Susan Wittig Albert (one of the few authors I've actually met in person). I cringe at horror; but, I can write it. Mysteries? Love them; but, can't write them. The hidden clues. The unexpected but utterly believable outcomes intrigue me. I grew up on Agatha Christie... 'nuff said. To Writer_Mike in "Lime for the limey [Journalistic Intentions Rd 14]" : I forgot about Journalistic Intentions until it was too late. I could've done all of them... I love lime soda, key lime pie... Not so fond of that earworm song though. All the colors in the world! And I missed it.  Chartreuse was one of the basic colors of my childhood. It's the only color of our kitchen that I can remember. Years and years of peeling... fading like my memories. Maroon and white are still my high-school colors and maroon the color of the Montana Griz. I wrote a poem using mauve "Mauve Mavis" . I guess cerulean is close enough to the deep blue-green of midnight/prussian blue of my childhood. I didn't bring my big box of crayons to Thailand. To Richard ~ Shenanigans INC. in "Please Don't Feed The Pet Peeves - Music!" : I watched/listened to Carol Burnett's rendition of "Send in the Clowns". Heartbreaking. Is she the best singer ever? No. But, she delivers with that song. She wrung every emotion out of it. She "owned" it.I've listened to Dimash's version of "SOS d'un terrien en détresse" dozens of times. Yes, he hits high notes; yes, his range is incredible; but, one can feel the emotion without even knowing the words and even his soft ending was perfect (live performance in China). Emotions matter more than notes. AI can play Bach's "Sheep May Safely Graze" ... but a drunk in a local bar can sing it better. Just my opinion. I easily get winded. I can barely hold my breath to swim 10 meters across the pool. Singing would be good for my lungs. My neighbors may not agree... but I live at the end of the hall and if the doors and windows are closed I might not embarrass myself. Pannya, who lives with me, has a beautiful voice. He practices singing mor lam. ▼ I cringe at every flat or missed note. No... I don't know what he is singing and don't know the melodies, but my ears cringe regardless. I can tell when he gets it right. And he practices to get it right. Me? I'd settle on just being able to sing it with emotion... preferably on key. 467 words 301 |
| To {huser:wolfgang in "Invalid Entry" : I don't want to be cremated. I need to make arrangements for wherever I am as I don't want to be shipped either. My parents rest side by side. It's appropriate for them. I have no plans to visit. I do visit cemeteries. Here in Thailand, cremation is common and ashes reside in niches. I visit them, look at the photos of when they were old or young. Marvel that some still have fresh flowers placed before them. My father's mother's family came from Sweden in 1888. I've gone to the parish church... but very few old graves. Once the family stops paying for the upkeep the graves are recycled and the stones placed in their own "graveyard". I could find no trace of the Johan Carlsons and Carl Johansons... and the office was closed. In England the gravestones are recycled as pavement. Me? Even my writings will be forgotten. Sadly, they receive little notice while I'm still alive. To Dave {huser:drschneider in "A Halloween Celebration" : "Nice rhythm and alliteration! The rhymes work as well. Edit and versify and voila... you have a free-verse poem (or a prose poem) for Shadows & Light. My dreamy brain... ghoulish? dark? My nightmares are definitely disturbing and don't always dissipate with daylight. Needless to say, I like it." To Elisa {huser:soledad_moon "Simply Pervtastic" XGC ratedSeriously, I think there's a case for making a horror movies based around male sex toys. Ah... "A Peg for Peggy" a homemade VHS tape gift-wrapped under the tree (or Friday 3 a.m. on channel 126). "The Joy of Andropause" the anti-viagra for those who aren't reliving their teens... or for those who watched Peg peg and want to be next. "Beckham's Dancing Balls" set to music (from what era... hmm... funk?) with its record breaking #1 hit, "Don't bind me balls mate". Peg makes a guest appearance. Edit: Maybe Beckham's Jingle Bells" would be a better title. Seriously. I think andropause may have caught up to me but in my case (early 70s) slowing down doesn't bother me much. P, on the other hand, is late 20s and his serious meds make it hard 'soft' for him. |
| I remember the soothing whistle of the steam engines along the broadway of the Pennsylvania Railroad as it passed Grapeville. In contrast, diesel was so harsh... I remember our elm tree (MY elm tree) and my first garden in the back corner of the back yard. We had a cat, Tippy (one of my oldest memories). Small things make me happy. So much is now gone; but, while my life may have a hollow and lonely sound as if I'm lost... I'm still here where you can find me. To Chrys O'Shea in "Things that Make Me Smile" : "Trains, trees and flowers. Plus any cat, stray or not that needs to be petted. I love caramel flan but chocolate... Small things tend to make me smile. My favs on your list: 11. The train whistle in the middle of the night and 4:00 am. I live in a mobile home park near the train tracks. Did you know that the trains sound different late at night than they do during the day? They do. During the day, they sound muffled and always in a hurry. Late at night, they have a hollow and lonely sound, as if they are lost. 12. Trees Always standing tall, strong and at attention. So many of them have been around for years—generations. I look at them and feel the history that they must have seen. Especially the trees in the forests." I'm not dead yet. That's one of my laments. It's hard giving up the dreams of my youth. But, there have been other dreams. And if I live long enough I may still live them. To Kelly Petersen on FB: "You will not be dead until those who remember you are dead. I like having young friends, but they'll only remember me as an old codger..." My day-to-day life is boring. Today I ate. I walked. I drank coffee. I think I saw a green/blue/brown kingfisher fishing. I made a green-blue tea out of pea-flowers. I took photos of yet another wat. Last night I went to a market. Tonight we'll go back. Chickens, dogs, frogs... and the sounds of the night in Maha Sarakham. To Scarlett in "Where to Begin " : "In Thailand (when is your next visit... ) I try to dress according to the color of the day. Thursday is orange. Once I dress accordingly I only need to look at what I'm wearing to be reminded. If I put on the wrong color though...My life is boring. I have daily routines I keep track of that remind me I'm still breathing. Plus Pan provides me with support. I've lived alone for years so this is good for me. Today we are in Maha Sarakham." |
| To {huser:scarlett_o_h in "Shocked" Well... Blogville is a Ghost Town, but there are still bloggers around. I post a weekly blog "Porthole" (which I started in 2019) but update every day. I've given up on being interesting. I just record my blah blah day, I do post my comments and my comments to my comments in "Bibimbap 비빔밥 " . My old blogs are still active with sporadic entries. Porthole lists them all. Most of the action is on the Newsfeed, "Question of the Day!" , "EXPRESS IT IN EIGHT" (poetry) and certain contests. So... check the Community Newsfeed and make some of the posters favorites so they come up on your personal newsfeed.I'm forced to make new friends all the time as people come and go. Carrots... I dunno what to say. Ducks?" To {huser:missbusta07 re "summer cold" Thoughts:1. Do give locally. There are many who do not receive money from large organizations; people matter. 2. s***show of mental stress... yeah, limit that. I had a bad day today. 3. Maui doesn't seem to be getting the media attention that's needed. But I'm sure Hawai'i is responding. 4. I have been generous in the past. I need to get back to that. 5. A new birder feeder on the deck! Close to the windows! Problem solved... so said the cats when they called me. To {huser:beholden in "I Blame Flo" "I watch Thai ads... being in Thailand will do that. Oishi (the green tea drink) is memorable. Products geared towards youth (the population is much younger than the US or UK) dominate. Anything controversial is avoided. Thailand is facing issues of a different ilk at the moment and everything must be approached at a slant. I had Farmers when I lived in Kansas and Nebraska last century. I don't carry insurance anymore." |
| It takes a lot of time and effort to write and edit. WdC isn't very useful unless you are at the basic or, better yet, upgrade level. That costs... not much... but some people, especially the young and old, are poor. Writing and traveling are my priorities and passions; but, others need financial support just for a place to sleep or food to eat. Getting published? It may take 100 submissions, half of them rejections, the other half ignored, to even hope to get published. Connections help. Academic status? MFA? Name recognition (if you are already famous...), nepotism, money... In the end it takes money to edit, submit, promote... To innerlight (Grace) "August 7 23" Why don't I submit? It takes more effort and energy than I have to spare. If I had a secretary... then I would. At my age "I don't have to do anything" but how would that be different than being dead? So... I do what I want when I can with what I have. I can't live someone else's life. So I write and I travel because I want to and I can. Ah... grammar! A bane for every writer, especially if they speak a dialect, or use language creatively. Poets are often a target of the grammar police. Essays in English? Don't get me started...  . Rain? I grew up in a damp climate; but, I've lived in dry dusty places. I prefer the rain. Until it floods. I live on the 8th floor.  To tracker "Ordinary Day" I'ts, very, easy, to, remember, when, to, use, comma's, when, you, use, them, all, th' time. Apostrophe's, not, so, easy... ... ... After three days of drizzle here... sun.  I prefer partly cloudy days with an occasional sprinkle. I'd do well in Ireland.But it's the south-west Monsoon Season here (I think). Soon it will shift (no promises) and the threat of typhoons, heavy rains and flooding will become an issue. For me personally? Good drying day for the hung laundry. I changed shoes. The sandals were perfect for this climate until it rained. Slipping and sliding is great for children but not for those who easily bruise; and with age, broken bones need to be avoided. I can see a hospital from my balcony; another is within walking distance. I go further to get my hair cut. But, I don't want to pay a visit and learn about the Thai medical system first hand. To QueenNormaJeanGreeneggs&vegham (NormaJean) "A Big Complaint" 0O0O0... Use the spray on the bugs?Just don't OD... someone may be blocking the way to the ER... just saying... I'm more careful with my movements now. Age does that. No twisting, turning, jumping... nothing quick or thoughtless. I work out every morning to get out of bed (movement is life) and to maintain what I have left (youth abandoned me decades ago). My mind keeps track of this in my blog... my body in other ways. Some days I swear it mumbles "revenge". 157 |
| Today is a Pank Day (which makes me think of David and Melinda McClain... both gone for years now). David was a true storyteller, one of the best here. Melinda loved horses. I think David named his blog "Almosta Farm". Wish I had copies... Sorji (Sara) "Good Vibes" Hopefully you can share "Red Hoods" soon. It's been a couple hours! You've been here forever... and a few days added. I joined 18 years ago as well. WdC has changed... and so have we! I watched Barbie a couple days ago. One of the shocks for Barbie was 'change'. In the end all of the "barbies" and "kens" needed to adjust. We will too. I document my experiences whenever and wherever I am. I try to mention places and dates... I can't remember everything and frankly... everything changes. My point-of-view hopefully helps others realize that what's in the tourist brochures isn't necessarily day-to-day reality... anywhere. And I find a need to remind others that my experiences won't be theirs. For example, I've never been a party person. JCosmos on Newsfeed: "Can't comment on what it used to be like in Thailand; but, in Udon Thani folks are fairly chill (but avoid the police). That said, there's lots of news about tourist misbehavior. People think that Thailand is a place where they can do anything they want (it has that reputation) and then find out that Article 112 is real and enforced or that arguing doesn't work well in this culture, especially with the police, or that respect is not an option. Daily stupidity keeps all the embassies and consulates busy. Isan is far away from the Party Zones of Phuket or Pattaya though." The movie "Barbie" was fine. Like "Pleasantville" there are important messages aimed at Mid America... but I'm not there now. Can't say whether the movie translated well in Asia. Pan and I watched it in (rapid-fire) English with Thai subtitles. He liked it. Me... it was 'fine'. I exercise and walk every day so that I visit the Real World and not just live in my mind. ridinghhood-p.boutilier (Patricia) in "August 7, 2023" A lot of people who live in a Barbie World where nothing changes are afraid. Many stick their heads in the ground and pray that everything goes back to normal. But... reality doesn't work like that. Others are aware but don't necessarily do anything about it, other than shout, and end up in despair. That doesn't change anything either.On this pink day (Tuesday = pink in Thailand) I'll exorcise (exercise), study, read and write. I'm not doing much either; but, years ago when I felt threatened by circumstances I left home and never went back. There were consequences, not all of them pleasant; but, "act or not act"... there are always consequences. 151 |
| All three bloggers answered the same prompt. I just follow. Time for more coffee... always. And feeling blessed that my left hand hasn't caused any problems. As a left-hander that matters. To Lyn's a sly fox (Lyn) re "August and rains" Three days of rain, sprinkles and drizzle here. Much better than drought or smoke. The birds manage but I've seen fewer flies, bees and butterflies. Even the flowers may be holding off for some sun. They'll get some later if not sooner. I've opened the door to the hall and the one to the balcony to get fresh air. It's a 'cool' 79 degrees. I love the coming and goings of the seasons. Thailand has them too. We had leaf-fall last week after some heavy rains as worn-out yellowed leaves littered the ground. It's the season of green papaya as the season of durian has passed. There isn't any snow here, but by November, 60s will seem cold and then 50s? Dry season can be brutal on vegetation but some take advantage of the sun to burst out in flowers and new leaves if their roots go deep enough. Every animal knows where the puddles and canals are. Survival is always key. As for surgeries... they are a type of survival as well. Not as important as coffee but still... August in Costa Rica and Thailand is rainy. Monsoons at the moment. Mostly drizzle... all day. But it's cooler and not as threatening to my well-being. It's bright enough that the weather doesn't depress me. People do... but that's neither-here-nor-there. Good memories of Lake Spitfire in the St. Regis region. To Joy (Joy) re "August Rains" August was never my favorite month. Great in Geneva when I visited once, but nowhere else. I endure August. As a child I spent time in my garden. My father would take off work for a week or two and we'd go to my grandparents in sticky-humid Pennsylvania or to the lake after my grandfather died, and for three years to the Adirondacks when I was 13, 14, 15. University started in August and usually the first football game. But I preferred September! I've always been a Spring/Autumn person. But it's raining here today. I rejoice in the cloud cover. I worked out in the drizzle. I have no problem shedding tears. August 15 is mother's Day in Costa Rica. August 1st-2nd marked the beginning of Buddhist "Lent" here this year. I celebrated MLK's "I Have a Dream" speech every August 28th years later, for 15 years. But August was mostly hoping my tomatoes would ripen and that school would start. It often was a lonely month growing up. To Prosperous Snow celebrating (Neva) in "A Rainy August Evening" I loved storms growing up... even the flood of August 1963. Someone rowed down our street! I loved the storms of Kansas and Oklahoma. I learned not to cross flowing water. I found out that hail could hurt and that winds could rip a town asunder. August... die she must. I preferred September. |
| I truly believe that everything is related to everything. Specialists tend to make the big bucks with their hyper-focus; but, those who see patterns and understand the bigger scope of existence will make the bigger impact on whether this human world remains livable for us and other species. Our education and political systems need to consider that. To Beholden in "Being Schooled" "To me everything is related. Take woodcarving or woodworking. A tree has made a sacrifice. But what if it's endangered? Would a biologist know? And would a gardener approach it with a certain understanding and gratitude. Would a Jain or a Buddhist, an animist (or Taoist) or a Native American? Some would; others would not. And a cultural anthropologist could explain. Most Americans would only see board-feet or that it's a troublesome burl. And artist would see much more. And a home-economist could explain the uses of wooden versus stainless steel bowls. In a thousand years an archaeologist will want to know its providence and why it's buried on the moon... of Saturn. Most things are hard to understand from the Outside. I've lived in 4 countries. I traveled 45 countries; but, I'm no expert on Paris just because I was there for 4 days (charmed I was). It's why I'd like to visit Kentucky. I am living here in Udon Thani. The daily experience is enlightening, and humbling and disconcerting (do I move here... then die here...). What will I learn? Whatever I must! To Lilli 🧿 ☕ for QotD "What is something you didn't understand until it happened to you?" "Homelessness. It's the lack of privacy, of respect, of options. Many can't find a way out without help. I couldn't. Or the freezing to death (Michelle), death by overdose (Jason), death by drowning (Susie), death by brain cancer (Byron) or being hit by a train (Jeannie). I wrote poems for most if not all. They were SOMEONE. A harsh lesson to learn in a very harsh way. And Death is the worst of it? Not by far. Very hard to not have a place to stay. It's a major reason why folks don't flee abusers, leave home or the hometown they grew up in. The unknown is fraught with danger. I've taken in folks, been taken in. I have experienced both sides. A bottom line? Be generous. Be grateful. Be kind. To WakeUpAndLive️~🚬🚭2024 (Petra) in "The perfect house..." {c/magenta}"I dread having to move into old-folks housing. There's a long list and how does one anticipate aging! WTF. The price of renting has soared in the USA due to people hoarding property. And AirBnBs that turn liveable neighborhoods into tourist ghost towns out-of-season. Living in Thailand? Other issues; but, it's affordable now and that's not likely to change, outside of tourist destinations, unless the Chinese, Singaporeans, Russians, etc. are allowed to buy up everything. Greed comes in all sizes, shapes and colors. Yesterday was grey and cool and so was this morning. Rainy Season can be a blessing here. and "Fingers crossed!" "OMG... a spare bedroom to put all your WdC friends! Good news about your step-mom.  Subsidized housing comes with lots of strings in the USA and some landowners refuse people for any reason. Almost everything I need is within walking distance both here in Thailand and in Montana. It makes a huge difference. So, kudos on that. " 138 |
| We humans live short lives. Just ask the mountains who are children compared to the sea. And we are curious connivers. Ask any crow. They watch. They know. And they learn... To Robert Waltz (Robert) "Warped Minds" "Rivers bend back on themselves and create oxbow lakes out of former channels all the time. If space does that then why not just go from point A to G without having to recite the alphabet? Suez or Panama Canal anyone? Going faster isn't always the fastest way to get there. Warp drives and transporters may have more in common than present day scientists imagine. A different way of looking at it may be in order."Routines are helping me get through depression and anxiety. Walking, chatting, exercising, writing, reading really help. My life is not without its pitfalls and Thailand is NOT a Paradise. Least of all for me. I told this to Pear at Koala last night. She works next door to where I live. Coffee?  I hope so. Money isn't an issue right now. Shoon? I put on my worn out sneakers and can now walk with confidence on wet pavement. Rainy season here is dangerous when w.e.t. (with.every.tumble). To Dr Gonzo (Neil) "Befriend Or Don't Befriend Part II" "The Homeless Shelter was good enough for forging relationships with others with mental, physical, emotional issues. But... I don't want group therapy other than what I do here by commenting on blogs and sharing in-real-life. My issues are almost as diverse as humanity itself. One-on-one is nice.I exorcise (exercise) every day now (4 station mini). Some days more than others but overall I think it's helping. And I try to walk every day. Different muscles are used. Same with my activities here. Very different writing a poem than writing a story or vomiting in my blog. I do vomit best. My main problem in Thailand? A lack of friends. I'm not belly-to-the-bar like many of the old ex-pats in Udon Thani." and "There's Just Something About A New Pair Of Shoes" "I took my old shoes out of the closet. They're worn but are much safer than the sandals that slip and slide on the snot that soaks everywhere I try to walk. I should check into New Balance. I am already old and footwear is a major issue for balance.My sister sent money from my mother when she was put in a nursing home. Quite a bit really. I just put it in the bank as I wasn't traveling during Covid Season. May be one reason I don't stress as much over finances as before? I make goals, break them into objectives, sometimes don't accomplish everything every day; but, over time it has helped me. Past mistakes? I've been traumatized in the Past but doing better than before." I will never get to edit everything I've written. But it would be nice to get my vampire stories translated into Portuguese. My Thai/Lao may never get to that level of understanding. My cursive is lovely... when I try; but, making facsimiles for posting? I've thought about doing a small handwritten booklet that way. To PureSciFi "Mostly a Relaxing Day" "My journal has over 5,000 handwritten pages. If I could scan and save? Priceless.If I could go from cursive to text that would solve some issues. I could then use an on-line translator for a rough translation. Hope this goes well for you." I think of Thailand as a single-service society. Use and discard. That applies to both plastic and people. Hard to make friends. Hard to make friends on social media as well. Not everyone at WdC seeks community or deems to interact. But I try to use what I pay for, reuse if I can. And that applies to WdC, plastic and establishing friendships. To Agape Novels (Joshua) "Update." "I agree about using what you've paid for. I use WdC daily and that justified paying more for a higher level. I resisted... because I'm frugal; but, it's my main social outlet. I use *spacefook* for pictures and keeping in touch because I travel. Good for pictures imho. I've considered youtube and instagram. I know nothing about rumble. I do watch tiktok (too much). rumble skews younger and somewhat male. That compares to WdC which is older and female. Very different audiences. I'm not interested in monetization as much as exposure. WdC worked well for that circa 2010. No longer. google promotes monetized ads to the point that it's no longer useful for even basic questions. It's a $$$ marketplace (but not of ideas). I used Amazon once and cancelled. I suspect my personal info was sold by them if not [by] others. Fortunately, I'm not of much interest to anyone." |
| When does one realize that a relationship isn't working? How long does one hold on? Is holding on even worth the time and effort? I must say that I'm learning from my present foray into this subject. No idea how long this ride will last nor where it will go before it ends. To Tiggy (Tiggy) re "sheluvme" "Very well written and wonderful insight... but hindsight can function that way... sometimes.Pan and I have been together 9 months. I ask the same questions. It's easy living with him and I prefer that to living alone. That said... ain't no picnic. Love? So many ways to express it. Here in Thailand it's intertwined with rituals, traditions, family obligations and money... always money. Today is Thursday. I will buy him a rose. Love is simpler if society allows it. Even friendships can be fraught with drama when opposed by bigotry and custom. Growing up I didn't realize how deeply my community hated me. Not everyone... but enough of them. Made it hard to trust and love is hard without trust. It's good to love another; but it's best to love oneself. To 🌸 pwheeler - love joy peace re "He Loves Me & I Love Him" Hmm... When I met Mark I fell in love at first sight. I wanted to marry him by the time I was 15. But... I was shy, withdrawn, nerdy and... well you get the picture. He was smarter than anyone ever gave him credit. He married someone else. And they stayed married. But looking back... Mark was my first love, and I told him that over 30 years later. It was hard for me to say. He knew. I wanted a lot when I was a teenager but seldom got what I needed. I needed more than others could give me and I had no clue how to get anything for myself. Lack of self-esteem?  Lack of financial resources? Lack of support? Being gay was the greatest obstacle. In some ways it still is. I can't fall in love with just anyone and express it. I can't be openly gay in many parts of the world... or around certain people. I have few protections in the U.S. I'm considered 'dangerous' in Florida... but not only there... I write love poems. They are seldom, if ever, read by the one I write them to. Glad to read that you are happy. Glad that your life is full of love. If we aren't validated as children? Humans do not exist as individual self-contained units. Very few sentient entities on this planet do. If we are not validated with love can we still love others? Fortunately, there are always kind nurturers around. But do we, especially those who have been traumatized, accept their love? To THANKFUL SONALI Now What? (Sonali) in "Validation" "Validation. I liked getting a second place ribbon for my writing yesterday. It validated me! Yes... wouldn't it be nice to be recognized academically, culturally, monetarily... maybe. I've been validated in many ways but for much of my life I've put up barriers and put in earplugs so I could neither see nor hear those kind affirmations. I rejected what little was offered and hid in my cave. Trauma will do that... Have I ever loved myself? That's the question I've faced for years." Inspired by 48-HOUR CHALLENGE: Media Prompt. The song, sheluvme by Tai Verdes. 117 |
| Every day has its own color. Monday = yellow. Tuesday = pink. Wednesdays start out green and end up grey in Thailand. Thursday = orange. Friday = sky blue. Saturday = violet. Sunday = red. Colors have other meanings as well, especially red and yellow. Orange is my favorite color and the color of Udon Thani. My lungs can no longer take smoke. Smoke Season has apparently begun in Montana. It's brutal. I'm glad I'm here where the horizon is hazy from mist, showers or darkened from downpours. It was bad, very bad, in March and April. Planning my trips around smoke was not something I thought about years ago. Now I have to be even more aware of what threatens my physical well-being. To Lyn's a sly fox (Lyn) in "teleporting August" "I can't lose anything anymore. It makes me hysterical (more than usual). I find money in pockets all the time. August... die she must... Yesterday was not an auspicious start to what has been one of my least favorite months in the past. At least I'm not in Montana. Teleportation would make my traveling easier but riskier. What if... the dial were set wrong? Anyhoo... Happy August?" To QueenNormaJeanGreeneggs&vegham (NormaJean) in "Ugh - bugs. " "Humid here. It's cloudy at the moment and I have doors and windows open. I'm looking forward to rain that will clear it out.Heard that there's smoke in WMT but I can't stress over that. I have other issues close to home. Took video of a birdwing yesterday. Big 10-12" wingspan butterfly. Black and brilliant yellow. See plenty of bugs in the tropics. Chalked for ants last week. Each fruit has its peak season here. Papayas are flowering so green papaya is everywhere." Pan came home without texting me. I opened the door after exercising and was shocked to see him sitting there. I put everything down so I could give him a long hug. He's not doing well. I now have to look at my to-do list and do something. My regular blog keeps a daily record of my accomplishments. This week: "Twentieth Week of the Year 180." To Annette (Annette) "Habit Heroes July page" in "I like the visuals. I keep track in a different (messier) way but I've made progress overall these past few months. My priorities evolve over time; but, I've been fairly consistent with daily exercise... a total surprise. Thai language, photos, walks... good with that too. Travel to Laos in July disrupted my rhythm but I still managed overall." My nerves are shot. Breathe in, breathe out. Focus on tasks... 115 |
| I should never rewrite someone's poetry but to my credit, I don't care what they do with my suggestion. It's their writing, not mine. I prefer a more economic style and want to cut out words that disturb the flow or add nothing (like 'the' or 'is'). One could say... I prefer terse verse. To Vanishing Vapor re "Salvaged?" "Thus" and "only to" seem heavy, maybe 'let' as well. Too prosaic. Possibly like this:the less I say, the less I chance, appearing weak — predators investigate, reveal themselves, learn of my strength — the hard way Just a thought. I've been thought of as 'weak'. They forgot about my fangs. 35 years later a different friend told me that I may have gotten lucky if I would've been more aggressive! To bob county "Super Porn Store!" I was 22 and frustrated in Peru. Met a Canadian 20 years older than me. She understood my dilemma but said she was too old to help. I really wanted someone else... but I never told him. We all have "moments". My chromebook is annoying me. I want to scream but that's not allowed in Thailand. Imposter syndrome? Very common. Shocked because we like music when we don't care as much for the genre or singer? Happens all the time. To Mighty (Mighty) "cruel summer" "You are very competent, just not over confident at the moment. Believe in yourself. T-Swift obviously does... or should. Even wealthy, successful people can feel like an imposter.In other words you're being too hard on yourself. Have a moment to meditate or mourn; but, by Monday morning you'll make your move and get over it. (I love alliteration...) Seriously, rehydrate, sit in the shade, sip water or whatever, sultry summer won't snuff you out nor stifle you. You've got this! |
| To huser:soledad_moon (Stik) in "Preserved Since 1935" Run  run.I wear compression socks when traveling but have never thought about wearing them out of the context. So, kudos for thinking about that. I prefer working out with cloud cover. I could work out in the evenings but it's still sticky; mornings would make sense... not happening. Dutch villages... Delft is beautiful, historical, livable, but well-known and can be touristy. I want to visit Flevoland someday, possibly Urk, which was once an island and definitely has its own sense of place. Maastricht is very nice and there may be small villages in surrounding Limburg that few visit. To huser:judithd (Judith) in "Read to Learn" I would guess nonknowledge = ignorance. That said, some people are quite happy with not knowing or not caring (apathy), as engaging with reality can be painful and "ignorance is bliss". Perhaps we just sit on the island of our limited knowledge in a vast ocean of knowledge. Knowledge in the spiritual or physical sense. Nonknowledge seems to be a human construct denying that reality. Quotes: "The sum total of all scholarly and scientific works is a vast ocean of knowledge. To create new knowledge, all must swim in that ocean, building on the existing stock of wisdom." “As the Island of Knowledge grows, so do the shores of our ignorance—the boundary between the known and unknown. Learning more about the world doesn’t lead to a point closer to a final destination—whose existence is nothing but a hopeful assumption anyways—but to more questions and mysteries. The more we know, the more exposed we are to our ignorance, and the more we know to ask.” "I am the Sun of Wisdom and the Ocean of Knowledge. I cheer the faint and revive the dead. I am the guiding Light that illumineth the way. I am the royal Falcon on the arm of the Almighty. I unfold the drooping wings of every broken bird and start it on its flight. — Bahá’u’lláh, Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 169 To huser:wolfgang Harlow: "Invalid Entry" "There are different types of leaders... some charge ahead, some support from behind. Either can be good or bad and remembered as such by whomever writes the history. Saint Donald may very well be remembered as such; albeit, not by me. Bowel movements, butts and patchouli. I love patchouli. So 1970s... . Butts and bowels, however, depend on movement to keep firm or functional. Very important as we grow older to consciously remember what we once could ignore without bodily repercussions. I tend to smile a lot. Here... depends... ex-pats aren't very friendly and their face-of-scowls makes me back off." |
To Nikola on Newsfeed "Note: Happy Friday Eve from the little library!
It'..." "Take boxes... take photos or sentimental stuff. If what remains is worth nothing, give-away or donate; if it's worth a bundle, sell it; if it's priceless, call Sotheby's and put it up for auction. But photos... find homes for those. If no one wants them, contact the local history museum. Enjoy your visit.  " To Annette in "WorldForge: Character Names" : "I'm writing again about Zmitri... I chose that name because it's similar to Dmitri but unique. It's also nothing like the name of my friend, my talisman, my Muse! My vampire names range from Rosa to Thoom, dependent of where they are from or the language they once spoke; then there's Bunny... named for the pets she loves! Within a story I try to make sure the names are different in sound, shape and meaning. Like if I were writing about my childhood friends: Mary Pat, Mary Alice, Mary Elizabeth... new characters might be Merry Mary or Mother Mary Aloysius (a.k.a. MMA or just "mother" depending on who's listening... ). To tgifisher in "More Trump Biopics" "Very well written. The script writers should be contacting you for blurbs! The trailers could be spicy gruesome...The public loves shallow rom-coms and deep-hole-no-bottom conspiracies. Add enough s.e.x and you'll have a weiner (note... that's not a typo). Which will you write first?" 102 views |
| To annette on the WdC Newsfeed "Note: In a recent newsfeed post, my dear friend and par..." : "I need to cut back on news as I'm a news-junky. I'm mesmerized by reels, Instagram, Tiktok... so I need to regulate that as well. I use my blog here to keep track of my routines and that includes writing. I've started journaling again after a 6 month hiatus. I've reconsidered daily rhythm and flow... I go through stages. Writing? I do best when I'm bored, day-dreaming, depressed. I've been a bit too busy for that. But I'm jotting down notes and although my number of poems/prose isn't impressive this year I'm still quite prolific overall. Rather than becoming distracted by reading on-line articles or WdC blogs or watching TikTok nonsense I've taken to commenting. It helps me with reasoning and writing skills. Here at WdC my daily objective is to read and comment on 3 blogs per day. I then put my comments in a separate blog "Bibimbap 비빔밥 " . I hope to get back to those entries and edit. It takes time and effort but it's writing, getting out my thoughts, and interacting with people. To AnniPon "Try, try, try in July" "A 10 minute check-in would be nice every month; but, if you're like me... nothing is 10 minutes. Do you plan on sleeping, eating or showering for the next 6 months? Just asking... To Tracker1948: Re "Tour de Ports" I cannot do that many reviews in 4 days... so maybe next time; although, I prefer leaving blog comments and have the goal of 3/day so that adds up. I guess I contribute in my own way. No clue whether that matters to folks though (so little feedback). It's just what I do. Checked in at "tracker's Guestbook " and left a note. That I can do. And leaving blog comments works for me as well. I'm sure your efforts help make this web-site a better place for all. |
| huser:sharziey "JAFBG- Shit that pissed me off!" "We have interesting butterflies in Thailand... just saying. And the hummingbirds of Costa Rica are famous... as are the toucans and macaws... did I mention monkeys? Taiwan has macaques and plenty of seafood. Europe is too hot in August... except for Geneva... and Scandinavia and Scotland. Visit New Zealand! Or a nice beach in Michigan. Lake Superior may be cold, but not as cold as your relationship with in-laws." huser:smeedyer email re "JAFBG Prompt" "If you are going to listen to the Q-conspiracy proponents, please be familiar with the teachings of Baha'u'llah. The concept of Oneness is a concept that transcends the black/white beliefs of winners and whiners. The either/or choice is simplistic black/white thinking promoted by those who think there are two sides of a fence without considering the viewpoint of the gull or the mole." huser:DaveRyan re "JAFBG - I am not a cross-dresser" "I wear briefs. I don't feel comfortable in loose boxers or binding boxer-briefs. Outside I dress more-or-less like a professional. The ex-pat community here wears shorts with whatever. I may look odd to them in my long sleeve shirt (pink yesterday, because pink is the color of Tuesday; Wednesday is green until evening when it's grey) but it protects against mosquitoes, flies and sunburn.I can be flexible but I'm older than you; and, unless it's necessary, why should I bother? I deal with my own quirkiness by embracing it or changing it. But old traumas? Same-same. I need to 'let them go' or 'let them be'. If it's not worth the fight I need to just make it clear to people to stop judging and mind-their-own-business." DaveRyan re "Book cover complete" "Is it YA? Because a teenage audience would connect with the bullying. ... Title is fine! girdle and killing in italics is perfect. I can hear the voice behind it. ... I like the color of the cover. I didn't notice the girdle until you pointed that out, but it's in the title. No worries. ... Best of luck." |
| huser:intuey in "Knock Three Times" "I can hear the music without turning it on. Maybe that's why I prefer silence? My favorite car was our '68 Dodge Polara. The '58 Biscayne, '60 Brookwood, '62 Biscayne? and '65 Impala? Chevys were fine. Hated the '73 Impala. My mother's car was the '60 station wagon. Anywho/what/where/when... a pleasant dream. I've struggled with nightmares." huser:elle in "Autism Spectrum Disorder" "I'm not surprised. 1. it's been obvious that he's struggling. 2. they didn't stress diagnosis years ago except maybe as a last resort. The 'lazy' 'uncooperative' child would get labeled and it was all downhill from there. Better awareness these days. There's also a bit more emphasis on what people CAN do instead of what they CAN'T. What are each individual's strengths? Let that redefine them. The diagnosis helps, especially with a counselor and in many school/work settings." huser:elle in "Mid year book freak out" "Thai BLs and lakorn (soaps) with mostly new young actors: BEST: ATOTS "A Tale of a Thousand Stars". Drama, love, setting, cinematography, music. worse: "fish in the sky". juvenile, disrespectful, silly. ACTORS: Nanon and Gun may be the best, but I love Kaotung, and Singto has a special place in my heart. actresses: are usually supporting characters, so unfair to compare. Best message: "Lovely Writer" points out the problems with this genre, the fans, the producers, the actors. Hopefully influenced the 'industry'. Insightful: "55:15" a weaving of 5 stories of characters who go back in time 40 years. Heartbreaking, music is key, incredible performances by younger and older actors. My favorite: "He's Coming to Me" makes me cry every time. Memorable scenes. Multi genre: BL, rom-com, mystery, detective, supernatural. Best color! "Vice Versa" wonderful cinematography in both worlds. Music: So many as these series put great thought into music and the acting/singing worlds are connected but "Lom" is played in public and its placement in ATOTS is appropo. I'm watching "Home School" right now and that's a non-BL with top-shelf actors. Very dark. Very suspenseful. Like "He's Coming to ME"... not clear where it's going until you get there. Yet, it all makes sense." huser:cathartes02 "Millimeters of Mercury" "I'm shrinking but it's not because of water... I'm an enigma to many. I share so much... so everyone thinks they know. But my secrets... I'm not always visible. Years of layered camouflage does that. I'm fire and earth, a lava rock, just saying... Working on that. I'm a bit off-center..." |
| To huser:neilfury re "What's That Knocking Sound? It's Just My Knees." "I keep my place in Montana... just in case. I like Udon Thani. I like SiSaKet even more. But I have tried many times to explain to Pan that I won't live out in the middle of nowhere, a 10 kilometer walk to anywhere. I love living in the center of a city or a small town. At my age I need to stay connected. It's not easy. Thailand. I may never make friends here. "To huser:intuey in "The Hawking's Theory" "Maybe black holes are worm holes? I dunno. I cannot twist my mind around it tonight or most any night to imagine it."To huser:forgiveness in "Relief" "Oppenheimer versus Barbie... OP may be too long. Barbie is just an 'ad' but well done. I prolly won't go to either. The mall cinema in Udon Thani is wonderful but I'm not a movie person. Went to "Little Mermaid" Not bad but  . I'll ask Pan and let him decide.Glad to hear / not-hear that the roof is done. A sense of accomplishment. That and the contract being settled should be a great relief. Enjoy this moment." To Camille Rose Perry on pookface: "What hurts the most? It needn't be like that. There's a lot of good will and good-hearted people but when crushed under someone's boot-heel they perish or fight back just to survive. Those who 'have' can make a big difference by just checking in with their heart." |
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