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Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/books/item_id/1311011-Porthole/month/2-1-2023
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Rated: 13+ · Book · Personal · #1311011
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.

Ferry boat between Solvorn and Ornes across the Lustrafjord i Sogn og Fjordane.




I'm starting a new blog because
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BOOK
L'aura del Campo Open in new Window. (13+)
Online journal capturing the moment and the memory of moments. A meadow meditation.
#982524 by Kåre เลียม Enga Author IconMail Icon
had over 1,200 entries and that was getting close to full. I don't want to trim it by deletion. I did that once, much to my dismay. Will be used more for poetry.

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BOOK
Hoarfrosts from Hell Open in new Window. (GC)
Anything I'm not happy about or that I don't want in my main blog!
#997339 by Kåre เลียม Enga Author IconMail Icon
is still hidden from the public and will remain so. It's more personal and full of angst. Was used for 30DBC for May 2020 and now used for Blogville.

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BOOK
Enga mellom fjella Open in new Window. (13+)
Enga mellom fjella: where from across the meadow, poems sing from mountains and molehills.
#1317094 by Kåre เลียม Enga Author IconMail Icon
was full... until the number of entries was increased. A mixed blog, mostly stories.

I'll be linking to
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BOOK
On The Write Path Open in new Window. (13+)
ON THE WRITE PATH: travel journal for Around-the-World in 2015, 16, 18.
#2032403 by Kåre เลียม Enga Author IconMail Icon
as I need to post there about my travels.

 
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BOOK
O Pinions! Open in new Window. (XGC)
May my opinions gather wind under their wings and fly, perchance to soar.
#1501776 by Kåre เลียม Enga Author IconMail Icon
is for my opinions. *Laugh*

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BOOK
Nurture your Nature Open in new Window. (13+)
Look around. Let Nature nurture your Soul. I record images I sense and share them here.
#1439094 by Kåre เลียม Enga Author IconMail Icon
was set up for nature observations and musings.

 
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BOOK
Watt's Gnus Open in new Window. (18+)
On topics and today's gnus. Definitely opinionated. Set to 18+ for a reason.
#1439092 by Kåre เลียม Enga Author IconMail Icon
come out of a need to share interesting stuff I come across. When I was young I did a small newsletter named as such. (or was it column in the newsletter? Been 30 years... I think.)

 
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FOLDER
Flash Fiction Open in new Window. (GC)
Short 300 word, more or less, "stories" .
#2190336 by Kåre เลียม Enga Author IconMail Icon
is where I put my flash fictions. Maybe someday I'll figure it out and have enough good ones to publish. Ratings vary and some are hidden from view.

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.
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Space Cadet - the never ending journal Open in new Window. (18+)
Journeys of an Alien Space crew.
#2226611 by Kåre เลียม Enga Author IconMail Icon


I needed to start a folder for contests as there are so many deadlines and details to remember.
 
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FOLDER
Conquest ... to keep track of contests Open in new Window. (18+)
A place to keep track of in progress works and up-coming deadlines as well as any awards.
#2233119 by Kåre เลียม Enga Author IconMail Icon
(also very messy!) *Shock2*

 
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FORUM
Blogville  Open in new Window. (XGC)
Where bloggers meet and greet to read and share. No required prompt. Alias: blogville.
#2253938 by Kåre เลียม Enga Author IconMail Icon
is for posting personal blog entries in hope that folks will comment and post their blog entries there as well. I will be commenting on all blog entries posted. It's my effort to rebuild a blogging community.

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BOOK
Bibimbap 비빔밥  Open in new Window. (13+)
Left-overs piled on hot rice and mixed.
#2296648 by Kåre เลียม Enga Author IconMail Icon
an E blog focusing on food and culture. Easily digestible for the Queasy and Questioning.

February 27, 2023 at 10:27pm
February 27, 2023 at 10:27pm
#1045673
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. *Smile*

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]Open in new Window. Revised "When rains fall [179.143]Open in new Window.

Quill nominations: "To be orange [300]Open in new Window. and "Emerald treasure Open in new Window..

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 LifeOpen in new Window. 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
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BOOK
Nurture your Nature Open in new Window. (13+)
Look around. Let Nature nurture your Soul. I record images I sense and share them here.
#1439094 by Kåre เลียม Enga Author IconMail Icon
.

1. "Time after Time 🇺🇸 [13+] Open in new Window.
2. "Ue o Muite Arukō l🇯🇵l [13+]Open in new Window.
3. " ลม 🇹🇭 (Lom = Wind) [13+] Open in new Window.
4. "Dancing Queen 🇸🇪 [13+]Open in new Window.
5. "Die Lorelei 🇩🇪 [ASR]Open in new Window.
6. "Dastam Begir 🇮🇷 [ASR]Open in new Window.
7. "Stranger in a Stranger's Land 🇰🇿 [13+]Open in new Window.
8. "En el último lugar del mundo 🇨🇱 [13+]Open in new Window.
9. "Bali Ha'i 🇻🇺 [13+]Open in new Window.
10. "Finlandia |🇫🇮| [ASR]Open in new Window.
11. "Jealous l🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿l [13+] (can overwhelm)Open in new Window.
12. "Arroz con leche 🇨🇷 [ASR]Open in new Window.
13. "Rise like a Phoenix 🇦🇹 [13+]Open in new Window.
14. "Bésame mucho 🇲🇽 [13+]Open in new Window.
15. " 🏴 Lift Every Voice and Sing ⚑ [13+]Open in new Window.
16. "Moscow Nights 🇷🇺 [13+]Open in new Window.
17. "Four Strong Winds 🇨🇦 Ian & Sylvia [E]Open in new Window.
18. "Eres tú 🇪🇸 Mocedades [E]Open in new Window.
19. "Loch Lomond l🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Maxine SullivanOpen in new Window.
20. "Coimbra tem mais encanto 🇵🇹 Fernando Machado SoaresOpen in new Window.
21. "Fields of Athenry 🇮🇪 Brian O'Donnell [ASR]Open in new Window.
22. "La Vie en Rose 🇫🇷 Édith Piaf [18+]Open in new Window.
23. "Morning! 🇳🇴 Grieg [E}Open in new Window.
24. "Yellowbird 🇭🇹 Mills Brothers [E] Open in new Window.
25. "Gracias a la vida 🇦🇷 Mercedes Sosa [13+]Open in new Window.
26. "Stille Nacht 🇦🇹🇭🇺 Gruber/Mohr [18+]Open in new Window.
27. "Garota De Ipanema 🇧🇷 Antônio Carlos Jobim [13+]Open in new Window.
28. "Adeste fidelis l🇻🇦l Open in new Window.

February 20, 2023 at 8:36am
February 20, 2023 at 8:36am
#1045126
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. *Care*"

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.

February 12, 2023 at 9:25pm
February 12, 2023 at 9:25pm
#1044689
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. *Worry*

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..." by Turkey DrumStik Author Icon:

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... *Shock* ... well ... not since the last time
... and that was 1974. *Smile*


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."
February 6, 2023 at 1:58am
February 6, 2023 at 1:58am
#1044335
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. *Sad*

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... *Sad*.

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]

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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" *Rolleyes* 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*Crayons* More durable than ephemeral chalk (unless sprayed). I have the Big Box. *Bigsmile*

I could only safely finger paint if I were naked. *Shock2*"

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. *Smirk2*"

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.

February 1, 2023 at 10:08am
February 1, 2023 at 10:08am
#1043987
"journalistic intentions promptsOpen in new Window.

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 LifeOpen in new Window.

“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 LifeOpen in new Window.

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 *CountryUS*
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




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