Friday 1-30-2026

“Gnarly Birch” – Matt Oliver – “Among Trees” – Substack

This photo takes my breath away! What a life this tree has had…

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Thai Gestures: Learning the Thai language is coming very slowly for me. I AM learning essential phrases, such as,

“Hello – may you have a blessed day,” (pronounced “sawat dee Ka’ah)

“Thank you,” (pronounced “cawp coon ka’ah”) and

“I’m sorry.” (pronounced “caw toad ka’ah”)

I’m also learning essential Thai gestures – ones to make and ones to avoid at all costs –

When you say “hello,” you perform the “Wai” (pronounced “Why“). It’s the praying hands and bowing gesture. This is many times complicated because you’re carrying things, so doing it with one hand is okay – and be sure to smile! 🙏🏻

If you gesture “Come here” with the waving toward yourself gesture common in the States, you have just performed a major insult. You have called them an animal or treated them like an animal.

When you want to gesture “come here,” in Thailand, you make a crawling or digging gesture with your fingers, palm down toward the floor.

Got that? There will be a test later…

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4 GIFs.com

I had a massage this morning. I had some really sore muscles right around my waistline on my right side. They aren’t completely fixed now, but my massage therapist, Khun Weaw. did a wonderful job. I’m so lucky that I can tell her where I’m hurting, put myself in her hands, and know that she won’t hurt me. I can completely relax and let her perform her magic. Ahhhh! (And this is all with ‘pantomime,’ since I don’t speak Thai and she doesn’t speak English – PRICELESS!)

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Facebook – traffic in Chiang Mai

In a few minutes, Brian and I will go to our cafe to get out of Khun Nong’s way while she cleans my place. I will take my sketchbook, drawing supplies, my kindle and my sweatshirt. I will get an iced mocha. 😃

We’re lucky to have a place that encourages people to feel comfortable “whiling” away some time. I’m hoping I get my favorite spot by the front window so I can goggle at the amazing traffic that goes by. The last time I was there, an entire family (man, woman, two children, and their dog!) went by on a motorcyle…

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