The owner/manager of the hotel affiliated with the cafe gave me this teeny tiny lovely bunch of flowers wrapped in leaves. It is called a Yellow Champaca.
“In Thailand, it is a symbol of auspiciousness. The flowers are frequently threaded into garlands (phuang malai) for temple offerings, or floated in water bowls to freshen living spaces. The yellow Champaca (botanically Magnolia champaca, formerly Michelia champaca) is a tall, evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. Highly prized in Thailand for its intoxicating, sweet fragrance, its vivid orange-yellow flowers are traditionally used in garlands, offerings, and natural perfumes.”
She said she got the idea from ME to find some to plant as part of the elephant shrine I sketched and painted! It will add even more growing plant color to the shrine, as well as the beautiful fragrance. She says even the withered petals give off the nice fragrance!
I showed her the “house shrine” then, and was relieved when she thought my version was okay. She was quite complimentary, but I think it’s just because I’m trying to honor parts of their culture, rather than the drawing being good. For whatever reason, I’m grateful.
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The cheetah is finished! Brian will come take pics to send off to have a print made on glass. I have the NEW puzzle that just came yesterday, when I finished the cheetah…
This is called, “Runway Rooster” and I think it’s a hoot! I love the 3-D-ness of it, plus the personalities of the roosters, plus the colors! Can’t wait to get started!!!
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Brian and I felt better this morning and will plan to get back to the gym tomorrow morning. We will go visit Harvey tomorrow. I’m taking the sketch I did of the Tasmanian Devil and will hope that Harvey wants me to add it to his happy wall.
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I hope you’re having a great day.
“I was smiling yesterday,I am smiling today and I will smile tomorrow.Simply because life is too short to cry for anything.”
― Santosh Kalwar, Quote Me Everyday
creativeartworksblog 
I am glad you and Brian are starting to feel better. But do take care at the gym and don’t overdo do it with you only starting to recover.
The Yellow Champaca would be something nice to sketch and paint. Have you thought about whether to sketch and paint it?
I love the cheetah picture and your next jigsaw puzzle is rather fun with the 3D element to it.
Have a good day.
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Hi, Liz. Thank you for your message. I will only walk my regular mile this morning, set on a slow setting, not stressing. I will probably not do my water bottle exercises this afternoon. I’ll come back to my full routine gradually. I will see what pictures I can find of the Yellow Champaca and see if I can draw it. So far, I only really have the petals, and I want to see if I can find a really good picture or two for reference while I sketch. Thanks for the suggestion. I’m glad you like the finished cheetah. The roosters should be a fun thing to work on.
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What a beautiful bunch of yellow flowers! That would brighten any day to see that!
I just love the cheetah puzzle. You finished that rather quickly. I know you are ready to move on to the next one, which is funny. I bet it will look great when finished.
I am glad you and your son are feeling better and about ready to head back to the gym. Your body, I am sure, appreciated the rest and time to recuperate. Your Harvey will love the sketch. Let us know what he said about it. (Donna)
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Hi, Donna. Thanks for your message. I’m ready to go to the gym now. I will gradually get back to my regular schedule on exercise, resting more as I need to while my body finishes healing from the cold. I’m almost well now. Liz was suggesting I try to sketch the yellow flowers, and I’ll see what references pictures I can find. I was thrilled with the gift yesterday! I’m glad you liked the cheetah. Brian will come and take pics of it today, I think. I’m eager to get started on the roosters. The Tasmanian Devil is ready to go to the nursing home. I’ll let you know if Harvey likes it. Have a happy day.
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The cheetah turned out amazing!! And as well, those yellow flowers are gorgeous!!
sweet about your shrine sketch being liked, and I hope Harvey wants the Tasmanian devil on his wall.
glad you and Brian are feeling better now! Yay!!
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Thanks for your message. I’m about to write blog posts now.
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