Chong Lip Mun – @worldwildlife.bsky.social
Another beautiful bird that begs to be painted.
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I’ve had a busy day. We went to the gym this morning. I walked my mile more easily today, though it still seemed “long.” I’m hoping my strength is building each day. I’m still feeling more comfortable holding on to the handle bars of the treadmill.
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We went to see Harvey after breakfast. He knew who we were, and showed it by kissing my hand as I hugged his head and kissed him. That’s where making sense ended, though. He broke my heart at one point telling us he ‘wanted to come home,’ but didn’t know where that was…
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After we got back from visiting Harvey, we went to the cafe. I finished three more sketches –
This is my interpretation of the Chiang Mai lottery. Young and old line up side by side under umbrellas to protect from sun or rain while they sit there all day selling chances to win the lottery. Some, like the man shown here, wear them as sign boards around their necks. I’m not sure of all the details, but it’s a huge business here. In this sketch, they have set up in front of some stores. You will also see a whole line of them on the sides of the roads. Some look like kids. Some look older than I am – if you can imagine that. I have noticed some ‘redemption’ places, where you can redeem your winning tickets for all kinds of merchandise…
Brian has said that Thai people delight in betting on EVERYTHING here. If it will rain – how much rain we’ll get – whether the turtle crossing the street will make it across alive – how fast the squirrel will cross from one spot to another using the wires above for ‘roads,’ …..
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I’m going to try to draw the Chiang Mai version of the ice cream man as one of my next sketches. I have wonderful memories of hearing the distinctive music of the ice cream man driving down the road in his truck and kids coming running out of their houses after having moved heaven and earth to get enough money to buy something. It’s much the same here, except the look is quite unique.
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I hope that you have had a good Memorial Day weekend surrounded by love while honoring those who have sacrificed everything for us.
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“Nothing shakes the smiling heart.”
― Santosh Kalwar, I Am Dead Man Alive
So glad you are feeling better and able to walk a little easier on the treadmill. I know you will be glad to be feeling back to normal.
The visit with your Harvey sounded bittersweet. That was so sad that he wanted to go home but did not know where home was. It must have brightened his day with your visit, and that was good.
I just love these painted sketches. You do such a good job on them. Thank you for sharing. Be well. (Donna)
Thank you for your nice note, Donna. Things are going well, and I should have a quiet day today. I hope things are going well with you, as well.
Love the sketches. Sad and bittersweet about Harvey. I know you’re glad to still have him in your life though. Hugs!!
Thanks, Sheila. Yes, He’s an anchor, and I’m happy when we can brighten his day a little. Thanks for the feedback about the sketches, too.