March 6, 2026 · 11:05 pm

It’s Okay Not to be Okay

“This song “I Am Not Okay” by Jelly Roll, and another one, “It’s Okay Not to be Okay” by Demi Lovato have brought out the issue, and it’s way overdue.

When we are not okay, we may express it in many ways – getting quiet, stuffing our feelings inside, avoiding other people, trying to make the pain go away by dulling it with drugs or alcohol, even doing violence to ourselves or others.

These songs are telling us that the artists have been there, done that, felt the same way and have emerged from that feeling, with at least the hope that things will get better.

What can we do when we are not okay?

The most important thing is to acknowledge your feelings. Own them. Until you face your feelings head on, there is no getting better. If you have some really good friends, tell them how you are feeling. Sit somewhere, close your eyes, and acknowledge how you feel. You may cry. That’s okay, too. Let it out as much as you can. Some people write their feelings down.

When you have acknowledged how you feel, recognize the source(s) of those feelings. It may be something from your past that you are carrying around with you. It may be that you lost someone you love, a relationship may have shattered. You may have lost an opportunity you were hoping for.

I had been carrying around some hurtful things for years. One example was that my older brother told my mother that I was “not worth knowing.” I felt “less than” for years – in fact until my brother died. I was finally able to work through my feelings and realize that what he thought about me had actually worked to my advantage. His opinion made me strive harder, though not to please HIM or change his opinion of me, but to feel good about my efforts in whatever I was trying to do. I was able to let go of a hurtful thing, realizing that this was waaaaaay in the past and actually was a good thing.

Things in the present are more difficult. I have felt ‘not okay’ about the fact that my husband and I thought we were moving to Thailand to retire, get out from under the onerous responsibilities we had in Arkansas, live the good life and be able to live close to our grown son. Now my husband is in a nursing home, totally incapacitated, with our main thought to show him he is loved, make sure he is as calm and comfortable as possible, and make sure he is getting the care he needs.

After acknowledging my feelings, I am working my way through this by living in the moment now. I don’t make plans anymore. I live one day at a time, wringing as much joy out of the day as I can, moving from one fun thing to another, learning, varying my activities, concentrating on getting as healthy as possible, enjoying every minute I have with our son.

If you’re not okay, decide if it’s something that you can do something about. Can you look at it differently, causing you to see it in a different light? Can you talk about it to someone else, or would you rather work through the feelings by yourself?

If you can’t change something, then acknowledge that. Really understand and believe that. If it’s possible, put it in a place where it doesn’t stare you in the face anymore – a kind of ‘shelf’ in your mind you don’t look at often, if at all.

If you CAN change it, figure out what you need to do to do that. It may take many steps to solve. Write them down, starting with the most important or time-sensitive thing first. Then work your way down the list. Don’t be afraid to ask for help for this. We all need help from time to time. When you are feeling better, you can pay it forward for someone else.

Realize it’s okay not to feel okay. I am practicing this in a very small way by NOT giving a knee-jerk answer when my son asks, “Are you okay?” Up until now he has followed my “I’m doing fine” with his now famous, “Fur real?” I’m making it a point to tell him when I’m not okay, in as brief a manner as possible, what specifically is bothering me. Many times, we sit and talk about it, and I feel better just having been truthful with him. We are communicating better, understanding each other better every day.

The end of Jelly Roll’s song says something like, “I’m not okay, but it’s all gonna be all right.”

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March 6, 2026 · 10:20 pm

Customs in Thailand – Shoes

Thai-Temple-Caz

“In Thailand, you must remove your shoes before entering someone’s home, temples, and sometimes, specific shops or small businesses, as a sign of respect and for cleanliness. If you see a pile of shoes outside or a shoe rack, it is a clear sign to take your shoes off. 

  • Where to Remove: Always remove shoes before entering a Thai home, regardless of how grand or humble it is. Shoes are mandatory to remove at temple interiors where Buddha images are housed, though not usually on the surrounding grounds.
  • Signs & Cues: If you see a pile of shoes at the entrance, a shoe rack, or even a few pairs outside a small shop, spa, or clinic, take your shoes off.
  • Reasoning: Feet are considered the dirtiest part of the body, and shoes are even dirtier, making this a crucial gesture of respect for the host’s space.
  • Tips: Wear easy slip-on shoes for convenience. If unsure, look to see if locals are wearing shoes and follow their lead.”

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This is a very important part of Thai culture. It was one of the first things I noticed when we first entered our condo building. There were pairs of shoes outside some of the condo doors. When Brian showed us the air-bnb where we would be staying while we waited for the condo paperwork for our own condo to be finalized, the first thing we learned to do was take off our shoes before entering ours or anyone else’s condo. (If there are no shoes outside the door, you remove your shoes as soon as you enter.)

Both my husband and I had problems getting our shoes off without having a place to sit down, and even more trouble trying to get them back on when we left, so one of the first errands we ran was to a shoe store. We both found Sketchers tennis shoes in their ‘Step-in’ model. We can simply toe off the shoes to enter a place, and then balancing on each other, we could simply step into our shoes when we left. These were the perfect solution for us.

Almost all of the places you have services, like massages, haircuts, mani/pedis, some doctor offices, etc. have shoes outside with racks of slippers for you to use while you are inside. It becomes second nature to check the doorway to see if you are supposed to remove you shoes or not.

Added details that I have learned are that places like our gym have a tray outside the door filled with water. They ask that you dip your shoe bottom in the tray and then use the big mat in front of the door to clean your shoes as much as possible before you enter. There is another mat inside where you make sure your shoes are as dry as possible before proceeding into the gym.

At my husband’s nursing home, there is one rack for leaving your shoes and another rack with slippers for you to wear. This is a difficult thing for me, as the slippers do not stay on my feet well. I tend to walk right out of them, or trip, or lose my balance. Brian holds my hand tightly as we walk down the hall to Harvey’s room and back out to the front porch when we leave.

Removing shoes seemed a bit weird to me when we first moved here. People’s feet may have odors, bare feet can seem really odd at first. But, when I thought about it more, I realized how very dirty your shoes can get walking around on the streets. You want to honor houses, shops, or temples by either wearing the slippers provided or simply leaving your shoes outside while you are allowed to enter. I now make it a practice to wash the bottoms and edges of my shoes on a regular basis, just because I look at them in a different way now.

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March 6, 2026 · 9:49 pm

Mugs to Love 2

Handbuilt By Daria – Etsy

“Coffee first, adulting second. Who’s with me?” ~ Anonymous

Inspiration Lane

“Coffee and contemplation: the perfect duo for lazy afternoons.” ~ Anonymous

Kim Magnum

“Savouring the magic in a mug. Because every cup is a little dose of magic.” ~ Anonymous

Patricia Griffin

“Coffee is my daily escape. Where’s your coffee taking you today?”~ Anonymous

Paul Blais on Instagram – @toberninejilly

“May your coffee be strong and your goals stronger. Powering up for success!” ~ Anonymous

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March 6, 2026 · 9:30 pm

Saturday, 3-7-2026

Kitty Valley Ranch – Etsy

I LOVE this mug! I laughed out loud when I found it. I love this sense of humor.

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I received the sketching book I ordered and am finding it very interesting. It is written by a very talented artist, Kimiko Sekimoto. Her approach is to show you how to sketch on the go, in various situations. How to dress so you have all the supplies you need, what exactly to put in your pockets or carry bags, and more. She gives tips on how to draw a chair, for example – something that will really help me, since I am perspective-challenged.

This is her style, where she has a running record of where she went, what she ate, who she met, and more, with wonderful illustrations.

I will do a lot of studying of this book. My juices are flowing!!!

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I should have a nice, quiet day today, where I hope to paint a sketch, work on my puzzle, start a new book, and reach out to some friends.

I hope that your day or evening brings you lots of hugs and smiles.

“I love March as it gives me hope that new beginnings are always beautiful.”
― Anamika Mishra

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March 6, 2026 · 12:04 am

Customs in Thailand

jp.Pinterest.com

“The wai (ไหว้) is a traditional Thai greeting showing respect, gratitude, or an apology by placing palms together in a prayer-like gesture and bowing slightly. Key rules: the higher the hands (closer to the forehead), the more respect is shown. It is used for greetings, thanking, or saying goodbye. jonesyinthailand.comjonesyinthailand.com +4

Key Aspects of the Wai Custom

  • Levels of Respect:
    • Chest level: Used for peers, friends, or people of similar age.
    • Chin/Mouth level: Used for older people or those of higher status.
    • Nose/Forehead level: Used for monks, royalty, and religious icons.
  • How to Perform: Place palms together, usually accompanied by a slight bow.
  • When to Use: It is used to greet (sawasdee), thank, apologize, or say goodbye.
  • Etiquette for Foreigners: While tourists aren’t expected to initiate a wai to everyone, it is polite to return one.”

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This is one of the few phrases and customs I have learned so far Whenever we see anyone, we bow, we do the ‘wai’ and say

(pronunication – “sawat dee kah’-ah“.) *If you are a female, this is correct. ) Luckily, Thai people are quite forgiving if you are a foreigner and you don’t have the wai at the correct level. They are happy that you are trying. I usually do mine just under my chin, since trying to figure out how old someone is, or if they have higher status, or, or, or, – is too much for this old lady. I smile, bow, and mangle the pronunciation as little as possible. If the people on the receiving end are pretty far away, I usually add a wave, since I always have things in my hands, and my carrier on my shoulder, and so have trouble freeing both hands at the same time for the wai.

The people are so very nice here. I now have several people who not only return my wai, they come over and patt me on the shoulder or back, or even hug me, so it’s a very pleasant way to honor the people you see.

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March 5, 2026 · 11:32 pm

Mugs to Love

Amanda Joy Wells

“Cup of joy in hand, ready to slay.” ~ Anonymous

Camille St. Onge – Artist/Designer-Online- @slashofblue

“Sip, smile, repeat: the mantra of a coffee enthusiast.” ~ Anonymous

Dirt and Dragonfly – Etsy

“Cup of joy in a world of chaos. Finding peace in every sip.” ~ Anonymous

Garden Party – Pottery Crafters

“Coffee and contemplation: the perfect duo for lazy afternoons.” ~ Anonymous

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March 5, 2026 · 11:11 pm

Friday 3-6-2026

This is my newest painted sketch.

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Purr’N Pooch Pet Resorts

I had a glorious massage this morning and am feeling WONDERFUL right now! I am drinking a glass of water now because I read – “you should drink water after a massage to rehydrate muscles, aid in flushing out metabolic waste released during the session, and reduce potential soreness or headaches. Massage acts similarly to exercise by increasing circulation and, when dehydrated, lymph can become sluggish. Aim for 8-16 ounces shortly after, continuing throughout the day.” Ahhhhhhh!

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Vecteezy

We will go to the cafe this afternoon where I’ll sketch, read, and hopefully watch traffic if I get my favorite spot there. The cafe staff welcome you to stay as long as you like. I get an iced mocha and Brian gets an iced chocolate drink. Later on, if they can, we have them make us a lemonade. My favorite spot is a wonderful place to relax and sketch. I lose track of time as I sit comfortably, concentrating on trying to draw what I’m looking at. I usually do several sketches, then switch to reading on my Kindle, and then finally just sitting there watching the traffic whiz past – or watch as the cars, buses and trucks sit clogged up, while the motorcycles, motor scooters, bicycles and pedestrians, wind their way in and out between them. Simply amazing!

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The people at our chocolate place have gotten koi fish! This picture is awful, but I wanted to share the fact that the fish were very busily swimming around as we left.

Have some fun today!

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March 5, 2026 · 1:00 am

“Do Not Ask Your Children to Strive”

Nursery World

William Martin – via Will Watson-@academyofselfhelp – substack via John Hush – Substack

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March 5, 2026 · 12:51 am

Metalworking Projects 3

“Behind every great structure is a welder who made it possible.” – Anonymous

“Welding is a journey, not a destination.” – Anonymous

“In welding, as in life, there are no shortcuts to excellence.” – Anonymous

A welder’s work is never done, but the results are always worth it.” – Anonymous

“A good welder can weld anything but the crack of dawn and a broken heart.” Anonymous

“Metalworking Projects” – BoredPanda.com – Justin Sandberg, Mindaugas Balciauskas and Jonas Zvilius

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March 4, 2026 · 11:59 pm

Thursday 3-5-2026

Mrs M – @mrsmhere.bsky.social

“March brings breezes loud and shrill, stirs the dancing daffodil.”
― Sara Coleridge

I love this photo. It’s artistic, like the best of paintings as well as beautiful photos.

In Arkansas we knew spring had sprung when our daffodils sprang up. We had them all around our well house, plus dotted around in our planters, plus some clumps of them in different places in our front yard. I loved it when they bloomed, making our yard smile.

There was one ‘bouquet’ in particular that I looked forward to. One of my good friends, Debbye, died of recurrent breast cancer. At her funeral, there was a humongous bucket at the door of the church filled with daffodil bulbs. We were encouraged to grab a whole double handful and plant them in memory of Debbye. I did this, in a space in the front yard between the house and the beginning of the woods that surrounded the house. Every year they bloomed profusely, growing in numbers, the bouquet widening. I thought it was a fabulous way to remember a very special lady.

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I’m beginning to think that there exists a group of people I call ‘malicious puzzlers’ who exist to confound and frustrate people trying to put together puzzles. Among these are

  • the people responsible for leaving out one or more pieces of the puzzle, so you get all the way to the end and are unable to ever really finish the puzzle.
  • the people who carelessly pack the puzzle pieces so they are damaged, bent, or completely broken off so those pieces must be fitted at the very end of the puzzle building, still leaving holes or rough places in the finished puzzle.
  • I’m beginning to think there are people who delight in throwing in extra pieces that LOOK like they fit everywhere, but actually fit NOWHERE…

Can you tell I’m feeling a bit of frustration that my current puzzle featuring a truly handsome turtle is giving me fits? It’s making me doubt my ability to put puzzles together anymore. I work and work and only manage to fit a few pieces before I give up and go do something else. ARRRRGH! 😖

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We met my husband and his nurse at the hospital this morning to meet with his main doctor for routine blood work and an exam. The big picture was that the doctor was pleased and Harvey was alert and reacting to what was said to him. We got the meds we needed to buy from the hospital and the paperwork we needed in order to have the agency lady help us get his medical visa renewed for another 90 days.

The smaller picture made me feel like I was on a tilt-a-whirl, where you’re moving at breakneck speed in one direction and then are whirled around and jerked into the opposite direction over and over. He didn’t know who I was half the time. He called me, “Momma,” and he called Brian, “Bill.” Other times he knew who we were, but was saying things that made no sense like the trick they did this morning in the ambulance that allowed them to time travel. I was kissing his head and telling him I loved him, and he said, “I want my wife. She should be here.” I asked him what his wife’s name was. He said, “Linda.” I said, “I’m Linda. I’m your wife and I love you with all my heart.” He answered, “Where is my wife?” I also reminded him that in June we will have been married for 57 years. He looked at me and said, “It’s not long enough.”

Brian and I stopped for chocolate drinks on the way home. Brian knew I was upset. I told him the “Brian and chocolate are the cures for everything.”

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I’m going to dive into painting a sketch this afternoon. I hope you are also diving into something fun today.

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March 4, 2026 · 1:46 am

“Small Steps”

A lot of us make promises to ourselves at the start of each year to do a whole list of things we feel we ‘should’ be doing to make ourselves ‘better.’ And we honestly mean those promises, but somehow life gets in the way and….

Dying twice a year ago in February and having been given a 2nd chance at life with a pacemaker, plus pulling up stakes in the States and moving to Thailand to retire and live close to our son, only to have my husband suffer a stroke and be confined to a nursing home now, changes how I look at life.

I agree with this quote completely. Small steps – even only one – bring about the most lasting change. Mine is living in the moment. Really being present, noticing the little things that make my life beautiful, appreciating the people who mean the world to me, being grateful to wring every drop of joy out of each moment that I can, have completely changed my life

Getting to see the blood moon this morning, if only for a minute or two, feeling good enough to walk my mile on the treadmill, being happy when a friend waved at me at the gym, how good my shower felt, sharing breakfast with my son, writing posts for my blog and answering comments that readers leave, communicating with friends from the states, painting thank you cards for my housekeeper, enjoying an iced mocha my son ordered for me….

You take one small step and the rest ripples from that. When you’re aware of all you have, the gratefulness and happiness simply wells up inside and spills out all over.

My life is forever changed. I will live in the moment, cherishing the good I have found. What one small step will YOU take?

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March 3, 2026 · 10:05 pm

Metalworking Projects 2

“Welding is more than a process, it’s a craft.” – Anonymous

“Welders are like artists, every weld is a brushstroke.” – Anonymous

“A good welder can make anything with metal.” – Anonymous

“Welding is the art of fusing metals, but it’s the skill that holds it together.” – Anonymous

“Metalworking Projects” – BoredPanda.com – Justin Sandberg, Mindaugas Balciauskas and Jonas Zvilius.

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March 3, 2026 · 9:54 pm

No Word Memes 3

“No Word Memes” – BoredPanda.com – Adele’ Davidonyte’, Ilona Baliunaite, Robyn Smith, Karolina Kondrataviciute’

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March 3, 2026 · 9:38 pm

Wednesday 3-4-2026

This is my latest painted sketch. I also sketched some new thank you cards for Khun Nong yesterday. I’ll share them when they are painted.

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Nation Thailand

Brian and I actually caught a glimpse of the blood moon this morning on our way to the gym. What a glorious sight! Usually, I would get all excited about one of these spectacular events when we lived in the States, and then our weather was cloudy, rainy, or some other problem interfered. This was stunningly beautiful. It was just above the trees and we stopped for a minute or two to simply enjoy.

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I had my windows open this morning and Brian texted me, telling me that the air was unhealthy today. I checked my Chiang Mai Air Pollution Real-Time website and the reading was 120, well into the unhealthy range. I closed everything up and turned on the air filters. It doesn’t look bad outside, but I will monitor things more carefully to try to make sure my lungs are not affected. The ‘hot and hazy’ season lasts from March through April in Chiang Mai.

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When we visited my husband at the nursing home yesterday, we saw the tree outside his window sporting THESE! A nice bunch of Thai bananas. The Thai bananas are small and shorter than the ones in the States, but they taste so much better! The ones in the states can be prettier when you see them in the stores, but they may be essentially tasteless. These are full of sweet flavor. I just love them. My husband will share in a nice treat soon!

Also on the way to the nursing home I saw a man walking across the street with two large transparent bags full of several beautiful kinds of salad stuff. Lot of different types of lettuce. He was walking toward one of the food stores, so my assumption is that he will sell his harvest of the day to the food store, which will provide beautiful produce for their customers. No middle men. Just goodness changing hands.

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I wish you a fun-filled day.

“In March winter is holding back and spring is pulling forward. Something holds and something pulls inside of us too.”
― Jean Hersey

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March 3, 2026 · 3:10 am

Metalworking Projects

Metalworking Projects – BoredPanda.com – Justin Sandberg, Mindaugas Balciauskas and Jonas Zvilius.

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March 3, 2026 · 3:03 am

No Word Memes 2

“No Word Memes” – BoredPanda.com – Adele’ Davidonyte’, Ilona Baliunaite’, Robyn Smith, Karolina Kondrataviciute’

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March 3, 2026 · 2:55 am

Tuesday 3-3-2026

“Burrowing Owl”– Brian – @balail.bsky.social

I LOVE this owl! Isn’t he handsome?

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Brian has been teaching me about Thai money. Both the paper money and the coins are clearly marked, once you know what to look for – particularly on the coins.

The paper money is all different colors, making it easy to see what you have quickly. It comes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, and 500 baht. (Maybe more, but I haven’t seen any higher.)

The coins are a bit harder when you need glasses to see things up close. 🤓 They come in demonations of 1, 5, and 10 baht most commonly.

After Brian’s kind lesson, I can tell which is what on the coins. My biggest problem at this point is having to use the calculator on my phone when I’m in a place like the 7-11 buying several things, making sure I have enough money to pay at the register, plus figuring out how much money I’m really spending (comparing baht to U.S. dollars) There are roughly 35 baht to a dollar, so again I’m using my calculator to figure out how much something costs.

One thing I really like about Thailand is that you aren’t faced with trying to figure out sales tax at the checkout. The price shown is the price you pay. Period. I know that money has to come from somewhere for roads and city projects, etc., but I haven’t figured that out yet.

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Today I sketched out 4 more thank you cards for my housekeeper, Khun Nong. I try to stay ahead so I always have one to include with her pay each week. I’m simply thrilled to have her, and I want to make sure that she knows how much I appreciate what she does for me. (The one above is the one for Friday)

I also started painting a rabbit today. I’ll probably finish him up tomorrow.

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We visited my husband, Harvey, at the nursing home this morning. He was calm, comfortable, and was being well taken care of. He was glad to see us, though he called me, “Momma,” when I went in, wanting me to put his socks on him. He made almost no sense today, announcing that he had killed one of his “abductors” today, and that he had 7 or 8 wives now, but couldn’t remember the exact number…

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Make this a wonderful day and evening.

“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’”
― Robin Williams

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March 2, 2026 · 12:05 am

A Toast

Nanea Hoffman – Sweatpants & Coffee LLC

This one sentence describes the way I feel right now perfectly.

My heart feels so full I find it difficult to type. My son is trying to teach me to meditate, thinking of a thing I’m thankful for, closing my eyes, feet flat on the floor, FEELING that gratitude flow through me.

That is what I felt just now when I found this. Overwhelming gratitude that

  • my husband is comfortable in the nursing home,
  • that I’m living close to our son and that we spend such wonderful time together,
  • that I’m safe and incredibly well cared for,even though I’m in a new country where I don’t speak the language, don’t know many of the customs yet, am just learning the money, and am totally dependent on my son for everything
  • that I can spend my days in joyful activities, like writing this blog, sketching something and painting it, reading a good book, working on a jigsaw puzzle, listening to music, taking a walk, watching TV or a movie, taking a nap in the middle of the day, enjoying a mocha, watching the traffic
  • that I have friends from the states that I’m able to keep up with, and more friends from my blog, so we can help each other through tough times or laugh together
  • that I am getting healthier every day, adding to my exercises, eating right, drinking water, and getting enough sleep

We are all in this world together, helping each other the best way we can with what we have at the time, knowing there is care and love behind it. May we make our world a kinder place with everyone feeling as happy as I do right now.

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March 1, 2026 · 11:28 pm

No Word Memes

“No Word Memes” – BoredPanda.com – Adele’ Davidonyte’, Ilona Baliunaite’, Robyn Smith, Karolina Kondrataviciute’.

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March 1, 2026 · 11:20 pm

Monday, 3-2-2026

“Quietude” – PaulJWillson.bky.social

I absolutely LOVE this painting. It’s calming, mesmerising. I want to take a walk in there, find a spot to sit, and simply breathe…

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My husband, Harvey’s, nurse sent a video to Brian this morning showing Harvey up and in a wheelchair in the community room! The nurses were playing music and obviously trying to get the people to clap in time to the music. Harvey was actually trying to do it, even though I have NEVER seen him do ANYTHING in time to music before. Amazing and encouraging. 🙏🏻🎶

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This is my newest painted sketch.

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Brian texted me this morning, asking me to go through a Thai used bookstore list and see if there were any books I wanted him to order for me. I found two Nora Roberts books I didn’t remember, a book all about Thailand, and a book about sketching.

He could order all of them except the sketching book, but went on Amazon, found it, and ordered it! I can’t wait to dive into it!

My son is spoiling me terribly. Soon I will be completely insufferable…

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I hope Mother Nature is starting to smile at least in your direction now. I think everyone has had more than enough winter now and think that spring weather, planting, and outside activities should be starting. Hopefully, she’ll get the memo we sent soon!

“March is a tomboy with tousled hair, a mischievous smile, mud on her shoes, and a laugh in her voice.”
― Hal Borland

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February 28, 2026 · 10:33 pm

Lewis Fun

My husband and I enjoyed finding images we liked, converting the images to computer language, taking the thumb drive from the office to the shop, using the computer-guided torch system we built out there to cut the piece out from an 8×4 sheet of sheet metal, then welding it to the mailbox attachment piece we made. We then used an overhead projector to help me mark the blank sheet metal so I could redraw the image on the sheet metal, front and back. I then painted it with outdoor metal paint and then put several coats of protective spray on both sides so it would ‘weather the weather’ as well as possible.

We did designs for the holidays each month, plus favorite cartoon characters and more. We ended up with enough that we changed the mailbox decoration twice each month. It was the joy of our lives when someone would stop and tell us they enjoyed what we were doing. Some, in fact, said they went out of their way to see what we were displaying each month!

Here are some of our designs –

More to follow another time…

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February 28, 2026 · 9:53 pm

Swept Away…

Gary in Asia

One of the many things I find fascinating about living in Chiang Mai is the many differences in culture and how things are done.

In April I will have been living here a year (I can’t believe that!) and I have never seen nor heard a vacuum cleaner being used. Everything here is done with brooms and Thai people have brought it to an art form.

I found the photo above on the net, but while I was sketching and watching traffic at the cafe a few weeks ago, I saw a similar thing. Apparently the broom sellers use bicycles or motor scooters to carry and sell their wares. My mouth dropped open at the man’s finesse weaving in and out of heavy lanes of traffic in both directions, dodging other motorcycles, motor scooters and bicycles, as well as pedestrians crossing the street, stopping just to the side of the road to carry out a transaction.

This is my more traditional, boring broom and dustpan combination. There was an extremely tired Thai type broom here when I first moved in, but I discovered that even with a new one, there is an art to USING brooms here.

Awbrooms

Everyone has shades to cover their windows here due to the intensity of the sun until around noon, particularly in the hot season. I actually have something similar to this top shade in my bedroom. This broom is really soft and great for ‘dusting’ particularly in high places.

Thankfully, since I’m old, retired, and have a housekeeper for the first time in my life 🙏🏻, I just look at these different types of brooms with respect. As far as I can see, all are handmade for particular purposes.

Awbrooms

This is for outside. This design is great for picking up leaves as you sweep, a pretty constant thing here, since most things are blooming and shedding all year ’round. There is a real art to using this, though. I tried it and just made a mess, leaving most of the leaves still on the ground. There is a technique for sweeping UP at the same time as you use it as a regular broom, that picks even wet leaves (which they have a lot) up from the pavement and uneven sidewalks and into a dustpan or bag or whatever. There are people who sweep the streets here every day and their brooms look quite similar to this.

Escoba –

Another street broom or one used outside shops on the street or the front steps. This one is very effective if you know how to use it correctly.

Wentworth – called a “Turkey Wing” this is a kind of whisk broom.

Eve Floral Co. – this one is soft and used as a kind of mop!

I’m thinking of buying some of these to make a display on a wall in my place. A lot of them are really beautiful!

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February 28, 2026 · 9:09 pm

Sunday 3-1-2026

YouTube

“March bustles in on windy feet and sweeps my doorstep and my street.”
― Susan Reiner

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It is strange to be welcoming March and Spring from Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai has three main seasons: a cool, dry season (Nov–Feb) perfect for tourism; a hot season (March–May) with high temperatures and air pollution; and a rainy “green” season (June–Oct). 

The Old Farmer’s Almanac

When I lived in the States in Arkansas, March meant a long-awaited Spring. It could snow up to and including my birthday on the 9th, but then a glorious time of warmer weather followed with my itchiness to plant new flowers in my planters to go with the perennial ones, and getting my raised-bed, square foot garden started.

Taipei Times

March here in Chiang Mai starts a season of HOT and accompanying air pollution from Thailand and surrounding countries burning crop residue in preparation for planting. The sun becomes very intense and a lot of people use an umbrella to avoid sunburn, which you can get pretty quickly this time of year. When Brian and I are out walking, we take care to stay in the shade as much as possible.

I check the Chiang Mail Air Pollution Real-Time website daily now to monitor air before opening my windows.

Right now, before the season gets in full swing, I’m enjoying having my windows open, a beautiful cool breeze coming through with bright sunshine. It’s 78 degrees F. as I type, and it’s supposed to get to 91 this afternoon. When it starts to warm up significantly, I’ll close up, turn my air filters back on, and probably start the a/c.

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FirstCry

I have just started painting one of my sketches this morning. It’s celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. It will go up on the “Happy Wall” in my husband’s room in the nursing home at the proper time. I’ll post a picture of it, probably tomorrow, and then the painting will go on my shelf under some books to flatten it until it’s time to take it.

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Have a wonderful start to a new month!

“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.”
― Charles Dickens

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February 28, 2026 · 2:53 am

“Fur Real?”

This is the birthday card I painted for my son, Brian, in December.

We have a running joke where he asks me, “Are you okay?” for example. I reply, “Yes, I’m fine.” He looks at me and asks, “For real?” (only he pronounces it “fur real?”)

This has gotten to the point where I tease him about it, and he hugs me and laughs. I made him the card to further the teasing, while showing him that it means a lot to me that he doesn’t just settle for a pat, knee-jerk answer from me. He really wants to know.

Today we experienced icing on the cake of our running joke.

We were on our way to the gym and suddenly a bird started calling. It was quite loud and insistent, and occurred over and over. I started to laugh.

When Brian looked at me, I said, “Don’t you hear him? He’s saying, “Fur Real?” At which point Brian started to laugh.

We smiled all the way the rest of the way to the gym.

We now have a “Fur Real” bird! 😂 🤣

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February 28, 2026 · 2:31 am

Accountability – February 2026

This is my husband and me about a year and a half ago. I started trying to lose weight about two years ago, having varying success due to lots of factors, but mostly my own lack of dedication. I am 5’4″ tall (and shrinking) and I weighed 205 pounds.

I was on 4 different types of high blood pressure medications. I still ended up in the ER Feb. 11th in 2025 with low blood oxygen and my heart stopping twice. If I hadn’t been in the ER at the right time, I wouldn’t be here typing this.

I finally got serious about losing my remaining lard and trying to get as healthy as I could for my 2nd chance at life. We moved to Thailand to retire and enjoy life living close to our son. My husband’s stroke 2 weeks after we moved at the first of April last year changed our plans drastically. I now had even more reason to take my life and my health much more seriously.

As of this writing, I have lost 90.1 pounds and 87.2 inches. I now weigh just under 115 pounds. My weight goal is 110 pounds. That is where I want to maintain. (That’s in the green area under “healthy” at 20. I started at 36 “Obese.” )

Instead of 4 different blood pressure meds, I take one-half of one pill daily. The only other prescription med I take is thyroid hormone because I had my thyroid radiated due to Grave’s Disease.

I am eating breakfast and dinner. Brian and I order for ONE person, then I eat 1/3 and Brian eats the rest. I drink a lot of water now. The only recommendation my doctor had at my last checkup this month was that I drink more water, so I’m drinking even more. I’m not restricting what kinds of food I eat anymore, just trying to watch the portions and not eat in-between meals.

As you know, I’m walking a mile on the treadmill every morning. I’m also doing yoga stretches with leg lifts and some other extras one day and exercises with water bottles for my arms and back the next. I’m also using the stairs more and more at our building. I will add to this as I get used to it.

I’m a stickler now for getting enough sleep. Since I’m up at 4:30 a.m. each morning for the gym, I go to bed at 8 or 8:30 in the evening. I also don’t feel guilty anymore for taking a nap when I need it in the afternoons.

I am getting a massage every Friday and consider this part of my taking-care-of-myself regimen. I feel very, very lucky that massages here in Thailand are very affordable so I don’t have to feel guilty by spending a lot of money.

I’m taking short walks (staying on my side of the street so I don’t get flattened like a pancake by the ferocious traffic.) I plan to increase this as I can. I’m still working on my balance on the treadmill. I’ve gotten a lot better, but my balance falters when I turn my head suddenly, look up after paying attention to the sidewalk where I’m walking, or turn to look at a store window while walking. As soon as I have these under better control, I’ll lengthen my walks.

And there you have it. I’m hoping that by the end of next month I will have reached my weight goal and can concentrate on the exercise portion of my fitness routine.

Here are pictures that Brian took of me this morning.

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February 28, 2026 · 1:36 am

Saturday 2-28-2026

victoryroad.com

I love the optimism in this. Whether it’s true or not, or whether or not you achieve what you’re striving for, it’s the STRIVING and ATTITUDE that are important. Don’t give up on yourself or stop reaching for more.

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This was what awaited me when I returned from sharing dinner with Brian last night. Khun Nong not only left my place spotless, she brought flowers and left this arrangement for me to enjoy. I have never had a housekeeper before. It just wasn’t affordable in our home in Arkansas. I’m beginning to think I may never be able to talk about my housekeeper without being in awe about the whole thing. What a beautiful luxury. AND I won the lottery on housekeepers. When I say “spotless,” that includes washing the windows inside and out, baseboards, floors, kitchen and bath, lining up all my stuff more neatly than I ever leave it…. AND she brings me flowers.

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“Watercolor Dreams” by R. G. Ryan – Book 1 of the Jake Moriarity Series

Brian and I went to visit my husband, Harvey, at the nursing home today. When we walked into his room, he was reading! He didn’t want to talk to us because he wanted to finish the book!!! This is my voracious reader husband acting ‘normal’ for the first time since last April when he had his stroke. We sat and propped up the book a bit for him while he finished the book. Then he asked if there was another one in the series. We have now ordered the 2nd book, “Finding Wonderland” by R.G. Ryan, for him.

He was calm and comfortable, so that was good, as well. He told us he had gotten married (AGAIN!) since we saw him Tuesday. This was a different woman than the one he was going to marry Tuesday. He said he married her, but this was a different one. Couldn’t remember her name…

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everymum

After I finish writing posts for the blog today, I plan to do some painting, plus work on my puzzle. Pretty nice day

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Some of you have another day of February left, but we in Thailand are bidding February adieu here today. I’m hoping that spring is coming to the states very soon now. If I were there, I would be planning my spring raised-bed, square foot veggie garden now, plus deciding what I would add to our planters all around the house for the spring and summer. I hope you do it for me, if you enjoy doing that…

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February 27, 2026 · 12:09 am

Hahahahahahah

Vince, the Sign Guy – Indian Hills Community Signs

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February 27, 2026 · 12:02 am

Shadows 2

In my efforts to improve my drawing, I’m drawn to how much shadows add to a picture. I love the depth, the concentration on where the light is falling to GET the shadows, the angle of the sun determining the LENGTH of the shadows and more. I have no clue if I’ll ever be able to do this, but I will try to add some shadows to things as I go.

BBC

Digital Photo Mentor

Exporatorium

My Modern Met

The Skate Park Shadows – Wikiquote

Shadows with Photos 1

Wikipedia

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February 26, 2026 · 11:43 pm

“A Place to Ponder”

I read this piece by Matt Oliver – of “Among Trees” on Substack and loved it. The photography, also by Matt, is stunning, and the poem compliments both beautifully. He gave me his permission to share this with you.

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A place to ponder.

“Places like this hold a quiet stillness. A place to stop. To pause. To reflect. A simple tree. A lone subject. Ordinary, and yet remarkable.”


Underneath the Birch

Beneath the silver-latticed skin
the morning gathers, pale and kind.
Soft light sifts through trembling leaves
and lays its hush upon the mind.

The world, in muted greens and golds,
forgets its hurried, restless tone;
here, even passing hours grow still
and feel as gentle as her own.

I rest where quiet roots run deep,
where shadows breathe and sunlight parts,
a summer held in tender shade,
and all my thoughts unlace their knots.

“What’s a place that makes you pause, even when you didn’t plan to?”

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Matt Oliver – “Among Trees” on Substack.

See more of Matt’s Stunning Photography at Matt Oliver Photography

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February 26, 2026 · 11:22 pm

Friday 2-27-2026

“Walk Around the Lake” – Wallace Stevens-Patrick Visser – Substack

I love this painting. I want to GO here….

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Quora

I just returned from a WONDERFUL massage. Ahhhhhhhh! All my sore spots, kinks, and tension are gone, thanks to Khun Weaw, my massage therapist. She knows just how much to do without hurting me. I can fully relax. Such a gift.

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Freepik

I continue my day of being totally spoiled rotten here by going to the cafe this afternoon while my housekeeper, Khun Nong, makes my place sparkle. I have the sheets changed, the trash collected and taken out, fresh towels up, money and thank you card waiting.

I am looking forward to doing some sketching this afternoon. The sleepy rabbit yesterday was my last sketch in my book, so I need to get my pencil hot today and see what I can do. I’m also in the middle of J.D. Robb’s “Stolen In Death” book on my Kindle, so I’ll read a bit of that, as well. Fingers crossed I have my seat by the window so I can be amazed, once again, that the traffic, which looks completely chaotic to me, flows so well with everyone knowing what they’re doing. I think the thing that amazes me the most is all the motorcycles and motor scooters zipping in and around the vehicles at what looks like break neck speed.

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Delish

Do any of you remember the old Wendy’s Hamburgers commercials in the states years ago? They featured people trying to eat a hamburger, taking a bite of the incredibly thick, juicy burger, then putting it down while they used yet another napkin from a thick pile to clean up their faces, then did it all over and over again.

That’s the way Brian and I are on the mornings we eat a breakfast burrito. It’s scrambled eggs, bacon and salad wrapped up in a tortilla. It is absolutely delicious, but it’s one of those things, like corn on the cob, where you really shouldn’t eat it in public. You take a bite, and – if you’re lucky – get maybe one more bite before it starts to leak badly all over your hands. Each bite gets ‘stuff’ all over your face. I end up putting mine down and using my knife and fork to finish it. Brian, being a do-or-die sort, finishes his, then goes and practically takes a shower in the spray thingie in his kitchen sink…

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Seattle Green Cleaning Fairy

I’m going to enjoy another hour of glorious breezes here with my windows open before closing up and turning on the air filters again. The air pollution chart says ‘moderate,’ but I want things to be really comfortable for Khun Nong while she’s cleaning. I’ll close up and turn on the a/c.

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Enjoy your day or evening. I hope you’re smiling and sharing that smile with someone else. They’re contagious, you know… 😁

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February 26, 2026 · 12:56 am

Role Model

Glenda Balint Powell

She is one of the few women I have known in my life who have actually, completely retired.

She and her husband Steve married, had SIX kids, and both held down full-time jobs; she taught elementary school music and speech, and he taught elementary physical education and was a swimming coach at the high school.

They both worked hard, but Glenda (or Jodi as Steve called her) worked harder. She did all the shopping, errands, doctor appointments, after school stuff her kids were in, made meals three times a day, every day, for 8 (packing lunches for everyone every school day.) She had no help for cleaning the house, kept all the clothes clean, etc. She worked from before the sun came up till way past bedtime to keep up with everything.

I became close to the family because Steve was my 6th grade gym teacher, and then I taught swimming with him every summer from the time I was 14 until I graduated from college.

They went to Lake Tenkiller in Oklahoma each weekend to rest, relax, and teach the kids to water ski. They put all the kids through college, supporting them in whatever they wanted to do.

When the children were out of school and the house, Jodi and Steve bought a piece of land right on the lake and went every weekend to build a home there. This took several years. They did as much of the work themselves as they could, hiring experts when necessary.

They finally sold their home in Tulsa and moved to the house at the lake. And Jodi announced she was going to retire.

This meant, for one thing, she was no longer going to cook unless she really wanted to. In the mornings, for lunch, and for dinner, if the weather was amenable, they would get into their small boat tied up at the dock by their house and motor across the lake to the diner that unofficially reserved “their table.” She and Steve would divide up the household chores and they would do the shopping together.

They invited us to see the house after they had been settled for awhile. I have to tell you I was shocked by Steve’s appearance. He was wearing actual clothes, not the swimming trunks he wore for years when I knew him best. And he had hair! Long white really great-looking hair! He had always shaved his head while he was teaching gym, swimming and coaching because it was simpler. I had trouble grasping the idea of a “new” Steve. And both of them looked relaxed and happy.

The house was really nice, a great combination of “sturdy” and “open to nature” to enjoy the location. Steve had made a humongous flower garden where Jodi raised every color imaginable of zinnias, her favorite flower. It was the prettiest display I’ve ever seen. We took the boat across the lake to share lunch with them. It was a delightful day, topped off by a bottle of zinnias Jodi had gathered and put on the floor of our car while Steve was showing us what he was working on.

Both Steve and Jodi are gone now. Jodi married a man whose last name was Powell. We went to the wedding – a combination of Jodi’s 8 kids, and a slew of Powell kids, as well, all having parts in the wedding as they combined their two households. Jodi looked radiant, with a ring of flowers in her hair.

Jodi is my role model of the way it could – and should be – at retirement. Most women shed their full time jobs outside the home, but continue cleaning the house, washing the clothes, cooking the meals, doing yard work, helping the husband with whatever he is doing – all the stuff she had done for years. It can be better.

In my personal life, I’m actually retired. The fact that my Harvey is in a nursing home is the cause of some of this, but after cooking 3 meals a day for over 56 years, packing lunches for work and school, Brian and I have something delivered for breakfast and dinner. We can cook if we want to, but it’s easy and quite inexpensive to order and just go downstairs to pick it up. I have the first housekeeper I have ever had in my life. I get massages every Friday. I get mani/pedi’s and haircuts. I choose what to do with my days.

I hope Jodi is smiling at me and cheering me own as she looks down at me.

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