Tag Archives: sketching at the cafe

May 21, 2026 · 6:35 am

Thursday 5-21-2026

AOL.com

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I’m late in writing my blog posts today. The day went by in a blur and I’m just now sitting down at my computer.

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We went to the gym this morning for the first time in about a week – since we got sick. We are still coughing a bit, but mostly over the problem now. I felt kind of weak and wonky and so held onto the handle bars as I walked today. I don’t think it matters, as long as I’m doing the walking. I’ll gain steadiness and strength as the week progresses.

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We went to visit Harvey at the nursing home this morning. I took the “Tasmanian Devil” painted sketch I did. Harvey liked it, though he was pretty unresponsive otherwise, he seemed to like the sketch and wanted it on his wall. He was comfortable and calm, so that’s about the best it gets now. My biggest disappointment is that he didn’t remember our cutting out all the cartoon characters out of sheet metal in the shop to make the decorations for the mailbox…

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Brian took pics of the Cheetah and will order a glass print made of the photo for my statement shelf today. I took the puzzle apart after running my hands over it for awhile and boxed it up for someone else to enjoy. I started my new puzzle, the “Runway Roosters” this afternoon. I’m trying to put the border together now.

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We spent time at the cafe. I got my favorite spot by the front window. 😁. I finished two painted sketches and did some more sketches.

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Tomorrow will be a differently timed day than usual.

We will go to the gym. I’ll shower and go for my massage at the usual time. Then my housekeeper may be at my place before I come back from that. If she is, I’ll just close my bedroom door, get dressed for the day, bow, and thank her, and get out of her way. I’ll go to Brian’s and we’ll leave for the cafe for the rest of the time she is cleaning our places.

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“Always find opportunities to make someone smile, and to offer random acts of kindness in everyday life.”
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

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May 15, 2026 · 12:29 am

Friday 5-15-2026

Ali Khaliq-@kahliqali.bsky.social

I want to go here sit somewhere beside it, and simply listen and absorb.

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Latest two sketches.

I have decided that when Brian and I go to the cafe today to get out of the way of our housekeeper, I will fill the chair beside me with my carrier and my art backpack. The Chinese man yesterday was very nice, but I got the distinct impression that he might be there again today, expecting to spend whatever time I have there with me. If I HAVE to, I will just have to say, “I need to work today. Can we chat at another time?” I HATE that!

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Easy Peasy Foodie

My morning has been really nice. We went to the gym and shared breakfast. Our favorite breakfast is one “I” call a “Breakfast Burrito.” Do you remember the Wendy’s commercials showing people trying to eat a Wendy’s hamburger, taking a bite, then putting it down, wiping their faces and hands with a napkin, then taking another bite – stopping – over and over, with a whole pile of napkins? This is the way we are with the burritos. They are a flour tortilla filled with scrambled eggs, bacon, and a whole lot of salad (lettuce, carrots, etc.) plus some kind of salad type dressing. We each eat half of the burrito. It’s to-die-for delicious, but impossible to eat. Brian holds his, eats it while it’s falling apart, then goes to his sink and practically takes a shower to clean up from it. I eat a few bites until it starts to drip all over the plate and fall apart. I then put the rest on my plate, using a fork and knife to cut up the rest of it. I still end up mopping my face….

Thaiger

This morning was my massage. Ahhhhhh! Khun Weaw is back now on a steady basis, so I can feel myself relax as I go in. She finds and fixes all that ails me. I never have to worry about it being too much, even though there is one thing she does that feels like she’s twisting me into a corkscrew and that I might suddenly ‘pop.’ I’m drinking a bottle of water as I type this, supposedly to avoid soreness. I don’t know the science behind it, I just do it.

Brian was here working when I got back from the massage. I changed clothes and then did my backup of my phone and computer data. He then announced he had ordered a ‘snack.’ We have just enjoyed the impossibly decadent cream-filled-whatever-it-is with lemonade on the side. Did I tell you I am becoming the most spoiled woman on the planet?

We will work here for a while and then head for the cafe for the rest of the afternoon. Hopefully, I will get several sketches done. I am going to TRY to sketch the head of an otter, a concrete elephant sculpture we saw recently, and a type of shrine people build and display here when they build a house or shop to appease the spirits. They hope the house will take the place of the land that they are using. A kind of ‘Bless this House’ and good luck wish. It is also a place where people leave offerings of food, drink, and flowers. Then there are several images on my phone I would like to put my spin on…

I hope that you have a good weekend ahead. Please remember to consciously include some FUN in each day!

Wisdom Quotes

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April 29, 2026 · 4:32 am

Wednesday 4-29-2026

@dcfitzgerald.bsky.social

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I’ve had a good, busy day. It’s just after 4pm on Wednesday here, and I have been going non-stop the whole day. It has been glorious.

When we aren’t going to visit Harvey, I’m starting to paint one of my sketches when I get back from the gym and breakfast with Brian. While the paint is drying, I’m answering email and blog post comments, then doing a session with my new guitar. This morning I then did good yoga stretches, then did another layer of painting, another session with the guitar, and then it was time to go to the cafe. I did some good sketching – starting out at one place and then getting to move to ‘my spot’ to spend a good while. Brian, who was already wearing a sweatshirt over his tee, was too cold, so we came home.

I’m starting a new sketchbook (#3) very soon, so I got that ready this afternoon.

I laughed when I started trying to work with my guitar this morning. When I first learned to play, my teacher, who was from the deep south, would say, “Keep your flesh off the box, dahlin’.” You’re supposed to put your finger TIPS down close to the frets, resulting in a nice tone. When you “put your flesh on the box, dahlin’,” the sound is completely deadened. I was, indeed, puttin’ my flesh on the box, dahlin’ this morning – the neck of this guitar is quite wide for me, so I’ll have to work on techniques to get my hands and fingers to stretch to position them correctly so my chords sound like music, rather than noise.

It has been around 60 or so years since I played and sang at my high school, at my college, and at “The Dust Bowl” in Tulsa, a place where folk singers were welcome, so to say I’m starting over, learning the chords, finger positions, how to use a new style capo, is an understatement. There’s a YouTube site that helps you tune your guitar, another that shows basic chords and finger positions. When I’m ready, YouTube also offers songs with lyrics and chords! I basically play by ear, so this will help me out a lot.

My fingers hurt after only a few minutes, so I’ll do a session, rest and do something else, and then do another session, building my knowledge, calluses, and hopefully learning the proper finger positions so I can actually play some chords.

This is a wonderful way to learn. I have absolutely no pressure. No deadlines. No one will hear me croak or play. The insulation in the building is good so my neighbors won’t hear me. I am really, really happy to try to add back making some music to my new life.

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Newest painted sketch

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April 26, 2026 · 11:45 pm

Monday 4-27-2026

“What A Beautiful World” – @abbphotos.bsky.social

This is a beautiful photo with the background suggesting it’s a painting. Just beautiful!

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I’ve had a great morning, moving from painting some sketches to working on my Cheetah jigsaw puzzle, to working at the computer, to running a couple of errands, and more. It’s a beautiful day here.

Brian and I will probably go to the cafe. He tends to stay most of the afternoon working while I usually come back home mid afternoon to write more blog posts, catch up on email, etc. before dinner.

These are my latest painted sketches.

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123RF

Soon Brian and I will find good places to search for a used acoustic guitar for me. I’m missing playing and singing. I haven’t done it for years – and in fact sound like an ill frog when I try to sing along with YouTube right now, but this would only be for ME. I used to sing in high school and in The Student Entertainers at Oklahoma State University to help pay for my schooling. I sang folk songs then, and it was a fun, fulfilling thing to do. I don’t read music and would just work songs out that I liked by ear. Now you can find songs on the computer that show the lyrics AND chords! I’m hoping we can find something at a reasonable price. It would be a great addition of my fun things to do.

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Rover.com

Today when I get home from the cafe I’ll do a good, long session of yoga stretches. I opted out of the gym this morning, feeling that I needed another hour of sleep. When Brian and I shared breakfast, I discovered HE had not gone, either – feeling lazy, he said. The yoga stretches will loosen me up and make up for my sloth this morning.

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April 26, 2026 · 3:38 am

Sunday 4-26-2026

Patty Tait sent me this photo she took of female elephant seals lying on the beach on the coast of California on a short trip last week. I have never seen anything like this. Wow. Just wow. Thank you, Patty!

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Women’s Health

A big shout-out and THANK YOU to my wonderful sister-in-law, Mary Lou Lewis, who took us with her this past week for a vicarious trip to a beach on the coast of North Carolina – and not only that – but sent terrific pictures that made us feel we were there with her. Many of you wrote nice comments about both her photos and the fact that she let us come with her. I forwarded them to her so that she could read first-hand how what she did was appreciated. :0)

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I’m just back home from spending some time at the cafe and sketching. I got my favorite spot this time and was very comfy with my pillow to sit on, my mocha to drink, and my supplies ready at hand. I did several sketches. I’m in the process of painting several of them and will probably start posting some of them tomorrow.

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Meanwhile, I’ve been working on my Cheetah puzzle. I have the border done and the cheetah is emerging!

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I got the idea of drawing some of my husband’s favorite old school cartoon characters – like some of the ones we did for our mailbox decorations – to paint and add to his ‘happy wall.’ I’ll see what I can come up with. I hope he’ll be happy to see them.

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Wisdom Quotes

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April 25, 2026 · 1:00 am

Saturday 4-25-2026

“Forest Stream” -Ali Khaliq – @khaliqali.bsky.social

Here’s another place I would love to spend some time. Want to come with me?

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Two beautiful words –

We went to visit Harvey at the nursing home this morning and just got back. He was glad to see us, was comfortable, and mostly made sense. When I showed him the picture I painted of the water gun that also shoots LED lights for his wall,

he looked at it for quite a while and finally he said, “It’s good.” Those two words made my day – quite a bit more than that, actually.

This is his “Happy Wall” now. (The poster on the right is the “Reward” one Brian did for him about three of the things Harvey thinks have been ‘stolen’ since he went to the nursing home. The poster clearly states (in Thai) that these things are NOT missing, and thanking everyone at the nursing home for their patience with Harvey. (There is one on the outside of his room door, as well, at his insistence.) Today we clipped his fingernails, and then he used the fingernail file we brought recently. He wanted me to leave my fingernail clippers – and then proceeded to slide the fingernail file between his arm and the wristband on his watch, saying it will keep the people there from ‘stealing’ them. We told him we’ll bring him some clippers, and I managed to put the fingernail file back in the book – where it was as I left it last time.

He actually told us that he had read a lot of the RG Ryan book since we saw him last, and told us he would tell us when he was ready for us to order the next one in the series. We showed him a picture of the light we ordered for him, and he seemed to think it might work for him. (It was delivered this morning while we were visiting him, so we’ll take it to him Tuesday with a battery installed and a spare.) Finally, he wanted Brian to order French fries for him, so Brian checked on it while we were stopped for a chocolate after the visit, and it was being delivered as we checked.

So, as visits go, this one was a stellar visit.

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I’m working on my new Cheetah puzzle. I have some various pieces put together in ‘clumps,’ and I can tell it’s part of the cheetah. One of the clumps shows his whiskers!

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Next we will probably go to the cafe for a while. It gives focus to the afternoon and lets us enjoy a drink. Hopefully, my favorite spot will be free. I have a problem I haven’t had for as long as I remember! With my weight loss, I don’t have nearly as much padding on which to sit as I used to, so many chairs are now uncomfortable. I tried bringing a towel to add to the chair. Yesterday I stuffed a small pillow in my art backpack and that worked really well. I think it’s funny that my new problems with my size are so different than having problems squeezing into smaller spaces without running into things or knocking things over, or sitting on a bench seat rather than a chair with arms to give me more room. Change of focus can bring a smile…

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The Today Show

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April 21, 2026 · 4:00 am

Tuesday 4-21-2026

@imtravis.bsky.social

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I am having a good day. I was able to increase my speed just a tad on the treadmill this morning and didn’t notice any difference! I will do my water bottle exercises after I finish this post.

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We visited my husband, Harvey, at the nursing home this morning. Mostly it was pretty good. I got the idea of having him choose a water gun that also shoots LED lights, as he expressed interest in that the last time we were there, because I thought he might get a kick out of having a sketch and painting of it on his wall. He chose one he liked, and it will be a real challenge for me. I’ll do the best I can and hope he likes it…

The visit was heartbreaking at the end because he was asking about a pair of blue shorts and later about a wheelchair. He wanted to come home with us. The list of why that isn’t possible would fill a book, and we glossed over it as best we could, but the fact remains we simply can’t do it. He said he was comfortable and seemed glad to see us. 🥺

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Brian and I spent some time at the cafe. I did a sketch for Father’s Day that I’ll paint later, and I’ll get started on the water gun tomorrow, since he wants me to bring it on Saturday. No pressure….

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Brian took more pictures of the turtle puzzle. I took it apart today and put it out for adoption this afternoon. I opened the box and the Cheetah isn’t muffled anymore. The image of it is so good it looks like it should roar! I’ll start it soon.

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My SIL is having a much-needed, much-earned time at the beach this week. You and I are the recipients of a wonderful virtual vacation because of her generosity in sending photos. I’m sharing three with you today of the fact that she can enjoy views of the sunrise AND the sunset from this place!

Droolworthy views to be sure!!!

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April 18, 2026 · 9:19 pm

Sunday 4-190-2026

This is another of the gorgeous flowering trees that are blooming profusely everywhere now, even with 101 degree temperatures and no rain. All this beauty makes my soul smile.

Shout-outs to 3 of my favorite people:

Shout-out to Cathy, who has been very ill, but is getting better now. 🙏🏻

Shout-out to Nora, who is trying to get ready to leave her long-time home.

Shout-out to Mary Lou, who will hopefully be on her way to the beach tomorrow for some much-deserved relaxation time!

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This is my latest “Thai Street Scene” painted sketch of a balcony with windows below. I love the basic design of the building, the elegance of the balcony and the windows, once pristine black and white, and now with a fascinating design of mold adding character. I love the fact that plants in all shapes and flavors are an integral part of each place I see.

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My SIL suggested that I get one of the free language translator apps on my phone to help in situations where I’m resorting to pantomimes and sign language. :0). There were so many listed, I took my phone to Brian and asked for his recommendation. He uses Google Translate, and installed that on my phone for me, setting it for translation from English to Thai. I can type in what I want to say, or say it with the use of the microphone, and it will print it out in English for me and Thai for the person with whom I’m trying to communicate – another tool in my arsenal. Sometimes a good photo is all that is needed, as in the case with the Songkran bowl ceremony and the nursing home staff honoring my husband in that way. I feel good, though, having this translator on my phone that will help me if I need it!

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We have a quiet day today. Brian and I will probably end up at the cafe at least part of the afternoon. Brian has started going over, checking to see if my spot is available, then texting me. I love it!!! I am finding lots of things I want to sketch. I’ll try to paint at least one of them today, plus work on my turtle puzzle.

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Good Housekeeping

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April 16, 2026 · 12:23 am

Thursday 4-16-2026

This is my newest Chiang Mai Street Scene painted sketch. I’m trying to catch the wonderful ‘flavor’ of the shops. I hope you can feel how inviting it is to walk up, see what’s cooking in the big vats and skillets, and choose what you would like, in this case taking it home. In others, you sit at a table that is part of the shop.

I had a wonderful time yesterday evening at the last of the Songkran water fights. I found my favorite server at the cafe. This time he had a long tube of a gun. I will forever admire a good choice of weapon and the expertise to use it skillfully. He soaked me from head to toe, both of us laughing like loons, him being declared clearly the winner of the battle, though I got him good several times. I found my friends from the evening before. One of them gave me a necklace that had stickers of Disney characters on it.

My necklace is now hanging on a light switch and I hung my water gun on the wall. It is now ‘hors de combat’ – its pump having died quite early in the fight last night. Thankfully, one of our friends had a bunch of guns, knowing they last a very short time, and loaned me one to use. I’m really glad I participated this year. I will have wonderful memories to make me smile for a long, long time.

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IrishTimes.com

It was back to routine as much as possible for us this morning. We went to the gym and I walked my mile on the treadmill. This afternoon I’ll do exercises with my water bottles. Brian and I may decide to get outside and go to the cafe this afternooon, as well.

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I had quite a lot of laundry to catch up on due to Songkran, and that is out on my balcony drying as I type. Things dry really quickly and thoroughly this time of the year, even though my balcony doesn’t get a lot of direct sun.

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Brian really made me proud of him this morning. When we returned from the gym, he took the time to find the lady who religiously sweeps our street every day. She may be as old as I am (I’m a very poor judge of Thai people’s ages, though.) We have said ‘hi’ to her before as we pass. She is extremely hard working. He spoke to her to get her attention, and then he told her he had a gift for her. He gave her a blank envelope with a card inside, bowing and holding it in both hands to hand it to her. She looked very surprised. Inside was some money to thank her for the hard work she does, but particularly during Songkran when people are pretty messy. She saw what was inside, her eyes teared up, and we all bowed to each other. I’m so pleased that Brian takes nothing for granted, appreciates what people do, and wants to show that many Americans are nice people. :0) One proud mama.

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Yahoo

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April 11, 2026 · 9:39 pm

Sunday 4-12-2026

Songkran – Krabi – Nature

Yesterday I had two interactions that are still touching me and making me smile. The first was with one of the wonderful housekeeping ladies for the building. She came around the corner while I was sitting waiting for Brian to come down and us to go visit Harvey. She pointed up and I nodded that I was waiting for Brian and we were going out, but I bogged down when I couldn’t explain “husband,” “Brian’s dad,” “nursing home.” I finally got out my phone and showed her a picture of Harvey in his bed with his nasal tube. She looked at it, and then watched me hug it, and then I pointed to my wedding band. THAT got it. She smiled, hugged me, and then pointed to Harvey’s picture. She then used her hands to make her self smile. I pointed to Harvey again. She understood. She was hugging me when the elevator door opened. Brian looked surprised then showed her a big smile.

The other interaction was with my favorite server at the cafe. He brought his phone over and showed it to me. He wanted to know what I was planning to do for Songkran – I looked at him, mimed shooting a water cannon, then put my hands up in a ‘no’ gesture, then put my hands over my head and crouched down. That made him laugh. He is obviously looking forward to the festivities.

We will go to the cafe this afternoon, but probaby not again until Thursday. Lots of places will be closed for the holiday, including our gym and probably the cafe, so we have stocked up a bit and don’t plan to go out. We are still considering if we might be able to go visit Harvey Tuesday or not. There are two humongous water barrels in front of our condo which will be filled with water for people to ‘reload’.

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I’ve been enjoying trying to draw more difficult things lately. I don’t know if I will be successful or not, but I’m giving it a try. I will have lots to paint in the coming days, so I’m really looking forward to that.

Also my turtle puzzle is coming along, though his gorgeous eyes and head are still hiding.

I’m also going to enjoy a book on my Kindle, listening to music on my headphones, adding dancing to my exercises, and researching more things to show you on the blog.

I hope that spring has finally sprung where you are and that you’re able to enjoy more time outside.

Wisdom Quotes

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April 11, 2026 · 4:10 am

Saturday 4-11-2026

These are my latest painted sketches.

We went to visit my husband in the nursing home this morning. This was not one of the better visits, so when we got home. we regrouped and went over to the cafe. I relaxed, drank a mocha, and did some sketching. I’m now back home, trying catch up for the day.

We have one more day before we will be in self-imposed hibernation due to the celebration of Songkran here Monday through Wednesday of next week. (More about Songkran in another post) We are finishing stockpiling supplies so that we don’t have to go out after tomorrow, except for the gym, which we’re hoping is early enough to avoid a problem.

It’s officially 100 degrees here this afternoon – due to get to 101. The Chiang Mai Air Pollution Real Time index says it’s in the unhealthy range, so the windows have remained close and my a/c off an on, with fans to get a comfortable temperature in my place.

I’m officially at 50.90 kgs this morning (112.215 lbs.) this morning, so almost to my goal of 110. I’m within the ballpark of where I want to be, so I’m just watching my portions, rather than worrying about carbs, fats, or anything else. My eyeballs are floating with all the water I’m drinking, and I’m exercising every afternoon in addition to walking at the gym each morning. Brian says he notices that I’m stronger and steadier at little things, such as being able to stand still in the hot while we’re waiting for our Grab to arrive to take us someplace.

I got a laugh yesterday out of the alternate massage therapist, Khun Sulee, after she finished getting all the kinks out of me. I showed her this picture –

I put the phone beside my face and then pointed from the phone to me and back, then pointed to my legs and back. She finally got it and we both laughed. The resemblence is pretty amazing, except I’m not as cute.

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April 7, 2026 · 3:47 am

Tuesday 4-7-2026

This is my latest painted sketch. I tried to get the ‘flavor’ of the concrete power pole plus all the power and Internet lines. I’m so in awe of the ingenuity of the Thai people for figuring out a system that would work for them in this huge, growing city with constantly changing needs, repairs, new lines or additions needed, etc. I o got to watch a power crew working one day. Some men were on the ground. Others were in the back of a pickup truck, climbing a bamboo ladder from the bed. They had minimal tool belts, passing equipment and tools from man to man up and down while they CAREFULLY did whatever they were doing. To say it’s a dangerous job is an understatement. To do it routinely in the middle of heavy traffic with people walking all over the place is simply mind boggling.

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training/smashrun.com

We had an amazing sight last night. I had just gotten to my place after sharing dinner with Brian and he texted me to “look out the window.’ I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say there were 75 to 100 runners in black and white running gear running down the street. Bri thinks they were doing it to advertise something, but we don’t really know. I watched the group run past for at least 5 minutes before the incredible sight finished.

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This is one part of the Koi Pond that I visit on a regular basis to talk to ‘my’ fish. I think they are spectacular. The ‘pond’ is in an out-of-the-way strip or center. It is covered and there are chairs and tables. Someone takes meticulous care of the fish, the pond, and the surroundings. Brian and I think the largest fish are about 24 inches long by 5 or 6 inches across. There are babies in there, as well. It seems to ME that each one of the fish is different. It’s shady and quiet there. A perfect spot to drink in the beauty of Chiang Mai and relax.

This is one of the several real mosaic tables here. Isn’t it wonderful!

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We visited my husband, Harvey, at the nursing home today. He was more coherent than he is many times. He looked at my painting of the power lines and said they should sag more. I told him I loved him and he said, “I want a Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra phone.” I mumbled something and we went on. He can’t control the remote on the TV. He can’t use a phone, has bad Parkinson’s Disease, doesn’t know where he is, doesn’t know our phone number. He wants it so that when he thinks of something, he can call or text me. He wants to order things from Amazon. OH GOOOOOOD!!!!!!! Other than that, we had a pretty good visit today.

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Today our wonderful housekeeper cleans at Brian’s place, so he will head to the cafe. We’ve started a new thing the past few days. He texts me when he gets to the cafe and then I usually join him, grabbing my art bag so I can sketch. I like this better than him ordering me a mocha and me going downstairs to retrieve it, bringing it back to my place. It gives me a chance to get out more, have the joy of sketching at the cafe – in my favorite spot or not – and a break in my day. We’ll do this today, then bring an ordered dinner up to my place this evening. We use Tuesdays as a day to back up the data on my phone and my computer after we have eaten, and then to just enjoy some good conversation

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My other name should be “Ms. Clutz.” Today at the gym, one of Brian’s friends passed by the window as we were walking on our treadmills. I reached up to wave, and hit the back of my hand on the underside of the treadmill handle bars. I thought when I did it, I would have a bruise. What I didn’t realize at first was the treadmill ‘bit’ me. There was something sharp under there that opened my skin enough to bleed quite a bit. We were almost finished with our walk, so I just covered it with a kleenex until we got home. Now Brian is having a field day kidding me about punching out inanimate objects….

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April 6, 2026 · 12:10 am

Monday 4-6-2026

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HAPPY EASTER! I hope you had a beautiful celebration.

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It’s Monday here, so Brian and I have been to the gym, 💪🏻 shared breakfast 🍳 and taken my clothes 🧺 to an alternate laundry because our regular place is closed.

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Pond5

We have a quiet day. I’m going to TRY to get over my intimidation about starting the 2nd Thai street sketch today. The focus is going to be the power poles and power lines that make everything work here. If I can get the pole halfway right, then I think I can do the sketch….

Yesterday I joined Brian at the cafe when he texted me he was working there. Being the incredibly nice man that he is, he put his backpack in my spot to ‘reserve’ it while he met me and made sure I got there all right. So I got to watch the traffic that simply awes me, saw lots of pretty women in big hats to ward off the sun, and galked at the amazing traffic that everyone takes for granted here while drinking a delicious iced mocha and sketching.

He mentioned he might work there again some this afternoon. I’m hoping he texts me and invites me to join him again. ✍🏼

Animal Wellness Magazine

I have my yoga mat set up so that when I finish this first post, I’ll do my stretching like a good girl 👍 👏🏻

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April 4, 2026 · 11:35 pm

Easter Sunday 4-5-2026

internalmedicine.wustl.edu

I wish you a beautiful Easter – whether you are celebrating today, as we are hear in Thailand, or whether this is ‘early’ and you will. be celebrating tomorrow.

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Easter is not widely celebrated in Thailand, since most of the people are Buddhist. I am full of wonderful memories of celebrating Easter as I grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

I particularly remember getting some new, fancier clothes to wear to church. One year stands out in particular. My mom got me a pale pink angora sweater and a skirt that was tweed, bringing out the same pink contrasted with a pale grey. I felt like an angel in that outfit!

I loved the Easter church service, as well. We children would walk down the center aisle singing a hymn. When we reached the front, we would fan out and sing a second hymn, and then file out again with a third. We felt like such a special part of the celebration to be included that way. There was an organist who played every Sunday. My heart would fill when I heard her play. And then we all settled to listen to the sermon. Our minister had a deep, resonant voice that simply filled the room, making you want to hear every word. He kept his sermons simple, real, and everyone recognized the truth and wisdom he spoke. I can still hear his voice as he ended each sermon, his voice almost making the walls expand in the huge space, the sanctuary filled to the brim with listeners, saying, “AMEN!” The music would fill the room again as we all filed out, hoping to get one more word with him as we thanked him for his sermon. Such a beautiful, beautiful memory.

This church is in Tulsa. My Harvey and I were married in this church by that same minister. He performed our daughter’s funeral. Our daughter’s ashes are spread in the memorial garden to the side of the church where roses bloom in profusion much of the year. He performed the funerals of my mother and father. The minister is gone now, but he will have a special place in my heart forever.

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Wakefieldpetvet.com

I opted out of going to the gym this morning. I didn’t sleep well, had a bad charley-horse last night, and my blood pressure and blood oxygen readings were low this morning for some unknown reason. I texted Brian, slept an hour more, shared a delicious breakfast with him, and now feel fine. We are planning to meet at the cafe this afternoon, just to get out a bit. He’ll work on his computer and I’ll take my art bag so I can sketch.

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The only adverse effects I’m having from the air pollution “Hot and Hazy” season here so far is that my eyes are irritated and very dry. Yesterday Brian found some good eyedrops that are really helping. So I put in a couple of drops in each eye several times a day and I’m good to go!

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Country Living Magazine

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April 4, 2026 · 2:36 am

Saturday 4-4-2026

CeCe – @cece14.bsky.social

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We went to visit Harvey today. I put the Easter Bunny up on “Harvey’s Happy Wall” to remind him that we love him and think of him whether we are there with him or not.

He was a bit down today, but mostly made sense. We texted the manager after we left that Harvey was upset at all the sticking of his fingers for blood sugar tests. When we were in Arkansas we tested our blood twice a week because Harvey had diabetes (Type II) though he wouldn’t admit it, and I was pre-diabetic. He would have to stick his fingers two or three times because we couldn’t get enough blood to do the test. We had to tell the manager today that he was threatening to hurt the next person who tried to ‘torture’ him. She agreed to change the monitoring to once a week. Fingers crossed. Brian ordered French fries to be delivered this afternoon. We told him so he would have something to look forward to. Brian and I stopped for chocolate on the way home.

Update: the nursing home just sent Brian a video of Harvey enjoying his French fries. From his plate, it looks like the store sent him a note and a cookie extra. 😁

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Yesterday we spent much of the afternoon at the cafe to stay out of Khun Nong’s (my housekeeper’s ) way while she cleaned. I lucked out and got my preferred seat at the cafe by the front window. When my favorite server brought my mocha, I pointed to my art backpack – with the pouch he gave me for Christmas hanging from the clip on one side. I have used the pouch ever since he gave it to me, but he may not have noticed it lying beside the table. Anyway, his face lit up like a torch. He rushed away, then came back, wanting me to read something on is phone. It said, “I’m glad you liked the gift, Auntie!” and we smiled and bowed to each other. A really happy time for both of us.

While at the cafe, I took some photos that will help me with the new street sketch I want to try. This next one I want to emphasize the electrical system of power lines they have here. As with the first sketch, this one will take me quite a while to do…

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March 20, 2026 · 12:34 am

Friday 3-20-2026

FlipKart

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Today is my “thoroughly-pampered” day of the week.

It started out really nicely because we met the other housekeeping lady for the building as we left for the gym. I was finally able to give her a belated St. Patrick’s Day card. She grinned a HUGE grin and hugged me. She was the last one on my list. I’m not sure if Thai people celebrate Easter or not. I’ll have to find out so I can make some cards for my core people here if they do.

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BC SPCA

I’m just back from a really nice massage. Every week I still miss Lynn Moody, my wonderful massage therapist in Greenwood, Arkansas. Lynn is not only a super good massage therapist, she and I are FRIENDS. Each month we would catch up on what was happening in our lives. I was so lucky to find her.

My regular therapist was not there again this week. With our pantomiming, Khun Sulee told me (I THINK) that my regular therapist, Khun Weaw, had to move from her place, pack THAT DAY last week and move. She apparently has a new place, but is either painting it herself or having it painted before she moves in. I THINK she will be back next week.

I’m really lucky that Khun Sulee was available to do my massage this morning. I feel great now!

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Altenew

I have time now to write posts for the blog and catch up on a few things before we leave for the cafe. My place is ready for Khun Nong to come and scrub my place while I am having a mocha, sketching, reading the book on my Kindle, or hopefully watching the traffic out the front window.

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I tried the 10-minute video of Qigong yesterday afternoon. I found it very interesting. It usually takes me several times before I feel comfortable following a video and relax into it, so I’m planning to do it today after I return from dinner. So far, I’m impressed. I followed the lady’s instructions as best I could and DID feel tingling in my hands and arms, and DID feel more relaxed when I finished! I thank my friend Linda Smith again for letting me know about this, plus I found out my friend Sheila Murrey also does this practice. I feel a bit late to the party, but I’m delighted to add something like this to my day.

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“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” ―Thich Nhat Hanh

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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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February 21, 2026 · 2:56 am

Saturday 2-21-2026

@cristy7475.bsky.social

This image just grabbed me and made me smile.

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Storyblocks

Yesterday afternoon was satisfying for me. We went to the cafe to get out of my housekeeper’s way while she cleaned. I always take my sketchbook, my Kindle, and my sweatshirt. I am always delighted when “my spot” at the front of the cafe is vacant because that means that I can watch the traffic going past.

Yesterday I saw two examples of how crazy the traffic in Chiang Mai is –

Shutterstock – similar to what I saw.

A man walked past with his bicycle. That doesn’t sound like much, except that his bicycle was his ‘store.’ He had a gazillion or so different kinds of brooms tied to his bicycle in all directions and could still ride it. He would stop if someone showed interest, sell them a broom, and go on his way…

    Storypick – again similar

    A motorcycle motored past with a man on the front, a woman on the back, and their three kids and a dog in the middle!

      This all in the middle of two lanes in each direction of cars, buses, trucks, tuk-tuks, motorcycles, motor scooters, and then pedestrians on both sides of the street, and ones trying to cross the street. No street lights close by, no crosswalks – it’s simply fascinating to watch – not to mention all the different nationalities of people and all the different modes of dress…

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      I only did two sketches yesterday, but I think they may be the best I have done since I started trying to teach myself to draw. I’ll show you when I get them painted, but I had a GREAT time with them.

      Then I’m in the middle of the 62nd (I think) J.D. Robb/Nora Roberts “In Death” series book on my Kindle. I try not to allow myself to read very much because I get caught up and the whole afternoon is gone, or I read past my bedtime. I’ve already ordered the next one which is due out in September.

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      The very best part of our afternoon was that my son came into the cafe (I thought he had gone to the bathroom) carrying a sack of flowers! This is the first time he has ever given me flowers and I almost lost it right in the middle of the cafe. These are wreath-type shapes of small white flowers on a ribbon with a ‘fish’ fashioned from palm type leaves handing under it, and then two more flowers hanging below that. A lot of the GRAB drivers have this type of thing hanging from their mirrors and they are just lovely. Brian got me SIX of these, two each of the different kind of flowers at the bottom. I have them hanging all around my place, and even my condo is grinning with happiness!

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      I hope you’ve had a great day or evening.

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