Filmogaz.xom
This is the year of the horse. Chinese New Year here in Chiang Mai is celebrated from today, Tuesday, February 17th through Tuesday, March 3rd.
We heard firecrackers last night and again this morning on our travels, signaling that people are starting to get into the celebrations.
The Chinese New Year has a lot of tradition. The main activity of each household and business is cleansing to sweep away misfortune. Red lanterns will be everywhere and people will be wearing new clothes. There will be exchanges of red envelopes with money while fireworks make the celebration quite festive.
Temple bells will ring. People will burn insense.
More modern additions are robotics and AI performances, lightshows, and the like.
Filed under Seasons/Holidays in Chiang Mai, Thailanf
Latest painted sketch
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We had the busy morning I talked about yesterday, got through it all, and lived to tell about it! HOOORAAAY! 😁
I walked my mile on the treadmill at the gym. I don’t know how to really ‘describe’ the differences I’m feeling – other than not having to hold onto the handle bars any more without falling on my head. The best way I can describe it is that I’m feeling my stomach muscles working for the first time in years and years. I feel looser in my ‘core,’ now and it feels GOOD to be walking – not having to concentrate so hard on not listing to the right or the left or having to ‘correct’ for balance issues so hard. 💪🏻
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Small Door Veterinary
I took a quick shower, dressed for the rest of the day, and we grabbed a GRAB (Uber type transformation) to go for my routine doctor’s appointment. I had dreaded it because the last time the lady took my blood for labs, it HURT and I ended up with a fairly impressive hematoma that lasted several days before just becoming a bruise and fading. This time she didn’t hurt me (Yea!) and I only have a small bruise.
The first time I went to this doctor was in May after we got my husband settled at the nursing home. We found my blood pressure to be sky high – they took my pressure several times, then got me meds to give me right there at the clinic so I wouldn’t stroke out. She suggested that I continue my efforts to lose the lard, be serious about taking the blood pressure medicine she prescribed, and exercise.
I am now taking half a blood pressure pill daily and it’s keeping me under good control. Since that first checkup, I have lost 35+ pounds (90 pounds in the past two years) and am doing yoga stretches and water bottle exercises on alternate days in addition to the daily treadmill, plus using the stairs here at the condo building when reasonable.
I should get the official results in the next couple of days. I’m hoping to get much improved numbers.
Something that made me the happiest – I am finally maturing as an adult (I know, you’re rolling your eyes and saying, “It’s about TIME!”) – but I figured out that I was wanting to see the doctor to have her give me kudos in my efforts to follow her advice. Now I don’t need that! I am happy inside MYSELF that I am trying to take better care of myself. I feel better than I have in a long time. I’m continuing to watch what I eat and my portions. I will continue trying to add to my regimen of moving my body more as I can tolerate it. 🙏🏻
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Harem – Wikipedia
After the doctor appointment, we went to visit my husband, Harvey, at the nursing home. His new nurse is very young and incredibly sweet. I don’t know her name yet, but Brian said he would write the nursing home and find out.
This was a very strange visit. Harvey was comfortable and in a good mood. He greeted us with the fact that he was going to be married again today. He couldn’t tell us the name of the woman he was going to marry. When I remarked that he had quite a harem now, he kind of smirked and said he couldn’t remember how many he had now or their names. He said he had 8 0r 9 children, but couldn’t remember their names, either. Brian described himself, and Harvey turned to look at him, but couldn’t come up with his name. When I told him I still wanted to be his #1 wife, he didn’t answer, so I might be being replaced….
I took him “Watercolor Dreams” by RG Ryan, one of the series of books I love now. He listened as I described the main character, a man my husband would identify with, and he looked interested. Hopefully, he’ll get into it later and get hooked, as I did.
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Chelsea’sMessyApron.com
We got back home around noon. My stomach had decided my throat had been cut. It had been since 5:30 yesterday since I had eaten. Brian had ordered half a chicken salad sandwich with avocado slices to be waiting for me when we got home – thereby saving my life. 🥪
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NBC News
I’m now up from a short nap, trying to get my act together for the rest of the day. I’ve retrieved part of my laundry from my drying rack on the balcony. I got my clothes from the laundry as we got home, so that is all under control now.
Our housekeeper is cleaning Brian’s condo this afternoon, so he will come to my place this evening, bringing dinner. We’ll back up my phone and computer data and then both of us will probably crash early.
A good day, all in all. I hope that you have had an enjoyable day or evening.
Filed under Thoughts on a ________
“Distance doesn’t dim a strong friendship.”
Nora, one of my long time best friends from Arkansas, sent this to me yesterday. Michael, another long time friend and our hairdresser, reached out via email. A third, Sandi, caught me up on her health and her plans for the spring. Another sent me a message on chat.
I have never had a LOT of friends. I have had a lot of acquaintances, but few close friends; so I feel so lucky that I can now put effort into keeping up with these wonderful people who mean so much to me.
Life gets in the way if you let it. You don’t MEAN to let weeks, months, and years pass without catching up, but it happens to all of us. Email and internet card places make it easier to show someone you miss them, you’re thinking of them, etc., but it’s difficult to even make time to do THAT anymore.
I lost one of my long time best ever friends last month. We emailed every day, sometimes more than once, but at least we got to tell each other how very much we meant to each other. I’m trying to make a point of checking on the people I care about, even if it’s just a quick email or chat message, to let them know how much I love them.
Friends in your life are priceless. Please join me in making them the priority that they are.
Filed under Friendship
My latest painted sketches
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123RF
Tomorrow may be a really busy day for us – making my hair blow. First, the gym. Then, instead of breakfast, we’ll go to my routine doctor appointment with labwork, followed by a visit to see Harvey at the nursing home. I will pick up my laundry. Brian goes to the cafe because Khun Nong will be cleaning his place and he will bring dinner to my place, and we’ll back up my computer and phone data while he’s here. I don’t know if we’ll have time to cram in some food before dinner or not…
So, I will make every effort to write to you, but can’t make any promises. Too much depends on timing 😳
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I wish you a quiet day – whether you’re finishing up Sunday evening or starting Monday morning. One step at a time.
Filed under Thoughts on a ________
Sheila Murrey and Richard Murrey
“Being Wholly Vibrant” is Sheila Murrey’s blog. I’m featuring Sheila today because I am so impressed with her, and grateful that she reads my blog, comments, and has become a FRIEND.
“Vibrant and joyful mom, wife, and grandmother of three youngsters, Sheila earned two college degrees (almost three) while working full-time and raising two children (in the 80’s/90’s). She understands the value of work-life balance.”
Her ‘resume’ is extremely impressive (almost intimidating, to be honest) in that she has experience in SO many areas. ONE THING she has done is publish several books –
Her passion revolves around CONNECTION and how things all work together in our world. She is into holistic healing, having healed her own problems with asthsma as one example, and is willing and eager to share her knowledge with others. She offers courses on all kinds of interesting things, available through her website and her blog.
She and her husband, Richard, create art, write and sing music, and the list goes on.
I’m proud to be on the same planet as Sheila. She is a caring person, easy to talk to, exchange ideas with, get information from, and just enjoy as the wonderful lady she is.
I’ve provided links to her blog, her website, her books on Amazon, but there will be more links you can follow to her classes, art designs by both Sheila and Richard, original songs (Richard has written over 400!) and other things they are doing. Give yourself a treat and set aside some time to bookmark and enjoy seeing some things that will change your life for the better.
Filed under Favorite People
Vince, the Sign Guy – Indian Hills Community Signs
Filed under Funny Signs - Humor
Catherine Rayner-Substack.
Happy Valentine’s Day! May you spend the day with your special someone swamped by love and affection!
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My orchid plant now has THREE blooms plus another three buds! (This was given to me as a condo-warming present when I moved in in May. The blooms promptly fell off and I thought I had killed it. 😢 I’ve been holding my breath, trying to continue following the directions I was given ever since and am THRILLED it finally bloomed again.)
I’m hoping for a bit more before I send the photo to my wonderful adoptive family here to show them it still lives. 😁
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I’ve been to the gym, showered, had breakfast with my son, Brian, have my laundry out drying on my balcony, and have answered emails and chat posts.
I’m starting to write blog posts and then I’m looking forward to spending some time painting some sketches. It’s the usual for this time of year – windows open to the breeze, beautiful sunshine and warm temperatures, and me grinning as I type…
Enjoy every minute of your day today!
Filed under Uncategorized
Aren’t these beautiful? I wish I could see the interaction between these animals. Just wonderful.
Hidre’le’y – BoredPanda.com
Filed under Amazing Animals
BoredPanda.com – Miguel Ordonez, Ingrida Jasiukeviciute, and Gabija Palsyte
Filed under Funny Signs - Humor
Lexi
Luc – Peeping Snowboy
Michaela Koop – Pinterest
Silent Sunday-Annette Beanland-Pinterest
Cristy-@cristy7475.bsky.social
These make me happy just looking at them! Isn’t the creativity of people amazing?
Filed under snow people
LionClima-Funimada.com
We went to see my husband at the nursing home this morning. Happily, today was one of his better days.
He actually liked the picture I made for him, and was happy when I added it to his wall.
We met his new nurse this morning. We didn’t get her name yet, but she and Brian exchanged phone information. She was very young and very quiet, but she had a new patient, her boss and several other nurses in the room when we arrived, plus meeting Brian and me. That would be overwhelming for anyone.
The staff gave me this sweet bouquet of flowers! They tried to give it to Harvey to give to me, but he wasn’t understanding. :0) When I thanked him for it, he told me he loved me. To say I will treasure the moment is a vast understatement.
On the way home I had another suprise. The GRAB driver had a valentine sticker on his cheek. I smiled and told him how cute it was. He melted into a puddle, smiling and saying, “daughter.” Then “I” melted into a puddle watching him.
Later in the drive, he handed me one of the valentine stickers. I promptly stuck it to my cheek, making him laugh. It was one of the nicest GRAB rides we’ve ever had.
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Shutterstock
It’s sunny and 91 degrees F. here. I have my windows open and a fan on, moving the nice breezes all around my place. The humidity is only 29% – that’s why it still feels so comfortable. When you’re out in the direct sunlight, you start to feel it pretty quickly, though.
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Britannica Kids
Yesterday I enjoyed my time at the cafe, making several sketches while waiting for Khun Nong to work her magic, cleaning my place. I’m planning to try to paint at least one of those today.
David Langley
I also finished “The Haunts of Cruelty: A Jake Moriarity Novel” ( book 4) by R.G. Ryan, one of my current favorite authors.
I had pre-ordered Stolen in Death” the 62nd book in the In Death series by J.D. Robb/Nora Roberts. It was delivered several days ago, so I’m itching to dive into it. I saw that “Fury in Death”, the 63rd book, will be released on September 8th, so I went ahead and pre-ordered that one just now. 🤗
When I finish “Stolen,” I’ll continue my re-read of the R.G. Ryan series,
“The Wood Between the Worlds: A Faint Reflection of Riddles Book One (Jake – book 5).
If you’re celebrating today, or your celebration is tomorrow, make it a day full of memories with your “special valentine.”
Filed under holidays
This is a reprint of a blog post by Shady – “Planet Positive” on Substack that moved me so much I had to share it with you.
“Librarian”
I’m a librarian. We close at 9 PM. But I stay until midnight doing inventory. Alone in the building. Last month I found a library card on the floor. Expired. 1987. Name on it: “Ethan Brooks, Age 12.” Thirty-seven years old. I almost threw it away. Then I saw what was written on the back. In a kid’s handwriting. “Return this when I’m somebody.” Couldn’t stop thinking about it. Who was Ethan Brooks? Did he become somebody? Did he ever come back? Looked him up in our system. Last checkout: June 1987. “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton. Never returned it. I did something weird. Searched his name online. Found him. Obituary. Ethan Brooks. Died three months ago. Age 49. Never married. No kids. Worked at a factory his whole life.
The obituary mentioned donations to our library. “In memory of the place that raised me when home couldn’t.” That broke me. This kid checked out one book. Wrote a promise to himself. Return this when I’m somebody. And thirty-seven years later he died thinking he never became somebody. But he was. He donated to us. The library that raised him. I had the card laminated. Put it in a frame. Hung it at the circulation desk. With a note: “Ethan Brooks never returned this card. But he returned to us in every donation he made. He was somebody. To every kid who’ll read a book because of his generosity. That’s who he became.” Didn’t think much would happen. I was wrong. People started leaving their old library cards. Hundreds of them. From the 70s. 80s. 90s. With notes about who they became. “I’m a teacher now.” “I’m a mom of three.” “I’m still trying.” We covered an entire wall. Called it “The Somebody Wall.” Because Ethan Brooks thought he wasn’t somebody. But he started something bigger than he ever knew.
A woman came in last week. Seventy years old. Walked straight to Ethan’s card. Stared at it for twenty minutes. I finally asked if she was okay. “I knew him,” she said. “I was his elementary school teacher. He used to come to the library because his home wasn’t safe. He’d read until closing. Every single day. I always wondered what happened to him.” She started crying. “I wrote him a note once. In a book I gave him. ‘You’re already somebody, Ethan. Don’t forget.’ He must not have believed me.” She pulled out her old library card. From 1985. When she was a young teacher. Added it to the wall. Wrote on the back: “I became a teacher because of kids like Ethan. He made me somebody too. We saved each other.” The Somebody Wall has 847 cards now. From people who thought they weren’t enough. Who thought their lives didn’t matter. Who worked factory jobs and raised kids and lived quiet lives and wondered if they were somebody. They were. They all were. Because Ethan Brooks left a library card on the floor with a promise he thought he never kept. But he did. He became exactly who he needed to be. Somebody who remembered where he came from. And made sure other kids would have what he had. A place that raises you when home can’t. That’s who he became. That’s who they all became.
Filed under Blog Repost - Wonderful Posts
Airtight Art Work
CindyChinn.com-creator Art Whitton
Imagine Metal Art
Alexander Kalifano
spoon art-Eagle-Collins
Wangstone Metal Sculpture Co., Ltd.
Filed under metal art
Tracy Chrest – @tracychrest989204 on Substack
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This lucky lady enjoyed getting a massage this morning, and is smiling as she types, not hurting ANYWHERE. 🤗
I do have one, teeny, tiny gripe about the obtuseness of other people – a couple came in while Khun Weaw was working her magic on me. They were loud, totally unmindful that anyone else was there, or didn’t care. There were several times when there were things banging as accommodations were apparently being made for both of them to have adjoining pallets to have massages simultaneously. The lady who has subbed for Khun Weaw was handling one and the owner of the massage place was handling the other. They wouldn’t be in a position to tell customers to be quieter or mindful of the relaxation of others, but it’s my opinion that you shouldn’t have to be ‘told’ something as simple courtesy and paying attention. – End of gripe.
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Brian and I will go to the cafe soon to get out of the way while Khun Nong makes my place shine. I’m eager to do more sketching while I’m there. I’m also in the middle of one of my Jake Moriarity series books by R. G. Ryan, so I can dive into that. ✍🏼 📕 I’m hoping I get my window seat so that I can watch the insane traffic for a while. 🤣
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Shout out to Lisa Richey, a very talented, lovely lady who is experiencing increased health challenges right now. I’m trying to send warmth, relief, and love in her direction.
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Kudos to Team USA in the Milan Cortina Olympics! I’m having real trouble actually watching the competition since I live in Thailand – but I’m following the news as much as I can. At today’s reading, the USA has won 4 gold medals, 7 silver medals, and 3 bronze medals. HOORAY!
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Have a wonderful day. Don’t forget to include something FUN in your day – even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Filed under Thoughts on a ________
Winter is my least favorite season, but I do love to see big, fluffy flakes coming down all around me, in my own private snow globe, catching the flakes on my tongue. My perfect snow is one that looks pretty, lets you say, “Awwww. How PRETTY!” and then melts. I also love to see the creativity people show when the create snow people or animals. I’m going to share some I found while playing on the computer yesterday –
Dawn Aiello-Pinterest
“Snowflakes are kisses from heaven.” ~ Unknown
Denisa Matei – Pinterest
“Cold hands, warm heart” ~ Unknown
Kul Collecive – Pinterest
“Life is better in the snow,” ~ Unknown
Lexi-Pinterest
“You’re never too old for a snowball fight”. ~ Unknown
Filed under snow people
Bored Panda – Miguel Ordonez, Ingrida Jasiukeviciute, and Gabija Palsyte
Filed under Funny Signs - Humor
@wholesomememes.bsky.social
“Zooming out” allows you to see what’s going on in the world in a different light. That helps a lot.
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Thailand Hilltribe Holidays
SEASONS – it’s hard to believe we’re almost to the ‘hot’ season –
| Hot | Mar – May |
|---|---|
| Rainy | Jun – Oct |
| Cool | Nov – Feb |
It was 68 when we went to the gym this morning and it’ll soon be 92 this afternoon. It really doesn’t seem hot unless you’re out in the direct sunlight. The humidity is low.
I am enjoying a really nice breeze with a fan on in my place as I type. I will regret it when the “hazy” part of the hot season arrives, when the farmers are burning off the crop residue. I’m getting really spoiled with the “cool” season right now. 😁
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Begin Learning
I’m going to try to do some sketching this afternoon. I’ve painted the last of my sketches, so I will enjoy spending time in my art alcove, or propped up with my sketchbook on my legs on the couch.
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I just returned from getting cash for my massage and my housekeeper tomorrow. I stopped and got some stuff at the 7-11 before coming back to my place. I met two of the kind cleaning ladies while getting on the elevator. The one I know the best smiled from ear to ear and started talking a mile a minute. I couldn’t understand a word. I said, “sorry” (caw tote ka-ah) and said I didn’t understand. She said it twice more and I still was a blank. Finally, she mimicked ‘sleep,’ and I simply smiled and nodded. She did, too, so it didn’t matter what my actual plans were. She is SUCH a sweet lady. (I gave her a Christmas card and she is the one who showed up at my door later with a bamboo-filled sweet for Brian and me to share as a thank you.) I ask their names and they answer with words that are so long they boggle my mind. So far, I feel I “know” TWO of the three cleaning ladies I have seen…
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Javier Perez, Artist
I have changed the sheets on the bed, changed out the towels, gathered the trash, put out cash and her weekly thank you card, and am now pretty much ready for my housekeeper, Khun Nong, to come and make my place shine tomorrow.
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I want to write two more posts and then I’ll see what I can sketch. ✍🏼
I hope that you are having a very, very pleasant day.
Filed under Thoughts on a ________
My good friend Sheila mentioned an idea new to me a couple of days ago – that of taking the time to really look at the wonderful people who take the time to read my blog posts, and – even more – comment on them. I’m really excited about getting to know you better.
Today we celebrate the fascinating life and art of Eunice Miller.
Eunice’s background includes being a trucker, jewelry maker, artist, photographer, gardener, and more. She brings this rich life experience and talent to create the watercolors I’m going to share with you.
She writes a blog that I’ve only begun to explore. I subscribed yesterday and read a few articles. I’m going to take my time and enjoy and comment. Her website is called “FolsomMillsStudio.com” and she offers original paintings in a variety of frames and styles, prints, totes, greeting cards, phone cases, tees, notebooks…. You’ll love seeing all she offers!
I fell in love with her watercolors right away, though. You’ll see why here –
“Autumn Leaves”
“Blue Place”
“Family Walk”
“Mist Rises”
“Water’s Edge”
“When Doves Cry”
“Wild Flowers at the Edge of the Field”
“Wildlife Viewing Area”
I can’t say enough about Eunice’s talent. I’m thrilled that she takes the time to read my blog and comment. Please give yourself the gift of seeing more of what Eunice Miller has to offer. Get some for yourself or for others at gift-giving times coming up!
Filed under talented readers of my blog
Tina Ann
I just got back from getting my “2nd-chance-at-life 1st birthday present – a mani/pedi –
I chose dark purple with sparkles in it. I hope you can see the sparkles in this photo. I’m not sure yet if I LIKE it – but I’m delighted to feel “festive” today.
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This is the sketch I painted yesterday. Today I’m working on painting the last sketch in my book. I started it yesterday, but need to put some finishing touches on it. Then I’ll need to get my pencil hot and do more sketches!
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This orchid is experiencing a rebirth of sorts, too! It was given to me as a Mother’s Day/condo-warming present last year by my adoptive family here. I have never received an orchid before, much less a PLANT. I was thrilled.
True to form though, my plant started losing its blooms, one after the other. I was following the directions for placement of the plant in the indirect sun, spritzing the leaves every other day, but I was really worried it would die. All the blooms left and I kept spritzing the two leaves that were left in the pot. A couple more leaves arrived after quite a while, so I kept up my regimen. About two weeks ago, a small shoot appeared! I got out the wire I had saved and re-inserted it into the pot carefully using the wire ties I had saved to attach the shoot to the wire as it grew. About a week ago, buds started to appear. Yesterday, the largest bud opened!!!!!! As you can see, there are 5 more buds that will hopefully open. HOOORRAAAAAAAY!
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I’m going to use the rest of the day to catch up on some things, finish my blog posts, and enjoy playing in my art alcove. I also might have time to work on my puzzle.
Make this a happy day!
Filed under Thoughts on a ________
One year ago I died twice in the ER in Arkansas. I had gone there at the insistance of one of the clinic doctors who was checking my husband and me for the flu. It turned out that my husband had Flu A and pneumonia. I had Flu A, bronchitis, and low blood oxygen. It was for the latter that the doc insisted I go to the ER. My husband was too sick to take me, so my good friend Carla took me.
That night my heart stopped twice. I woke up to see nurses standing around my bed asking if I was all right. I didn’t know what they were talking about, so they filled me in that I had to be brought back to life twice, and that the heart doctors were going to install a temporary pacemaker. They did, and then 3 days later, they installed a permanent one.
I have decided to start celebrating an “extra” birthday on February 11th each year, celebrating my 2nd chance at life. Today I’m celebrating by getting a mani/pedi. My son, Brian, wants me to color my nails ‘blue’ or ‘cyan’ again, but I think I’m going to go for purple. I’m enjoying getting to experiment and having something different each time!
Brian is making an appointment to get my pacemaker checked, and I have a routine appointment with my regular doctor on the 17th, so I’ll be all ready for a brand new year!
iStock
Dying changes your perspective on things. It makes you so very grateful for all you have. It also allows you to shed a lot of things that you didn’t need to be carrying around with you. You look at life differently – forgiving yourself for not being perfect. You begin to accept a lot of things you used to get upset about, realizing that there are many things you can’t change, and that the world will go on with or without you. You learn to cherish all the beautiful things and people around you and hold them close. You make a commitment to enjoy yourself more, to concentrate on all that brings you joy. You shed whatever you can, simplifying your life down to the essentials. You change your priorities and learn not to be pressured. You smile more. You FEEL the happiness flow through you. You take the time to rest and breathe, drinking in the wonder of it all.
It has made ME more aware of my health and more committed to treating my body the very best way I can. That means paying more attention to what and how much I’m eating. I’m actually allowing myself some things I had given up in my quest to lose weight. Oddly, enough, that change – particularly going to twice a day eating and portion control – has made the difference on almost reaching goal on which I have been working for over two years now. I am exercising every day – at the gym and again at home – to improve my strength, balance, flexibility and more.
I am committed to joy, for myself and others. I realize how the happiness just spills out of me since I began making time for the things I love. Not just allowing myself a taste now and then, but embracing it and making it the priority of whatever life remains. My cheeks hurt at the end of the day from grinning from ear to ear.
I want you to know (the wisdom of a one-year-old) that you need not die in order to learn and practice this. You learn to practice it in little steps at first – maybe 15 minutes on your lunch break or one of the last things you do at night before bed, and then expand on it.
Give yourself this gift. Maybe even declare a 2nd birthday on the day you start!
Filed under Attitude
@harryfoster.bsky.social
“Birds chirping around you is a beautiful realization that life is incredibly good. Let this sound be a gentle break in your routine.” ― Hiral Nagda
@harryfoster.bsky.social
“Every bird, every tree, every flower reminds me what a blessing and privilege it is just to be alive.” — Marty Rubin
I think these are just stunning.
Filed under Awe-Inspiring Photography
BoredPanda.com – Miguel Ordonez, Ingrida Masiukeviciute, and Gabija Palsyte
Filed under Funny Signs - Humor
@spiritualrefuel.bsky.social
We’re just back from visiting my husband, Harvey, at the nursing home. I’m grateful that he was comfortable (except for a bit of a cough) and wasn’t in any pain or upset.
There is very little left of the man I married almost 57 years ago. He lives in his own world now. He can’t tell you how old he is, what country he’s in, why he’s in a nursing home, and has no interest in things he used to care about. He did recognize us, though, and that’s good. The rest of the visit was a complete bust.
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These are my latest painted sketches. I have one more in my sketchbook, and I’ll try to work on that today.
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Airswift
Khun Nong is coming to clean Brian’s place today, so he’ll bring dinner to my place this evening. We’ll also back up my phone data and my computer data while he’s here. That has become routine now, and I’m pleased I don’t even need my notes on how to do it now!💪🏻 😁 I love our visits after dinner and backups. He’s such an interesting man, with a quick mind, sharp sense of humor, and interesting world view.
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Anne Grady Group
Well, our big street event for which a large sign was posted – saying to be off the street from 5am to 9pm Feb. 8th and 9th turned out to be a non-event. Nothing happened that we could see. Brian thinks it had something to do with one of the university’s graduations, and we did see a few dressed up people, but all I could find on the computer was that the general elections were happening at the same time.
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Today was Day 2 of going back to the gym after being sick for a week with a cold. Yesterday I added yoga stretches and the stairs. Today is arm exercises with water bottles and the stairs I’m officially back!!!!
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We will visit Harvey again this week. The usual “every-3-day” visit would be this Friday; but Friday is our busiest day, so we usually go a day earlier or later so we can have a good visit and ease the Friday schedule. Whether we end up going Thursday, Friday or Saturday, I will take the Valentine’s picture I made for him –
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Put some fun into your day or evening!
Filed under Thoughts on a ________
http://www.marblesculpture.com
“Within every block of wood and stone, there dwells a spirit, waiting to be released. Direct carving is a way of freeing the spirit – my own and that of the stone or wood.”
— Hap Hagood
Phillipe Faraut-PCF Studios
“Metal is somewhat forgiving, stone is not. With stone, my exploration is done through drawings and time, lots of time studying the rock. Even with that, the rock will often reveal its hidden self, exert its will, change my direction, sometimes in a surprising discovery. These are “ah ha” moments.”
— A. Wayne Hooker
Phillipe Faraut-PCF Studios
“Where did I learn to understand sculpture? In the woods by looking at the trees, along roads by observing the formation of clouds, in the studio by studying the model, everywhere except in the schools.”
— Auguste Rodin
Phillipe Faraut-PCF Studios
“A sculptor is a person obsessed with the form and shape of things.”
Henry Moore
1898-1986
Phillipe Faraut-PCF Studios
“The best artist has that thought alone Which is contained within the marble shell; The sculptor’s hand can only break the spell To free the figures slumbering in the stone.”
Michelangelo
Filed under sculpture
Indian Hills Community Signs – Vince, the Sign Guy
Filed under Funny Signs - Humor
I have been lucky to meet Bill, a fellow enjoyer of Substack lately. His writing and the photos he chooses to illustrate his thoughts really resonate with me. He gave me his permission to share one of his pieces with you!
“Be the one who adds more joy to the world than you take from it.
The one who notices—who offers warmth in small, quiet ways that ripple outward.
Joy doesn’t have to be loud or grand; sometimes it’s a gentle presence, a listening heart, a kindness given without an audience.
Be the one who chooses light even when the day is heavy.
Who understands that happiness can be planted—word by word, gesture by gesture—like seeds scattered along an ordinary path.
You may never see every bloom, but they will grow because you passed that way.
In a world that often rushes, be the pause that softens it.
Be the laughter that reminds others they are alive.
Be the reason a moment feels a little less lonely, a little more possible.
That is how joy survives—
because someone, somewhere, decided to be its keeper. 🌱”
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Filed under Blog Repost - Wonderful Posts
Nature Nomad-@naturecompass.bsky.social
Isn’t this lovely? So calming. It almost makes me like winter…
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Something is due to happen on our street today and tomorrow. A sign was posted, asking people to stay off the road, but not what was happening. Brian thinks it might have to something to do with graduation at one of the universities – a parade of the graduates and their parents? Anyway, I check out my windows from time to time. It’s a lot quieter than normal with only more “necessary” traffic.
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I slept in again today – my final day of healing from my sore throat and cold. I really feel fine, though I’m still bringing up a small bit of stuff. I will start back to the gym in the morning. I’ve been a true sloth this week.
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I’ll enjoy writing my posts to you and I also plan to paint a sketch or two. I have one I finished yesterday to show you –
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Facebook – our eggs were on the bottom with the chicken and sausage arrranged in a circular fashion on top.
Brian and I usually eat what I call a “Breakfast Burrito” for breakfast – scrambled eggs, bacon, and a lot of salad rolled up into a tortilla. Delicious! This morning we had 2 fried eggs with chicken slivers and sausage slices fried into them, plus a side of some watermelon. YUM!
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I’ll let you know tomorrow if we get a parade, party, or whatever in the street. Take care and make the most of your time. Fine a reason to smile!
Filed under Thoughts on a ________
creativeartworksblog 
Monday, 2-9-2026
“I found this picture and it spoke of joy. It made me wonder why people forget the importance of living. Maybe we get busy surviving and miss the simple truth—that life is not meant to be endured alone, but noticed, felt, and quietly appreciated.” –
John Rinaldo– “The Positive Pen” – Substack
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It is a glorious day today here in Chiang Mai. It’s 81 degrees, F. The sun is shining. My windows are open to a wonderful breeze.
DepositPhotos
I went to the gym this morning for the first time in a week! I walked a mile on the treadmill and still felt good. No sneezing, blowing my nose, almost passing out, or any other drama. HOORAY!!!!!
I plan to do yoga stretches later and I used the stairs in my building this morning!
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I’ve started painting a sketch I did Friday, and hope to do several today. Brian and I aren’t going out any more today since there was a sign posted for all vehicles to keep the street clear yesterday and today. I do hope that something happens today on the street; otherwise, people may ignore a sign to stay off the road next time.
We just had a tremendously loud BANG here. I texted Brian and he said it was “probably a transformer explosion.” Apparently, this is quite common, though I have to admit, it will take some getting used to… 💥 I did have to restart my computer before I could continue here, but Brian seemed unconcerned, saying “there might be other weird electrical problems for a bit.”
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In my efforts to lose my lard, my son Brian and I agreed that we would eat twice a day, breakfast and dinner, and have something like an iced mocha in the afternoons, or chocolate drink after we visit my husband, Harvey. Most of the time I do quite well with this, and am now within 4 lbs of my goal. Other times, though, my stomach insists my throat has been cut, demanding food. I usually drink a glass of water, but decided that if I had a bite of beef jerky, that would tide me over on those challenging days. Part of Brian’s text about the explosion included, “Jerky at your door.” I now have a package of “Natural Smoked Pork Jerky!” I will try to only eat a bite when my stomach is really growling after a glass of water. YUM!
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I’m trying to figure out a way to repost an article on cats that made me laugh out loud. It’s being recalcitrant so far, but hopefully I can share it with you.
Have a joy-filled “noticed, felt, and appreciated” day.
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Filed under Thoughts on a ________
Tagged as beautiful weather, Daddy & Sons Pork Jerky, first day back at the gym - yoga stretches - stairs, John Rinaldo - The Positive Pen - Substack - repost of Joy comments and photo, Monday Thoughts 2-9-2026, mysterious road closing, painting sketches, transformer explosion?