Well, I ventured out all by myself this morning, to the local morning market a few doors down, here in an area where they likely don't see many farang (foreigners), and made a purchase of a length of very pretty batik. Not an easy transaction -- lots of pantomime and crude sign language, but my vendor and I somehow muddled through. Pretty ( Read more... )

Writing from Thailand -- it's hot and humid and amazing here. Hong Kong was amazing too. I must say, we've eaten like kings our entire trip -- the sights and the food have all been fabulous. Sitting in the morning sun of our host's patio as I type this -- must go seek shade now. And partake of the sumptuous breakfast spread of fresh tropical ( Read more... )

Okee doke. So I'm taking a trip with my family soon, to Thailand and China. Anyone have any favorite book titles to recommend? (fiction, nonfiction, whatevah). Love to read pretty much anything -- but I'm looking for some particularly juicy examples. A truly compelling page turner or two I'm thinking will contribute significantly to my overall ( Read more... )

...to my son, dancing in this year's Nutcracker Ballet, *AS* The Nutcracker! Last night was opening night, to a sold out audience -- and he was amazing! My daughter was wonderful too of course. My big project for the show this year? Turbans ( Read more... )

Sigh. Tomorrow, my youngest turns 10. 10!

Why do they have to grow up so fast...?

My boykid is 13 years old today. I am now officially the mother of a teen! Wow, and what a day it's been too, and no end quite in sight yet either. Just returned from Pirates of the C. II -- and have yet to eat cake. Two of his pals are staying over -- they're all so wound up now from the movie I wonder when they're actually going to sleep....

Ay carumba -- got myself a good little workout last night. My husband and I, with the help of our children, purchased, loaded into our truck, unloaded and stacked some 500 vintage bricks from a local salvage operation, for what is to become (hopefully) the beginnings of our future backyard patio. The bricks themselves are a bit on the aged and worn ( Read more... )

My kids had spring break from dance -- and consequently *I've* had a break from schlepping them to and fro numerous time this week, as per usual. Right now in fact is exactly the time we'd ordinarily be running around around in a panic, grabbing stuff and preparing to leave the house in a mad dash to the studio. Instead, I'm being decidedly idle. ( Read more... )

My husband and I stayed up and watched an amazing movie last night -- has anyone seen Rabbit-Proof Fence? What a story -- based on a true one, and heartbreaking at times to be sure, but such a good film....

I just spied no fewer than six robins, or perhaps even more, taking turns drinking from our bird bath as they migrate through. And were they ever thirsty, those little dickens -- who knows how long they've been on the wing. What an amazing feat, their lengthy travels every spring and fall. It's really quite early for them to show their faces up ( Read more... )