Chiang Mai
Despite all evidence to the contrary, Jim and I are not planning to be gypsies this entire trip. We finally arrived at home base…the northern city of Chiang Mai. It’s been almost a week since we pulled into the station, weary, hungry, and happy to be back. When we visited Thailand last year, we traveled to three different parts of the country and although each had their charms, it was Chiang Mai that captured our hearts. The bus from the former capitol of Sukhothai was a pleasant five hour journey with the occasional stop to pick up locals going part of the way. We had air conditioning and the windows were clean so we could see the Thai countryside passing by. It was miles of flat emerald green with happy palm trees and rice paddies as far as the eye could see. Occasionally a 5 story golden Buddha would pop up ... read more
Sukhothai…the ancient capitol
Every day has been packed with new experiences and I am soaking it all in. The mornings bring such warmth (as do the nights for that matter) and vibrant color. Thailand wakes up quickly and there is life and movement everywhere. We got up early and said goodbye to Sherwood house where we were treated well and with grace. Everyone has been very sweet, with the exception of some of our fellow lodgers who often keep to themselves…unless you ask them for advice and then you can’t get them to stop talking. I find travelers to be a slightly insecure bunch, perhaps with good reason, but they often feel a need to but up barriers or try too hard to be cool. I am still figuring out my own identity as a “farang” (foreigner). The train boarded in Ayutthaya en route to Phitsanulok…our ultimate destination being the original capitol city of Sukhothai . ... read more
SANUK!
A concept central to Thai culture is “Sanuk” which means fun. “ In Thailand, anything worth doing-even work-should have an element of sanuk, otherwise it automatically becomes drudgery.” –Lonely Planet We’re sitting poolside with our computers and there’s something wrong with the internet. The two of us are somewhat obsessed with figuring out what the problem is. Since we left the states, Jim and I have been on our computers a lot, keeping in touch with many loved ones, my students, and researching the places we’re going. I usually try to limit my technology but for some reason it seems more necessary on this trip. Probably because of the book and being far from home…for so long. Facebook has become my ally. So here is the first minor glitch in the system and it’s making us crazy. I think there is something to be learned here. Perhaps it is a reminder to “be here now” ... read more
Leaving Bangkok
Today we leave Bangkok, and in many ways it feels as if now, finally the real trip is beginning. Gone is the shelter of the hotel with it’s concierge and doormen. No more mini-bar, towel service, or flat screen TV. Goodbye to the hustle and bustle of the city. We are happy to be on this next part of the adventure. After packing up this morning, we took a taxi to the old station where it was no problem getting a ticket for an express train to Ayutthaya. The “express” part didn’t quite turn out as it arrived late, left late, and seems to be moving rather slowly. We don’t really care. The day is so perfect and there’s no rush. Jim and I have been given the luxury of time….a very precious commodity. The station was filled with every imaginable sort of person, old and young, locals and travelers, young girls in tight jeans ... read more
Bangkok
We were very excited to finally arrive at the airport in Bangkok. It seemed like yesterday that we were here for our honeymoon, just one short year ago. We laughed at how little we knew then. When we got off the plane that first time around, we were offered a free “tour” of Bangkok…not knowing that this would entail stopping at various shopping venues. Our drivers would get a fat commission from anything we bought. The tuk tuk drivers do the same thing, so when you negotiate your fare it must be stipulated that there will be NO stops! This time around, we breezed like veterans through immigration and customs then headed straight to the taxi stand. Jimmy chatted in Thai with our driver and I was so proud of him. I’m learning a few things too. Like “kow bia Sing kop khun ka,” which means “I want a Singha beer thank you!” The Royal Orchid ... read more
At the Airport!
We’re at the airport and absolutely bleary eyed. What a wild day. What a wild three weeks! After months of anticipation and planning, the day has finally arrived to leave for Asia. I have felt so much support and encouragement at school from my students and peers. I am a poster child for the sabbatical program. It’s meant to be good for me, my students, and the AI community…and I already feel as if I’ve accomplished a little of that just by sharing my excitement with anyone within earshot. I am SO jazzed!! You know how when you go away for a weekend or off on a vacation, you always try to leave your house in order? It’s usually impossible, but most of us give it a try. Well the past few weeks have been like that except much, much bigger. I’ve been experiencing this strong urge to delete old emails, give stuff away to ... read more
Top Ten Things I will miss about Seattle
This morning I walked my dog Roxy out in the drizzly damp which will typify the Seattle weather for the next five months or so. I couldn't help but chuckle to myself because no matter how cold, how dark, how god awful it's going to get....I am not going to be here to deal with it. I am heading to the land of sunshine and warmth. What a treat to escape an entire winter. But there are some things I AM going to miss...and dearly. As our departure date approaches, I am feeling almost nostalgic for things I sometimes take for granted. When I made my list of "things I will miss," I started feeling very grateful. Despite my excitement for the opportunity to "get away," I have a damn good life right here and now. So here is my list of what I will miss....in no particular order. 1. My kids. I have been blessed with great kids. My oldest ... read more
I am getting ready for one of the biggest adventures of my life. How's that for an opening sentence? I have been fortunate enough (really fortunate) to be granted a sabbatical from my teaching position to write a textbook for a class I developed....Kinetic Anatomy. In the unlikely event you are reading this and don't already know me and what I've been talking about for the last four months of so, kinetic anatomy is about drawing movement. Kinetic means "pertaining to motion" and anatomy is "the science dealing with the structure of animals (and plants)" In this case, we'll be leaving out the plants. I plan to fill this blog with all sorts of details about the book as it develops so you'll be hearing a lot on the subject. Below is an example of the depiction of movement in a work of art. My book will deal mostly with drawing but I do plan to include a chapter on the history ... read more
What IS that funky smell? Well into my recent health kick, I am more sensitive to things that might make me sick as well as fat. This is my first day in the new studio and I am both excited and anxious about getting back to work. The building is nothing but work spaces for artists and craftsmen so who knows what chemical I’m smelling. Observations: the space is tiny…especially compared to my last studio which was a generous 800 square feet. I don’t know the dimensions here and don’t want to know. I can’t help but feel spoiled if I begin to complain….about anything really. These days I feel lucky just to be alive and healthy, not to mention my other blessings heaped on top of those basics. Jimmy, my children, my family…employment, talent, purpose, just to mention a few. But back to the new, tiny space…the ceiling is quite high which helps a ... read more