Lizards

I was told some years ago that when I hear the sound of a house lizard, I need to knock on wood and wish for good luck. I still do it, out of habit, and not because I believe in the powers of that distinct tsk, tsk sounds. I am also fascinated how they can detach their tail to escape their predator as I often find  some moving tails whether I am in the kitchen or in the garden tending the plants. 

One day I was bored waiting for my special student to finish his work, I started working on another set of illustrations and this time, lizards. Frogs and lizards are two things that fascinate my student that why I drew some for him. Here are some of my lizard sketches. 

Namib Web-Footed Gecko

Himalayan Tree Dragons

Gila Monster

Blue-Tailed Tree Lizard

Basilisk

Wonder Gecko

Leopard Lizard

And nestled amongst the back of our shoe racks in school is a blind lizard that became a source of excitement for the children to look at every morning. The novelty is gone but the lizard had stayed put and is often off to search for food in the evening. We knew it moves because we find it in different positions everyday. 

Tsk, tsk, tsk... good luck for me! (I need some!)

Loy Kratong, a Festivitiy

Wat Bua Kuan (Bua Kuan Temple)

Last night, I witnessed one of the most beloved celebration in Thailand that I find inviting, baffling, and spiritually uplifting. It is called Loy Kratong, which is literally translated as floating a kratong, a slice of a banana trunk decorated with incense sticks, candles, and flowers.

A typical Kratong

Floating kratongs

I say I find the celebration inviting because the Thai people are all in the spirit of celebrating the festivity starting at six in the evening and the merry making ends until midnight. I find it baffling because I was told that the offering of the kratong is for the water diety wherein the offering is made as a sign of being grateful for the water source. It was perplexing because by floating kratongs, we actually make the water dirty. 

A family floating a lamp

Shine bright like a diamond

However, it was spiritually uplifting because I saw how Thai families gather together to celebrate as they line up to floats their kratongs or when they hold the floating lamp as they release them in the air. Wishes of good fortune to come and getting rid of the bad spirits are tied up to this celebration.

The only temple I have seen with an escalator.

35 baht as offering for the construction of a new temple.

And as I floated my kratong last night, I gave my prayer of thanks for nature's gift but also asked not of excess but moderation in turn of nature's fury. I hope for cleansing, not destruction and for faith restored, not questioning.

The Three Questions, a Reflection

I collect books and I have in my library more than two thousand children's literature ranging from award winners to reading series. As I was reviewing my inventory, I came upon this wonderful book which speaks about the meaning of life.

bookimagecollective.blogspot.com

The Three Questions is one of my favourite literature based on a story penned by Leo Tolstoy. The edition that I have is an adaptation to suit the level of the children I teach. When I re-read the story, it dawned on me that all my sunset stories can be answered by three philosophical questions. 

The three questions were:

When is the best time to do things?

Who is the most important one?

What is the right thing to do?

“Remember then that there is only one important time, and that time is now. The most important one is always the one you are with. And the most important thing is to do good for the one who is standing at your side. This is why we are here.”
― Jon J. Muth, The Three Questions

"I vow to live in the present and to refrain from looking back at the negativities for it is eating up my inner being. I will always look at the joy and comfort of the people around me such as my students and my closest friends including those I connect with through blogging. I will continue to do good, to extend my support, and pray for those who needed them most."
- Jon Yu, reflecting on The Three Questions

Finding Subjects: Shoot and Ponder

It was a good day to shoot pictures. As I was staying in a resort close to the river, the opulence of green and eye catching scenes made me drool with delight. An amateur in photography, let me indulge you in things I found, weirdly wonderful. And the imagery of each is dedicated to some of the awesome bloggers I found.

Shoot

Ponder 

Growing old does not mean we are no longer fruitful with our lives. It means a new chapter, with opportunities to share our experiences to the young. So we better make great stories with our lives so we partake in the telling and be an inspiration. ( dedicated to Ms. Joy)

Shoot

Ponder 

Our house should not be a haven of trouble but it should be of love. The ants, with their love for their Queen, made this simple yet strong abode for themselves. Our house should be nurtured with care and love amongst siblings and parents. We build together and we grow together. ( dedicated to Ms. Lili)

Shoot

Ponder 

Though the Heliconia flowers withered after blossoming a magnificent display of shapes and colours, its life passed through another chapter. Each and every year of our lives is a celebration of what we had done during the past. We celebrate our birthdays not because we wanted to tell the world not how old we are, but we wanted to be thankful for the blessings we received. (dedicated to Mr. Fiel-Kun)

Shoot

                                                                       Ponder

The size of these fruit simply enthralls food lovers while challenge the palete of some for its hotness. Things whether big or small have values. Remember that a tiny speck of dust entering our eye can irritate it so as the smallest endeavour is already an achievement. A warm hug or a big smile each day is enough to start the day. Some kind words to start the week can give us a better outlook of what lies ahead. (dedicated to Mr. Ric)

Shoot

Ponder 

Hiding conspicuously behind the younger and matured leaves is a cluster of fruit-like yields of a giant tree. Whilst growing through time, our image to others grows as well. There are people who are born with wisdom and had gathered rich experiences at a young age. Learning from their sagacity can gap the bridge between generations. I did. (dedicated to Mr. Geosef)

Shoot

Ponder 

These pink pearls of the jungle are not decorations for the trunks and branches. There is life in those small round egg-like ready to hatched in no time. Life is a series of birth and death, and to be a witness to both is a gift. (dedicated to Rix)

Shoot

Ponder 

The twist and turn of the long stem is a reminder of life's intricacies. Not everything that we traverse is one straight line which makes it easy to move. Along the way, some twists and turns will have to be endured. But it isn't the destination that we put utmost importance, it is the journey. Whilst rocky the path, it is faith and hope that makes us understand life's true essence. (dedicated to asiong)

Shoot

Ponder 

When life gives you direction, proceed with care as there are lefts and rights to turn to. Decisions are based not just of the mind and also of the heart. It is no guarantee that they will always be right but we do find what's good about the way we are trekking. Maybe by having faith and strength, that turn we wanted can give us the direction to follow. (dedicated to yccos)

Shoot

Ponder 

The flower is very distinctive as it resembles hands reaching up. They are like dainty fingers extended as if dancing through the sound of the wind. When we can support others with whatever we can be it time, words of encouragement or a simple hello; we might be giving others a needed boost at that time. We have our sunsets and sunrises and when someone peeks through that window to say "How do you do?", it gives us an appreciation of our existence and the friendships we made with others. (dedicated to Ms. Balut)

There you are, the photos taken from Suan Phueng, Ratchaburi and the people behind my blogging world. A big thanks to all of you.