The Two Trees

"You can do it!"

"I can't. I am so tired and weary."

"Then take my hand, my friend. We can do this!"

Being single is probably a blessing for many because of the simplicity of living. One earns just for himself and one can party all night long without the worrying of someone waiting for your call or for you to get home. 

Being in a relationship is another thing. While you can still spend your own money and party all night long, there is a certain limitation that you can allow yourself to do. It takes more of a conscious effort to think that there's someone waiting for you. Besides, you wanted to be with that special someone all the time.

Being married is another ball game. This time, your earnings are earmarked for your family. If you are the breadwinner, you try to work doubly hard to make your lives better.  It is a life of responsibility and commitment, not just to nurture each other but to grow together as one. 

So when I saw these trees during one of my hikes, I took a photograph and decided to make them a story. I thought of making a sad narration of life but I decided to make it different. It then became a dialogue between the two, only if they could talk. 

Singlehood

In a Relationship

Happily Married

And all I want in my life is someone to say what I wrote at the very beginning. Have a blessed day, my dear friends.

Motorcycle Man

"Your old!" 
"Your nice!" 
"I like you so much!"

Children share their most honest impressions about me. Majority tells me that I am funny. Some tells me that I am a grandpa. Others believe I am a hundred years old. There are a handful that thinks that I have a twin brother and he comes to school when I am sick. 

When children grow older, they say different things. I remember a girl asking me if I have children. Another one asked whether I tell my mom about her (knowing all along that my mom is no longer around). Someone asked me recently why I teach and he told me that I teach because I am poor. (God bless his heart.) Another one asked me why my face is ugly. (God bless my heart.) And the most daunting I heard was a girl telling me she doesn't like me (which she does for fun and it does not bother me anymore). 

This young child called Kian drew a picture of me riding a motorbike. He usually sees me on the back of a motorcycle taxi and one day asked me why I don't drive my own car. He added that it is fine to ride a motorbike because it is faster and I don't have to worry about parking. What I like about the picture is that I am smiling and it means that the child sees me as a happy person.

And being happy is my ultimate goal, not riches or wealth. If I could travel more and go places, then I will be happier. If I am accepted as a person, then I am blessed. If I am loved, I am lucky. If I could be a role model to many then I am already fulfilled. 

The Temple of Phra That Suthon Mongkhon Khiri

I had seen this monumental temple last year during a driving spree around the northeastern part of Thailand but didn't have the chance to snap some photographs until the spring break. 

The Reclining Buddha

Although not an ancient temple, this magnificent edifice features beautiful architectures that are inspired by the ancient, traditional structures. Completed in 1984, this temple is most visited by Thais but not as much known by tourists because of its location.

Naga Heads and Bodies

Right Side Guardian of the Temple

Left Side Guardian of the Temple

Unfortunately I wasn't able to go inside the grounds which I was told was filled with amazing architecture and displays of Buddhist art with many fine examples of Lanna, Burmese and Laotian styles. The most prominent about this place is the tranquil surrounding and the stunning greens that envelopes the temple.

Footprints called Buddhapada
 (Dharmachakra at the centre of the sole)

The Buddha's footprints are usually depicted with the toes of all one length and with the wheel in the centre. Other early Buddhist symbols also appear on the heels and toes such as the lotus, the swastika ( cross with four arms of equal lengths), and the triratna (Three Jewels). Some Buddhapada can be very large just like this found on the reclining Buddha, displaying the 32, 108 or 132 distinctive marks of a Buddha in a checkerboard pattern. (source: www.religionfacts.com)

At 89m long, this is a marvel!

In my travels, I often look at the opportunity to admire nature's beauty and man's artistic endeavors with pride and fulfillment. I often tell myself that life is not just about stories and photographs, it is also about encounters: our encounters with strangers, with new places and with our own desire to grow better.

Art Auction 2014 Part Two

A mother of my student posted these art pieces on Facebook and it was fun to read their comments. As an annual affair, those who graduated from our little school knew how the auction worked. "It's gonna be a battle!" "I'm getting them all!" "They're all lovely, I wish I can get them." And so they did. 

Elmer, the Elephant - 400 USD

Silhouettes - 200 USD

Summer Blossoms - 100 USD

Reflections - 350 USD

A Walk in London - 60 USD

A Walk in London ( coloured pencil)

Waterbound - 100 USD

Waterbound, boats of Venice ( coloured pencil)

This is San Francisco - 20 USD

This is San Francisco ( watercolor)

All About Thailand - 300 USD

All About Thailand ( Acrylic) - bought for 300 USD

Movement in the City - 250 USD

Movement in the City ( Mixed Media) 

We collected 6,100 USD this year from five different classes. And how many smiles are we going to grant this year? Seven children will have their smiles fixed. 

I am fortunate to have lovely students and generous parents. May these art pieces be a reminder of their great and wonderful year at my school. Kudos to all of my students' parents. Thank you so much!

Art Auction 2014 Part One

Now is the time of the year again where we put the artworks we made this school year for auction. Last year, we made six children happier as we sent them for Operation Smile. This is an organization that helps children to correct their clef palate. This year, they will once again be the recipient of the money we will try to raise. Posting the artworks to remember the collaboration and artistry in the classroom.

Elmer, The Elephant (charcoal and acrylic)

Silhouettes (acrylic and sponge)

Summer Blossoms (acrylic on canvas)

Reflections ( acrylic on wood)

Throughout the years, the most expensive bid was 700 USD while the biggest accumulated amount for an auction was 6,000 USD. We had been helping out the hill tribes for many years and then Operation Smile. Hopefully, this year we will be able to send more deserving children so we can give them a better smile.  

Getting to Know You 5

Getting to Know You is a series of conversations that took place in and out of the classroom. This is the fifth of the series.

Student: There are buildings in the city. They are tall.
Me: Yes, some buildings are high and some are low.
Student: We can go up and down the buildings.
Me: That's right! (while transcribing the child's words)
Student: We can use an alligator!
Me: Hah! (wide-eyed face)

                                                                                   source: web

Student A: This is my book!
Student B: I have that at home.
Student C: My mom gave me this bag.
Student B: I have that too!
Me: I like your shirt. I have a shirt with a zebra print too!
Student B: I have that too!
Me: I have cancer!
Student B became quiet.

                                                                                   source: web

Teacher: You can tell me what happened and I will not be angry.
Student becomes quiet.
Teacher: Tell me! I will not be angry.
Student: I will not be angry!
Teacher: Toinks! 

Student A: I went to the doctor so he can stop my cough.
Teacher: How can the doctor do that?
Student B: It only stops when you die!

                                                                                   source: web

You shoulddon't, whatever! 

I am confused, should take my shoes off, or don't take my shoes off, LOL!