When Winter Comes

I always love the rain, the pitter patter of water drumming softly on the roof top. I love the rain, as it caresses the leaves and flowers with its softness leaving drops of crystals at the periphery. I love the rain, but not the one that makes me shiver in fear because of its accompanying winds. 

But the winter, though no snow, brings forth a melancholy vibes in my household. The garden for one is no longer vibrant. The yellow flowers that radiantly bloomed are long gone and the plants and trees are now in standstill. As if a magic wand envelopes them in sleep after long days of activities. 

I don't see anymore of the fluttering butterflies nor the hopping birds scooping worms from the ground. Less are the bugs that give colours and movement in my garden. All had gone to sleep.

The life in this egg is now in its own journey.

Stagnancy is reflected in the pond's water.

The hummingbird abandoned its woven nest.

The leaves, fallen. The trees, in rest.

We can't be always cheery and we can't always be positive. There are days of fear and days of worry. But just like winter, it is a passing season so as the feelings and emotions life brings. For some winters bring forth coldness while some winters of dullness. The winter of our lives should be a mindful time for rest and reflection. It is a time to slow down and recharge for spring. 

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.