It was nice to finally meet Supasang and watch him perform at the International Lao New Year Festival 2013 in Richmond, CA. 

Here are more photos of the performers from Laos at last weekend’s LHF Lao cultural event ‘Beauty of Laos’ in Seattle…

Here are some photos. Lao recording artist, Palina Khampany, and other performers put on a great show in Seattle last weekend, and it was nice hanging out with the masters and performers from Laos. Editing photos takes time, more later – as well as some videos…

I really like the presentation here. Everything was delicious. The papaya salad and khao poon were outstanding. The food on a stick (liver, etc.) were awesoe.

Reception at ArtXchange featuring Manixia and Thoummy from Laos. Manixia leads a female demining crew and Thoummy is a UXO (unexploded ordinances aka bombs) survivor who currently runs a non-profit organization which helps UXO victims. Manixia and Thoummy are currently on a national U.S. tour.

More info @ legaciesofwar.org

Lao New Year celebrations in Seattle

May the new year bring you health, happiness and prosperity!

This wooden elephant carving made its way to America about twenty years ago when it accompanied me home from my first visit to my ancestral homeland. The carving was made by an artist in one of the villages I visited. I remember the artist telling me that it was unique and one of a kind, because it wasn’t mass produced like that ones that the souvenir shops were selling downtown. I remember feeling good about the fact that I was supporting a local artist by purchasing his handmade creation, and I was also delighted that I would have something elephant to bring home with me to America. I guess I’ve always liked elephants and what they symbolize.

The silver jewelry and lamp shade were collected during the various other trips that I’ve taken to the Jewel of the Mekong. I put these items together just for fun, and in so doing the process somehow reminded me that I should spend more time exploring my creativity. I used to really love art, and to draw and paint. Life has become so busy, and it seems that other interests have consumed the free time that I have.

Perhaps it’s time to be more creative once again, and to reconnect with things of yesterday.

It’s Winter here; cold, wet, and gray. It sure would be nice to escape to somewhere warm, even if it’s for a shorter stay. Mexico and Hawaii come to mind, and browsing through some photos reminds me of how warm, lush, and beautifully green it is right now it certain parts of the globe.

Dim sum in Chinatown, a Sunday morning tradition…