Inspiration...[Entry #27: July 26, 2011]

[Above: A picture of one of the may little scenic resting areas in the Chiang Mai arboretum]

Entry #27: July 26, 2011

        I apologize for any those of you looking forward to each of my posts. Lately I have been a bit distracted in my life and have not been going out and having so many adventures. I have spent the last several days in deep contemplation about which direction my life is going. Originally when I decided I was going to make the journey to Thailand, my plan was a rough sketch of an idea to figure out what I am supposed to do with my life. Although I cannot say that I have fully accomplished that goal, nor perhaps will that ever be the case recently I have come to the decision that I have a finite direction that I wish to travel in, and goals of my own I wish to accomplish. Although I absolutely love Thailand, and Chiang Mai has particularly grown on me, I have realized that the time to stay here is not right, instead I will be heading back to Illinois within a month or so. I have not finalized my travel arrangements, but I feel now is the time that I must go back and I really need to work on and attempt to accomplish some of the goals that are important to me. I feel very happy about the decision, and it was with much peer and family conversations I have weighed my reasons and logic. But at the same time, my time here in Chiang Mai is not yet over; thus I feel that the time I do have remaining ought to be spent in a similar fashion to when I first arrived full of vigor and curiosity!

        Today I decided to go to the Chiang Mai Arboretum, which immediately I started making mental comparisons to the Morten Arboretum back in IL. However as I meandered through the winding path I stopped thinking about how different it was, and began to just enjoy the moment. I luckily had my camera with me and snapped many shots of some of the beautiful foliage and rustic elements around the arboretum. I have been almost overwhelmed lately with the beauty of Thailand, everywhere you look there are delicious sights, and beautiful sounds. As I walked through the arboretum I heard the sweet hum of a harmonica, and as I walked on I heard the strumming of guitars join in chorus and a melancholy song overlaid on the tune. I stopped and watched the two men practice their craft and felt inspired. That word has been a very good description of my thoughts as of recently. Two days ago I went to mall, just to grab something to eat because it was easy place to relax during the rush hour. I was not overwhelmed or all that impressed at first until I began to wander. I managed to find a small art gallery in the basement level which had some very good work, and some work that was decent but what shocked me into stopping was an artist. The very first thing I noticed was the man was drawing without arms! Well to be clear, he was drawing with both arms but they only went so far as the elbow. The next shock was how amazing his work was, I will gladly say it was better then the work that I produce. I took time to sit and speak with him and observe him working, and as I sat there I realized this man was whole and had a great personality. I was humbled and awestruck by this experience, he had such a chipper personality and here I am wondering who am I and what should I do with myself? The point of my journey thus far has been one of self discovery, to better understand my goals and desires and even talents. Between his work and my experiences here (not to mention some lovely support from friends) I feel I need to start producing art again. Although it is not my main goal, nor do I think it will fulfill the whole of my personal desires. I need that feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment again. Thus today I went and purchased some supplies, nothing terribly exciting, some pencils, an eraser, some quality paper on which to work. I think I will begin again how I always do and start with something simple and beautiful like flowers. If I can conjure up the strength to start this work again, I hope I will produce some images worth sharing with you all. That is all for today, but more adventures to come soon!