Dream, Play, Stare at Strangers

On this day I smiled.  I recognized the child.  Playing with dirt.  Creating.  Staring stoically at strangers.

People around the world
wish to live their lives
in happiness,
in peace,
every day,
for themselves
for their children.

People everywhere
make wishes,
hope and dream,
smile and laugh.

Children everywhere
laugh, play, create...
stare at strangers.

Wishes for peace,
peace for children,
peace for people,
peace for all beings,
peace for the universe.

Early Sunset

Golden light appears, so briefly.
The dark settles in.
But, the light hours are coming!

Happy Winter Solstice.

Night Lights

It's another world.  In countless ways.  But even Angry Bird makes an appearance at the festival.

Read more about Thailand's Loy Krathong festival on the three previous posts.

Festival Lanterns

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See and read more about Thailand's Loy Krathong Festival on previous posts:
Festival of Light 1
Festival of Light 2

Festival of Light 2

Loy Krathong:Candles, lanterns, incense, fireworks, sparklerskrathong and khum loi drift into the full moon nightmingling light

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See and read more in previous post:  Festival of Light - Loy Krathong, Northern Thailand

Festival of Light

Loy Krathong was on November 28 this year but was also celebrated the following day in this small city in northern Thailand.  The days of festivities are a time for making wishes and making merit.  People set krathong (kruh-toeng) into the river and and release khom loi into the night sky.  Some observances are thoughtful and quiet while others jump into full party mode complete with fireworks, sparklers, firecrackers, bottle rockets.

Here friends gently hold the khom loi stationary as the lantern fills with hot air from the candle.  Wishes for universal friends....  :)

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