KW Mecca

Kitchener, Ontario, October, 2007I'm lying in a cold bunk on a very cold Second Class train across the Rajasthan Desert of India. Do I think of the Maharajahs from the ancient world? Do I consider that this is the place where much of the civilized world began? Do I think of the adventures that lie ahead? No. I think of 'KW Surplus'. It was here that I got the sleeping bag that is keeping Aw warm. Mom took me here just before I left for Asia and on a whim, I picked up some items that ended up saving my bacon on my trip. And the things I bought were sooooooo inexpensive. So here's my salute to you, KW, and of course here's to you Mom!

Happy Birthday To Us

Waterloo Ontario, June 24, 2007
My brother Pete is visiting from White Rock BC and since three of us have our birthdays so close together, Mom decided to have a birthday party for all three of us here in Waterloo. I'm holding the black forest cake with Mike at my right and Pete on my left. (Is that a balloon growing out of my head?) There are a total of 14 family members here, including all the kids. Mom put together a wonderful spread including ham and potato salad and Mike's wife, Lorrie made sushi. Melbah Toasty made her famous chick pea Indian Currie. Since I just got back from India this dish made me feel nostalgic. I even taught my family to do the head 'wobble' that you use when speaking about Indian food. It's great to be part of a family who genuinely like being together and sharing, without feeling any kind of competition; although there is the one bone of contention with the others. They all know (but don't really want to admit) that I am Mom's favorite. Happy birthday to Us!

Blogging The Blog

For the last five years I have been accumulating photos and movies. I keep a Journal as I travel around the World.

I tried writing a book but got stuck. I made great little film clips but I didn't have a full movie. Then a couple of years ago I reconnected with my sister in Ontario. Melbah Toasty has been writing Blogs since 1967. I didn't even know what a Blog was until she told me. (Just in case there's someone out there who is wondering, as they read this, the term 'blog' is a short form of the words: 'WEB LOG' or Internet Journal.)
Melbah is showing me how to run a successful Blog site. I love having a Mentor who can save me some of the learning curve. It gives me more time to write and take photos and Movies rather than trying to figure out the thousand and one details needed to create and maintain a blog.

I work as a carpenter in the REAL world, so blogging is a wonderful diversion from the construction business. Besides, in my new lifestyle I am always traveling, whether I'm in Canada building things or in Asia exploring ancient ruins, and I love to write about my adventures.

I phoned my girl friend; Aw, in Thailand to tell her the great news.
"Are you sitting down Aw? I AM BLOGGING."
"Stevie, you still Carpenter, mai kah?"
Hmm. I see I am alone as a visionary here. I try to show her the concept. "Aw, do you realize the people throughout the World I can reach with my stories once I create a solid audience?"

I have to admit I'm one of those glass-half-full kind of guys. It's like the story about the salesman who goes to a tropical Island to sell shoes. After a month he reports back to his company with the News: 'Sales potential here is useless. No one wears shoes on this Island.' But instead of giving up, the company sends it's top Salesperson, who reports back after only being on the Island for a day: "Incredible News. The sales potential on this Island is unlimited. Everyone needs shoes."

So that's me. I love writing these stories about my adventures. And I love showing you my movies and photos. I have a great Mentor (Melbah even made my Heading collage with all the photos and the title).

The biggest thing I had to get through my thick skull was: A blog is a work in progress. It really has no beginning or end. Your readers will come to it many ways and you can't control what they will be drawn to. I just write what I want to write and keep moving. When I first started writing my blogs in Thailand, I would write my sister and Mom and ask them if what I was writing was good. I had no way to gauge it, and I still don't. Fortunately they are my cheerleaders. I was very surprised when I would have people reply with encouragement. I have had a lot of people write to say they feel like they are on the Journey with me. That means a lot to me. I sometimes write the stories so fast that I don't even read them over before publishing. It's just the nature of the beast when I'm at a bus station in Bangkok with only a few minutes to put down my thoughts before heading off to the next location. So it's great to hear that people are enjoying the pictures and stories.

Here's what drives me to write:

• The deep desire to share my Journey with my friends and family.

• The satisfaction I get from recreating the experience in words and pictures. When I write this way and put my photos and movies together, it gives me a wider perspective of the events and enriches the original experience for me.

• Your comments. I love hearing your perspective on what I write. It's the icing on the cake for me. When I'm in a village in Northern Thailand, or in the chaotic cities of India, it's hard to remember that there is someone out there reading this blog. I want you to know, I really appreciate you being here to share my Journey with me.

So please send me your comments. And have a look in the 'labels' section. You may find I've written about you.

Erbsville World Reunion

Okay, you've seen [Erbsville Fan Club] but what about that Garage Sale? I'm glad you asked.

It's 'Garage Sale' day and the phone rings. Squiddy patters down the stairs and makes an announcement: 'Melbah, your dear sister, has ordered that we be ready for the Garage Sale at 9:52am. I have a look of shock and horror on my face. I'm doing important things here. It's Saturday; I have blogs to write. I don't have time for 'GARAGE SALES'. "Well, you can write your sister about it if you like" mom says. (Which translates into: 'Don't even bother to try to get out of it. Be ready." )
So I haul my sorry butt into Squiddy's car and off we go. We take a country drive down Erbsville Road and Mom announces: 'Stevie, it's just over that rise. When we get there, I am counting on you to do the talking." I have no idea what I am going to do.
But then I see a woman frantically waving cars into the parking lot. "Oh My God, that's her.

That's the accordion player." Melissa parks the car a discreet distance from the event and we get out. At first I'm thinking I will just look around before saying hello but then I see those arms waving and realize there is only one way to proceed. I head straight for the crazy woman with the flailing arms. As Elaine sees me, I start to say: "Hi Elaine. Remember me? We met the other day at Home Depot." I got as far as: "Helloooo..." and suddenly she shrieks.
"Steeeeeeeeeeeeeeve! Hey everybody, it's Steve! This is the guy I was talking about from the other day" and suddenly it seems that the whole parking lot of people stop what they are doing to witness this event. I come up to her and we hug like long lost friends. Elaine starts introducing me to everyone and telling them: "He just got back from India and Thailand" and he showed the movie of us playing the accordion, all over the World" (which is technically true).

"Hey Steve, you need to meet my brother. He plays the guitar." So off we go
The next thing I know, Elaine is introducing me to her brother, Elmer, and Olaf Olson; Pastor of Saint Paul's Lutheran Church here in Erbsville. Then a guitar comes out and a crowd is forming. I didn't dare look around but my sister and Mom both have their cameras out and this is suddenly turning into a World Event. Elaine (who I think should be running the Home Shopping Network) is ready for her cue. I point to her and say: "We're rolling Elaine" and here's what happens.

Elaine cracks me up. She starts by saying: "Steve is here at the Garage Sale as he is every year" even though I only met her for the first time the other day. She has single-handedly made this visit into an anual event. She's a wonderful promoter. I think CTV is missing out.

After the round of applause, Elmer starts showing us his Car. He tells me he has been restoring it for twenty years and it is a beaut'.

Everything is so surrealistic and these people make us feel welcome as if we're part of the family.We walk around the tables looking at the stuff for sale and find Elmer with a purchase in his hands.This is a quilt that Elaine made for the raffle here at the Church Sale. My sister and Mom bought tickets for it. (In case you're interested Elaine, my sister has a website showing the work she does in this area. See here site [Quilts And Handiwork]

As we're leaving, I ask Elaine to take her photo and she grabs Kelsey (far right) to Squiddy and Melbah in the picture. I hope I hear from my new friends in Erbsville. You guys are a blast and you make me feel very welcome here in Ontario.And for my friends in Alberta, I just want you to see the fuzzy dice hanging from the mirror on Elmer's Classic Car. When I first moved to Alberta in the late 'Seventies, I saw these all over the place in Calgary and Medicine Hat. So now I really feel at home here in Ontario too.

Thanks Elaine and Rudy for leading us to this incredible Erbsville World Reunion.

Dinner and a Movie

I finally had a chance to visit with my brother Mike and his family. They came over to my Mom's for a delicious dinner of glazed baked ham with all the trimmings. We even had baked Alaska for desert. Mom really knows how to make a meal!
When we were finished dinner, we sat down to watch a new Christmas video that Melbah, Mom and I just finished producing. We've been working on the video technology of Windows Moviemaker for the last three years. I think we nailed it this time. The movie's fast-paced, funny, and most of all it doesn't bore.

It was wonderful to have a chance to talk with my brother. I find that with my family, we love each other but we tend to not talk very much on the phone. We have the best time when we get together.

Melbah, you were asking how Mike's family enjoyed the video. Did they find it exciting? Did it enthrall them? Well...

Ticket To India

Today I went to Nippon Travel to get my tickets for Asia.

Okay, here's my plug for my travel agent. Elaine is fantastic. She had to change my travel plans five times before we were done. And she got me a great price. She managed to get me a flight from Toronto to Vancouver on Christmas Eve. She has me arriving in Bangkok in time to make my other connections for New Delhi India at just the time I wanted.
A few weeks ago, I thought I would have to arrive in Asia on New Year's Eve. But then she suddenly found me a ticket for December 24th. I told Elaine I couldn't go on Christmas or my Mom would kill me. A couple of days later I tried to score Brownie points with Mom by letting her know what a loyal son I was being by staying with her in Waterloo on Christmas. Her reply shocked me. "I don't care if you're here for Christmas. You're going to be here for the three weeks anyway. Take the ticket and go."
So everything is working out great. Thanks Elaine. Thanks Mom. India here I come.
...So you don't want me home on Christmas eh Mom?...

Happy 'Baste' Day to Me

Yesterday I knew something was afoot. I looked on my Yahoo Messenger and there I found Squiddy's Smiley Face showing 'Busy' beside it. Squiddy doesn't even know where to find that symbol. I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHERE TO FIND THAT SYMBOL! Then I saw that my sister and co-conspirator, Melba The Toasted One; had the same 'Busy' Icon beside her name. I smelled trouble and I was right.
This morning I woke up to a wonderful video on my computer. It was the best present I could have received and I want to share it with you.

Click To Play

My family and friends make me feel very loved and I want to say to all of you out there; Thank you, Coum Ahn, Khopt Khun Krup, and don't forget to 'baste' me and set the timer before you leave.

Love (and the right baking temperature) Stevie

Mom's Favorite Child

The storm has been brewing for a long time. The question that keeps raising it's ugly head is: 'Who truly IS Mom's favorite Child?' I hope this innocent video sets this matter to rest once and for all for those out there who seem to have a doubt (you know who you are...Melbah Toasty)

So here is my humble offering. You be the judge.

Click To Play

Still not convinced? Visit my [Erbsville Fan Club].

Monkey Temple

Prachuap, Thailand, January 24, 2006

I finally left Hua Hin to explore further down the East Coast of the Thai Peninsula.

Before I left, I picked up some silk scarves for you Mom. Let me know what other colors you're looking for.

This is me at my Guest House, all loaded up and ready to roll.

I took a bus to Prachuap Khiri Khan which is 80km South of Hua Hin. It's a quiet fishing village with a wonderful Temple on a Mountain but I came here for several other reasons; and they were all MONKEYS!

There is a Waterfall Fountain just as you arrive in Town and there are Monkeys everywhere.

On the street...

On the cars (remember African Lion Safari when those monkeys used to love to rip off vinyl roofs?)

Even on the Hydro Wires...

Now I know what the expression 'Barrel of Monkeys' is really all about.

I bought some bananas from this woman and had her feed these guys. The movies I got of this are a riot.

These monkeys live at the base of an ancient Buddhist Temple that is at the top of a Stairway 395 steps up.

The monkeys followed me as I made the climb.

Like old Souls, reincarnated to guard their Spiritual Home with Joy.

And as they messed up the stairs, an orange robed monk quietly swept it all clean again.

You can see the steps from this top view.

The Islands behind me are far away. The view is amazing. As I looked out I tried to imagine what it must have been like for the Thais as they saw the Japanese invasion force come on to their shores here. This was one of the points they chose for their invasion; right into this harbor. As I stood looking out from the top I wrote in my Journal:
"This is the Castle of Prachup Khiri Khan. It does not command as a fortress. It shares its blessings with the World. The people of Thailand have learned a great secret of serenity that we in the West can only hope to catch a glimpse of."

Etobicoke Catnap

I wrote about the Air France Fire that took place the day I was trying to fly to Calgary, where e I am now, but I wanted to show you the wonderful day I spent relaxing with some new friends and some very new Old Friends.

My sister, Melba Toasty, and my Mom, drove me and my hundred and forty pounds of baggage to Etobicoke, which is close to Pearson Airport. Vivyan and Dorian met us. I first contacted Vivyan in 2000 and we have been Internet twins ever since.

Vivyan is an avid gardener and she dug up some plants for Mel and Squiddy to take back with them to Waterloo.

Later on, Donna came over to join us for dinner. Donna has had a more exciting life than most of us would want. Just after she divorced her husband, he was shot by terrorists in South America. We hit it off like old friends, right from the start and had a wonderful talk.

Vivyan and Donna connected this way too and they have been great friends to each other through their recent struggles.

Dorian is a very unassuming man who brings a great calm to Vivyan's exuberance and helps keep things balanced in their lives. He is an artist who works with canvas and computer imagery. I find the more I get to know Dorian, the more I want to know. He is a kind, gentle Soul with tremendous insight into life. This picture exemplifies what I'm talking about but really, I think he was just resting like I was, after eating so much of the great food that Vivyan prepared for us. She's a wonderful cook and a great hostess.

That evening after we could eat no more, we talked and watched the 7 kittens at play. These are a couple of the loners from a local pet store. Vivyan wanted to help the kittens get used to people so they can be ready for their new homes.

Vivyan's sister even joined us for dinner. It was a day of Cats and Catnaps and great food. And especially great conversation.

My Vancouver Family

It was a great joy getting to spend time with Peter's daughter Sasha, and her sister Zara. Zara, I think you are a very talented person. The movie you made that day on my computer was great. Let's do some more together soon.

This is my niece, Amy; Scott's daughter, getting her boat ready to take to a cottage up North, with some help from her dad and, Steve, a good friend.

Here's Amy's husband, Bob. They both made me feel very welcome on my visit in Vancouver.

Meanwhile, Scott got this canoe loaded on his car, ready to head for his secret camping spot. This is Amy and Rachelle. Rachelle is Scott's wife's daughter. Scott is married to Judy. No, not that Judy; another Judy.

A few minutes after this picture was taken, Scott was heading through an underpass when the canoe slipped off the car. He was okay but I think he put a new dent on the car. This car is jinxed, it seems. A little while ago, a huge branch fell off a tree in their yard and slammed into the hood, causing quite the gash.

Judy was kind enough to drive me out to Kerrisdale; the neighborhood where my Mom grew up. This is your house, Squiddy. I have some great movies to show you too.

My grandparents have their ashes in the garden of this Church. My parents were married here. One of the strange acts of timing is that my Grandfather Hawkes died exactly one day after my father.

On Canada Day, Judy took me to a very popular breakfast spot near Kitsilano Beach, called 'The Nan'. It specializes in vegetarian food. I'm not really sure what I ate but it sure tasted delicious.

A visit to Vancouver wouldn't be complete without a tour of 'Wreck Beach'. This is a nude beach. This is the closest picture I dared take with my camera. It was a very educational visit. There was one man who stood on a large stump rotating like a light house. There are so many puns here, I won't even start. I honestly felt uncomfortable here because I had my clothes on and that made me feel like a voyeur.

In all the time I've known Judy, I have rarely had a picture taken with her. This is her apartment. She has a wonderful decorating sense. I truly wish she could find a way to use this talent to make money in Vancouver. She would make a fortune.

One of my biggest pulls to spend more time in Vancouver, is the bond I formed with Meg and my nieces. I rarely get a chance to speak in the language of my own spiritual path. The night with you guys was truly magical.

One of the highlights of this visit was having the chance to talk with Scott. He's my older brother, by 2 years. I was honored that you would share some of your personal challenges with me Scott. I never had the chance to take pictures of his lovely wife, Judy. It was a very busy week for her. We did talk about their travels together and how Judy got Scott hooked on exploring the World. Scott told me he loves his wife in a way that is very rare today. Thank you very much for extending your hospitality to me while I was in Vancouver. I love you guys.

My family in Vancouver helped me to remember the lesson I seemed to have forgotten most of my life.

You need to smell the roses and feel your life as you live it. Judy you are family to me as much as my brothers and sisters and cousins and nieces here in Vancouver. You have all effected me very deeply in this visit. You have created the deep desire in me to know you better.