We LOVE Skype!

I have one word to say and it's SKYPE. We love it. It has been fantastic and an absolute god send for us to keep in touch with friends and family from all over the world. With video skype, you feel like you can have the best of both worlds - being able to travel but also to see and talk to your loved ones in person. My 2 nieces are under 3 months so I get to see them grow up so to speak!

I remember when I first backpacked to Europe over 12 years ago and internet/ email was just starting to take hold. Now, I can't imagine being without it though nothing beats receiving a letter/ postcard in the mail that someone has taken the time to write and send.

Speaking of which, the very talented Fiona at Cartolina Cards has created an app for the iphone which I think combines the best of both worlds.

Images from iTunes

Mother Nature Knows Best!!

How gorgeous are these colours & textures? We're surrounded by orchids and foliage everywhere in our hotel - it's beautiful. I have already created some paintings in my mind........now I just need to find somewhere to paint!

Buy first, think later!

I have no idea what I was thinking but I bought some paintings today whilst walking around Chiang Mai. I stumbled across this gallery, saw these paintings and just had to have them. Not just 1 but 3, even though we have no home to hang them and we sold most of our belongings before we left!

Have you bought anything on a whim that you just had to have even though it is so inappropriate?

The Chedi

The ONLY place to stay in Chiang Mai is The Chedi hotel. Ideally situated by the river, the hotel is stunning and the service is exceptional! As soon as you walk in, there is a sense of peace and tranquility. We love it here so much, this is our 2nd stay.

Dragonflies

I've been photographing dragonflies as reference for future paintings. They're such magical creatures and very curious. I had a couple fly onto my arm.

Holiday Reading!

At the airport (on my way to Chiang Mai), I couldn't resist buying some of my favourite magazines showing the latest fabric/ wallpaper collections from Europe. Even though I haven't painted for the past month, my mind is never too far away from thinking about that next painting or new design.

Clean Up Your Act!

My blog is all happy & inspiring things but I have to say something negative today. One of the things I have been absolutely appalled at is the number of foreign tourists I have seen litter the beaches here in Thailand. IT IS DISGUSTING!! I have seen people smoke whilst they're heading in for a swim then throw their butts into the sea, burying their butts into the sand and throwing away firework sticks when they've finished with them. I know it's not everyone but it has been happening more often than not.

Can we please show some respect to not only the environment but to the Thai people too?

Surin Beach - image from TwinPalms.

Function and Beauty

While we were in Phuket, we found these huge earthenware urns filled with water and the prettiest flowers/ plant life - looks like it could be one of my paintings, right? Apparently, they attract mosquitoes so the fish can eat them. 

Missing in Action!

Sorry for the lack of blogging - I've been stuck at our beach for the past few days!

View from the top!

I think we must have a secret sense for discovering luxury....we were driving around the beautiful area of Kata Beach/ Kata Noi and we quite by accident stumbled upon a newish development of condos called The Heights.

I can see us living here! I wish.....