why were they grateful? Well ... you know how it goes at family gatherings. Mom does not only get my latest "work of art" out, but also every time all the previous one's. It just became too embarrassing for me. I did a few good one's, as I can see now, but ... too much is too much.
At the time, it was mainly pencil drawings, charcoal and watercolours. The one I liked best was a portrait of Siddharta that really looked at you. An old bearded fella with really tired, wise eyes. I have not done any art for quite some time. Am actually thinking of starting again because I miss doing something creative. I did a few nice pottery things a couple of years back. I like beads, knitting, cutting and glueing, most things really but I do like to work finely, so woodburning is not for me. Enaemeling also not.

You like Chinese and Tibetan? Have you heard of Judge Tie? A series of books by Robert van Gulik? I am such a big fan. My daughter is into Japanese a lot lately. She is watching fan-subs in the same room as me and it sounds real funny at times.

Frivolous books: Terry Pratchett. The best laugh ever, but also magical and somehow, he shows you so clearly every single person has their own unique character and strengths and their own part to play within the universe, whether they like it or not.

Comments about the sex or skin of the presidency candidates? That is so "not done" around here. They do have opinions about the candidates, the gossips and speculations as to what they would mean to USA and the world in general.

Yes, the last few years I also did not watch TV very much. Sometimes I miss it and try to hang onto a series, or I organize a TV-evening with somebody, you know, we go over what's on the tube together and plan two movies, then I take care of dinner and TV-snacks and -drinks. It's lovely.

I am stunned and very honoured by your compliments in the end of your message. Hope to "read" you again soon.