The words of the old Psalter ring through my head as I acknowledge Thanksgiving.  This whole-hearted stuff took years to understand.  The yellow wrapped around the lotus bud speaks of an unfolding offering.  A gift given with no expectation.  It is warm in Chiang Mai and the florist gently spreads ice around the floral arrangements to preserve their budding beauty.  Lotus laced with incense ready for offering.  A gift.

The bundles of stems were carried to the cutting floor for arrangements of every size and colour.  Years of preparing the gifts of thanksgiving for a whole city has turned this flower market into a cornucopia of coloured abundance.  A Thanksgiving gift that would make a turkey blush.

The coronation of Gail, the rebellious defiance behind that smirk, a moment on the way through the flower market.  Catching up to Gail in Chiang Mai has allowed us to not only compare travel journey, not only refresh failing memories about how many years ago…, but truly cajole each other into being better people.  Living and enjoying life with a program of recovery.

The celebration continues as Margaret and Gail pause in the night market. The vendors lining the sidewalks with wares and the locals cautioning us with bewares.

In the market the patterns of a whole week emerge!  Faces grinning Thanksgiving or whatever gratitude words work for you.  We are grateful walking the sands, soaking in sunshine and resting in a world of stimulation!  Each image a gift!