but show us what picture you have in your profile, mine is photo art (thanks to the very talented Byron )

bout 2 yrs ago ... pikes peak, colorado ...in june

well it's just me

lollyp0p said:

That's a beautiful picture hun...and yep I see Uma Thurman!!

Ocean said:

thank you ocean what a lovely compliment coming from someone so gorgeous

Steadwood said:

woo hoo...just like mine lol

I am not to blame for the tacky Photoshop butchering of the background

lollyp0p said:

Your welcome...I have thought so about all your pictures ...and thank you

Fauxie said:

Very Cool!!!

Ocean said:

Thanks. I have no idea what it's about though.

In fact, I think I'll change it to the old one I had on another account. Brb.

Changed it.



Recovered from a ruined temple in Suphan Buri and given to me by my father in law. Hope to get it placed in a silver locket and put on a necklace.

Fauxie said:

Really?...WOW...I LOVE it!

It's me

nada

Ocean said:

My Thai in-laws are Buddhist, and my father in law offered me the pick of several such pieces he has and I was drawn to this one. I didn't know what to say when he offered it to me. These are worth a lot in Thailand, for spiritual reasons, and monetary value were you so inclined. He has quite a few pieces like this, some in almost pure silver, some simply very old photos of renowned Thai monks set in lockets, and some just stone carvings like this one, and many of them are worth a substantial amount of money. Not a mind-boggling amount, but by Thai standards a great deal and certainly still considered a lot of money for a typical westerner like myself. He's unemployed, owing to a machine accident which makes it hard for him to work with his hands, and often has very little money (we look after the family as much as we can, but give my wife's mum nearly all we give as she always takes care of the family well). He never thinks to sell these relics. Unfortunately, the other day his wife was wearing the most prestigious one around her neck when feeding their paralysed son (Don't ask! Such is this drama-ridden family) and he bit it and cracked it! My father in law cried and cried for hours. Rest assured, I'm taking good care of this one.

Sorry, went on a bit, but maybe some will find it interesting.

.
[Edited 1/18/05 6:21am]

Fauxie said:

Wow that does sound like a wonderful family hun....and an amazing gift! Your poor father in-law must have been devastated ...I bet you will treasure it always....

Ocean said:

Certainly will. We live at home with the in-laws and won't be moving out anytime soon. I'm still learning so much and love these people too much to want to move away. Never dull, and often an absolute ball.

Ocean said:

I feel bad for your Father-in-law...is there any way to restore the icon?

applekisses said:

I don't think so. It was surrounded by a clear locket, but the icon itself has been cracked. It's still beautiful, but any attempt to restore it would probably worsen it. My brother in law has a strong bite on him. I think he's channeling all the power he's lacking elsewhere into his teeth!

I don't know if he meant it or not, but he does get understandably bitter sometimes. And he did once try (before his accident) to take a gold leaf buddha from the house and pawn it. He faired no better than a previous person who broke in and tried to steal it.

Fauxie said:

Aww...now I feel really bad for your in-laws. I imagine that he entrusted that icon to you because he knows it will be safe with you and you'll cherish it. That's a beautiful thing

For the moment, it's this:




And you're welcome, hun...

Here's looking at you....

Byron rocks

trailertrash said:

<---Me rockin'...

I'm on the right.