Coasting.

I've been taking time to get to know people, and blend with the community. I went shopping at the nearby stores and talked with merchants. I had breakfast with the women of the hotel. I've been writing on other things.

One of the merchants told me the story of why Ganesh has an elephant head. He said it was in the day when Lord Shiva did not know Ganesh was his son. His consort, Parvati as Laxmi ( I think) was going to take a bath, and she bade Ganesh, her son to watch the door and let nobody pass. He did not know his father, Lord Shiva and Laxmi did not take into account that he might visit. Lord Shiva came to the door, strode in and was stopped by Ganesh. Ganesh would not let him pass, not knowing who it was. Shiva beheaded him on the spot for insolence. Laxmi coming out of the bath at the commotion cried out, what have you done? make it right! For some reason, the head was beyond repair, so Lord Shiva threw his trident and the first head it severed he put on the body of Ganesh and revived him. It was an elephant head. Laxmi said, you have made him a laughing stock. Everyone who sees him will laugh. So, Lord Shiva said, no, he will be the first everyone prays to, before me, to make up for this. He will be the one who brings success in all first ventures. That is why people pray first to Ganesh, then to Lord Shiva, when they start something new.

I love stories)

There were carvings of sandalwood. The man said that the ivory carvers are out of work since ivory is banned, and they turned to the precious ancient sandalwood, which is also soon to be banned. The carvings are very expensive, as they are finite. One I liked was a Namaste. the hands closed together as in prayer. You open them, and there were carvings inside of... Ganesh and his mother Laxmi. Rhada and Lord Krishna. or even Jesus and Mary. There were stone elephants carved so delicately that there was an elephant inside an elephant inside an elephant. One large one took three years to carve, he said. It was 660,000 rupees. at 40.35 rupees to a dollar. on the international currency calculator.. that is $15,061.62.

Many small things happen. All add up to constant learning for me. All people no matter how unsavory, are human beings and have worth. I like to think that, anyway)
Last night the people in the apartment next door sounded like they were tearing the place apart. it sounded as though they were trying to break the window, and throwing furniture. they screamed and yelled. As I finally got up to call the Security, they quietened. I guess they all killed each other, so.. no need to bother them :P

My pup is learning manners and adjusting. She's smart. Oddly, she loves baths, and wants to climb in the shower with me. I refuse that, so she figured out a way to get the water on her. She pulled out the shower curtain as I soaped my hair, and let the water run out. She caught the spray on herself. it made a lake in the bathroom before I noticed..so I had to use my towels to wipe it up. I thought it was a one time happening and I could watch carefully, but she did it again last night, so gets banned from the bath when I shower, now. I had to laugh. I give her baths when she asks for them (unless she just had one) and when I think she needs it.

She has charmed all the workers, and learned not to snap at them even in play, as they avoid her then.

I wrote ten pages on my book yesterday. I am so glad to feel like writing. It's been too long. I love the sunshine here, and the jungle. I very much like the people. It's interesting in the possibilities. There is an excitement here in the populace about their future. It's contagious.