a little love and a lot of light

This past year has been tough for a lot of loved ones. Tonight I got to experience a lantern festival. During these festivals people light a lantern and release into the sky with a dream, wish, or just over all hope. As I watched these lights drift up into the sky appearing to be little stars that eventually burn out and plunge back to the earth. I began to think back on this year, for me it was filled with love, and steps towards exciting new worlds, and beginnings. For others it was filled with hardship. When I thought about a good wish for the New Year I wished for a better and brighter year for my loved ones.

 I also got to experience something else amazing, though not so thought provoking but still fun. We were walking on our way to the festival, and an elephant and his trainer were hanging out next to the road charging 20 Tai Bot (which is 0.66$) to feed the elephant bananas and hang out. So needless to say I approached and fed this great ball of joy, a handful of bananas. When I wasn't giving him bananas fast enough he would blow raspberrys on my stomach with his trunk. I was also pleased to see that he appeared happy and playful. Not only was he sweet but he showed no signs of bleaching which is a visual indicator that an elephant is unhappy or stressed. I miss you all and I hope you have a hopeful and fun New Year. Lets raise our glasses to 2013 might this year bring more luck, happy dreams, and hope.

I just saw this dude so I thought I would throw him in!