tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204428472024-03-07T03:47:13.126-06:00Enderle TravelblogMelissa Enderle's travelblog on her travels to Mali, Tunisia, Serbia, Eastern Europe, India, South Korea, China, and other places around the world.Melissa Enderlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03729822400694474809noreply@blogger.comBlogger2253125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20442847.post-55155280793595856392022-05-04T18:10:00.008-05:002022-05-04T18:10:55.679-05:00Pastel Artwork: Song of the Yellow Bird<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWFyR74AYdrGK9AiHW4NipDMDX_XQRX4TIHMoxGo3IQBEdl0QISLkfizzheQkUu0OI7ITm1HxacToM6ZWIpCEhG-_3jeGx5UPmtU0-cY8jf6u2oEDP3ORiX2PyvP5o2U9h__G8emlqYwz1LpJ1iNPbsYglEaS10TWrjkR3En7Vdv5bwTVRU8/s2567/The%20Song%20of%20the%20Yellow%20Bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2567" data-original-width="2000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWFyR74AYdrGK9AiHW4NipDMDX_XQRX4TIHMoxGo3IQBEdl0QISLkfizzheQkUu0OI7ITm1HxacToM6ZWIpCEhG-_3jeGx5UPmtU0-cY8jf6u2oEDP3ORiX2PyvP5o2U9h__G8emlqYwz1LpJ1iNPbsYglEaS10TWrjkR3En7Vdv5bwTVRU8/w311-h400/The%20Song%20of%20the%20Yellow%20Bird.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>My latest artwork, a pastel painting of a Yellow Bird Dancer playing a traditional flute in Apache Junction, Arizona.<p></p><p>"Song of the Yellow Bird" ©2022 Melissa Enderle</p><p><i>See more artworks on my website <a href="http://www.melissaenderle.com">www.melissaenderle.com</a> </i></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on Melissa Enderle Travelblog</div>Melissa Enderlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03729822400694474809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20442847.post-57308742981718845532021-09-10T18:32:00.006-05:002021-09-10T18:32:49.484-05:00Pastel Artwork: Snuggles and Simple Pleasures<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span data-offset-key="all64-0-0" style="caret-color: rgb(228, 230, 235); font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">My latest pastel portrait, "Snuggles and Simple Pleasures." ©2021 Melissa </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(228, 230, 235); font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Enderle</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUfUsCsClyFcbr-HoxrghopFZ-omHI6ozzoecMJ6y4sqVQt5aV83aBFXv2D054TnLdJ7Ny9o3poKlJ4kTpMn1g0EgqxB47DVU_E6GeCHf7UdtymexA0ZyMGQNsHW_E36SVAWgPQ/s2048/Snuggles+and+Simple+Pleasures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1616" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUfUsCsClyFcbr-HoxrghopFZ-omHI6ozzoecMJ6y4sqVQt5aV83aBFXv2D054TnLdJ7Ny9o3poKlJ4kTpMn1g0EgqxB47DVU_E6GeCHf7UdtymexA0ZyMGQNsHW_E36SVAWgPQ/w316-h400/Snuggles+and+Simple+Pleasures.jpg" width="316" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="caret-color: rgb(228, 230, 235); font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><p></p><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="6v85k" data-offset-key="f2747-0-0" style="caret-color: rgb(228, 230, 235); white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f2747-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-size: 15px; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="f2747-0-0"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>After finishing Sunday morning chores and creating a fresh kolam in front of my humble home, I sit down to enjoy a cup of hot filter coffee. Our alley is filled with the squeals of laughter from young neighborhood children playing together. As the coffee warms my insides, the sun's early rays warm my thin skin. Soft fur brushes against my legs. It's my favorite kitten, coming for a visit. As I snuggle with him, I see what looks like a smile emerging from this contented creature. In this poor Chennai neighborhood, we might not have much, but it's these simple pleasures that keep me happy.</i></span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f2747-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-size: 15px; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="f2747-0-0"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f2747-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="f2747-0-0"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-family: inherit;"><i><b>See more of my artwork on my <a href="http://www.melissaenderle.com" target="_blank">website</a></b></i></span></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on Melissa Enderle Travelblog</div>Melissa Enderlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03729822400694474809noreply@blogger.com0Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India13.0826802 80.2707184-15.227553636178845 45.114468400000007 41.392914036178844 115.4269684tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20442847.post-88574414342905459632021-07-24T09:03:00.002-05:002021-07-24T09:03:58.527-05:00Pastel Painting: Leading the Sheep Through Dobroselica<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="caret-color: rgb(228, 230, 235); font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">My newest pastel painting, "Leading the Sheep Through Dobroselica."</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(228, 230, 235); font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dobroselica, Serbia</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(228, 230, 235); font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">©2021 Melissa Enderle </span></span></p><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="79q3j" data-offset-key="bdil4-0-0" style="caret-color: rgb(228, 230, 235); font-size: 15px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><p><span data-offset-key="bdil4-0-0"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4i7n7Lc3asKmLXGTc7sZ-x5keX6VgdYOWErzFF6Dh1X7xlfV0c7myK2eXeOIDiR0_SwYm4XHkcI7jjdscTh1OZl4NIbSwKjAybPjpMgcFUWz8YKw4qbpIHiDzg4WSM9Py8NMayA/s2048/Leading+the+Sheep+through+Dobroselica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1612" data-original-width="2048" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4i7n7Lc3asKmLXGTc7sZ-x5keX6VgdYOWErzFF6Dh1X7xlfV0c7myK2eXeOIDiR0_SwYm4XHkcI7jjdscTh1OZl4NIbSwKjAybPjpMgcFUWz8YKw4qbpIHiDzg4WSM9Py8NMayA/w400-h315/Leading+the+Sheep+through+Dobroselica.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span><span data-offset-key="45j8d-0-0"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>It's a glorious early spring day. The last of the snow has finally melted and the grass has begun to green up, much to the delight of my sheep. I'm even seeing a few buds on the plum trees. I hope we'll have a good harvest this year, as I sure love to drink rakija. My sheep and I make our way towards the grazing land just past the wooden church. We'll be there for several hours, so my wife has packed me a lunch including her homemade bread, ajvar, and some cheese. The sheep begin to munch on the grass alongside the weathered road as soon as I pause to chat with a neighbor. They're content and I'm in no rush. The simple life in rural Serbia.</i></span></span><p></p><p><span data-offset-key="45j8d-0-0"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></span></p><p><span data-offset-key="45j8d-0-0"><span style="font-family: inherit;">See more of my artwork on my <a href="http://www.melissaenderle.com/art.html" target="_blank">website</a></span></span></p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on Melissa Enderle Travelblog</div>Melissa Enderlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03729822400694474809noreply@blogger.com0Dobroselica, Serbia43.6321253 19.722844515.321891463821153 -15.4334055 71.942359136178851 54.8790945tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20442847.post-22887603392433458402021-05-22T10:19:00.003-05:002021-05-22T10:19:57.317-05:00Artwork: Bharatanatyam Dancer-in-Training<p> My latest artwork, a pastel portrait of a young girl performing the Bharatanatyam Dance which originates in Tamil Nadu, India. ©2021 Melissa Enderle</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7PqV_8dmKxHshidB4ddMPbYg909rbm1zdLBxjutFpp8N9PA832HOoQTYstku_FxatvWcH5wqzSesYJcOUPRvrkJjYRycXqTs4fZlOvxl3rm6g8G_0Sc5RSNu1GlQHgVOuQ3T4g/s2048/Bharatanatyam+Dancer-in-Training.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1611" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7PqV_8dmKxHshidB4ddMPbYg909rbm1zdLBxjutFpp8N9PA832HOoQTYstku_FxatvWcH5wqzSesYJcOUPRvrkJjYRycXqTs4fZlOvxl3rm6g8G_0Sc5RSNu1GlQHgVOuQ3T4g/w504-h640/Bharatanatyam+Dancer-in-Training.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="egvsa" data-offset-key="5dvvb-0-0" style="font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><p style="font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span data-offset-key="5dvvb-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span data-offset-key="a983f-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>It's the dead of winter in Madison, WI. Along with other teens of South Indian origin, I am performing at the Olbrich Botanical Conservancy. Although the weather is vastly different than that of Tamil Nadu where our ancient dance form of Bharatanatyam originates, this is a great opportunity to showcase a bit of South Indian culture. I take great care to form a complex mudra with my fingers, mindful of its spiritual symbolism. Deep in concentration, I imagine myself performing in a Hindu temple far away in India.</i></span></span></p></div><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on Melissa Enderle Travelblog</div>Melissa Enderlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03729822400694474809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20442847.post-58117159408845890862021-05-01T19:01:00.005-05:002021-05-01T19:01:51.007-05:00Artwork: Naxi Erhuang Musician<p> My latest artwork: Naxi Erhuang Musician</p><p>Lijiang, Yunnan province, China</p><p>©2021 Melissa Enderle</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3BkGJR9gcNUUIPTG9r1_88K3Ft01LmimGPMcR2dv8kGO5r-8v9sAz_A6vvClFDJnbcn4AnxIb7yBtQLoMzmO6PaOdG_dOyB1bJGGXIvl8J7-nZkgcGtucCKUK1kIEsYWOtXeWBg/s768/Naxi+Erhuang+Musician%252C+Lijiang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3BkGJR9gcNUUIPTG9r1_88K3Ft01LmimGPMcR2dv8kGO5r-8v9sAz_A6vvClFDJnbcn4AnxIb7yBtQLoMzmO6PaOdG_dOyB1bJGGXIvl8J7-nZkgcGtucCKUK1kIEsYWOtXeWBg/s16000/Naxi+Erhuang+Musician%252C+Lijiang.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><i>It's another humid summer evening in this ancient town of Lijiang. In the air-conditioned of the Naxi Ancient Music performance hall, I sit amongst my fellow musicians all clad in purple embroidered silk robes. Although I am the oldest member, a few of the wizened beards belong to those in their 80's. Next to me is a young disciple of mine who has been most eager to learn how to play the Erhuang. Behind me is a young Pipa player, already confident with the ancient solemn tunes of Dongjing music. Most of the audience members have come to this UNESCO World Heritage town from other parts of our motherland, China. It is reassuring to see that they, like the young members of our band, are expressing interest in the traditional music of my Naxi people. Hopefully, they will help keep this most ancient of music alive, much like I helped ensure it survived during the tumultuous Cultural Revolution. We have just begun a slow, fluid, pentatonic melody. As my eyes begin to close, I am transported to the days of yesteryear when I performed beside my revered father.</i></div><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><i><br /></i></div><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">See more of my artwork at <a href="http://www.melissaenderle.com">www.melissaenderle.com</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on Melissa Enderle Travelblog</div>Melissa Enderlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03729822400694474809noreply@blogger.com0Lijiang, Yunnan, China26.855047 100.22775-1.4551868361788465 65.0715 55.165280836178844 135.38400000000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20442847.post-1757509018956679502021-04-03T10:32:00.001-05:002021-04-03T10:32:16.158-05:00Artwork: Young Hoop Dancer<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">My latest artwork, "Young Hoop Dancer." Polychromos color pencils. Apache Junction, Arizona ©Melissa Enderle</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz10E1Xq_6gHI5YhkzRPmThIUMnbWgyYT04yS_CLkaccapfl12k8mFkZn-7vpWHXoq0INhRKUqfQCgMwMICEK1QYzTvSlBgmuqts3D0IKC7hyNTCbWZaSvYFn_tuMfq63ZxtDfFg/s1522/Young+Hoop+Dancer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1522" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz10E1Xq_6gHI5YhkzRPmThIUMnbWgyYT04yS_CLkaccapfl12k8mFkZn-7vpWHXoq0INhRKUqfQCgMwMICEK1QYzTvSlBgmuqts3D0IKC7hyNTCbWZaSvYFn_tuMfq63ZxtDfFg/w400-h315/Young+Hoop+Dancer.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><p></p><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i>Although I've been a part of my family's Yellow Bird Dance group since I was a toddler, performing in front of audiences with the hoop dance is something I've only done in the last few years. It takes a lot of coordination and practice to get those hoops into the different formations such as a butterfly or eagle while at the same time doing fancy footwork, accented by the jingle of bells attached to my sheepskin leggings. Everything– the formations, facial expression, movement, and the homemade costume– has symbolism. My ancestors created the hoop dance to be part of a healing ceremony, but for the past 30 years, our dance group has used a form of the hoop dance to share a bit of our culture with others. I can't grasp as many hoops as my older brother, papa, or uncle, but I'm feeling much more confident with my form. In a couple of weeks, we'll be heading to the Heard Museum for the annual World Championship of Hoop Dancing. Native American groups from all over the country will be competing. My papa, who has used 40 hoops in one dance, is a five-time world champion. Last year I got 2nd place in my age division. After today's performance, I think I can get first place. Wish me luck!</i></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i><b>See more of my artwork on my website <a href="http://www.melissaenderle.com">www.melissaenderle.com</a>, on <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/melissaenderle/collections/72157625029708218/" target="_blank">Flickr</a>, or my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Melissa-Enderle-Artwork-133192236738798" target="_blank">Artwork Facebook Page</a>.</b></i></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on Melissa Enderle Travelblog</div>Melissa Enderlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03729822400694474809noreply@blogger.com04087 E Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, USA33.447115900000007 -111.50165655.1368820638211616 -146.6579065 61.757349736178853 -76.3454065tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20442847.post-17992683184752273012021-03-03T07:35:00.007-06:002021-03-03T07:35:38.049-06:00Manipuri Dancer: My latest artwork<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTbLjyd3eg6yz1lC4TKUxkM-8gZSZQ2d17Y9_UTtd6S4LsmSXQjy1SU4sSwTyI9dWceIfbHkHRuWl1bwTN7vLhZnnPUL00E24-ayx7fvHE0mL745MkFM9Q9B4wsyihI0P8t3YSQ/s2048/Manipur+Dancer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1540" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTbLjyd3eg6yz1lC4TKUxkM-8gZSZQ2d17Y9_UTtd6S4LsmSXQjy1SU4sSwTyI9dWceIfbHkHRuWl1bwTN7vLhZnnPUL00E24-ayx7fvHE0mL745MkFM9Q9B4wsyihI0P8t3YSQ/w301-h400/Manipur+Dancer.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Manipuri Dancer</i></b></div><p></p><div style="text-align: center;">Pastels on PastelMat paper<br />Chennai, India</div><div style="text-align: center;">©2020 Melissa Enderle</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">The full moon is out tonight. I am playing the role of Lord Krishna as we perform at the Kalakeshetra Fair in Chennai, India. The crowd always loves seeing the love between Lord Krishna and Radha being reenacted. Just like the Bharatanatyam dancers of Tamil Nadu, much emphasis is placed on the hand and upper body gestures I make. We don't wear anklet bells or perform such forceful footwork though. The tube-skirted Radha and I dance gracefully, accompanied by kartal cymbals, a barrel Pung drum, and singers chanting beautiful Sanskrit poetry. As I move about in our courtship dance, the feathers from my headdress and tassels affixed to my arms sway in the humid air. Did our Lord Krishna have as much fun when he courted Radha? I wonder.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on Melissa Enderle Travelblog</div>Melissa Enderlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03729822400694474809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20442847.post-9543154146419199062021-02-04T19:35:00.001-06:002021-02-04T19:35:18.992-06:00My latest Artwork: Announcement at Ulica 16 Kumanovska <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtz9AYFsTMkmf_lbaxp4R3WWybqYQVAHdeFOAkn-lR5q3tHmEhwGMwGxj8nseN4FQVqUaELNmNbRf5zBtVcNGyEy9JDbtIC0bu7eDEIOPGIaSwtq9P6GByydPUauQROzXRpvYkYQ/s2000/Annoucement+at+Ulica+16+Kumanovska.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1497" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtz9AYFsTMkmf_lbaxp4R3WWybqYQVAHdeFOAkn-lR5q3tHmEhwGMwGxj8nseN4FQVqUaELNmNbRf5zBtVcNGyEy9JDbtIC0bu7eDEIOPGIaSwtq9P6GByydPUauQROzXRpvYkYQ/w300-h400/Annoucement+at+Ulica+16+Kumanovska.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white;"> <span style="font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">My latest color pencil drawing <i><b>Announcement at Ulica 16 Kumanovska</b></i>. Vranje, Serbia ©2021 Melissa Enderle</span></span><p></p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">It is customary for death notices to be posted on doors as well as public display areas. The highly textured, colored weathered door, along with the announcement, immediately attracted my attention while walking through the town. I had just held a solo art show at the town's American Consulate.</div></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on Melissa Enderle Travelblog</div>Melissa Enderlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03729822400694474809noreply@blogger.com0Vranje, Serbia42.5450345 21.900271214.234800663821154 -13.255978800000001 70.855268336178852 57.0565212tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20442847.post-31924727323459079162020-12-17T07:39:00.007-06:002020-12-17T07:39:58.906-06:00Playing for the Maharaja<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwChwSYEDvo1-gabWEZ0TIehPfoMrKrnZTphUrDFtXcMQ20ByFkaT2USG4gabOebJ_Qg1ZP-bVaj3FNt9PXHO5kxfMu2MAkT0bqRPteb5KqKW_cswQu1av7QiPaTn7LW2Rz_7tA/s2048/Playing+for+my+Maharaja.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1415" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwChwSYEDvo1-gabWEZ0TIehPfoMrKrnZTphUrDFtXcMQ20ByFkaT2USG4gabOebJ_Qg1ZP-bVaj3FNt9PXHO5kxfMu2MAkT0bqRPteb5KqKW_cswQu1av7QiPaTn7LW2Rz_7tA/w276-h400/Playing+for+my+Maharaja.jpg" width="276" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> "Playing for the Maharaja"</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Color Pencil. Jaisalmer, India</p><p style="text-align: center;">©2020 Melissa Enderle</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>It is the day of the Gangaur festival in this ancient city of Jaisalmer. I'm doubly giddy about the festival celebrating our goddess of love and marriage this year since my granddaughter is in the procession of other eligible young females eager for love. She looks so beautiful and grown-up in her new dress and jewelry. Plus I'm one of the musicians selected to perform. Both me and my trusty kamaycha instrument are a bit worn but we both will sing out our best today. I've already performed some songs that beseech the goddess Gauri to bless these young women with prosperous marriages. Behold! The Maharaja has arrived! I quickly switch to a song singing the praises of His Highness. May he and his family live a long, prosperous life! The Golden City of Jaisalmer loves you!</p><p><i><a href="http://www.melissaenderle.com/art.html" target="_blank">See more of my artwork </a>from India and other places on my website.</i></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on Melissa Enderle Travelblog</div>Melissa Enderlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03729822400694474809noreply@blogger.com0Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 345001, India26.9157487 70.9083443-1.3944851361788437 35.752094299999996 55.225982536178847 106.0645943tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20442847.post-90059021744860143602020-08-22T10:54:00.000-05:002020-08-22T10:54:01.741-05:00Pastel Artwork: Purple Iris<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkCEHlhHTZ1AGuxMqO9UtNu-QYitorIKriFZyoJNlCcqMeXGy3sDcTf7Dn5KnmdZ1WzipHqNaaY1XQbaKPJ41k0ymR9eGk9Zs6x3QNYyfmRn9ZpOGdt5uq7uonDlvVQ13YJwhSg/s2048/Purple+Iris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1922" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkCEHlhHTZ1AGuxMqO9UtNu-QYitorIKriFZyoJNlCcqMeXGy3sDcTf7Dn5KnmdZ1WzipHqNaaY1XQbaKPJ41k0ymR9eGk9Zs6x3QNYyfmRn9ZpOGdt5uq7uonDlvVQ13YJwhSg/s640/Purple+Iris.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My latest artwork, a pastel painting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Purple Iris"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pastel on PastelMat paper</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">©2020 Melissa Enderle</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on Melissa Enderle Travelblog</div>Melissa Enderlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03729822400694474809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20442847.post-22507766969026105122020-08-04T20:18:00.003-05:002020-08-04T20:18:52.729-05:00My latest Portrait Art<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfczij2vJWYzj2jHIe72MKehwLfI0hQ7isM8dIVzSsvY3i90SUumGtubFlPwmuEe5nJmwH5y9NxvIIZD1cyMwgvGd0s8UPB-W0X8P3Abcao71g12rkQaBFJ_llaXJH7szef8O8fQ/s768/Uyghur+Dancer+with+Jade+Necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="604" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfczij2vJWYzj2jHIe72MKehwLfI0hQ7isM8dIVzSsvY3i90SUumGtubFlPwmuEe5nJmwH5y9NxvIIZD1cyMwgvGd0s8UPB-W0X8P3Abcao71g12rkQaBFJ_llaXJH7szef8O8fQ/s640/Uyghur+Dancer+with+Jade+Necklace.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is my latest portrait artwork, a color pencil drawing of a dancer I saw a few times in a park in Xi'an, China. It is the first artwork I did with the Polychromos color pencil set I bought. Based on her costume (especially the embroidered hat), I believe she is from the Uyghur ethnic group, those Muslims who are being heavily persecuted by the Chinese government. Some even are calling it a genocide. After the day I photographed her, I never saw any of the dance troupe again. I sure hope that the reason for their absence is not a sinister one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>You can find more of my artworks (for sale) on my website </i><a href="http://www.melissaenderle.com/art.html" style="text-align: left;">http://www.melissaenderle.com/art.html</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on Melissa Enderle Travelblog</div>Melissa Enderlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03729822400694474809noreply@blogger.com0Xingqinggong Park, 55 Xianning W Rd, Dong Guan Shang Ye Jie Qu, Beilin Qu, Xian Shi, Shaanxi Sheng, China34.253647 108.9838445.9434131638211554 73.827594 62.563880836178846 144.140094tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20442847.post-8460325923066064992020-07-08T19:48:00.001-05:002020-07-08T19:48:10.754-05:00Desert Bloom at DeGrazia, Tucson<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZ1eXE66zdlasRztueHiBHO6veZwIC1b2KV6QCh9IWOeCHRFtIgut9Tj7qf8ocjv8UNshkV54z2eaYMtcsEHMj_-kykN8NTipL8XyqVfZoATcavdDmoRcIBUc0Hd4ku9zBsuEjw/s1600/Desert+Bloom+at+DeGrazia%252C+Tucson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1264" height="505" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZ1eXE66zdlasRztueHiBHO6veZwIC1b2KV6QCh9IWOeCHRFtIgut9Tj7qf8ocjv8UNshkV54z2eaYMtcsEHMj_-kykN8NTipL8XyqVfZoATcavdDmoRcIBUc0Hd4ku9zBsuEjw/s640/Desert+Bloom+at+DeGrazia%252C+Tucson.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Here is one of my recently completed artworks, "<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Desert Bloom at DeGrazia, Tucson". Created with color pencils, it depicts the gated path leading up to the <a href="https://degrazia.org/" target="_blank">DeGrazia Art Museum</a> in Tucson, Arizona. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>You can find more of my artworks on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Melissa-Enderle-Artwork-133192236738798/" target="_blank">Melissa Enderle Artwork Facebook </a>page or on my <a href="http://www.melissaenderle.com/" target="_blank">website</a>.</i></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on Melissa Enderle Travelblog</div>Melissa Enderlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03729822400694474809noreply@blogger.com06300 N Swan Rd, Tucson, AZ 85718, USA32.321871 -110.8917728.8619550000000018 -152.200366 55.781787 -69.583178tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20442847.post-45023341169137248972020-02-07T17:04:00.001-06:002020-02-07T17:04:21.697-06:00Coronavirus in Xi'an update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have now completed my first week of giving assignments to students via an online tool. Both students and teachers are now scattered around the world. Many have recently returned to their home countries or have gone to nearby countries such as Thailand or Japan. Some are stranded in the country they vacationed in, due to travel restrictions. Others have decided to try (at least for the time being) to stick it out in Xi'an. I intend to remain in Wisconsin until school is reopened, travel restrictions lifted, and the situation is stable.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48zXSjces4rJX-xQKGSd5t0Ozf9t80E-vrXlgPk5Y2GNdZLdFCJouRRhcPDGo9lIcluYrwM9ZpPl1IpXwLfZbbWSMgt5BovYtyLbaRGS9jac9y_D6dD1JKZyEOQjSejbN_fcV0w/s1600/IMG_8493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48zXSjces4rJX-xQKGSd5t0Ozf9t80E-vrXlgPk5Y2GNdZLdFCJouRRhcPDGo9lIcluYrwM9ZpPl1IpXwLfZbbWSMgt5BovYtyLbaRGS9jac9y_D6dD1JKZyEOQjSejbN_fcV0w/s320/IMG_8493.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Xi'an airport</td></tr>
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Those recently flying out of Xi'an encountered a virtually deserted terminal. Mask-wearing was mandatory, both at the airport and in the airplanes. All passengers are screened. People white wearing hazmat suits were present at the airport.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioU_qDEoFuS51VscXJkxNYuV47PctiW-GNn-JQgYRRoX734AtxVdJxKYZ7oLCLuShV89EKjq7H7bNw5WR31kwbyQMWcFZYRdeeNBvSH7zVGUVoCkTEyzDimKBEaBnpNlFhjVNr9w/s1600/IMG_8491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioU_qDEoFuS51VscXJkxNYuV47PctiW-GNn-JQgYRRoX734AtxVdJxKYZ7oLCLuShV89EKjq7H7bNw5WR31kwbyQMWcFZYRdeeNBvSH7zVGUVoCkTEyzDimKBEaBnpNlFhjVNr9w/s320/IMG_8491.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bags of veggies to be delivered</td></tr>
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For those living in apartment complexes that have had a person who tested positive for the coronavirus, they are put on lockdown. So far, 54 buildings or complexes are under such restrictions. (Considering that my complex currently has 18 high-rise buildings with around 34 floors, that's a lot of people!) No one is able to leave at all. (In other complexes, one person from the unit can leave every 2 or 3 days IF they don't have a fever). Temperature and other monitoring are done upon exit and entry. For those in lockdown, vegetables are delivered to them. Imagine opening up the door and seeing your delivery person wearing a hazmat suit!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyNBbFsdI657CxHLjS_PlutWr-FoLTcojcoofSSoAYuK5zXnRfgauPnKDt7XNgWVGFkd_qLiZEgr6EjYLyjwIigT81Lz7ZasZKRnpIV748fKmNuKPUA0XFzXP8x8-aPteEi45vg/s1600/IMG_8490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyNBbFsdI657CxHLjS_PlutWr-FoLTcojcoofSSoAYuK5zXnRfgauPnKDt7XNgWVGFkd_qLiZEgr6EjYLyjwIigT81Lz7ZasZKRnpIV748fKmNuKPUA0XFzXP8x8-aPteEi45vg/s320/IMG_8490.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking no chances when delivering</td></tr>
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According to the "official" numbers, there currently are 31,213 infections in China. Of those, 184 are in the Shaanxi province and 80 in Xi'an.<br />
Current restrictions in the area:<br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Those returning will immediately be quarantined for 14 days at a designated hotel. They may not first go to their apartment.</li>
<li>Once they are able to return to their apartment, they must register with their apartment's management and follow all guidelines.</li>
<li>No long-distance bus services.</li>
<li>Over 106 local bus routes are suspended.</li>
<li>Subways are still operating under limited hours and only some entrances. Registration is required.</li>
<li>Several train lines are suspended.</li>
<li>No Didi (China's equivalent of Uber) services.</li>
<li>Wear masks when taking taxis, any public transportation, and in most any public place</li>
<li>Taxi drivers must disinfect their vehicles at least 2x a day.</li>
<li>Carry your ID/passport when taking public transport, in case they ask you to register your information</li>
<li>Several shopping malls and hotels are closed.</li>
<li>Supermarkets may be open but under limited hours. Some larger chains will have price-stabilized veggies and meat to prevent price-gouging.</li>
<li>No large gatherings or events are permitted.</li>
<li>Schools will remain closed at the direction of the Ministry of Education, and will likely remain closed until at least March 2. </li>
</ul>
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*Photos courtesy of my colleague, Jenna Dolman</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on Melissa Enderle Travelblog</div>Melissa Enderlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03729822400694474809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20442847.post-34724068137120818872020-01-31T10:05:00.004-06:002020-02-01T08:13:18.940-06:00Teaching in China during the Coronavirus<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
On January 18, I departed Xi'an for what I thought was a short 12-day stay in Wisconsin, with my little brother's wedding being the highlight of the trip. As I write this, a calendar reminder popped up, reminding me that my flight to Xi'an was to happen in 15 minutes. And yet I am writing this from the couch at my condo in Madison, WI.<br />
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At the O'Hare airport on December 19 (one day later than planned due a flight delay and then missing the next flight), I saw a small sign that urged those traveling from Wuhan to self-report if they had a fever or cough. Because it didn't apply to me, I didn't give it much thought. Then I waited in the long line with the HUGE number of Chinese students returning to Madison for the start of the second semester. The at-capacity bus I was in, along with the other two buses, contained virtually all individuals from China.<br />
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Just a day later, the city of Wuhan became known to the world. I began thinking of those 16 hours I spent on the plane and then a few more hours on the bus with people from China. Had any of them been in Wuhan? An administrator from my international school in Xi'an contacted the faculty querying about where we had traveled and if we had any contact with those in Wuhan. On Monday, after hearing that school would be closed for at least two more weeks, I contacted my principal, requesting that I remain in Wisconsin until the re-opening date is definite.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cZktlO_dbAQDH9K78cYJZVyJDTAxcgeXOTae0qMYJTYKAcSaYd7b8JR7ugwhJnEos19WxI9EV5p2s7Nijqiwwct3JS88cNyDw_SfqJH7UjrxzVtDxgkkORcvjCs1wgUNC1yodw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-01-31+at+8.57.58+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="1054" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cZktlO_dbAQDH9K78cYJZVyJDTAxcgeXOTae0qMYJTYKAcSaYd7b8JR7ugwhJnEos19WxI9EV5p2s7Nijqiwwct3JS88cNyDw_SfqJH7UjrxzVtDxgkkORcvjCs1wgUNC1yodw/s400/Screen+Shot+2020-01-31+at+8.57.58+AM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Map showing the current number of reported coronavirus infections</td></tr>
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When I look at this map and see how the numbers continue to escalate every day, I am grateful that I arrived prior to the major outbreak and thankful that I did not have to return on the 30th, as originally planned. Friends in Xi'an reported store/mall closures, reduced store inventory (especially of produce), and the inability to find any masks and hand sanitizer. Getting around by public transportation is severely impaired, with the suspension of service, limited routes/hours, or long delays due to the screening of passengers. Several highway exits are also closed and health checks are being conducted at those open. Many flights are also being canceled. Didi (the Chinese equivalent of Uber), the most popular way for foreigners (and many locals) to travel within the city, has now suspended its service. People are strongly urged to stay home, cooped up in their high-rise apartments. All those entering the apartment complexes are checked for fever and cough.<br />
<br />
Currently, there are 87 confirmed <i>reported</i> 9,742 cases in the Shaanxi province; of those, 32 are in Xi'an. Even the "small" town where a Chinese friend of mine has been cooped up in her family's apartment now has some infections. She is especially concerned for her grandma, who already has health issues. I pray for the health and safety of all the hard-working, kind citizens of this populous country.<br />
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Starting on Monday, I am to be giving art assignments to my students online. I can't use any resources that require the use of a VPN, in order to accommodate the Chinese students. So that means no Google apps, no YouTube, Vimeo, Pinterest, and even many seemingly innocent sites. Art supplies will have to be kept at bare minimum as well. If anyone has had experience or advice on teaching upper elementary art (particularly PYP) under these restrictions, I'd love your insight.<br />
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For now, be assured that I am safe and healthy in Wisconsin.<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on Melissa Enderle Travelblog</div>Melissa Enderlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03729822400694474809noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20442847.post-41248849835069249452020-01-31T07:19:00.001-06:002020-01-31T08:58:46.424-06:00Winter ❄️ wonderland in Wisconsin<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/82098522_231686711166776_7547567200248928840_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&_nc_ohc=5iMi_W99M_kAX8VGGSG&oh=224b75eb9e032fc7b340f26c798d3e00&oe=5ED9E32A" style="max-width: 586px;" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7--kUbHzQy/">via Instagram</a></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on Melissa Enderle Travelblog</div>Melissa Enderlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03729822400694474809noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20442847.post-50070804115910189342020-01-03T08:17:00.000-06:002020-01-03T08:17:54.382-06:00My Weaving experience at the Ock Pop Tok Center<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After a wonderful lunch overlooking the Mekong River with fellow workshop participants, I began my 1/2 day weaving experience. The warp on the floor loom was already set up with 400 black dyed silk threads. Likewise, the supplementary heddle was already in place. This is the "program" that helps establish the patterns seen in the weaving.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silk colored through natural dyes</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natural materials for dyes</td></tr>
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To start, I chose the color that I wanted for my main weaving and for the design. Both the dusty rose dye and the cream color were created from the fresh leaves and bark of the teak tree; the light color was only briefly dipped. The skeins of silk were then wound onto spools, a process that also separates the silk and makes them smoother. Due to limited time, I only did a couple spools.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My weaving in process. The Naga design is at the bottom.</td></tr>
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Most of the weaving was a simple tabby weave (over-under-over-under). I quickly got in the groove of which bamboo foot pedal my right foot should be on, scooting the shuttle through the opening, and the correct even pressure needed on the beater. For the design, I chose the naga - a mythical protective water serpent that I had seen in many local Buddhist temples.<br />
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The magic behind achieving the Naga continuous supplementary weft (<i>kit)</i> design comes from the supplementary heddle. Once a row of the design was woven, that string on the supplementary heddle was moved upward. Had my weaving called for a repetition of the Naga design, the supplementary heddle was already set up for this. In this complex part, the instructor was directly involved. Thankfully, she was also there when one warp string accidentally broke; she patiently attached some extra black thread to make the warp thread tight again. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The loom with the supplementary heddle pictured on the left.</td></tr>
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Due to time constraints, the instructor removed the weaving from the loom after weaving several rows of thread. Multiple strands of the black warp threads were moistened, grouped and then two groups twisted together. The end was then knotted.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My finished weaving</td></tr>
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I am pleased with my finished piece. I'd love to go back and try the more complex discontinuous supplementary weft (<i>chok) </i> weaving. That is a 3-day course though. At any rate, the experience gives me a greater appreciation for the time and skill it takes to create such beautiful textiles. </div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on Melissa Enderle Travelblog</div>Melissa Enderlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03729822400694474809noreply@blogger.com0Luang Prabang, Laos19.8795175 102.1431884999999519.819789999999998 102.06250749999995 19.939245 102.22386949999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20442847.post-15932588647163361212020-01-01T06:20:00.000-06:002020-01-01T06:20:44.930-06:00Hmong Batik Experience in Luang Prabang, Laos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
During my Christmas vacation, I participated in a half-day workshop on Hmong batik. The instructor was Mae Thao Zu Zong. This petite 66-yr old from the Striped Hmong (Hmong Lai) group is the remaining Hmong batik artist in Luang Prabang.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mae Thao, Hmong batik artist</td></tr>
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With a photo of her in the background, Mae Thao demonstrated how to hold the <i>tjanting</i> tool and make straight lines with the hot beeswax first on a small piece of woven flax. The locally harvested wax was tinted slightly with indigo to make it easier to see on the cloth. While she confidently formed straight lines in rapid succession, I found holding and controlling the tool (the metal part is near the heel of your hand) with the correct amount of wax (and at the correct temperature) a bit awkward. The weave was rather coarse, which sometimes made my movements a bit jerky.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backstrap loom with hemp fibers</td></tr>
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Thankfully, the less-than-perfect grid lines were camouflaged when additional details and symbols were added. Symbols included natural items such as cucumber seeds, pumpkin seeds, animal teeth, and ferns. For the curves of the center design, the <i>tjanting</i> tool was held more like a traditional drawing tool. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mae Thao demonstrates how to do the spirals</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Instructor and student</td></tr>
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Once I was finished with the wax part, I asked Mae Thao to pose with me. I stepped down so there wouldn't be quite the height difference in the photo. Because I wanted my piece to be dyed indigo, I had to leave it at the center. The following morning it would be dunked in a vat of indigo dye and the wax removed. Because it was only dipped once, it didn't get the deep blue color seen on many Hmong works that may be dipped up to 20 times.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My completed batik</td></tr>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on Melissa Enderle Travelblog</div>Melissa Enderlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03729822400694474809noreply@blogger.com0Luang Prabang, Laos19.8795175 102.1431884999999519.819789999999998 102.06250749999995 19.939245 102.22386949999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20442847.post-51255582855886372692019-12-29T04:11:00.000-06:002019-12-29T04:11:18.391-06:00COPE Center in Laos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">COPE Center, Vientiane</td></tr>
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This morning I walked to the COPE Center in Vientiane, Laos. The visitor center is part of a larger complex that is focused on the continuing victims of a war that ended nearly 50 years ago.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sculpture made from cluster bomb materials</td></tr>
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Walking past buildings dedicated to supporting those disabled by unexploded ordnances (UXO's) such as a special gymnasium and wheelchair fitting, signs pointed me to the visitor center. In front of the building was a sculpture made from different components of cluster bombs. Next to the entrance, a cluster bomb casing was repurposed as a planter.<br />
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Inside, one of the video displays played this (above) video. Posters listed some staggering statistics of the horrible bombings that occurred in Laos from 1964-1973.<br />
A few statistics:<br />
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<li>Over 270 million "bombies" (small bombs contained within large cluster bombs) were dropped over Laos during this time period.</li>
<li>580,000 bombing missions were conducted</li>
<li>Between 10-30% of all "bombies" (over 80 million) failed to detonate and are still dangerous</li>
<li>From 1996-2009, nearly 1,100,000 unexploded "bombies" were destroyed by UXO Lao.</li>
<li>Laos is the most heavily bombed country; more bombs were dropped here than in all of WWII. </li>
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The center had a small theatre for watching a selection of videos. The one I watched featured some of the victims of these unexploded munitions, particularly the small "bombies." Examples of some victims' stories included a mother whose leg was blown off when the heat from her cooking fire detonated a bombie. Or a rice farmer who when using a tool to plant rice accidentally hit a bombie.. Having lost vision in one eye and one leg amputated, he no longer is able to support his family. His children have had to drop out of school in order to help farm in the same fields that may contain more UXO's. The video also showed children using metal detectors to find scrap metal left from the bombing raids, irrespective of the real dangers of encountering UXO's. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prosthetics "wall"</td></tr>
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The COPE center also helps fit victims with more lightweight prosthetics; these give victims more mobility than even the clumsy, heavy ones they may have fashioned themselves in their villages. The organization also provides community outreach, going directly to remote villages to provide equipment, repairs, medical assistance, etc. Funding is also provided to enable victims to come to rehab centers, receive surgery, etc. </div>
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While in Luang Prabang, I visited a similar visitor center. Posters there described how programs continue to occur in educating villagers of the dangers of UXO's - what they look like and what to do if they encounter a UXO. Specially trained people are working at locating and destroying the UXO's, enabling the cleared land to be safely used for farming or residences. Due to the large numbers of UXO's remaining despite continued efforts at locating and destroying the bombies, it is estimated that it may take nearly 100 years for Laos to be free of this scourge that continues to negatively impact the economy of Laos and its citizens.</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on Melissa Enderle Travelblog</div>Melissa Enderlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03729822400694474809noreply@blogger.com0Boulevard Khou Vieng, ວຽງຈັນ, Laos17.95775 102.62037199999997-11.695940499999999 61.311777999999975 47.6114405 143.92896599999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20442847.post-50046313919008242942019-12-14T03:11:00.003-06:002019-12-14T03:11:41.784-06:00Miao Woman with Silver Headdress. Fenghuang, China<img src='https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/p640x640/79390023_455320362069208_3454119182678036752_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&oh=c3ccca93c1f1b3c212e6d0f0b48be01d&oe=5E76BE8E' style='max-width:586px;' /><br />
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