the eye in you, Divine Eye from a temple, symbol of the Cao Dai religion of south Vietnam, August 30, 2008, photo © 2008 by ybonesy. All rights reserved.
I swear to God, there were times when I really did think of Mary of the Grains and thank QuoinMonkey of the Fair for the haiku she sent out to me before I left for the Mekong Delta.
Thank you, Mary. Thank you, QM.
Thank you, God.
First, thank you for getting me through the harrowing three-hour drive on mostly two lanes shared equally by throngs of cars, semi-trucks, tourist buses, tourist vans, motorcycles, bicycles, tricycles carrying baskets and grains and everything else, and even children and chickens on foot. (A three-hour tour, a three-hour tour…the weather started getting rough…) My God. All I could think was, I will never do this again, at least not on a holiday weekend.
Second, once you delivered me safely to the drop-off point at the boat, I began my own little private silent retreat, except better. A beautiful, 24-passenger capacity boat shared by me and a respectful Japanese couple who knew very little English. Three passengers and the crew who took care of us. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Third, dreading the return drive home, I discovered it was only half the distance (the boat made up the other half) and as soon as my driver started speeding off into the mayhem, I leaned forward, tapped him on the shoulder and said, “Mr. Chin, no fast, please.” And you know what? He didn’t. (Yes, I will do it again some day, leaving an hour earlier the morning of, so that we’re not nearly so rushed.)
QM, many moments over the weekend I was reminded of life and death, beauty and humanity. More than one of those moments I thought of you and Mary. I truly and really did. Again, thank you.
Oh, and a full description to come. Soon. With photos.
redravine.wordpress.com 
I love the divine eye image, and I can’t wait to see and read about your trip!! How exciting!
Good traveling energies and peace of heart to you!
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That is an astonishing image……I smiled at your asking him to slow down. Glad you’re safe.
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ybonesy, this is really sweet. I love how you thought of Mary of the Grains (great name) and found comfort in her. It kind of goes to how powerful icons like Mary are, no matter their form. She is a thing of beauty.
I took yesterday off of the Internet (a glorious thing sometimes). Am back and will respond to some comments. I know you’ll be home soon and am sending good travel energy. This trip down the Mekong Delta sounds amazing. Yes, once in a lifetime.
Miss you. And safe travels home!
signed,
QM of the Fair 8)
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[…] and eager to share. The neighbor, who has specifically asked to have his picture taken with the Divine Eye tells the guide that he wishes to buy me a drink. We politely decline. We must return to our canoe; […]
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Hey QM of the Fair. Signing off for a couple of days now. More posts on Vietnam after I digest the experience. I decided to post about the Mekong Delta in at least two posts, one about the temple and another about other parts of the trip. So, expect to see more photos. My favorites are still to come after I get home.
I’m coming back in November assuming I get full support from my higher ups (which I think will happen). I’ll have to create a new set on Flickr.
Anyway, I’ll be thinking of Mary and the eye and any other help I can get as I head home. xxoo
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ybonesy, just seeing the photos on your new post. Looks wonderful. So peaceful. Can’t wait to read it. Yes, I totally understand about digesting in the present, writing later. I am so full from my last trip to Georgia, too, and still digesting all that happened with family and memories. In this case, you are creating new memories, taking in the whole world.
The plane ride will afford you time to process a little. That’s one thing I like about transitions between one place and another — time to process. I’ll be thinking of you on the long flight home. You will be going back in time. Back, back, back to family and home. Much love and a huge hug. xxoo
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YB and QM: Remember, it’s called composting.
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Wonderful! yb, I’m really enjoying the fact and understanding how you’re making this site into your own scrapbook. 🙂
I love the divine photo you posted, and I also appreciate your devotion to Mary. My family and I give our devotion to the Virgin Mary as well as we pray the rosary every day. Through her intervention, God has helped me and my family with so many things in our lives.
Look forward to seeing more photos! 🙂
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Franny, yes, composting. It is so good to remember that. And to take that much needed time to let things sit for a while. Great to hear from you. Have a peaceful evening everyone.
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[…] Thank You For Keeping An Eye On Me, Mary […]
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