NEW PHILOSOPHY — NEW LIFE
Maybe it’s because I’m old? Probably, after all I am old. Most certainly old, but when did this newfound, more philosophical and philanthropic thinking begin? Some answers are shown below.
When young, I lived a hedonistic lifestyle, often quoting WC Fields, “I spent half my money on gambling, alcohol, and wild women. The other half I just wasted”. In my case, you could add cannabis, fast cars, and adrenaline to the list.
Unfortunately, wine, women and song tendencies for men has been with us forever. Fortunately, most of us (if we live long enough) outgrow it. The behavioral change of lifestyle can be attributed to many things, which could be the finding of a “good woman”, a religious belief, and in my case, a philanthropic and philosophical change.
Much of this change occurred over a long period of time and was heavily influenced by my change of scenery. As a life long entrepreneur with both success and failure, I started a new life in Southeast Asia, where I had became enchanted with the people, culture, and countryside. I was fortunate in having a modest monthly income from Social Security, and although it would not have been enough to sustain me in the USA, here with my now simplified and austere life, it was plenty.
My nature of thriving on excitement and adventure finally led me to being bored with the simple and austere life. I needed something to do. I was living in a remote area where Cambodia, Thailand and Laos intersect, referred to as the “Emerald Triangle”. After a few years of exploring many of the ancient sanctuaries in the area and recognizing the difficulties in finding the unmarked locations, I founded the Emerald Triangle Tours Company. Catering to anthropologists (professionals and amateurs) and a few interested tourists, business was good.
The Khmer Road was a raised highway for travelers and led its way through Cambodia, Lao and Thailand with a rest house or sanctuary placed at about the distance a monk could walk in a day. Called “Houses with Fire”. Estimated to be 121 built and another 102 hospitals along the road. King Javavarman VII, who commissioned these masterfully built structures, reigned for 37 years (born 1122 AD died 1218 AD).
Most of these structures lie in ruin, although some have been restored and are now designated as World Heritage sites. After a decade of tours, the destinations were now well known and my services were no longer needed. During this time, I was witness to the desecration and looting that was taking place. Local stone craftsmen using ancient tools and methods would roughly carve small stone Buddha faces to sell to tourists.
I had a past history as an artist and over the years got to know a few of these artisans. I started the Khmer Road Sculpture Co. With their help, I selected 10 of the most iconic Buddha styles in history and replicated their characteristics with my personal ideas. Most all were sold by being commissioned. The size, weight, stone color and Buddha style were agreed upon and we carved to order. Rising container shipping costs, my age (mid 70’s) and arthritis in my hands forced me into retirement.
I wasn’t ready for retirement. Using the photographs of my hand carved stone Buddhas as models, I moved to Japan to learn the ancient art of Kakemono Scrolling Posters. Masters of this traditional Japanese art spend a lifetime perfecting it. Using a special silk combined with hand made paper and natural inks, this art is virtually unknown in western cultures. Centuries old works are priceless.
After nearly two years of studying with a Master Craftsman, I felt I had learned what I needed to know. It was never my intent to use the traditional techniques. I intended to use a newly formulated synthetic silk and less expensive materials and to market them at a reasonable price on Amazon. This was the beginning of Kakemono Scrolling Posters.
This long story is the prelude to the development of what I’m doing now. The-Spirit-of-Humanity.org and The-Idea-Man.org are my legacies of giving it forward. Both are nonprofit organizations, working towards different goals. The intent is not for profit and primarily to help others.
Still kicking and in my 80’s, the only thing that could make me any happier is your support. The remote, rural village of Kengmaihia, Lao is not for everyone, but it’s my home and final resting place.
