Thursday, January 24, 2013

Billy Bob and the Buddhist Monks



It was a beautiful summer evening on Canyon Road. We were holding an opening reception at the art gallery for one of the artists we represented, and I was there to meet and greet and try to sell some art. I didn't really like working these events - I've never liked crowds - but it was my job, a job I'd gotten quite good at, and it was a way to show support for these artists, many of whom had become close friends of mine.

I was mingling and working my way through the crowd when I had an uncontrollable urge to step outside. The sea of people parted and I stepped under the portal just as several young Buddhist monks were making their way down Canyon Road. There were perhaps twenty of them walking down this very old, very narrow road lined with window boxes full of flowers and small colorful gardens beneath aging adobe. Against this backdrop I stood transfixed for several minutes by these incredibly beautiful monks in their burgundy and saffron robes. But, even beyond their beauty, there was a deep sense of serenity. My friend, Michael, came and stood by me and we watched together.

When the last monk had disappeared up a tiny side street, I looked at the gallery directly across from us. Lo and behold, there stood Billy Bob Thornton with what I can only assume were a couple of friends. I looked at Michael and he looked back at me, as if to acknowledge we were seeing the same thing. When I looked back at Billy Bob, just for a second, our eyes met. I turned and walked back into the gallery.

I know trouble when I see it.









Billy Bob was in town promoting himself as a musician with a new album. He had been at Borders earlier in the day.


28 comments:

  1. I love Canyon Road!!! Dang...there's not much in SF that I don't love. Ooh have I mentioned that I'm starting (early, mind you) my annual craving for NM. Billy Bob...Oooh! now that could be trouble. In my opinion, he's just an ok actor. I could pass on seeing him...but! seeing the monks would have been wonderful! The feeling of peace is always with them. Now I would have really enjoyed that...

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    1. I almost didn't include the part about Billy Bob as my memory of the monks alone was more than beautiful, but I couldn't resist the juxtaposition. I do miss the Road... such a magical place.

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  2. Seeing all the monks in the sunlight must have been a glorifying sight,
    Whenever I think of BB Thornton I can picture him in that Santa movie. I think that must be his true personality.

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    1. It is among my favorite memories. The colors and the light were exquisite.

      He's certainly created some interesting characters in his films.

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  3. What a strange collision of opposing spheres. I think of Billy Bob and his relationship with Angelina Jolie. It was repulsive in its kinky
    overtones with the sharing of vials of each others blood on chains around their necks.

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    1. Exactly, Janice. They made an interesting couple. I think I like the woman she has become.

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  4. Hello Teresa:
    What a very special and wonderful memory to have. We too can visualise the small procession of monks walking down the road, transporting it into something completely other worldly. And then, back to reality, or earth, with Billy Bob!

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    1. Of the most interesting kind... I still see a lesson here. :)

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  6. The sublime to the ridiculous!
    Beautiful, bustling Canyon Road. What an interesting place to have lived and worked. Went back there a couple of years ago after a break of many years as a friend was being represented by a gallery. Surprised at how much busier it all is now. The owner told us Santa Fe is the second biggest art market in the US after NY.

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    1. Exactly! Yes, 2nd largest during my time there. Perhaps still is.... It was fun.

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  7. There is often stark contrast in your writings. Canyon Road carrying peaceful monks to some unknown destiny, and then you realize you are witnessing this with Billy Bob Thornton, an almost whimsical contrast. This can only happen in real life.
    Enjoyed this!

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  8. I cant help wondering what BB Thornton's habits might be like..........?+ wildly off-topic, have you read George Saunders? I bought one of his books in Manchester yesterday...& have already read it.Splendid.I could imagine both BB Thornton & Your 20 monks in one of his future stories..........!

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    1. My imagination fueled by stories has had no problem answering that... ;(

      Good writers are never off-topic. I must remedy that hole in my literary knowledge. I see he has a new collection out, "Tenth of December." Shall I start there, or do you have a recommendation? He sounds very intriguing....

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  9. Dear Teresa, I'm not sure who this Billy Bob Thornton is. I connect that name somehow with movies and maybe Angeline Joli. Am I way off base?

    On Monday, I read a posting by Rita in which she sent her readers to your blog to listen to your Dec. 29th post in which you spoke to us the posting "Standing in a Field." I so enjoyed listening to your voice. It sounds just as I thought you would sound from reading about your concern for our world and reading also your gentle words about Oneness and poetry. I hope you'll continue to do this every so often.

    I've been away from reading and commenting on blogs for about six weeks and I've missed your postings, which always make me examine my thoughts and feelings about something. If you have any posts during that time that you'd especially like me to read--or listen to--please do e-mail me with the URLs. Thank you. Peace.

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    1. I'm so glad you're back. I've missed your presence here. And no, you're not off base. He's an actor of some note and was married to her for a while.

      Thanks for listening to my recording. I will do it from time to time. I've had some fun with it.

      If I see a post you might particularly en joy I will send the link. Thanks for asking...

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  10. Monks I can dig on, Billy Bob Thornton not so much, Angelina Jolie knew she had a great purpose to promote peace and harmony in this world. Adopting children left for dead in third world countries with no mind to anyone but her feelings and the love she could and will continually give to them, boom she met her soon to be hubby a real humanitarian and now the father of her three children Brad Pitt..all a real family...They are a living testatment to what a person and persons can do to really care about human life and Mother earth, their celebrity and the money they make makes a big deal to those they help, think the Katrina area where Mr. Pitt has built homes to help americans who were savaged by Katrina, he kept his mouth shut about his doings and just put his money to work to help real live americans who were abandoned by our govt. due to being poor, I truly believe that, shame on them, many who had means were outta New Orleans in a heartbeat the many who actually lived and worked there lost everything including their lives, the movie Beast of the Sourthern Wild is a true testament to the people who lived in & near Low Country who survived Katrina..I think Monks are angels from God, they carry their souls to others to see what real peace and love truly is, you got a glimpse of real true love and peace, the Billy Bob sighting is just a true fluke, Love your blog..peace to you & love!X()

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    1. They have made a real difference in the world and I have been very grateful for all Brad Pitt quietly did to restore people's homes and in an ecologically correct way after Katrina. He also has made a big difference in education among children in Africa. Amazing work there, also.

      More than a fluke, I saw it as a rather intriguing message from the Universe, to see such a stark difference in how a person can move through the world.

      Thanks for the great comment! Peace! X

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  11. Just got back from bringing food, blankies and treats to a no kill feline shelter, the lady took in a dog and adopted her..She is about 78 and gets little financial help, so we help her out for food since we love felines a lot. Our only childs spoiled cat lives with us now a rescue from seattle from people who got her spoiled her and the hubbs said it was me or her so you know she was out, the feline vet who took her in put her in the front of her clinic everyday my only child walked past that window and she nearly tore the window up to get to my babydoll, she adopted her, lost her job, had to move and begged me to take her in, she is lovely, but really spoiled so we cater to her and a wild boy named mr. miyagi who thinks he is a big tiger he has lots of hair but not really big, inside now after getting the tar kicked out of him many times..nearly all black and so sweet, he tries to jump our princess but we have separate rooms for them to have their own spaces and new condos built by my child hood friend a vietnam vet who stays in our home when it is freezing cold which is a lot, he is adorable, the cats love him to pieces and he made them elaborate kitteh condos which we paid so he could get new shoes, clothes, dental work, see the doc for medicines he needs, I fought the VA like a bulldog in a battle for his benefits, it took it seemed forever, finally I contacted the senator in our state in fact both women big wigs and the woman governor boom he got his money!! plus medical care, psychiatric care, etc. When it gets warm he will look for a home at last..I say help people here and let the other countries somehow help their citizens, we also volunteer at a food bank that is always needing basic foods, bread, milk, proteins & the people are all working just don't make anything after rent, utilities to get anykind of food that will fill them up to work these jobs that to me are horrible, they never complain, I cook up great meals, and goodies, it is my duty I feel since my hubbs worked his entire life in the food business and we always have had plenty. that is the word plenty, so many have nothing, it is terrible..Our home hums along, my friend is blooming daily, my hubbs was in Vietnam but did not experience what he did at all, it is no small miracle actually a big miracle he has survived he lived in the country in a tent, I found him at a farmer market asking for throw away veggies, I almost did not recognize him he was starving..we felt it our friendship to extend a loving hand and have never looked back his family did nothing, it is shameful to say, but I believe you pay for your Karma here on earth for what you DON'T DO WHEN YOU KNOW YOU ARE SUPPOSE TO DO IT! I have seen people who did terrible things to me and my siblings when my mother died when I was a little girl and they suffered a lot..many of my childhood friends told me, so you do get you KARMA one way or another, love your picture of the beatles album Love is all you Need it certainly is..if more thought the way you think I truly believe we would have a peaceful, loving world..ciao & peace & love!X()X()

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    1. It sounds like you have found many ways to be of service in the world. All of those things make a big difference. Thank you for telling ma bout them. Peace.

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  12. Hi T,
    Love this memory. Don't think we ever walked that road without something truly thought provoking happening. Quite a contrast, the Monks and Billie Bob. Glad you know trouble when you see it. :)

    I think my favorite road memory was drifting along on Christmas Eve. All those little bonfires with folks huddled round singing Christmas songs. Lots of goodness that night. Smiles everywhere and a steady stream of strangers bursting into song, then moving on to the next fire.

    Thanks for taking me back. Hugs dear one.

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    1. Hi Chris! I'm so happy to hear from you. Yes, it's a magical place where some very cool things happen. I'm so glad it was such a big part of my life for so many years. Christmas Eve on the Road was always lovely.

      Hugs to you.

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  13. Maybe you know trouble when you see it, but THEN what?

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    1. I will admit that, sometimes, I've welcomed it with open arms, knowing the adventure would be worth it, and other times... :)

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  14. A procession of monks. Now that is something you don't see everyday. What a photo that would have made. Billy Bob Thornton was in the last movie I saw in a theater. "A Simple Plan", filmed mostly in Delano, MN. The theater was in Delano and I was with a couple who lived in Delano. They pointed out (afterwards) just where all the scenes were filmed and of course they knew all of the "extras" who were in the movie.

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    1. Steven, As always, I so enjoy hearing from you. "A Simple Plan" is a wonderful movie. I love it. How cool that you have that great connection to it. It's so fun to have hometown style people to visit with here...

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