at home in the world Welcome to my chronicle. I have embarked on my 'global art studio tour' (GAST). Who knows how long i'll be gone or where exactly it will take me. I hope to meet as many artists, see as many studios, and make as much art work as possible before my return. If you wish to sponsor me, you will receive a peice of artwork, of your choice, after my return at the value of which you sponsor me. (does that make sense?) Put another way, you can pre-purchase artwork from me, if you would like. The two ways to get money to me are (1)Send it to my parents who will deposit it: c/o Ron & Janine Parrish, 9102 Towanna Tr., Austin, TX 78736, USA. OR (2) email me (via this website) for Paypal information. (my account is under my email address, if you already have that.) Thanks so much. Please comment as freely and frequently as you wish on articles and picture. ~heather

Our best taxi driver friend, who we used a number of times, and probably will continue to do so for years to come, is Gede. (said, 'G'day')

In toting us back & forth to the mechanic (a story intentionally left untold)he & Misi talked extensively of the details of our situation. This is the first context in which the word "susa" came up frequently. After investigation on our handling of a certain situation, he reflected to Misi, "either you are very wise or very stupid; i can't tell which yet". (for my part, i've never seen anyone act with as much integrity as misi did- was very proud of her). After further discourse he dicided "Ah, you are very rich in heart." to which Misi responded "Rich in heart/poor in money". a good laugh all round. He had a very sensitive meter for when we were becoming a little frustrated, discouraged, tired, whatever, and always succeeded in making everyone laugh and become lighter of heart.

These extensive conversations helped me get an ear on the language again, though i am by no means proficient yet. not even like a toddler. i think i can pull my self up, take a step & plop on my butt. that's about where the language is.

"Susa" is also the word Gede used when presented with my name, which he never could pronounce. he pretty much gave up right away. After which he avoided talking to me, as well. Don't name your kid 'heather' if you want anyone besides fluent english speakers to be able to address her as such. As we were drifting off to sleep i said, 'mis, we gotta do something about my name. i'll never make a friend here if they can't say my name.' (in indonesian especially they refer to the person they are speaking to by name very frequently during conversation - almost like talking to you in third person). Anyway, now i am 'Hera'. i tested it out on couple of locals and it went over without a bat of an eye. This, for me, is big. Thanks, mis.

Also, when the subject was broached with Gede about my vocation of choice, after a few jokes, he said. "Ah, art is very susa. Art is like love. Very susa. It doesn't matter if its cheap, if you don't want it you don't buy it. if you want it, you have to buy it, no matter how expensive'. Taxi-driver insight at its best :)