Visions of the Stupa at Boudhanath

The Boudanath Stupa is interesting at any time of the day.

I heard a commotion and found this Tibetan lady feeding the many dogs that hang out around the Stupa.  Not all of them are street dogs, as evidenced by a collar or two, but all of them like her food.

This lonely pup sits on the steps of one of the many gompas that line the Boudhanath Stupa.   She looks lonely and a bit in need of some of that food the Tibetan lady hands out.   When I try to feed the dogs my scraps, they don't like my food - no matter how hungry they are.   Whole wheat toast?   Cheese rinds?  No way!

You can tell that this photo was taken in the early morning because of the huge flock of pigeons that swarm the Stupa.

Boudha is always fascinating with many rituals taking place night and day.   This huge pile of rice and snacks will be gone by the end of the evening, rolled up and given to poor people.

The music and light cannot be captured by my simple camera, but it is very beautiful here at Boudha Stupa, day and night.

This handsome Dalmation is hand painted on metal by Lal Karki.   One of my personal favorites, it is available at Nomad in Cambridge, Mass.   This is an example of a native Danger Dog and is similar to the ones that used to be common on the streets of Kathmandu but are sadly disappearing.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I am in Nepal right now and accepting orders.

Since there is expected political unrest in Nepal in November, please get your orders in early...

Now is the time to order:   Be ahead of the Pack!   Orders now being accepted for the November 2013 trip.  I will be back in early December 2013 in plenty of time to mail holiday orders.

1. Please send me a photo of your pet.  I will give it to three different artists, giving you a choice of 3 paintings and three people will get work.   Each painting is about one square foot and is on metal with synthetic enamel paint.   These can be hung indoors or out.

2. Let me know what you would like it to say.

3. Let me know what style of portrait you would prefer:   naive, realistic, colorful, etc.

4. Tell me your pet's name and breed.   

5. Send your photo to me at:   [email protected]  
That's it !

Satisfaction is guaranteed as I accept no money up front.   If you do not like one of the three, you pay nothing, and the 3 artists are paid in full in any case.   Let me know what you want it to say and that's it!

 

The cost is $250 plus shipping.   Shipping is around $18 per sign (to and from the US).   And 9.75% California sales tax for California residents.  
Pay after choosing your portrait. 
Multiple pets on one sign cost more ($325 for Double, $400 for Triple).

If you have already ordered the price will remain the same, forever.   ie, if you are one of the lucky ones who ordered in 2007, your price will never change.  

 

Let's keep these artists painting.

 

This hand-painted art form is fast disappearing in Kathmandu, as it already has in most parts of the world.   I pay fair trade wages, the artists get to paint again, pet lovers get a choice of three paintings for each commission, and I get to help Nepali artists make a living.   Everybody is happy.   Rescue dogs from America get to rescue artists from Nepal!