Bells bells bells bells bells

McLeod Ganj, India, 2009...the sounds of each bell tinkling as the bell-seller put them away in the dark last night. I thought I had noted his location so I could return in the daylight, but now I’m not so sure. Here’s a synchronicity: I’m writing about bells and the chime-ringer up the hill began with a little trill this morning before the series, and the series itself seemed even a little more thoughtful than usual – go beyond, go beyond, go still beyond – as if this is a special day for the chime-ringer… Dueling chimers of a sort now, the first delicate and competent, the second loud and rude. 10

Siem Reap, Cambodia, 2010 Wind chimes across the courtyard, pealing gently in the breeze that kicks up before dawn. I could buy a Cambodian cowbell for $20 at an upscale shop. Wonder how much a farmer would ask? I've been thinking there are animals you put bells on and animals you don’t. I’ve seen cats and elephants with bells, but never a pig or a chicken.