STIX and STONES and HEAVY METAL..
Back in the day,when O-Town was just beginning to boom as a gold mining operation,a large Chinese population found it's way here looking to make their fortunes.
..Like most folks,they needed a place to gather amongst their brethren,and worship.
..
This is some kind of huge,cast iron something-or-other that sets in front of the new Temple.
..These are photos of the original Chinese Temple.
I don't really know if it serves any present function,because they've built a brand spankin' new one right next door..Hey Rainey!..You know the park that lies across from my house?..Well this is two blocks East on the street that runs behind it!
This is some kind of huge,cast iron something-or-other that sets in front of the new Temple.
Maybe it's a massive incense burner..I just don't know.
Although I wasn't able to capture the magnificent patina,the brilliant craftsmanship is evident..
I'm tempted to wander on over there some fine day,and observe the services.
My background in Kung-fu has served to spark my interest in most things Chinese...Still,I wouldn't want to be perceived as just another Ugly American,intruding on their sacred mass.
Like Master Jimmy Woo used to say,and only half jokingly,
'White men have no character'..
Have a great week kids!..
Labels: Around O-Town, Jimmy Woo, Kung-Fu San Soo
Make chex payable to §£ïñg 5:00 PM
22 Bootleggers
22 Comments:
But Sling...isn't it odd, how we build these relationships. I have known you for a very small amount of time..and I have come to love and respect you..your thoughts, what you have to say..how you operate on a day-to-day basis..and, because I am from TEXAS, I wonder and worry about Granny..I am so intested about other blogers on your site..and I am now concerned about your " lack of employement"..and think of you every morning. There is a lot to be said of this. All of this arrices from.. a love of writing, alove of the words!
Should you ever need to come toTEXAS..you have a place to stay, my dear compadre!
im with the other texas gal...come on'a my house ...don't even have to wait for westfest..your package is still being put together..but i'll get it to you...i just keep forgetting..
i was going to go check out austexgirl but she's not available..dang
Wow, a wild west temple! I love it.
austexgrl here.....austin, writer, trauma nurse..in the midst of..midlife crisis..found sling...what a guy, what an honest blog..refreshing! I am very humble... Love the Granny..an inspiration for me! Thnx!!
P.S. I bought a Kindle..what a surprise..me.. of all people, loving a Kindle. It is a GREAT new discovery, Sling..maybe, under your Christmas Tree...you will find a little box with a Kindle under it, HUH?
Sling, you know Kung-Fu??? You are the bomb!!!
austexgrl- It's a wonderful thing,this blog thing of ours.
I've met the most talented people I could ever hope to here in the ethers.
Your thoughtful comments are always appreciated you know. :)
I've heard of this Kindle thing.
I'm thinkin' there should be one on the desk of every kid in school.
Yellowdod G. is right!..We need to have access to your blog.
Yellerdawg- Anything worth having,is worth waiting for..
I think austexgrl should go public! :)
citizen- Ain't it just too cool!
I can just see them.
Strangers in a strange land,gathered together in the light of flickering oil lamps, celebrating the ties that bind.
I love that stuff!
Lost- Oh hell yeah!..Those were easily some of the best years of my life.
I loved the Kung-Fu pictures! And, yes, I'm sure you've still got it.
I love that there is a Chinese Temple in O-Town and people are allowed to worship together in a way that draws them to the Divine. I'd be curious too.
Sling: It's yer new liquor pot! And after a few holy salutes, you will be able to read the inscriptions as well. whoo hooo
deadwood, deadwood, deadwood.
beware wu and the pigs!
Oh I love you so much. I use to study Kempo Karate, my goal was to get my black belt and then go study Kung Fu. I ended up getting asthma and had to quit cuz I couldn't breathe. I contemplate going back and getting my black belt now that my breathing is better.
You could have fooled us all and said you took a trip to China. I love the building and the pot. The detail looks amazing.
mom- We're pretty proud of our Temple 'round these parts..
We're hoping to get a Russian Embassy someday.
CS- You know,it's possible that it's an ancient Chinese still!
Billy P.- Okay,..now you're just scaring me..
Sage- I love you right back doll! :)
And I do encourage you to get back into martial arts.
I think a good and sincere soul is always welcome in any true temple-regardless of the faith.
Stop by, you just might be very surprised my dear. Might learn something, might not.. But you won't know if you never walk through the door.
Isn't it fascinating to really explore the place where you live?
I love history and architecture. (Guess it's good that I live in a city with lots of both! :) )
I am always so behind. That is a great, National Geographic kind of picture, that top one.
This looks like something they've investigated on History Detectives.
Dora- Of course you're right,and they do have signs posted in English for their hours.Know what I mean?
MHP- Taking backyard tours is something I've always enjoyed.
I've done a number of 'Around O-Town' posts,but there is still much to explore. :)
booda babe- History Detectives!..I think a trip to the library might be in order.
i took karate right after giving birth to maryjo to help lose the baby weight..but i was still nursing and the master wouldn't let me spar if i didn't have on a breast plate...where was i going to find a breast plate to fit my tits?...we took the moon hubcaps off the masters car and i walked in and thumped on them and said 'ok, im ready to spar'...he was not amused...(them chinese guys)
I forgot what i was going to write Sling after reading old yellow dog granny and her hubcaps...plumb went out of my brain it did.
I can just picture the spot! Not to mention, Otown is full o' cultchah. I like that in a town.
I'm with Dora. I imagine that you would be welcome where ever you went, so leg it on down to the temple. Though, if Granny comes calling, you might ask her to leave the hubcaps at home.
I keep toying with the idea of taking up Tai Kwon Do. The closest I've come though is yoga. I guess I should give this some more thought.
It would be fascinating to see the inside of the temple - if it is anything like the ones in Vietnam, Cambodia or China it will be worth a posting on its own. And they would probably be happy to let you take photos.
As to that big cast iron pot - it could possibly be a cistern for water in case of fire. Most of the temples in Asia are made of wood and it was not uncommon to have large pots of water - which in the winter had a fire going under them to stop them from freezing. Just a regular little Wikipedia entry aren't I? Mind you as they say over there: it needs citation!
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