太平山宜蘭三日遊October 3, 2019
108.10.01-3
何沐蓮 記
當年澤蘭姊嫁到宜蘭,曾經要我們去宜蘭,只去了一次,對於位在台灣東北角的地區,始終有著神秘感而無緣深入了解的地區,隔著神秘的面紗。
在這十月初,自來水退休人員協會舉辦的秋季旅遊,第一天我們去東北角觀看海岸線,在核四廠旁的貢寮南灣海濱休憩園區做杏仁薄餅,搭蹦蹦車繞了園區一圈,又看了沙雕,政府利用觀光增加點滴營利,然而對核四的感覺十分可惜,沒人敢提到這樣的投資,無緣對台灣子民服務。
第一晚投宿葛瑪蘭旅館,被分在尚未完成翻修的對面分館,全新而舒適的地方。第二天排了五峰旗瀑布和新寮瀑布步道健行。原來今年水氣豐沛,瀑布尤為壯觀,水氣飄到岩壁上,聲音猶如萬馬奔騰,水急促的流下來。雖然不敢攻頂,沒看到最美的風景,當年在姨丈舉辦的活動留下的照片已成記憶,對於宜蘭的山水印象深刻。
第二晚夜宿英仕飯店,可惜房內老舊。晚間餐後的歌唱節目是這次活動的娛樂,點歌歌唱,隨歌起舞,各個歌者聲音都有特色,有人即興隨韻律舞動,姿態柔軟。
第三天來到太平山上,搭乘蹦蹦火車繞到林區,呼吸芬多精,在高聳紅檜林木下走走,甩手暖身運動,感覺棒透了。因為時間沒有拿捏得宜,延誤了一小時才能搭單軌火車,在森林區呆的時間不夠長,是可惜的地方。
在這次的接觸中,感受到森林區的林木默默的付出多年的努力,在陽光雨水的滋養照顧下,忠實無悔的緊抓著山中的土地,筆直的紅檜林木,十分綿密既保持距離,又互相鼓勵的,株株很爭氣的冒出山頭,實在不容易啊!
車輛每到一個點都讓旅人下車活動如廁,時間安排如預期般的走,遊客的配合都能讓賓客盡歡,這點很重要。
雖然政府促進觀光,補助旅遊,但是還是以個人旅遊爭取補助比團體申請有利。
太平山頭
108.10.05
何沐蓮
太平山頭鬱鬱蒼蒼 雲海茫茫
青翠的深藍對上藍藍的天空 絲絲白雲
太陽是林裡的魔術師 雨水是奶娘
紅檜木被拉拔得高大參天
高山清淨的空氣
飽滿頜芬多精的空氣
可以讓人聰明一點
被斷橋轟沈的人啊
浴火殉職的人吶
空氣河川海灣需要清淨
今夏風雨衝擊雨量
化成稀哩嘩啦的瀑布泉水
想要一溜煙的奔向河邊 順流出海
海洋外的世界是上一世的記憶
在這太平山頭
蹦蹦車再度拉客欣賞參天林木
樹說他已等了上百年
為的就是與你相遇
那怕只是蹦蹦幾聲中閃過
樹還是目送你離去
我的目光追逐著龜山島
那島一會兒東一會兒西
夕陽餘暉灑落黃昏的天空
任你選好夕陽日景 馬上就離去
我才知道哪裡都有夕陽日景
如同每天都有日出
就看你人在何處
來看看我用 GoPro Quik 應用程式製作的影片!
https://gopro.com/v/QnNG550RZMa05
仲夏之夜20190715
的兒孫輩是十分重要的挑戰時刻。雖然不是
很順利學習,總算熬出了少許方向。對於我,
新一代的未來不就是圍繞在家、學校、朋友。
我們長輩不需要想太多,也無法掌握未來。
就看著過著不可多得的日子了!
阿里山旅遊20180327
阿里山旅遊1070327
何沐蓮
今年自來水退休協會春季阿里山旅遊,
行程有鹿谷、東埔溫泉、阿里山櫻花季,
期間經新中橫,風景絕佳,又觀賞玉山
國家公園影片,堪稱山川壯麗。望遠鏡
觀測玉山山頭,美景盡收眼底。
首先靜宜畢業黃惠娥校友準備茶葉蛋,車
上服務人員阿珍準備山藥薏仁茶,南投
休息站接理事長,9點才有早點包子饅
頭。到鹿谷換山本車隊小巴到羊彎茶園風
景區參觀竹林隧道、銀杏森林步道、開喜
茶園。海拔1500公尺的杉林溪竹林,竹
的種類,歷史和竹筍採收,竹子的備長炭
經濟價值,5年以上的竹子會爛掉。這次
在南投溪頭森林公園及附近放眼望去盡是
台大實驗林,前日本殖民時的帝國大學所
有,日本撤台,改名台灣大學,實驗林直
接由台大接收。銀杏森林的武岫農場銀杏
花期已過,雲霧繚繞什麼也看不到,下山
來到小半天休閒農場區,店家請喝豆漿,
以為小紙杯熱豆漿無糖,但我喝的時候才
知道是冰的。先生不敢亂喝,跑遠遠的。
中午在鹿谷吃午餐,上洗手間後用了洗手
臺的水漱口。不知是早上的冷豆漿還是什
麼讓我拉肚子,緊急請司機看有沒有洗手
間讓我下車,司機臨時找到荒廢的廁所,
好心的阿珍陪我一起去看,不妙,沒水,
也不管三七二十一,先解決再說,顏面
掃地也不管了。還好一車的人大部份在
休息養神,沒在看發生什麼事。
當晚住在東埔帝綸溫泉飯店。下午取消走
東埔天梯吊橋山路,觀賞彩虹瀑布、情人
谷、雲龍瀑布約 1 小時的行程,先到帝綸
飯店休息泡湯。打了幾通電話問櫃檯泡湯
地點和規矩,光是置物櫃就得借10元才能
上鎖,熱溫泉水47。C在裡邊左側,需要
先潦過冷泉就很戰鬥,約10分鐘就起來,
還不錯。水中手腳划水阻力,雙腳放鬆的
漂浮感覺,泡水後血液循環改善都增加不
少泡溫泉的舒適感。忘了帶正氣散,晚上
去西藥房買一罐暮帝納斯,吃6 顆,隔天
阿里山2小時才有廁所,3小時才到。夜
間2點公雞啼叫,是天亮了嗎?很久沒聽
到公雞叫,有人醒來就睡不著了。
第二天行程阿里山海拔2000公尺以上,
入山走新中橫,風景絕佳。因為修路工程
事先上網登記,單向行駛,整點放行,等
了5分鐘到9點,終於可以上去。有人因
為想尿突然痙攣,非常難受,只好下去尿
在桶裡。出來時有人唱完一首歌,拍手鼓
勵。她直說不用拍手啦!
由新中橫看玉山,經塔塔加夫妻樹,到達
玉山國家公園遊客中心景觀步道,看到陽
光在楓葉間婆娑閃舞,透過望遠鏡將玉山
主峰拉美景近眼前的興奮,看玉山國家公
園影片,想著絕佳的山巒疊翠秀麗風景。
阿里山森林遊樂區高聳林木和遊樂區的
空中走廊櫻花季,吸引數千國內外的遊
客。下車車上服務人員跟飯店聯絡就不
高興,直接到飯店,別團遲到,我們準時
11:30到,硬是請他們等。對不起,遲了
行程會耽擱到,所有的行程先約定好的,
辛苦了隨車服務小姐。
午餐後搭小巴到受鎮宮,往回走5分鐘看
櫻花公主和櫻花王。我很開心雖然有點高
山喘,用力咳嗽等緩和,才繼續走。各地
來的遊客駐足在花公主和花王前,擺起姿
勢合影留念,或者捕捉櫻王春季的英姿,
留戀徘徊花叢間,不忍離去。我們也看完
櫻花走回受鎮宮參拜玄天上帝和神明,等
小車載遊客回大巴,兩車的人往番路觸口
天長地久風景區,買了萬客香牛軋糖伴手
禮。晚餐在草屯花漾千禧飯店用餐,ㄧ位
痛風患者疑似早上喝了3小杯的冷豆漿,
痛風症突發,找阿里山衛生所開止痛藥,
後因過敏眼睛腫大,趕忙在草屯醫院急
診。90歲的長者已想尿尿,只好忍著,
不久終於到了餐廳。餐後回公司,搭公車
回家。
一年兩次的協會旅行都請阿玲安排,聽說
有人要跟她討論這次的旅行的狀況,阿珍
小姐表示,她們仍需要得到繼續支持。我
們的旅遊業者卯足全力,山本車隊的隨車
人員詳盡解說,幾個家庭經濟支撐,我們
台灣人都是這樣認真做,好在我們生在台
灣,台灣人因為團體而回隊伍被說成插
隊,因為別人誤點,被說成不肯讓人,我
只能對阿玲小姐說:妳辛苦了!
30年前第一次去阿里山旅遊時曾在夫妻
樹下照相,當時小孩才十歲,我們40
歲,現在夫妻樹已倒,人生有幾個30
年?這次經歷雖然不順,然而一切都仍美
好。台灣仍然吸引許多觀光客,人著實站
上重要的一環。據說,今天ㄧ群陸客上
阿里山碰上落石,還好沒傷到旅客。
阿彌陀佛!
等候時間是旅遊需要培養的性情之一,聊
天之間了解同事退休後生活,有人生2男1
女,有8個孫,過年一桌子不夠坐。說女
兒學醫卻生4個,增產報國,兩個兒子各
生2個。有同事將一個兒子送去美國讀
書,在美國工作,自己卻已走了。還有人
已90歲仍然參加活動,唱卡拉ok,還邀
請我們去他家唱。有人歌唱得動聽,唱一
首首動聽歌曲,娛樂大家,還邀請有興趣
者回公司練歌。這樣的旅遊行程值得推
薦,不知道下回夜啼的公雞可否不要那麼
勤快,至於涔涔的流水聲來自河水,仍然
會不停的自顧自地述說故事。
來看看我用 GoPro Quik 應用程式製作的影片!
https://quik.gopro.com/v/hFRuMVeLGS/
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1936188336391775&id=100000018827280
如果明天就是下一生20171107
如果明天就是下一生
If tomorrow is the beginning of the next life
歲月在你我呼吸間流浪
Time wandering between your and my breaths,
當終點抵達 那些想望休息了嗎?
When getting near the end, do you leave all your coveting?
身心在日出日落間耗轉
Your body and mind become fatigued between sunrise and sunset.
當無常宣判 你的心回家了嗎?
When comes the final judgment, are you ready to go home?
週遭一幕幕演出 不存在的陌生
The shows of nonexistent strangeness go on and on in front of us!
尋尋覓覓哦
You’re looking everywhere oh!
斷線珍珠怎麼接?
How do you connect the disconnected pearls?
失落的音符 怎麼唱?
How do you sing that lost melody?
如果明天就是下一生
If tomorrow is the beginning of the next life,
你將如何度過今天?
How will you live the day today?
如果明天就是下一生
If tomorrow is the beginning of the next life,
你將如何度過今天?
How will you live the day today?
我用溫暖守護生命
I protect my life with warmth,
讓浪花留了痕
Let the inspired waves leave their marks!
我用覺照守護健康
I guard my own health with mindfulness,
讓轉輪點了光
Which lights up and spins the wheel of life!
民龍里拈花惹草自然學習手作
Nov. 06, 2017
黃大筆老師教授
2017年9月10月何沐蓮 寫於20171104
退休後的生活因爲學羅泓泉、魏西村老師拉筋運動,阿如老師教動動腦與口、運動、四輪傳動的學習,以防老人失智,後來黃大筆老師的拈花惹草自然學習手作班的學習,重新調整學習心態,儼然成為好學者,心情驟然放鬆,台語聽講雖說是母語,總覺得慢慢的習慣,是一種對得起身為台灣人應該有的素養。
里長吳國禎先生爭取到新里民中心的落成啟用,我們這班25名老人和中年人聚在一起,用心的傾聽黃老師的課,努力拼揍出他帶來的素材,在12堂課裡,完成了11件作品,無不為之著迷,直到最後,每位學員都滿心喜悅,感謝老師盡力傾囊相授。
十二單元完成作品有11件:1. 鬼針飛鏢/大花咸豐草、2. 鹿仔樹/結合葉片與鹿的造型剪紙、3. 娘仔葉桑葉/紙塑娘仔轉印桑葉、4. 雞屎藤/以希得三角形構成一張幾何結構的公雞、5. 水鹿樟樹/樟樹枝水鹿立體手作、6. 綁牛的草牛筋草/紙塑水牛、7. 柚雕、8. 9. 長鬍子的樹榕樹/榕樹氣根剪貼成榕樹、10. 咖啡樹/咖啡豆拼貼貓、11. 懶人樹欖仁/葉子拓印題款、12. 鴕鳥想飛楓香/楓香毬果結合其他素材做一隻鴕鳥。
恰查某做飛鏢標靶遊戲,鹿造型剪紙像牛,用粗的手紙做蠶寶寶,轉印桑葉,幾何圖形的公雞,樟木枝的水鹿立體手作,牛皮紙塑水牛帶牛筋草,柚雕演變成學員研創的光雕,榕樹貼有真榕樹的穿插和樹下乘涼喝茶的點綴,也可用瓦楞紙板做的榕樹,壽命延長。咖啡貓有香味,欖仁葉拓印加題款,鴕鳥可塑出各種姿態,成品在老師面前,陽光下呈現最完美的演出,絡下深刻印象,也體會到化腐朽為神奇寶貝的樂趣。
上課重點錄影,過程拍照,成品展示,班代藍麗玲和里長伯親自整理,標示,頗為慎重,兩岸文化流,視為一項重要展示。
老來能健康快樂幸福莫過於此!特別記錄一下。
來看看我用 GoPro Quik 應用程式製作的影片!
https://quik.gopro.com/v/jDIvgvj5MA/
Double Tenth Day Oct. 10, 2017
There are two layers of rainbows over the Presidential Palace, a symbol of good luck and hope for us.
Today is also the last day of the four day holidays. Enjoy this long holiday!
沒有妳的母親節--致妹沐珍文 May 14, 2017
這一年,有時候想到以前電話聊天,妳的話語圍繞在我要如何改善我的身體,使得更加健康,變成妳的牙齒的難題。而妳對鄉民的熱心看診,調整治理身體,自己卻已不堪負荷。有一陣子,念經迴向給妳,希望妳追隨阿彌陀佛前往極樂世界,如果有輪迴,來世更加好命。
我們有緣在世同在一起做姊妹,妳照顧我顯然更多,我結婚,妳當新娘秘書。不只如此,妳陪伴爸媽更多更久,我們都很感謝妳。相信來世大家都會有相會的時候。謹此,敬祝安息!
快樂出航 何沐蓮 106.01.05
來吧,朋友們,(我們這把年紀)
去尋找一個新世界還不算太晚。
Come, my friends,
'T is not too late to seek a newer world.
--Ulysses by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems-and-poets/poems/detail/45392
最近一個月跑了國內三、四個景點,趁著還走得動,
有伴一起,行動就來了。
首先來看看武岫農圃,在南投鹿谷溪頭過去的大崙
山銀杏造林區(往衫林溪途中的羊彎處進入)。因為
適值冬季,一下車走路,清冷的晨氣讓我換氣不順,
耳朵堵塞了一陣,緩和一下喝口熱水,才順利走上
去,沿途茶花樹,竹林,銀杏,佔據整個林區。午餐
時間在林邊吹涼涼的山風,享用暖暖的火鍋。這群幸
福的退休人員,互相祝福健康,順利完成了旅遊景點
的心願。裡頭有擅長策劃,愛心揪團一起健走的人,
和ㄧ些忠實會員。
在先生提議下,雖然車早已由兒子上班接用,我們
仍得出門,台中敬老卡可在中部縣市使用免費搭車。
最可貴的地方建設,從十幾年前身體出狀況,休假了
一年,為了活著就是要動,我們偶而出遊,就體會出
台灣的道路完善,除了超速罰單之外,好得令人動。
我們隨興的想去ㄖ月潭,搭公車到第一廣場,走到金
沙大樓旁往日月潭站牌候車,車子駛至潭的總站,有
繞湖接駁車,陪著載我們到各個景點,光是找個高位
子,旁邊的湖水藍,早已映入眼裏,說是湖光山色
景觀與蔚藍天空簡直就是絕配,跟高中和開始教職時
的湖邊泛舟相比,毫不遜色。有山地同胞唱歌迎賓,
收取賞金,歌聲有其特色。
看了文武廟,拍照接連山光水色,搭遊湖車時,某
善心女士推薦到水蛙潭站,沿湖邊散步到纜車站,
景色優美,遂決定這樣走一次,果真很接近湖水。
接近中午,決定不搭纜車去九族文化村。回程,遇到
外國人士,攜帶家眷,老少一起等車,看到我們臉上
掛著微笑。午餐小館子家家客滿,只要能填飽肚子,
家常菜飯都行。
接著下來就到故宮南院。高鐵台中到嘉義,接駁車
就有105,黃9等的選擇。預定的那天剛好下雨,也不
掃遊興。剛好有ㄖ本韓國的文物展出,精美的瓷器,
字、畫、經書抄寫、佛像等。還有嘉義歷史發展文物
介紹,如交趾陶和香的製造。半ㄖ遊行完成。他的同
學說以後不妨去嘉義啖美食,或去看水鳥。
鹿港天后宮參拜是往年的安排,這次用「台中等公
車」的App,詢問路線規劃,順利搭乘9018公車到
鹿港,尚未施行刷卡,以半票車資,來到鹿港小鎮。
國曆年初二,春節補假,遊客如織,川梭小巷,
媽祖廟上香祈福,香火鼎盛,這趟行程,重點在
天后宮,祈求平安、風調雨順。
那麼,下一個行程安排在那裏呢?佛光山,是的。
那兒有父親常去為子孫祈福,點光明燈的神祇。也有
庭園造景,更有接駁車。我們的國家,精心規劃這麼
棒的交通,那大客車怎麼有它發揮的空間呢?
難得一月暖冬天候,臨時決定前往佛光山觀光,
以前去過大雄寶殿參拜祈福,106年1月5日天還沒亮
就出發,159接駁車到高鐵,左營搭8:45的哈佛快車
到佛陀紀念館,開始了與佛有緣的接觸。星雲法師的
獨特書法一筆字,以心寫字,蔚為風格。他更以書法
與信眾結緣,所收善念信緣促成基金會,妥善運用越
來越多的善款獎勵學童、華語文學、籌建紀念館成為
世界佛教中心。
農曆12月8日是佛陀升天日,我們參與法會誦經,
點光明燈。「佛的ㄧ生」影片介紹佛陀參悟於菩提樹
下,人應放棄我執,才能得道成佛。主館中的玉佛殿
供奉有緬甸的白玉雕刻玉佛,上面供奉釋迦牟尼佛的
佛牙舍利。「根據佛經的記載,佛陀有四十顆牙齒,
火化後,留下四顆牙齒未毀,玉帝取走一顆,留存在
忉利天,遺留在人間的佛牙舍利只有三顆,之一在
中國北京的靈光寺招仙塔,之二在里斯蘭卡坎底市的
馬拉葛瓦寺,第三顆正是即將從印度經泰國迎回的這
顆舍利。」(註1998.4.8.《國際日報》P.A8。)
最後,在玉佛殿與玉雕佛像諸佛為伍,佛的世界
中學習靜坐,而後聽星雲大師詩「佛,您在那裡呢?」
的朗誦,點燈供養,學習藥師佛追隨信奉佛的誠意。
有沒有佛緣,看看你是否充滿法喜?
快樂出航 何沐蓮 106.01.03
快樂出航 何沐蓮 106.01.03
來吧,朋友們,(我們這把年紀)
去尋找一個新世界還不算太晚。
Come, my friends,
'T is not too late to seek a newer world.
--Ulysses by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems-and-poets/poems/detail/45392
最近一個月跑了國內三、四個景點,趁著還走得動,
有伴一起,行動就來了。
首先來看看武岫農圃,在南投鹿谷溪頭過去的大崙
山銀杏造林區(往衫林溪途中的羊彎處進入)。因為適值冬季,一下車走路,清冷的晨氣讓我換氣不順,耳朵堵塞了一陣,緩和一下喝口熱水,才順利走上去,沿途茶花樹,竹林,銀杏,佔據整個林區。午餐時間在林邊吹涼涼的山風,享用暖暖的火鍋。這群幸福的退休人員,互相祝福健康,順利完成了旅遊景點的心願。裡頭有擅長策劃,愛心揪團一起健走的人,和ㄧ些忠實會員。
在先生提議下,雖然車早已由兒子上班接用,我們
仍得出門,台中敬老卡可在中部縣市使用免費搭車。最可貴的地方建設,從十幾年前身體出狀況,休假了一年,為了活著就是要動,我們偶而出遊,就體會出台灣的道路完善,除了超速罰單之外,好得令人感動。我們隨興的想去ㄖ月潭,搭公車到第一廣場,走到金沙大樓旁往日月潭站牌候車,車子駛至潭的站,有繞湖接駁車,陪著載我們到各個景點,光是找個高位子,旁邊的湖水藍,早已映入眼裏,說是湖光山色景觀與蔚藍天空簡直就是絕配,跟高中和開始教職時的湖邊泛舟相比,毫不遜色。有山地同胞唱歌迎賓,收取賞金,歌聲有其特色。
看了文武廟,拍照接連山光水色,搭遊湖車時,某
善心女士推薦到水蛙潭站,沿湖邊散步到纜車站,景色優美,遂決定這樣走一次,果真很接近湖水。接近中午,決定不搭纜車去九族文化村。回程,遇到外國人士,攜帶家眷,老少一起等車,看到我們臉上掛著微笑。午餐小館子家家客滿,只要能填飽肚子,家常菜飯都行。
接著下來就到故宮南院。高鐵台中到嘉義,接駁車
就有105,黃9等的選擇。預定的那天剛好下雨,也不掃遊興。剛好有ㄖ本韓國的文物展出,精美的瓷器品,字、畫、經書抄寫、佛像等。還有嘉義歷史發展文物介紹,如交趾陶和香的製造。半ㄖ遊行完成。他的同學說以後不妨去嘉義啖美食,或去看水鳥。
鹿港天后宮參拜是往年的安排,這次用「台中等公
車」的App,詢問路線規劃,順利搭乘9018公車到鹿港,尚未施行刷卡,以半票車資,來到鹿港小鎮。國曆年初二,春節補假,遊客如織,川梭小巷,媽祖廟上香祈福,香火鼎盛,這趟行程,重點在天后宮,祈求平安、風調雨順。
那麼,下一個行程安排在那裏呢?佛光山,是的。那
兒有父親常去為子孫祈福,點光明燈的神祇。也有庭園造景,更有接駁車。我們的國家,精心規劃這麼棒的交通,那大客車怎麼有它發揮的空間呢?
Bahman Farzad Oct. 29, 2016
The great lotus photographer Bahman Farzad passed away on July 8, 2016. He was such a passionate devoted lover for lotus flowers as he once said that he would never stop taking pictures of lotus. His daughter said that he still worked on taking pictures that morning. He was making lotus photos like a painter bringing light, spirit and soul up alive on those images. Some of them even go surrealistic to carry certain religious as well as aesthetic momentum in them.
He was creative in bringing the lotus images spirits and souls in aesthetic beauty. I love his great work. He told me that he loved taking lotus forever. Hope that he rests in peace among lotus flowers talking to the fairies how he adjusts the camera accurately for exposing the light to reflect those images. Cherry Blossoms 櫻花開放 2016.05.14We've dreamt to see cherry blossoms in the
garden for years without taking action. Someone donated twenty-five cherry trees last week and have them planted inside and around the garden. After the rain and high heat, one of them has turned yellow. There are hosepipes for water spraying near them. There are always volunteers for the water spraying. We can wait for cherry blooming next year, they said. By that time, we can imagine a noisy garden, but not a quiet one. Spring 春天的腳步 2016.04.12 何沐蓮春天 是櫻花放送粉白粉紅翠綠滿山的季節 春天 從風鈴木綻放的十天就已經開始 春雷乍響 轟隆傳出天籟 喚醒冷冬蟄伏的心 閃電霹靂山巔 點亮遠方海邊的燈塔 你已經開始記唸一個不一樣的季節 一個有陽光溫暖的春水 又想望一夏的鳥鳴風清的日子 在山上 然後滿滿的秋蟬唧唧 綠葉婆娑的花園 以一室爐火等待冬天冷咧過去 以溫情烘培溫暖 來不及充滿冰冷的世界 就以蟄伏蠶蛹之姿 華春水之夢 春的腳步已近 正以春風 春雨 春雷 鳥語花香 喚起人們的心 對身體的懺悔 Repentance on My Body by Mu-Lien Ho 20160408對身體的懺悔
20160408 何沐蓮 有人說對生病的身體要打從心底的懺悔。 ㄧ天晚上我決定先洗澡,走向浴室,爬上窗前 關窗,下來時,沒注意,摔了一跤,沒站穩的我 又重重的摔在地上。意識到右眼著地,左手摔倒 在地上,左腳底又痛又麻。先生聞聲急忙趕來將 我拉起來。 推拿師把痛點一一拉開,走位的手骨輕輕推回去 ,晚上用蛋清敷眼睛。夜間被綁緊的紗布已經不 能承受腫脹,我先把紗布剪去。分秒都覺得疼痛 的手,在清晨終於放開我。 第二天去附近骨科診所,照X光片,醫生說手腕 上來有一垂直裂痕,需石膏或板子固定。全由 護士用。至少要一個月到三個月的復原。拿了 三天的藥,大概是消炎止痛加胃藥。要常做握著 手的動作,增進循環和筋骨肌肉的活動,並多 曬太陽。 一個早晨10時許,趁人少,走到公園曬太陽。 眼睛閉上,右眼用衛生紙蓋住。一年輕男生走過。 阿嬤,你有要緊沒?我睜開眼睛說:我在曬太陽。 意識到一個年輕人對我的關懷,我馬上說謝謝。 最近都在護手腳,塗藥貼膏,傷口真的有在努力 恢復中。已經不能使力的左手,在這次意外中, 替我擋下不小的惡運,我真的要謝謝我的身體, 眼睛重擊地上,還可以看,雖然看起來像是被打 臉,烏青ㄧ大片,像是惡魔眼,自己都會被嚇 到。而我的手,使我深深覺得ㄧ雙手的重要。 小腳姆指的裂痕也需要慢步,如五阿姨說的,放 慢腳步。 我已不再年輕! Repentance on My Body Some master said that we should say sorry from the bottom of our heart to our own body when in illness. In an evening I decided to take a shower. Walking towards the bathroom, climbing up the bathtub to close the window and upon stepping down I slipped. Unstable while struggling to stand up, I then hit the floor hard. My right eye was knocked, my left hand was slapped on the floor, and my left foot was numbed in pain. My husband rushed in, holding me up. The chiropractor pulled my fingers to examine, trying to move the twisted bone back and suggested that I cool down my eye with egg whites overnight. The swelling hand forced me to cut out the tight bandage. Every minute I felt the pains till the dawn. The second day I went to Chan's Bone Clinic to take X-Rays. The doctor said that there were a vertical break near the wrist which requires a plaster cast or be fixed to a solid pad. The nurse took care of it and it needs one to three months to heal. So I came back with the drugs to kill the pains and reduce the inflammation. I have to practice holding my hands up to increase circulation and muscle strength and to take sunbathing a few minutes a day. One morning at around 10, few people were there, I went to the park to sunbathe, closing my eyes, covering the right eye with a piece of fold-up tissue paper. A young man walking over said to me: Grandmother: are you ok? Opening up my eye, I said: I am sunbathing. When feeling a young man's warm care, I said thank you to this gentleman. Recently I am taking care of the wounds with herbal oils and medicine cloths and they're doing well recovering. My left hand couldn't get heavy things from last surgery, in this accident, it probably helps to keep me from some really bad luck. I really want to thank my body: eye that hits the ground still can see, though it looks like being punched on the face, bruised like the eye of an evil, frightened at seeing it myself. And my hand teaches me how important it is to have both hands. That crack in the little foot finger also needs to slow me down like my fifth auntie has said, to slow down steps. I am not young anymore! The Presidential Election Day Jan. 16, 2016This is the election day. A bright sun guarantees a high voting rate. Tomororow we will go eastward to Hua-lien for a three-day vacation in the eastern coast. No matter who win, we have got to go as usual. No tears, no regrets. It is nothing to lose the chance to be in power; it is something if we lose the nerve to stand out in the world as a nation with her own sovereignty. We are a nation since I was born. No matter which party rules, we are always one within here in Taiwan that no one is to deny. So, do not tell people that you are Taiwan, the only. We are Taiwan, Free China.
Lotus A Song By Kang Lee |
|
I have to face another years of facing myself and not bother with the worldly matters, which I hope I can, I will begin to feel time drifting away in my fingers but not knowing that ageing has come.
This post was updated on Feb 03, 2014; 11:39am .
http://youtu.be/OEw9y5uPoe4
迴旋曲 楊弦
Rondo or Roundelay
作詞:余光中 Poem by Poet Yu Kwang- Chung
作曲:楊弦 Song by Yang Hsien
琴聲疏疏 注不盈清冷的下午
雨中我是垂死的泳者
曳著長髮向你游泳
Piano sound playing, on and off, cannot fill the chilly afternoon up with music
In the rain I am the dying swimmer
Casting my long hair I am swimming towards you
音樂斷時 悲鬱不斷 如藕絲
立你在雨中 立你在波上
倒影翩翩成一朵白蓮
When the music stops, sorrow arises constantly like the silks of the lotus root
You standing in the rain you standing on the waves
The shadow stands beautifully stout into a white lotus
在水中央 在水中央
我是負傷的泳者
只為采一朵蓮 一朵蓮影
泅一整個夏天
In the center of the lake in the center of the water
I am the swimmer bearing my wound
Just for picking up a lotus, the shadow of a lotus
Have been swimming here a whole summer
仍漾漾 仍漾漾 仍藻間流浪
仍夢見採蓮 最美的一朵 最遠的一朵
Thus overflowing, thus rippling, thus I wandering among the green mosses
Still dream of lotus picking, the most beautiful one, the farthest one
莫可奈何 你是那蓮
仍立在雨裡 仍立在霧裡
仍是荏近荏遠 奇幻的蓮
仍展著去年仲夏的白艷
Can't help it, you are the lotus
Still standing in the rain, still standing in the fog
Still you are that close but far away, a lotus in marvelous fantasy
Still display that gorgeous white from last mid-summer
我已溺斃 我已溺斃 我已忘記
自己是水鬼 忘記你是一朵水神
這只是秋 蓮已凋盡
I am already drowned dead, I am already drowned dead, I have forgotten
I am a ghost in the water, forgot that you are a water goddess
It is autumn, the lotuses have already faded away
作詞:余光中
作曲:楊弦
琴聲疏疏 注不盈清淡的下午
雨中我是垂死的泳者
曳著長髮向你游泳
音樂斷時 悲鬱不斷 如藕絲
立你在雨中 立你在波上
倒影翩翩成一朵白蓮
在水中央 在水中央
我是負傷的泳者
只為采一朵蓮 一朵蓮影
泅一整個夏天
仍漾漾 仍漾漾 仍藻間流浪
仍夢見採蓮 最美的一朵 最遠的一朵
莫可奈何 你是那蓮
仍立在雨裡 仍立在霧裡
仍是荏近荏遠 奇幻的蓮
仍展著去年仲夏的白艷
我已溺斃 我已溺斃 我已忘記
自己是水鬼 忘記你是一朵水神
這只是秋 蓮已凋盡
http://www.sampsoniaway.org/literary-voices/2011/08/29/chinese-writer-yu-kwang-chung-%25E2%2580%259Cpoetry-can-be-used-for-many-purposes-one-of-which-is-as-a-weapon-%25E2%2580%259D/
This post was updated on Jan 20, 2014; 6:39am . http://youtu.be/Be3L_tLFph0
錯誤 鄭愁予詩 李泰祥歌曲
我打江南走過
那等在季節裏的容顏如蓮花的開落
東風不來,三月的柳絮不飛
你底心如小小寂寞的城
恰若青石的街道向晚
跫音不響,三月的春帷不揭
你底心是小小的窗扉緊掩
我達達的馬蹄是美麗的錯誤
我不是歸人,是個過客……
Mistake
Poem by Cheng Chou-Yu, Song by Li Tai-Hsiang
Translated by Ho Mu-Lien
I am passing by Jiangnan
The face awaiting in season grows and fades like lotus flowers
As easterly wind does not blow, the wooly willow seeds do not fly up high in March
Your heart is like a small lonely town
Just like green stone pavements leading toward the night
No sounds of footsteps, the curtain does not draw up in March
Your heart is a small window closed tight
The dada sound of galloping horse hooves a beautiful mistake
I am not a homecoming traveler, but a passerby
This post was updated on Jan 30, 2014; 8:29am .
http://lth.e-lib.nctu.edu.tw/muz-2.htm
一條日光的大道 我奔走大道上
一條日光的大道上 我奔走在日光大道上
啊 Kapea Kapea 上路吧
這雨季永不再來
拋下未乾的被褥 睡芳香的稻草床
陽光為我們烤金色的餅
阿 河童你要到哪裡去
現在已經天晴
陽光灑遍你的全身
我只要在大道上奔走
啊......KAPA 上路吧 雨季過去了
啊......上路吧
A Road of Sunlight I Am Runing On It
Composed by Tai-Hsiang Li and Lyric by Sān máo Echo
Translated by Mu-Lien Ho
A Road of Sunlight I Am Runing On It
Ah Kapea Kapea Let's go on the way
This rainy season will never be back
Throw away the wet quilt Let's sleep on the fragrant straw bed
The sunlight bakes golden biscuits for us
Ah river boy where are you going
It's the sunny day already
The sunbeams are shining on you
I just want to walk hastily on the sunny road
Ah ......KAPA let's go on our way The rainy season is over
Ah......Let's go
The Master Composer Passed Away Jan. 6, 2014
演唱:崔苔菁 李泰祥
我醉了 我的愛人 在你燈火輝煌的眼裡
多想啊 就這樣沉沉的睡去 淚流到夢裡 醒了不再想起
在曾經同向的航行後 你的歸你 我的歸我
請聽我說 請靠著我 請不要畏懼此刻的沉默
再看一眼 一眼就要老了
再笑一笑 一笑就走了
在曾經同向的航行後 嗯(啦)
(各自曲折)各自寂寞 原來的歸原來 往後的歸往後
告別Parting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf52_q50dS8&feature=youtube_gdata_player
大師李泰祥辭世 音符跳躍人們心中
Translated by Mu-lien Jessie Ho
Parting
I am drunk my love
In your brilliant sparkling eyes
How much I wish to
Let me fall into asleep with tears in my dream
Think no more when I wake up
After taking a journey together for a while
We will be parting
Yours belongs to you and mine belongs to me
(You go your way and I go my way)
Please listen to me and lean over me
Don't be afraid of the silence at this moment
Take one more look, one look and I'll be old
Smile once again and I'll be gone
After taking a journey together for a while
We will be parting and be lonely facing our own life alone
All goes back to its origin and
What will come next belongs to the future
He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven Jan. 6, 2014
假如我有天上金縷衣,
用金色和銀色的日月晨光
編織成藍天淡色和深色彩衣,
我會把彩衣鋪在妳腳下:
但,我窮,只有我的夢;
我把夢鋪妳腳下;
請輕柔踩上去 因為妳踩著我的夢。
何沐蓮譯 Trans. by Mu-Lien Ho
http://www.bachelorandmaster.com/britishandamericanpoetry/wishes-for-heaven-cloths.html
He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven : W. B. Yeats - Summary and Critical Analysis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD_E2eLDKSE&sns=em
W.B. Yeats: The Cloths of Heaven
Mu-lien Ho 小孩、大人、你、我都有夢
請小心呵護 夢是纖細易碎的
Another semester to go Dec. 2, 2013
Adam started his painting practice October 1, 2013
It's my pleasure to have your email at this moment. You are such a good caring young man I will always have in my heart.
I just got my last contract that indicates another year of teaching at Providence. If things go smoothly, I would be able to teach for one more year till Next June, 2014. School always asks if the retirees attend the ceremony or no. I'll know if there is one or no by that time. If you happen to be in Taichung, you are most welcome to attend. But first of all, I have to live on.
I'll have much more time to really take a rest in summer. Sr. Baker suggested that I have an X-ray to see what to do. Most of the time the aches come from long time of standing up, sitting down, and lack of exercises. I am aware of the over-weight problem and try to cut down the food in-take. I used to take Yoga before going to bed, but I haven’t done that regularly in months. Things got a bit tough for me to resume my former physical condition. I like the old time me when you were here. Your writing contains beauty and poetic spirit which I can see a comradeship as a poet and I think you can keep cultivating as a personal quality. Develop it in writing and teaching, and it will keep you young forever. I like to see that in you.
I always ask Linda and Amy in freshman class to sit and lower down the chair for me so I can sit on it for a while on Wednesday. Thank you for your regards.
I'll not be in school Thursday. A student who got the book review award will be awarded Friday afternoon. I will try to come to see the ceremony at that time.
Take Care and Have a Nice Study Life!
Best,
Jessie Ho
Congratulations to the Winners of Scholarships May 2, 2013
101學年度 包修女獎學金獲獎名單(Danny英一C 蔡慶達 )
書卷獎2000元 英二C 羅婉寧
校友獎學金獲獎人戲劇獎英二C 黃蕙心 英三C 李煜屏
傑出表現獎英三C 楊明駿 (TOEIC 920)
服務獎英二C 林杞霖 英三C 謝佑鑫 英四C 郭宇軒
A Sun Shiny Day in Winter Jan. 7, 2012
THE SONG OF WANDERING AENGUS by W.B. Yeats
http://www.poetry-archive.com/y/the_song_of_wandering_aengus.html
I WENT out to the hazel wood,
Because a fire was in my head,
And cut and peeled a hazel wand,
And hooked a berry to a thread;
And when white moths were on the wing,
And moth-like stars were flickering out,
I dropped the berry in a stream
And caught a little silver trout.
When I had laid it on the floor
I went to blow the fire a-flame,
But something rustled on the floor,
And some one called me by my name:
It had become a glimmering girl
With apple blossom in her hair
Who called me by my name and ran
And faded through the brightening air.
Though I am old with wandering
Through hollow lands and hilly lands,
I will find out where she has gone,
And kiss her lips and take her hands;
And walk among long dappled grass,
And pluck till time and times are done
The silver apples of the moon,
The golden apples of the sun.
Donovan- The Song Of Wandering Aengus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQUT6mS0eY8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrE-onGSIj8
Johnny Nash - I Can See Clearly Now
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HagzTRmUBIE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2VCwBzGdPM&feature=related
What a wonderful world - LOUIS ARMSTRONG
Audrey Hepburn - Moon River
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNcZx2G9ifw&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UoIO4qxJig&feature=related
Moon river, wider than a mile
I'm crossing you in style some day
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker
Wherever you're goin', i'm goin' your way
Two drifters, off to see the world
There's such a lot of world to see
We're after the same rainbow's end, waitin' 'round the bend
My huckleberry friend, moon river, and me
(moon river, wider than a mile)
(i'm crossin' you in style some day)
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker
Wherever you're goin', i'm goin' your way
Two drifters, off to see the world
There's such a lot of world to see
We're after that same rainbow's end, waitin' 'round the bend
My huckleberry friend, moon river, and me
Andy Williams - Moon River (lyrics)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXPV0Gj1Wnc&feature=related
Happy New Year of Dragon 2012
My busy days will end with the coming of the new year. Next semester will be a more relaxing semester for me. I'll sleep regularly and have a clear mind for reading, thinking and writing. Maybe Adam can count on me more for stories and companionship.
Selected Readings in English Poetry November
http://www.poetryfoundation.org/features/videolanding
Poetry Foundation and Poetry House are two web pages good for students of poetry.
After teaching the course SERIEP again this semester, I found I had a lot to catch up. The amazing thing is it is quick for me to update the materials. However the notes I put in PowerPoint takes a lot of time to update and upload in the e-learning.
November 03, 2011. This is the mid-term period. I felt it would be hard to put in too many things in my syllabus. I could only manage with some poems which represent special meanings and time or techniques.
Tired but worthy of preparation.
New School Year 100, 2011.09.17
Two more jobs have taken up a lot of my time. I seldom show up here. Only recently have I noticed that nabble come with ads. I looked different from it was before. Probably I have to come back here to write.
Prof. Dai called to ask for a publisher for her poems. It's a pity that no publishers would like to publish poems that modern people in Taiwan won't read. I think poets have to write no matter how bad the reception is. Writing is a way to complete oneself. Let the future decide the value of your work.
Happy Moon Festival! 2011.09.11
月下獨酌(一)
花間一壼酒,獨酌無相親。
舉杯邀明月,對影成三人。
月既不解飲,影徒隨我身。
暫伴月將影,行樂須及春。
我歌月徘徊,我舞影零亂。
醒時同交歡,醉後各分散。
永結無情遊,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0V_CrZUtGMw
月滿西樓
鄧麗君 ~~ 但願人長久
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xcxCv06tXk
Afternoon Shower July 14, 2011
The grass in the park shines with green gleam. We totally enjoy the summerdays because there isn't any competition for school right now. But my son is competing for a better job these days. I can sense the bitter sweetness he is facing now at home. Seeing a child growing up without knowing how to support his small family with a job which can provide humble salay. 安身立命之處A place where one can do something while at the same time earn some money to merely "keep body and soul together." Sometimes you like to do something, such as art or service, but that won't garantee you wealth or prosperity unless you have learned to run the store yourself with the spirit of an enterpreneur's. He is looking for such kind of boss.
The Golden Shower June 15, 2011
The Solar Heater Jan. 20, 2011
I feel warm when I'm able to get the warter easily. I hope it can last like ever, I know it is impossible.
A Warm November Day November 8, 2010
Anyway, you will not feel cold air too harmful if you know how to cook some warm food with Chinese herbs. I got some left from last year and we cooked chicken soup with it last Saturday. My son didn't like the idea, so only we old people enjoy the soup. It smelt good. Try to prepare some for you and family if you are normal without catching cold recently, or have already recovered from it. Ask the doc to add some stuffs to help you get rid of air in your body so you may not catch cold easily.
Last Friday my sis and me went to a restaurant to eat together. We tried some rare food we can hardly prepare at home. We just shared a set with three dishes. She was satisfied with what we ordered. For one thing, we didn't want raw fish, instead, we ordered fish soup. That means we asked the chef to cook a small bowl of fish soup with miso. It immediately warmed our stomach.
Windy Days Sept. 27, 2010
Under such kind of bad weather, one walks slowly for fear he might fall down any second when the wind blows strongly his way.
樹梢翠綠黃金雨 閃爍不定在你心
雙足抬起剎那間 風起樹搖綠葉飄
泡泡之身穿透力 不知和誰來拉据
風就這麼告訴我 不輕忽他的存在
迎面剛好將它穿 神情受洗牽動髮
好在一會兒不見 原來已躲開糾纏
Suhua Highway Sept. 25, 2010
Hope we can get the lesson and not go against nature.
Poetry Blossom 詩 華Sept. 30, 2010
Time to Turn a New Leaf Dec. 17, 2009
Greetings and a Prosperous New Year for everyone!
The new calendar is waiting for me to write the reminders on special days for ceremony or big events. At the very beginning, we set up time for coordinating the course objectives so we may agree on the main concepts teaching the same course. Some of us have already checked them out with other teachers. And all of us have already post our own course descriptions up on the e-learning classroom. The rest is easy to discuss and share what we have.
What is your wish for the coming year?
Good health comes first indeed! Without health, nothing counts. Am I going to live on? I don't know.
I got neck pain which extended to the shoulder. When I was moving my head up and down or moving on my bed while sleeping, I had to hold it on with my hand so I could move to avoid severe pain. What's wrong? Not having proper position while I was sleeping the other day? Too much stress? Luckily, the pain got milder and has reduced a bit. Hopefully it will be over by the end of this week.
This board writes easier today. It must have been improved some what. Thanks to Weebly.
Can I Write Again? Oct. 29, 2009
Going Back to Normal Life Oct. 7, 2009
I Am a Tree April 8, 2009 Revised (March 2)
The second faculty meeting was over. It was something tedious for a chairperson, yet, she came to me and apologized for that. I said that I had paid the fee for a permanent membership. I was not a kind donor I think. I'd better change my attitude toward it.
Yesterday morning, as I was waiting for the school bus, a few trees bloom with flowers red and pink and white stood by the road. I began to catch this sense of illusion or transposition that I was a tree.
我是一棵樹
我是一棵樹 落地生長一方寸土是我心田
我只需隨風搖曳 陽光為我添壽 雨水為我沐浴
鳥兒與我為伴 當我醫生 為我歌唱
蝶兒穿梭花葉之間 為我弄舞
我謹守我心田 揮灑於無際的天空
我一定太喜愛戶外 永遠守住這寸土
我慶幸還能見得到陽光
感受露珠自葉梢滑落消失
承載飽滿水氣與陽光 露珠的世界寄予禪中
我亦隨之禪定不費吹灰
The First Meeting of the English Alumni Association March 14, 2009
Jesus, she is so furious. I'm not coming. That's a hard decision indeed. I'm thinking that it's important, but I am not that important. You see, I have been working for so many years and I really care, but I do not have the energy to think about such an important matter as Alumni Association. Maybe they think of me, yet, it may not be necessary for them to see me there. But it is really important to have connections, being connected or connecting to someone. I hope they remember me, but it is not necessary to see me there. They need to show up to vote for representatives, those who have the money to donate. In such a poor circumstance, I really am embarrassed to encourage my classmates and students to attend the meeting. I then can only say that I am so sorry.
Yes, definitely, it will be a plus in assessment I agree. Such kind of fellowship can only be built up while studying at school. My classmates all like to gather sometime for special occassions. Someone is coming back from abroad, let's gather and have a nice chat. To come to the alumni association, one has to be enthusiastic.
We've lost you, and I have sent my folks off. The changing of weather always let me down for a while. Feel like not doing anything particular. I saw the orchid you brought me at that ritual of friendship coming with a new shoot, a stalk with buds bending toward the sun. Strange thing is that I've never grown flower like orchid, to see the second generation coming up from its root. I guess it is purple pink, You really do add a little color to this world. I know you are there.
Trail of Tears: Cherokee Legacy Native American Indian
Next week we are going to practice story-telling in conversation class. President Jefferson's Declaration of Indepence and two Indian poems about war will be recited. In early time, it's said that Indian people were trying to resist the intrudance from the white people. In sometime, they fought and were tired about it. People might want to rest after wartime. We can see that the Indians are trying to keep track of the Indian legacy and know more about Indian culture.
Last Tuesday, we checked over the courses of the department and relected the new coordinator for the next year. Unfortunately, I was given the next term. I was even too tired to decline the result. I am too old to do the coordinating job. They still do not want to let me be free from involving in administration. Isn't it cruel to treat me like that. I was panicky and did not know what to do next year. The school gives us one week to update our syllabus to the new frame. How silly the administration is to add this bondage to the faculties who have already fed up with teaching and research. Nuts. Who is afraid of close scrutiny from MOE next year? Well, it concerns us much for if anything wrong from the report of evaluation, we have to cut short of classes. We can not be the guilty ones.
The rain solves the water shortage for a while. The sun has already come out behind the cloud. My heart eases a little. I do welcome sunny days, gentle winds.
Inauguration 2009 Feb. 18, 2009
Inauguration address 2009. Yo Yo Ma performed after the address. Inaugural Speech Text. CNN.
The Amazing Grace Lyricc Jan. 29, 2009
The amazing grace video Heaven and Earth made by Kitaro has beautiful landscapes in China. Click here to view.. This one sung by The Choirboys, Pie Jesue , is the most wonderful. Listen toe YouTube here.
This morning I saw three men singing Amazing Grace beautifully. One of them sang with the most beautiful voice I've ever heard. I can only find one sung by Haylay Westernra. See here. Chris Tomlin Amazing Grace My Chains are gone. Here is the official site of the movie. Also to recommend the song from HeavenlyHarpist Website.
If you want to be free, free your mind first. If you don't want to care too much, care whenever you do something. Because when you care about things, you will be able to avoid mistakes, there will also be no regrets, no redoing. Jesus, I am afraid of doing things unwisely. And I am afraid that it is not me doing the job. Or it will save a lot of trouble. I always care about things, but they always come out the same way in my predictions. My intuition counts. Why do people not trust me?
I saw the possibility of the bamboo stick used to dry clothes dropping down over the wall on our terrace this morning. In the afternoon, it slipped and dropped to the ground from the third floor. Luckily, there was no one living in that flat. We have to take it to the third floor tomorrow if we can come to the janitor. It is going to be a little trouble because we have to ask the woman next door to open their door for us to move the stick around. How embarrassing!
Why do I have to dry our quilt in the old place? We are afraid that the strong wind might blow the stick down on the top terrace. The conclusion is: the stick will fall, no matter where it
The Valentine's Day February 14, 2009
The Reunion was not a good experience because of the noisy singing contests. I was sick and regretted of joining it.
Today, the baby felt happy and sang his angelic tunes several times. He knew how to show surprise by screaming. I drew a rough card for him with several hearts and cupid in the center. He tore down the addressing words to play with. Sometimes we have to take turns holding him. For me, it is exhausting. But it seems to me that I have to help out sometimes. A sweet burden for us.
With whom do you celebrate today? It does not need any actual dating out for a romantic night. It is a day you have somebody in your heart. One who you care and hope for good fortunes. O I have a long list of names to call and celebrate on this day. I shall say: Happy Valentine's Day to You All!!
Prepare for the Lunar New Year Jan. 22
Today I came to school to hand in the student's grades. This is also a day for high school student's achievement test to decide which college to go to in the future. We arrived early and had to wait for a few minutes to get in to the administrative bldg. When I complained to the man in registration about printing out the grades, he said that because of different printer or server we print in different ways. He was right. I printed it again using the printer in office, it came out exactly right.
There are still floors to mop and windows to polish. I am still working in my office. I can hardly tell how this new year will be much different from last year and years before. We have two more members, a bigger family now. The little one is still too small to eat for the reunion. We welcome him and gladly hope that he might cry a little less this year. His is the mouse; all the rest of us are oxes. Another hard year for us - my son, my husband and me. They are there to enjoy life. A young mother is a hard job; a new born baby even harder to survive in this world that might perhaps have expected too much from him.
I am still living in this world. I can hardly imagine for how many years I am able to wonder in this "lovely world". I say lovely because for most of us, it is not always lovely. For me, merely existence is sweet. It is what I have got from my parents- a life to work hard and enjoy the world. To just smell the fresh air, see the beautiful leaves, the flowing of a breeze, the flying of a moth or butterfly. I do not ask much. And the world is echoing with what I expected.
Extreme Cold Jan. 14, 2009
Wow, we haven't had such a cold weather for years. When I was a graduate student 35 or 36 years ago, the temperature at the Grass Mountain dropped to 6 degrees Celsius, and then, a bit lower, I hid myself at my auntie's and did not go to see my professor Dr. Tony Prince. Well, some of my classmates went beyond the hill to the top of Mt. Chi-hsing. One of them went and brought me a branch of ice and snow which had already melt down to icy water. I felt so sweet of him to bring it down. They finally made a good couple.
We purchased a heater to keep the baby warm while changing diapers or clothes. We use the old one made of clay. A blanket will be needed on sofa. No snacks, no t.v. these days. In our old place, I feel like to stay for the winter, no computer and no t.v. The radio programs are full of laughing and sweet voice for companion.
I guess when one feels aching in the elbows, bones, knees, backs, that is a signal for old age. I am entering the list for the aged this year. I put on my hat, and coat, and sweaters to school. Jee, they are heavy. Maybe the aches come from heavy coat I wear.
We already have a new Chair Prof. Chao for the next year. She is new and cute, and experienced. The evaluation of the dept. will count on Prof. Lo and the imcombent Chair. We are going to stay in in the dept spirit as usual. Nobody would like to be Chair. I am extremely lucky to teach so many years at Providence.
We are right in year 2009! Be healthy! Jan, 10
I do not know why more readers visit this blog. I want to thank you. Because of your browsing without leaving any messages, I continue to write and dare not say something wrong. I hope you are having a good life and enjoy the most of your achievements.
I do not work out these days because of bad weather. Feeling health is declining if I do not do exercise. We are approaching the end of the semester. There are grades to make and papers to read. There are also meetings to attend; though I can not get promotion, I have to pretend that I care about the evaluation. What I think the way to teach may not be all the authority wants. We have to work hard and had better summit papers on prestigious papers. I do not have time to do that. When I think of writing, my eyes quit and my stomach aches. They are true and are my excuses.
The New Year 2009
This is the beginning of a new year without much promise or prospective. For a little baby, what lies ahead is growing and growing up. For a young man, he may have been confused by the age, the economic recession, and he must wait for the tide to turn his way. For the middle-aged, it is better that he still owns his job, and for the old, a place to rest.
I really do not know what I can do for all of them. I only know to do my own part well.
The Mass Jan. 7,
Today at noon, we attended your Mass. The little chapel was full of moaners. Yet we were no moaners, but admirers trying to remember your elegant manners and beautiful shape. Some students gave me a rose to present to you. When I vowed and raised my eyes, your eyes shone brightly. You know that the sun shone at least three times through the window panes, which sounds you were responding to the gathering for the Mass. I knew you were there.
Well, I am still not used to your leaving for another world. While in heaven, do not laugh at us humble creatures striving to live on.
The Early Sun Jan. 3, 2009
I went to the Citizen Avenue this morning walking around the park. Four dogs sleeping under the trees. There were fewer people working out this morning. When I stretched out my arms to do the final steps of the exercises, I could feel the sun hitting my palms like small sparkle of electricities. I sense of well-being pass from my palm to the whole body. Yes, it is the feeling of being alive living at the moment in time. It's hard to carry the feeling of that moment along the whole day. Nevertheless, the moment is temperary and is always the present. To be able to understand is enough for life.
You must be somewhere waiting or have begun your journey to the other side of the world. You are what you were to us. As I said to you once, you are always with us. It's funny to talk to you like what you were before. This address to you would not be able to convey how sorry I am to not be able help you as you wanted. I should have known your problem earlier. But all is in vain. I am speechless. May you rest in peace in the arms of God!
It's strange to think about you not talking to us anymore. It takes time to get used to it.
Visit This Page to see the PPT of the Elegy Jan. 01, 2009
Enter welcome, it is at the Home page.
William Zeitler and Glass Armonica Dec. 27, 2008
William Zeitler and Glass Armonica Dec. 28, 2009 I tried to find suitable music for the elegy and came to Mr. Zeitler's album A World With No Tears. Today I finally learned about this new instrument. William is a good composer and his music is great to calm down the sad souls. It's a great achievement in music.
I've asked his permission to use it on the Mass on Jan. 7. The elegy in ppt will be shown line by line while the music slipping by between the syllables. Nice tone. It fits wonderfully. Thank to the creation of the musical instrument. If you are curious about the wonderful music visit his site. He has several CDs in circulation.
A World With No Tears Dec. 29, 2008
A World With No Tears Dec. 26, 2008 The elegy written in honor of Miss Sun will be set in a ppt file with background music if possible. I am asking for Mr. William Zeitler's permission. I hope it can be shown in the introduction to her in her mass. Later I will feel no regret. After all, we were friends. I felt strange to write in past tense.
Virginia said that life is strange, so as death. I can not adjust my consciousness to tell myself that Miss Sun is not there talking and making friends laughing at her any more. Her last call told a serious talk she engaged with the doctor. And the next moment, she felt so uncomfortable that she had to hang up the phone. I should have known something was wrong.
Sometimes we have to ignore other's comments even if we disagree with them. We must learn to screen out those negative emotion quotient to protect ourselves. In order to live long, it is true to save ourselves from all negative elements in this world. Or maybe, we shall think positive. There must two ways of interpreting other's words. If you feel from the positive side, you will feel grateful everyday. Your body secretes positive substances to keep you live on healthily. Try it. You can.
Tomorrow Dec. 19, 2008
Tomorrow you will begin your journey to heaven, where you probably have the chance to meet old friends and folks. Oh, I dare not think further, cause it seems too close for me to think about it. Maybe in this world busy people do not have fear for they are occupied by daily trivials. Now you can see clearly what is going on in this world. We people on earth can only try our best to live on. Farewell my friend, Prof. Cheng said that you belong to God. We will always remember the goodness you have done to all of us.
Our Respectable Prof. An-Ling Sun Dec. 6, 20
Our respectable Professor An-Ling Sun passed away at the Trauma and Emergency Center, China Medical University Hospital, in the morning of Dec. 3rd.
She is friend so close to us on campus. I was struck dumb upon hearing it. She could live longer. Let's pray for her soul. I regreted for not taking good care of her. Her strong will to live on while struggling for better medical care moves me a lot. The limited time of our conversing through the phone was occasionally interrupted by her painful condition. I treasure every moment we were together.
This is the poem dedicated to her. Please waite. Read the poem.
To the Nymph of English Department--
In Honor of Prof. An-Ling Theresa Sun
給英文系仙子─
尊敬的德蕾莎孫教授安玲
It's December! Dec. 2, 2008
Did you see the big smile in the night sky last night? Venus, Jupiter and the new moon form a triangle smiling in the night sky. It added a joyful atmosphere to the coming Holiday season. Merry Christmas to You!
It's warming up Nov. 22, 2008
This is the day we treat our grandson a lullaby again. He remembered my songs better than my face.
The first time I saw him eating a rice cookie. It's not easy to swallow for a baby. I'm afraid that he might choke. I gve him some water, he was not drinking easily. I did not know why he was not pleased. The first step is not easy. When I sent it back to his mother, he looked into the face and for a few second he just stared and then burst into big and comfortable smile.
Translation is hard. Nov. 18, 2008
Sister's Birthday is on the coming Friday. How do we celebrate? I don't know. I have written a poem for her. At first I thought I wouldn't be able to write one because she is such a wonderful Sister. Too good to say a word in praise of her. After I saw her retirement in the next year, I thought it might be disgraceful if I would not write one to dedicate to her. When I finished the first draft, I was asked to revise the translation of Sister Ann's essay in the celebration of the 60th Anniversary of Mother Marie Gratia Luking and other Sisters' coming to Taiwan. The English version was beautifully done, so was the Chinese translation. The cause that any religious person takes on himself has direct connection with God and His Will. I learn better what it is like to be close to God.
Today I completed this poem. A few days later I should be able to give her the poem. Or would it be better to present it to her when we celebrating her retirement. I have to think about it.
It's Raining. Nov. 16, 2008
It's Raining. Nov. 16, 2008 It's getting slower waiting Weebly to get ready for editing.
I tried once with Google AdSense out of curiosity, but I failed. They sent me a notice to pay the fee. It was curious that they have my account and credit card. I did not even know the forms. Oh, what can I do?
The Lotus Garden Page Nov. 8, 2008
The Lotus Garden Page is open for my English and conversation courses with which I constantly maintained and updated. The forms look not attractive and need brushing up. Time is precious though; I just can let them stay as they are now.
The political issues are not welcome today. I am not sympathizing with the students who neglect their studies. Maybe they want to taste what it is like to protest because they are majoring in politics. I felt it stupid to starve like that to ask for right of meeting and parading.
My father asks for better physical comfort even in his nineties. I am glad I can get what he needs.
The little baby depends on his mom so much that he cried and cried or became anxious and restless. Poor little baby. He needs some milk and the arms of a mother.
See My Wretch Album November 4, 2008
Adam Turning to Raise Head
See my Wretch Album? Click here. See Adam's short video. Click here.
This is my grandson. It's one of the few turning he made with our help. Look at his feeling of curiosity and novelty that one can see from bottom up by raising one's head.
Dr. Haseltine's Birthday Oct. 31, 2
We attended the party at IBA Garden Restaurant at Tung Hai University. The ten of us really enjoyed the cake and dishes. Dr. Haseltine wore a white dress with red round spots. She looked great. Most important of all she did not care that her birthday was earlier. We enjoyed the time together. I forgot to tell her that the stone beasts should face the inside in order to bring fortune in not out. Everybody needs money these days.
The school is coming to the last week before the mid-term. Time does fly! Grasp your time; you won't be sorry with your life.
The Callers Oct. 28, 2008
My son has friends coming today for a visit. They are old friends from junior high. Mr. Chen went to Canada to seek for further education. He came back because his father was ill. After getting maried, having two children, he was as a house husband. My son is following his footsteps.
Today we celebrate Dr. Haseltine's birthday. Chinese would not put off the day for celebration. On that day, I started to pick up a gift for her. It's a pair of Pi-chiou招財貔貅, symbol of wealth and career or power. It's said that we may not give them away for fear they might carry money away. I was thinking about giving them to her long time ago. I hope she can keep them as long as she can.
The Altar for the Ancestors Oct. 19, 2008
The Altar for the Ancestors Oct. 19, 2008 We need a table for the tablet and gods and another for offerings on special days. The first time we decided one, 5 feet 1. When it arrived, the table for offering could not be brought up the stairs because it could not be taken down in pieces. Then we decided to have a smaller one. Yesterday, we decided to have another large one because the boss promised that they can be carried up stairs.
Why do we have to wait for such a long time? It's serious to decide whether we need to worship dieties at home with ancestors. People value dieties much for they believe the spirit may protect both at home if one is filial enough. I was not certain what the younger ones will believe in. And I felt that we should not decide for them. Thinking about belief, we have to take care of ourselves rather than our off springs. My husband still want to welcome at least one god to worship at home. He is the boss.
When we went to the shop, we were surprised at seeing somebody borrow the table to keep their tablet and cups. They look beautiful and gorgous on it, but they look heavy and crowded. That changes our minds for a bigger one.
We Chinese and Taiwanese think about our ancertors highly and gods are our belief of leading a healthier life. We could not neglect this custom. This is the last thing we have to follow up at last. Others are relatively simple.
The Way to Eating Oct. 18, 2008
The baby is 4 months old. He is tired of drinking milk though he needs it. He must be curious about chewing and swallowing. He gets to enjoy our accompany a bit. There are water in his month showing that he needs to eat something solid not just liquid. My daughter-in-law is quick in preparing some extra food for him, but not start them yet. This morning he is calling his doc for immune injection. Last time, he struggled after having the first shot. Poor little one. I can imagine him crying out for the hurt. I hope that he can see this call a friendly one and feel like seeing the doc.
He has practiced turning to the left and trying to lie with his belly down. It's loving to lie down and holding his head to look ahead and around. He is afraid to be left on sofa. When you put him down, he cries out at once. Such a timid little thing.
Yesterday, my son and his wife did not want to have lunch because the food I prepared did look attractive. They had dinner because I brought back glutinous rice for them. They did not take the soup I prepare either. Oh, is it that awful? If they want to look healthy, they have to try the kind of food I prepare. My husband do not reject them, because he does not have choice.
The giant enterpreneur Mr. Wang passed away when sleeping at his daughter's beautiful house in America. I finally knew why he decided to make that last trip. It's a beautiful place. He is such a man in management and helps a lot of people in this place that everyone loves to think about him. My sister takes him as an example living in his thrifty style. His favorite towel and his underwear have holes on them. He entertained his employees and drank a little the night before. One can not fight against the small sticky thing choking in the throat.
Sun Shiny Day Oct. 15, 2008
It's getting cooler in the morning and the night. At noon, it's warm. The curtains keep sun light out of the room.
The autumn leaves fall according to the season. I have to gather fallen leaves together and put them on the pot. The flowers bloom and are gone in one day. Good smells relax one. You have to forget about them as they show up surprizingly and disappear before you started to take notice of them. They are already lying down on the grass in the small garden. I can not ask the eastern sun to shine on them. They have to take the light reflecting from the window pane far away until in the late afternoon the high temerature dry then up. My poor little garden. A garden without lotus.
Water for Milk Formula Oct. 15, 2008
I begin to worry if water for milk formula is good enough to feed the baby. Water is pollutted and we buy different machine to purify it. But we do not know which one is good to drink. We don't even know what is good for making milk for the baby. Do you think that pure water without minerals (R.O. system) is good? Or Electric appliance? Nevertheless, with electric appliance, one still has to choose the neutral one to make milk or take pills.
The First Caller Oct. 11, 2008
My sister Mu-hsien prepared a pack of chopsticks and bowls because Mu-chen said that they bring luck and wealth so my family may have food always. Thanks a lot. They are best gifts we need. Within 15 minutes we have seen all the inside and out. She left shortly without staying for dinner. I thought maybe some other time.
It gets windy in the late afternoon. It is quiet outside. This is really a quiet place to live.
Double Tenth Day Oct. 10, 2008
Yesterday, the baby had a slight cold. Sneezes go on to this day, but it looks fine today.
We do not celebrate the national day because there was an accident at noon when we were heading back to the new place. The light in front left was broken. It will cost my husband some money to fix it. A little inconveniece too. There is celebration in Taichung. We just stay at home. It's hard time, but not a time tor rejoyce.
The market is tumbling down, and nobody knows when it will stabalize.
Financial Tsunami, Credit Crunch, Economic Recession and Bankruptcy and Unemployement Oct. 8, 2008
Sad to see the economic recession happening in the world. It seems nothing could stop the fear of the stock holders to fling them away. Sad, isn't it? It took 12 years for the last recession to go back to its normal track. How many years will it take the world this time to get back to its usual track?
If people can not trust themselves, who will? God helps those who help themselves. I would say, God helps those who trust the world. Those who play the game normally may be drowning, and those who are struggling to get out of it maight find themselves getting out without nothing to hold. Fear is a great killer that damages anything coming along. I hope something can stop that from self-destruction.
Yes, I see it as self-destruction. When you are float among the seas, without struggling to get away, you might be able to be saved from this storm. Maybe you come out of it with nothing left, you are still alive.
But who can blame those who have fear? Men depend on themsleves; and are counted on in lives. Without money everyone go out to pick up food by gathering. We will all go back to the early stage of human history, to live by nature. Oh, we may become farmers, fishermen, hunters, and start to lead the life of civilization.
Who can stop these difficulties? Any solution to the problem of trust in the finance?
School Days after Typhoon Sept. 30, 2008
School after Typhoon Jangmi was a mass. Tree leaves, branches, and seeds were fallen down on campus everywhere. Luckily, no fallen trees were seen, not like the trees in my neighborhood. Soon they were be cleanned away.
In order for students to use the Teaching Room for exam presentations I registered those rooms this morning. A busy morning.
The new freezer and the washing machine have arrived. My son is taking care of things at home. It's the place he is going to live most of his time. He is more careful than us. My husband and me have shown our aging by the aches in our backs and knees after housework. No wander they want us to hire someone to help at home. They are already worn out by taking care of baby.
We will go to that Hakha Eatery as planned. I think it's going to be my treat this time. Hakha culture is sort of industrous people working real hard. Are we still going to work that hard in our age? I doubt. But who could work easily in the academic world?
Little Inconvenience Sept. 29, 2008
Little Inconvenience Sept. 29, 2008 You can imagine how inconvenient it is if you do not have a washing machine, a tumble-dryer, gas, computer, and cable tv, not to mention water cleaner. This is what we are facing these days. If you come the door-bell rings just outside because it is not connected to the telephone yet. You have to call by cellphone to answer the door. You have to carry your own trash can to the truck everyday at noon time. In the apartment, the janitor (caretaker) takes care of the staffs.
The window shield can not keep rain out of the room. There could be wet walls under window pane. The small room has cracked paint already. And the walls of the stairways have to be painted again because the men scratch them while moving the furniture.
There comes the question again: When can we settle down? Time says: it depends.
Typhoon Jangmi Sept. 28, 2008
Typhoon Jangmi hit east Taiwan this afternoon. The tree in front of the new place has fallen three times. The top is gone. Somebody cut it off for the new shoot to come out, but I could hardly see the new shoots coming of its top. I planted three pots of yellow Scindapsus aureus, Devil's Ivy黃金葛. Only one is going to grow well. When I grow it with water, it can grow well for sometime. Turnera trioniflora, white turnera, looks beautiful. Yellow turnera is beautiful. I have red, pink red turnera in my terrace. A few years ago, one grows in my flower pot. It grows very well now. They may be able to grow well after the storms and rains.
The First Night at the New Place Sept. 28, 2008
Yesterday we stay at the new place. Typhoon strikes again. Winds and sands blew all night. I was sleepless and had nightmare. alfter pulling down the curtains. It was easier to go to sleep. The door and the bathroom on the fourth floor weren't closed. the wet clothes on the hangers swung from side to side. We gathered some sands in the morning with vacuum clearner we just bought yesterday. Although we had worshiped the god of the land and the sky, we haven't moved some god and ancestor's tablet into that house. Something is there waiting us to take care.
Why bother so much to move in this age? We have been troubled by the reconstruction in the old neighborhood for more than one year. Noise and crowdiness force us to expand and move. But moving is costly. I do not encourage this, but I was the only one vote against moving. I have to insist on keeping the old place. I am old enough to not thinking about comfort. I should worry about how my youngsters are going to depend on or be independent. We seem to live a life of luxury, but we are trifty. We do not travel often, nor do we eat at expensive restaurant. My husband loves music and I love poems and beautiful sceneries. The furniture broker is smart to choose anything he thought suitable for us. I just accept. You need rooms for children so that they will not grow up to be narrow-minded. My son began to think for us. He might have the feeling that he was betrayed because we come back to our old flat. They would not be able to count on us to take care of the baby as they did in the summer.
There must be distance between young and old. To help the young to grow up and get mature; to help the old to get quietude.
The side-effect Sept. 24, 2008
Taking the Pills or No is a question my friend has to deal with. The side-effect really kills one. All the pain caused by taking pills the doctor prescribed seems hard to stand for my friend. This is the second time you consider to stay away from them. Well, it is hard to say. Since life and quality in life is what we have been running after, stop that pain seems a compromise to our body. As long as it does not get worse, one can try the best for oneself, I think.
My son always complains that the air conditioner runs out of cold media. Today, I found out the cause of slowing down is due to the net. It was covered by dirty substance. How could they live without paying much attention to the machine they have been using so long. It's incredible that they are so neglectful about important things in daily life.
The Weekend Sept. 20, 2008
This is the first weekend after school began. I spent sometime babysitting, cleaning the house, and I could hardly concentrate on my homework. The baby shrank a little because it did not take milk regularly as usual. He cried several time for his mother to soothe him to sleep instead of falling to sleep in my lullaby. Not that lucky any more. Sometimes I felt that he is mature than his month age.
Two more books have been sent away to my student and my son's friend. I could be busy for a while since school just began.
The Cute Baby Sept. 18, 20
The baby is three months old, but everyone saw him as 5 months old. There must be something wrong with feeding the baby. After communication day after day, they finally agreed to make the milk according to the instructions. To feed a little one, you have to make the milk according to the instruction on the powder can. If the baby is still hungry, you may add up the milk by increasing both water and powder. It's common sense, OK.
When the baby is sleepy, send him to his mother or father. Or you are going to get sore arms soon, sore back and waist too.
He surprised us with turning his head from side to side. He saw his grandpa and gently turned his head to face me, smiling. And he seemed to enjoy practicing this. I couldn't help but give him a light touch on his cheek, counting it as love or encouragement. The baby is adorable for he shows his face like an angel, innocent, and pretty.
The curtains are done. The furniture will arrive soon. A new home is prepared for us to move over. I doubt if it can be a comfortable place. Better it is for my husband has already done everything he could. We are to admire the bricks when we do not have food to eat.
.The First Week Sept. 17, 2008
The junior class is old; the Freshman class is new. I love to see young people as each has a new promise and hope for him/her self. After the introductions to the courses, I will begin with the textbook and regular classroom work next week.
The spanish professor took the second school bus to school because the first bus was full as usual. He was late for the first class. I am lucky because I don't have the first period this year.
The baby needed sleep, I don't know why it became my job to soothe him to sleep. I began with another version -- Boo, Boo, Chi, Chi, Chi, the same uttering I thought of when he sat on my lap the other nights. I'm thinking of recording some lullby for him in case I'm occupied with other matters. He went to sleep soon. Other versions are like, when grandma and grandpa are fighting for different flavours - salty or sweet while they are cooking the dinner, The little girl -Mei-Mei carries a doll to the garden to play, Elderwise, etc.
Typhoon Brings Heavy Rains Sept. 14, 2008
There are rains this summer in Taiwan. Typhoon Sinlaku, a Japanese name, lingers above Taiwan. I'm afraid that we would not be able to see all students in class Tomorrow since our students come from all of the Island. It has been raining all day and night. No, two days and nights if we count tonight.
My husband and the man from downstairs did a good job: they cleaned the ditch in the basement and prevented rain water from flooded up the basement. The water could flooded and spoil our drinking water. How terrible it would be if it happens like that. So we have to bother two places: the old and the new places. Thinking of that I felt dizzy again.
雨淅瀝嘩啦下個不停,早晨散步取消, 只得作早操 爬樓梯。 週二就可見陽光,耐心等待。
The Moon Cake Sept. 11, 2008
My family enjoyed the moon cake prepared by Food and Nutrition Department. When the baking becomes an art, the whole school enjoyed their achievement. My son said that his baby has to wait until three years later to taste it. I said it can be so if I am to survive all conditions--that is not being irritated or getting sick. It's possible he can do it in the future.
I spent the morning at my office, listened to four presentations about creating teaching projects and came back to write this journal. Only the moon cakes make me feel time flying by me, with me still looking forward to seeing the Moon Festival to co
9/11 Teaching Seminar Sept. 11, 2008
About 5 years ago, a 9/11 evening, I went back from a biopsy in the Veteran Hospital in Taichung, sitting back on sofa for the evening news. The shocking news reported the 9/11 disaster in New York. I was startled and I told myself that it was an ill-omen because it was the Twin Tower being striken by airplane.I could not escape from the fatal change in my breast. Today on the 9/11 we are going to sit in for the creative teaching presentations from famous professors on the island. Well, teaching and disasters are different, but hard life might stop people from getting forward. My friend is another example. "You are going to survive" I told myself as I saw the evergreen trees survive through the whole summer.
I can not wait to listen to the speeches of the presenters who are to present their ways of teaching this afternoon.
My son is thinking of trading jobs. I shall learn if he accepts the offer of the Japanese Restaurant or no. Though wages seem to be his main concern, I thought the main problem being that he could not leave his baby and wife at home by themselves. He is such a responsible father, who needs a little patience.
I tidy up my office, check the handouts for classes, and do some reading this morning. Body Language in Literature is the book I tried to read but have not finished.
Magnolia 玉蘭花 Sept. 9, 2008
玉蘭花 自古以來人都愛種,賣花農如是說。
這花能散發出香味,我 無法形容那般不溺的好味兒,在家鄉後面善化堂一株玉蘭花,每每散發高雅味道。
在新家後面一株花,味道勾起童年記憶;校園車站旁一棵高高玉蘭花 和矮胖茉莉花提醒人們日常生活。
最近買下一株盆栽玉蘭花,香氣溫暖了我, 也勾起深刻回憶。也希望生前喜愛玉蘭花的母親能欣賞到它。
The New Academic Year Sept. 8, 2008
The new academic year comes around. After the Moon Festival, we all have to go back to classes again. Perhaps this is not the last year at school, I still have to treasure it as if my last year at school. The new semester, I will show up like a grandma to my students. I like to see them as my children, or my friends' children. Rather, they are young men and women coming to pursue their own future dreams. What I have to do is to ignite the passion for ideal and dreams.
I got to summon up my spirit and focus on my teaching. The next minute is full of nervousness in seeing new faces whom I have never met in life. Each of them is unique and I got to learn to know them in one month. My teaching does not involve in counseling any more, though I often select essays which teaches thinking. Thinking and especially critical thinking is always beneficial to people. You will not be influenced in the wrong way by false speeches. When you listen, you know the purpose of the speaker immediately. It does not mean that you can cheat or rebutt, but knowing the purpose of the speaker helps you to decide if it is true. Try to listen carefully, you can be a good listener.
Some Warm Water Sept. 6, 2008
Last Night, we looked after the baby while his young parents went out looking for his new gloves. He lied down on the sofa as usual, testing his voices by making some sounds. He really tried very hard and smiled a lot. Finally he cried and began feeling irritated. I gave him some warm water to drink. After tasting the water, he drank hard two times. Then, he felt asleep for nearly half an hour looking good. I felt hard to explain it to my son that it's no big deal to drink some water between two feeding times.
Today, my son told me that they had to wait for much longer to feed him again because I gave him water in between. I told him, well, at least he felt into asleep for a few minutes after holding him for a while. Why are there so many rules to follow in these young people's minds. To live like that is hard. They are ungratified and do not know how much my husband and I have been trying to help. I was driving to nuts. It was impossible to communicate.
I began to think that perhaps I was tough with them, not giving them much money to spend. If I did, perhaps, they did not appreciate. I've learned from British essays that girls might turn bad after getting married. I don't know how it becomes. I told my son that if you have everything, you are still not satisfied, you will not be happy. I've been happy most of the time untill recently. People have a lot of stress I know. They got to learn how to cope with stress. At least they can live simple and feel happy. This is what I am teaching them these days. Good days are just like you are thirsty and somebody gives you a cup of warm water. It is great to swallow a mouthful of warm water.
Something Is Missing Sept. 4, 2008
Something is missing and I'm aware of it. My son is growing up. What he listens to would be his wife's words. It's good to listen to one's wife. My husband wouldn't listen to me unless he agrees on the same idea. One should have his determination to keep what he thinks is right. Only under the condition that one is right. But sometimes we humans can make mistakes. I would rather that people point out my mistakes, then I could make it right. It is definitely good for me to do things that are always right. I hope that the way they feed their own baby is right. I could be wrong. I really can't stand for ignorant parents who think they are smart to raise super baby that would take in as much milk as it was fed up. I also hate to see baby to wait for the feeding hour to the minute.
My son has grown up, and I can't be always by his side. They got to learn by themselves.
The Smiling Baby Sept. 3, 2008
The Smiling Baby Sept. 3, 2008 微笑寶貝
The baby gets to see me little by little 貝比看我的機會越來越少
Yet there is time for us to see each other; 但是總有機會見面;
He sees the same sofa, the same ceiling with electric lamps 他看到沙發 看到鑲著燈管的天花板
Which he sees each time I feed him with a milk bottle 每次餵奶時他總會看到的吊燈。
And the baby laughs and laughs.小貝比笑了又笑
The words he can use is smiling他能用的字就是微笑
So he smiles and smiles.所以他笑了又笑
As he smiles, he makes sounds like he's working on smiling 他笑的時候 發出聲音 似乎他在努力的笑
The only purpose is to say "I'm so happy with you!" 唯一目的就是說 :「與妳在一起 多麼的快樂!」
The smiling baby shines with a tear drop in his left eye 微笑寶貝左眼尾閃爍一滴淚光
He rejoices at seeing me 他見到我很高興
For I try to dry the tear in his eye.因為我試圖擦拭他眼角的淚水
A One-Day Trip to Kaoshiung Sept. 1, 2008
A One-Day Trip to Kaoshiung Sept. 1, 2008 Yesterday My sisters and I met at 2428 in the nursing home in Kaoshiung. It's been a long time since I last saw him. His helper was leaving for home for about one month; someone else was arranged to come instead. An intern from a hospital came to visit him two times; he was interviewed for seniority. He used to tell us how to keep a proper attitude in order to live long. How interesting it is to see the pictures the Intern took for both of them.
My father likes to talk cause he is a Gemini. He really learned a lot when he was able to read. And my grandpa had been a good teacher to him indeed. They all loved to see the photos of my family.
When I had to babysit my grandson, I found that being a mother isn't easy. I felt sorry that my mother-in-law taking care of my son when he was one-month old. It really kills me to hold the baby when we are feeding him milk or about to sleep. I have to sing a lot of song to send him to sleep. My daughter-in-law did not appreciate when I was making the milk with a bottle because I followed the direction on the can. She insisted that his son needs thick milk not thin milk. It's ridiculous to not follow the direction for the baby could develop digestion problem. I though mothers should be more careful about feeding their babies.
Learning Bit by Bit Aug. 28, 2008
We can see the baby making tremendous progress these days! First of all, my husband teaches him the vowels in Japanese phonetics by saying the sounds. He seems very interested in them and tris to mimic a few of them. Then, the next thing he does is listening to tunes of a song Ding Dang Dong and expresses with his facial expression to show his great interests in it. Finally, instead of crying with his effort for milk, he would utters Nei, Na, instead of crying all through to show he is hungry. I call him little baby. He would follow up the voice and looking for me. Today he showed me how to stand up on my knees. I counted the times--ten times. Then he felt hungry.
Power Corrupts People Aug. 27, 2008
We are fed up by the news of the First Family. I do not know the case, but people should earn the money by the right way.
People who work for the government should be more careful not to make use of his post for his own good. On the contrary we should treasure for the post we have to make a living while serve people of the country. Power corrupts People; People who are righteous may not be corrupted.
生命真諦 Aug. 18, 2008
生命真諦 可不是容易瞭解的。我常常在熱忱,熟悉的工作態度上看到好成績, 為人接受的案件。
你是個學生,就要把功課作業做好。 比如說上課學到的知識了解後,能 舉一反三,還能運用,才不會一知半解。
妳是人母,認清孩子須要,才能是個稱職的母親。 捨得孩子學習,成長經歷的辛苦,如同自己成長所須的付出。
你是人之子,可曾明白父母的期望,和自己的志願。然而,人生是由期望與意願堆砌而來,由不得你高明不高明,你就坦然接受了。你一路走來常反省就接近正路。不反省就沒落。而天天反省就容易懂事。
生命是用來珍惜與學習的,生命真諦在於誠字。真誠對待自己,待人,是可貴的。虛偽,浮華是不實在的,它們會流逝,實在是能掌握的,雖說,它不一定長久,但是累積起來也很可觀。
也許妳說是「愛人」,那就值得推敲一番了。誰?
Happy Birthday My Son Aug. 17, 2008
The Thirtieth Birthday is a big birthday for a young man. I know you would not be celebrating yourself cause you can not feel happy at least not for doing well at your job. Though you might be proud of yourself for being a good father to your son, you are worried about how to raise it up.
Chances for the employed and the unemployed are few at this moment in time in Taiwan unless one works for the office in a good company or for the government. We seldom teach how to create job opportunity in life at school. You have friends and you have the human resources companies to help, but you still will have to make a great effort to find out your goal and the kind of job to reach your goal.
The whole growing process in a person is worth celebrating, not success. When you work hard, you enjoy the whole process. Even if you does not win the case, you are happy to go through it. Your experiences accumulate. You grow to be stronger, smarter, and well-experienced.
Do not feel sad when you have missed good cases. Do not feel sad when your budget is tight. It is crucial moment one can really think what he is and can do in this world. Your efforts won't let you down. Only waiting for a chance can ruin one. So cheer up, and have a new start on your birthday. I can not tell you what to do; I can only say "go" for you.
The Satisfied Baby August 16, 2008
The baby has been to his maternal grandma's for one day for the second time. Tomorrow he will be two-month's old. He's already known to pay attention to people speaking to him. It's marvalous to see him trying to utter some sounds. His little arms still waving on both sides; his legs kicking with strength. How wonderful it is to see it growing up day by day!
I stayed at home this afternoon. Then, you called to say that you probably would not be able to go back next semester for you can not stand for the side-effects taking the pills the doc prescribed for you. I'm glad that you made the right decision. We have to see whatever the most convenient for both teachers and students. It takes courage and quick decision which is hard to make. When you told the doc whatever you want to, he would always cooperate with you. The patient's decision is to be respected. We can not take heavy load upon our shoulder when we are not able to handle physically. It's best to grow strong before we go back to our jobs.
I wish you health and full recovery in the near future. As the little baby is learning to use his body; we grown-ups approaching old age should learn to use our body as we used to. Though sometimes they fail us, we have to stick to the last, don't we?
We are different in the way that one can take Chinese herbs.but the other can't. I trust people's recommendation such as bio aids; you wouldn't take any risk. I still hope that you can choose some other aids. I'm glad that you have some alternatives.
The little baby was irritated by his own belching; we comforted it by doing something else to diverse his attention. I hope the same to you. You can take a walk in room just to enhance your physical strength by taking in more air and oxygen. Try to take good rests my friend.
The Laborers August 13, 2008
I admit that those who do heavy work with skills are special. For days because the house needs some repairing after the rain storm, I saw some workers working hard but with skills in our house. They sometimes work with ladders to reach the ceilings; or they fix the light bulb overhead on the ceilings. For one hour, they sweat; they got dirty vest. I felt sorry for them. It's their job and they are paid for the labor.
What?! You only want to have a nice clean place to live. Yes, isn't it a serious request? To live like a decent people. Do not underestimate yourself. You can live a noble life with happiness. Material things do not mean anything. The Chinese people, maybe most of people in the world want to have nice place to live. Only few can have a really nice place to live without being disturbed. It's lucky to have one of places like that to move to.
The one thing I can not leave this place, the old place, is that this is the place I stay most of my life except my childhood hometown. How can I leave a place where I had had my parents and my parents-in-law a few times when they came over. I could never leave such an old place as long as I live.
Daughter-in-laws August 10, 2008
Daughter-in-laws are different in persons. Some are good enough to think for her own husband and family; others can not forget her own family after getting married. A husband who is good enough tries to help around at home. My son tries to be a good house husband. He learns very well though he is not good at earning money. He thinks well for his family.
Daughter-in-laws sometimes are arrogant thinking her own family better than her husband's. Isn't it kind of ethnocentric? We are born in one culture, however, our family is different from each other. How can one say that her own family is definitely better than her own husband's. One might be ignorant because she could not understand how a family comes as a decent people. We are not supposed to get around with friends often cause we have got our business to do. Gather together with friends for a married woman seems a passed behavior. It becomes a luxury. One perhaps missed the old days, but days are to continue to move on. Babies are growing up. Chatting and shopping days should not be so urgent any more.
What kind of daughter are you? I'm a kind of daughters who live far away from parents. I still feel very close to my parents. It's not necessary to go back and be with them everyday I think. My son has to face his homework this time. It's going to be difficult for him to cope with such kind of family problems--one that welcomes daughters to go back anytime any week. It's hard to imagine.
Father's Day August 8, 2008
Father's Day is no longer that important now when fathers are more like house husband these days. I told my father that I will send him some bio aid drinks to him in the near future. As to my husband I told him not to expect any present this year becasue he has had big present this month. So do my son. Though he does not earn much to support his small family, we are his closest family who are able to support them. I do not expect him much like earning money cause he is a sort of person who are not born with regular money正財. It's the sort of money one earns from job. If you have a nice job, you earn monthly pay. He is the one who might be flourish with money from fortune, so called 偏財in Chinese. I hope one day he wakes up with a big fortune waiting for him.
I do not celebrate Mother's Day. And I disown most of what I have for I do not know how I shall use them. It's sad to say so. Imagine, after years of work, I am still poor. Material things are not what I'm after now. I still appreciate beautiful things though. My new job is to balance my life in both family and at work. I'm jotting down my thought thinking this my last words. But do not worry, I'm still striving to live on at least now.
七夕情人節 August 7, 2008
七夕情人節, 沒有節慶, 今天飄了些雨, 早操回家完成。
下午babysit一下午, 又準備晚餐, 日子過得很有份量, 身體有些吃不消, 很想到那裡躲起來。
工地售屋小姐作到今天, 要失業休息去, 我看她越發消瘦。
學校的e-mail漸漸多起來, 預言新開學日將來臨。
我們老同事有出國、 有進修、 有請假, Ellie忙得不亦樂乎。
可以不用標點符號就方便許多。有誰可以把簡單中文逗點和句點擺在keyboard上就太高明了ㄅ。
可以擺在space bar左側右側。
To a New Born Baby August 4, 2008
The Little New Born Baby Adam
My new born grandson Adam sleeps in my arms,
Smiling like the little lotus petals one or two times a day;
Annoyed by his own loud belches,
He studies the Chinese paintings behind the sofa,
As if he has seen something interesting, he smiles.
When changing the diper, he feels cool and looks into his papa.
He does not like being left on bed, but has to when Mom and Dad are busy.
Only one month, he has known that voices are for conversation.
Not a word he can utter, he tries sometimes with his little mouth.
The only weapon he uses is cry. My son said, a baby cries
For milk, for a change of diper, for getting to sleep, and so forth.
He is more like a parent than me.
When I tried to sing the lullaby to make him go to sleep,
I couldn't figure out the whole song. I could only try to sing
A bird is singing Chiu, chiu, chiu, chiu, chiu, chiu.
Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La, Ti, Do
Can I create a lullaby? I doubt it.
Please hear the song Do-Re-Mi from the Song of Music 真善美.
The Little Baby August 1, 2008
You called to ask why one has to get proof from the doc if she wishes to go back to job. How can one know that it is fully recovered? Well, we all have such kind of questions. When you ask leave, or go back to teach, you have to get proof. It's a document with brief describing about the kind of illness and the treatments. When one received the treatments the doc prescribed, the course is done. If one feels well and good enough to go back to job, the doc will like to write the proof. We do not ask others even if he is your doc to quarantee for your safety to work in you post. You are your own decision maker. To continue to work or to take a rest until it is fully recoverd is wise.
I am so happy to hear you want to go back to your job. I told you about the baby my grandson. He is Adam. A litlle baby boy so cute and understanding. It's difficult to communite by words. He can put his mouth in an "O" to mean that he needs the soother when he gets sleepy. He can do without it for I can sing songs to shoothe him into sleep. I can hardly believe that I see him being born to my house.
So be happy. You start walking in your place. It is good. When you get stronger, you can do something else. Go out into the open place, go hiking into the country, or go mountain-climbing. They are dreams. You can do it step by step.
The Living Environment Jyly 29, 2008
Though living in big cities are convenient, people have to stand all sorts of noises. The trash truck comes almost three or four times a week. The new buildings are under construction. The phones, yes. You are to stand all kinds of noises. If you work with a tiny desk, maybe you are not working unless you tidy up the desk once in a while.
I'm alway messy with my desk. Perhaps I used to keep things on my desk in case I need them. It is convenient. But for my husband, he couldn't stand for the mess. Well, I guess he does not complain now. I thought I might change after I retire. When I keep things away, I do not remember them the next time I need them. I always say it is life. When one is gone, no more messy desk. Things will be cleaned to make room for the new owner. So, before I change, just do not complain. At least you can see a tidy happy me around. It is enough for now.
兩個颱風 July 29, 2008
台灣怕地震。 因為地震, 所以有台灣。 台灣雖小, 颱風卻頻頻造訪, 有老人顧屋頂, 顧不了自己。 作月子婦女, 要人相救。有屋子住的人聽風雨聲到天明; 住低地的人 ,要竹筏相載到別處去避難。 生為人的我們 ,難有沒煩惱的。
我小孩現在終於知道為何當年我忍心把他留下與爺爺奶奶一起。我這時才知道他這麼認真想盡人子人父的心理。獅子座愛家如同處女座。只是處女座生在先,認份的三年級生,處優勢。六年級生收割,卻難得快樂。我們這位天真獅子卻盡量快樂。
我在他們身上看到之前沒能辦到的:陪同孩子成長。
七月的酷熱 July 27, 2008
七月 最不熟悉的月份, 通常是被颱風消息嚇到 ,不敢出遠門 。
除清晨與傍晚, 走在燄陽底下, 雙手不由得擺背後, 免得曬傷 。
看到兵人影片, 為不能感受人性與愛卻善於保護自己的人 , 面對問題, 文化衝突感到無奈 。
人與人之間的距離, 因文化差異, 更行擴大 。而酷熱七月, 則增添些許火藥味 。
八月馬上來臨, 鬼魂再度飄遊人間 。相安無事, 是謙卑的祈求 。
你想知道星座神秘的左右你生活嗎? 請參考AstrologyZone Forecasts
我的七月全給了家, 希望將來無悔 。
你的七月是否也順利的過了呢 ?
富貴如郭台銘 , 不忘追求快樂生活, 他一定不願苦守逝去的妻子, 終究生死形同兩個世界, 人只有向前走 。
富豪如郭董, 須要人照顧, 他也不忘照顧更多的人, 我為他行善的想法感動 。
我是為小孩傷腦筋的人,怕他們掙不到 一口飯吃。 看似堅強,卻又沒機會的六年級生。
倘若你有固定的工作與收入, 你該慶幸,上天有在照顧你。
Early accurate diagnosis helps July 24, 2008
To know how to take care of yourself is important. We should not worry too much about our physical condition cause most of all, we are normal and function well. However, after years of study or work, we may not pay much attention to a careful selection of food. When we are taking shower or silent for a while after hard work, try to meditate whether there are possible problems in every part of our body. Women especially should check the breast. If you want to know how, ask the internet or your doctor and look for physical checkup once a year.
It is important because certain diseases are classified in stages. It takes a few years to pass from one stage to another. Often when the doc advices us for a further physical check-up, it would be too late. We are afraid that the cancer moves from one part to the whole body by the lymph. It is like flood, difficult to control.
Still, one hears patients who live a life like primitive people find their own health again. So the motto is never give up. Go out to embrace the world. Enough oxygen gives the power to good cells and bad cells might wither away. Learn to be optimistic. Live with a good mood. Your attitude will make you lead a happy life. It could be the best medicine one could obtain.
我為我的朋友繼續祈禱, 希望她得到助力, 病情能夠緩和下來, 不要畏懼。健康才能無所畏。
Exercise can ease anxiety July 22, 2008
-Proper diet - This includes reduction in consumption of caffeine, sugar, and generally an improvement of eating habits. A patient has to improve energy. The proper amount of vegitable will definitely be good for anyone looking for a healthy body. 適當飲食
-Exercise - Some exercise is thought to relieve stress. It is probably better to gradually develop an exercise routine while on a cognitive-behavioral program. 運動
- Laughing 笑
- Breathing techniques and proper breathing - A diaphragmaticbreathing technique is often recommended (as opposed to chest breathing). 腹式呼吸優於胸部呼吸
- Proper sleep. 睡眠
- Relaxation techniques - A state of relaxation can be achieved with the help of relaxation tapes, Yoga or relaxation therapy . 放鬆技巧
- Stress management.- This may entail changes in lifestyle and time management. There are a number of books specialized in stress management. 壓力管理
- Panic attack coping strategies - Specific strategies for dealing with panic episodes have been proposed, such as slow abdominal breathing and use of reassuring self-talk. 應付驚慌攻擊的策略
- Search for meaning and purpose - Some experts have indicated that residual generalized anxiety can be the result of a sort of "boredom" about existence. They recommend looking for an occupation the sufferer finds meaningful. Alcoholic beverages are probably the most widely used substance for the alleviation of anxiety. Anxiety sufferers are cautioned that alcohol is also a powerful depressant and has a plethora of dangerous and uncomfortable side effects in addition to being potentially addictive. 尋找意義和目的 酒精易上癮之外 有不舒服副作用和危險
To those who suffer from physical pain or anxiety, I share the same sympathy and feel sorry with a deep respect to them. One important method to get out of the trap is to find out ways to make one feel comfortable and have the nerve to live on in a happy mood. Nothing can do if one is despair about it. Do not ignore the little thread of hope.
A doctor does breathing and mountain climbing which help save her from her lymph disease. I remember the first time when my husband brought me to Ta Kun to go walking on the trails, I felt weak and did not believe I could finish the whole trail. I went and reached the top which was not high but I felt my limbs get strong. I could feel it improving. It's amazing. My friend, when I told you to take a walk, you told me that you could not go under the sun because it made you feel very uncomfortable. Well, it is probably you do not have a strong physical condition. Try and the discomfor will go in a few weeks.
Tropical storm Kalmaegi July 18, 2008
Tropical storm Kalmaegi continued weakening and slowed down in speed while skirting Taiwan’s northeastern coast last night, before moving into the Taiwan Strait, according to officials of the Central Weather Bureau.
Though the rains slow down at noon, the heavy rains kept most of Taichungers awake most of the night. We felt sleepy this morning. It's aweful and I was afraid that some people might have found water entering into their rooms. I wonder what comes of my folks in Kaoshiung. The River Love has had water flooding overbank. It must not look like the foaming water in a Typhoon morning that I saw long time ago.
The tall grey building stands in front of me out of the window hiding most part of the sky from me. I still hear the raindrops dripping down on the roof of Yuan next to our building. It's not musical, but rhythmical. Di, Da, Da, Da, Di, Di...Monotonous sound. It will soon be over, I guess. Tomorrow or the day after tomorrow may be another sun-shiny day. You do the same indoor activities as the summer days are very warm and hot. It stops people from getting around out of home or doing some errands. Nothing has been changed much.
But can you imagine the tender feeling of holding a little thing, a baby, in your arm. The feeling came back to me some 29 or 30 years ago, when I was with my son. In that summer, he was testing me whether I could really be a mother. I passed the test, though not a good mother. And my son recently told me that he finally understood why I left him with his grandma as he was little. He is trying to work hard. And he has to wait for another 10 days to be free to do his own job. I feel proud for him. Such kind of sacrifice only a few can stand.
Thrift is a virtue for young people July 17, 2008
Does your son or daughter use money without a second thought? If yes, how do you control it?
I used to spend money when I had extra money. Now I do not use money because someone in my family needs money more than I do. If one can spend fifty thousand a month, I admire her. She must have got the lottery and be a winner.
If she used somebody else's money without control, I thought it is stealing. One day the bag will be empty. Life could be a disaster at that time. No one is around to help then. I can't imagine the young couple in debt. How are they going to bring up their youngsters? Hard time.
Thrift is a virtue for young people. Try to learn something with which to earn money and support the family. Your family will appreciate. If young people has the virtue of being thrifty all their life, they are going to be like a rich man. If not be as rich as Wang Yung-chin, at least they are not going to starve.
O, what I care about is starvation. Yes, the price of daily expenses is getting higher. One day, you will not afford a meal. You have to live like primitive people, make a living by picking and gathering. It's not bad. There must be something to yield by Mother Nature if you are lazy. But when the land can not yield crops to feed all the world, what new food do you try.
How about food made for spaceman? Can you swallow down with smile?
My Wretch July 15, 2006
Nina left a message for me at my blog on Wretch. I seldom write on that blog though it has been created before my Weebly. I hope I can be there more often if I have time. Wetch has more reflections in Chinese.
The Detecting System July 15, 2008
Having a watch dog at home will make your life much more convenient. Unfortunately, it takes time and energy to take care of the dog. With modern technology, alarm phone may help increase the security of your home. Why do we fear the intruders to break in? You move to a new place where no body knows you. You can be so nervous for you are afraid people might be watching you. They may watch you long enough to feel they are safe and you are not trouble makers.
It's funny that people need friends but they are afraid that the one they meet can be monster rather than a friendly human being. Like Robinson Crusoe who explores the other side of the island to find if there are signs that people live. When he found the big foot print, he began to fear that that giant foot print could be of a monster or cannibal (man-eater) . Pretty much like the hand in the cave where Tom and his friend explored. They are trying to make their way out of the cave. When they see someone (Indian Joe) holding a candle, which is the hand of a murder, they are scared to death.
When I have to choose to live in old place or to move to the new one, I choose to live in the old place.
The Great Expectations July 14, 2008
President Ma worried about the economics of Taiwan. He said someting encouraging about people's confidence in Taiwan economics foundation. Today President Lee Chia-Tung has a column about this topic. He wrote that essay 〈石油大漲 自食惡果 :是誰給投機客掌聲? 〉to criticize the brokers who buy gas to raise its price. The fund has been put in commodities. There is sill another fault to find: the problem of the second mortage is getting serious or is still hard to solve. The bankers thought that they were smart and sold it as a package to other bankers. It became a global problem. When house owners could not pay off the loan, the banks thought they could sell the houses. But when people could not afford so much interest to the bank, who is willing to buy houses. The bank could not get the money back; they go bankruptcy. People who put their money in saving accounts or saving certificates could not get the money back from the bank.Who is to blame? he questioned. Of course, the banker.
When we see the bank let loan to people who do not have money but go shopping with their credit cards. Those credit card holders spend first and pay a high interest to the bank later. If they can only pay one-tenth of the amount they used, they can pay off the loan in one year perhaps, But some of them wouldn't be able to do that and they turn out to be in debts and may not be able to pay the money back. Who can stop this sin of usurpation. Let them read Shakespear's play The Merchant of Venice. (See the Official Trailer 2 Bridal Ballad ) The greediness of Shylock brings him his victim Antonio to the court of Portia. When Shylock prepares to get one pound of Antonio's flesh for he can not pay the debt back, the judge played by Portia asks him to get that one pound of flesh as close to the heart without one blood shed. It's impossible to do that.
Could the bankers of the world think about not getting high interests from credit card holders? It would be a great mercy to the card holders.
The Meat Eater July 10, 2008
This morning I came to Ching-kuo Avenue again. There were diamonds everywhere. Nothing attracted particularly. The morning joggers did not forget to bring a plate of duck or goose back home. The little truck carried the Vietnamese wife and her husband and some cooked ducks to sell on the pavement. I could smell the fragrance of it by the breeze and could not help bring it back myself. I do not go viggie, yet I try not to eat too much meat. I haven't tried duck meat for such a long time. The vendors really sell good ducks. I prayed for the duck before I tried the slices. I hope this was the only time I couldn't resist the delicacy.
My son is busy to play his part well. I'm afraid he is exhausted every day. His wife and family are so demanding. I wish I could help him, but I really can't. 兒孫自有兒孫福is the Chinese saying that came to my mind often. It means there maybe luck and bless of the son and grandson. We should not worry so much for our own children. Good or bad they have to live the way they choose and accept the outcome.
雨後的隔天清晨 After the Afternoon Shower July 9, 2008
雨後的隔天清晨 After the Afternoon Shower, I went back to the grass land again. The morning air was so fresh that I almost couldn't feel a grain of dust in the air. I enjoyed the breeze while working out under the trees. The sun shone through the layers of green and golden leaves as if standing in front of a great painting by nature. It was going to change its color as the sun rose higher up. Just one, two or three hours after daybreak, it's the most enjoyable moment in a day.
I still can see the difference. Yesterday, and the day before yesterday, I saw many pearls or diamonds you can call hanging in the grass. But not today. This morning I saw only one hanging so brilliantly, alone, in the grass. I was busy occupied by my thought and neglected to count the dew drops. They should have been many lying there. The conclusion is that one can see dew drops in the morning when there is much rain water during the night or the afternoon before that day. A discovery of the little wonder in nature.
New Houses Stand in Front of Our Apartment July 8, 2008
After a year of noises the new buiding in front of our apartment will soon be completed. And there is still another under construction in the back of the apartment. My son escapes from home for his business. I have to stay here most of the time. It seems that we have to move in to a new one to escape from the noise and narrowness of the block. Though the neighborhood is a wonderful community, we can not feel ease any more. The new buildings are taller than most of the old ones.
I finally found a new saying for the word 奕, 神采奕奕. It describes a person having a good spirit. A person who is like saints with a good spirit in Chinese must be 聖奕. Isn't it a good name? Not bad!
大仙山 Ta Hsien Shan July 6, 2008
Ta Hsien Shan大仙山is a temple where you can see the god and family tablet. I used to go every summer with my husband and sister. Today only two of us went to the old place. The right wing is under construction now. We went up by the left wing. Picking up the stairways, we arrived. There were people chanting for the newly arrived. We burned the incense sticks and said our prayers to the God of Heaven (Tien Kung天公) , to the God of the Underworld (Ti Tsang Wang地藏王), and to my mom. Again I communicated with my mom by the Chiao Pei筊杯. A pair of rounded bamboo blocks is cast to the ground to divine instructions from the gods. I hope that my mom knew I went them to be close to her.
There are several books of chanting on the desk. I opened one and started to read as if in remorse. I became humble. I really hope my mom is good now. There was a bird that flew inside. I hope it knows how to get out of the temple. The strange thing was that the fruit we offered to the God of the Underworld disappeared. Someone moved the plate with theirs inside to offer to their own ancestor by mistake.
We came home by 2 PM and had a good nap afterwards. It is comfortable at home.
The Fluctuations of the Market July 4, 2008
The market fluctuates and people's hearts bleed. There is not a sign of stability in prices and people suffer a sense of insecurity. I think with time passed you young people will know how dramatic life is. You keep praying for a better life; only to find that simplicity is perhaps the only cure at the present. This kind of suffering will come to pass and you will forget about these little troubles or big troubles because you are already working so hard. There is no time to feel the pains. You can just look ahead. We must imagine Sisyphus happy!
You know we need to move around and about everyday. When you walk out of your home, you think about how to get around. I choose to walk first because I would not get too far from home. Even if I want to get to the downtown area, I take the bus. Or my husband takes me to the bus stop, then I count on myself. I do not drive nor ride motorcycle, or even the bike. I am still a person living in the twenty-first century! Sometimes I imagine how I can be born again as man next life if there is next life. I would not know how to get around without machine. Maybe not. Maybe, all of us will run out of oil. There is solar energy easily obtained. It is cheap. We will not depend on black gold any more. No pollution. How good the world will turn out to be, like paradise. We do not have to move around that much.
When you do not need air-conditioner to keep cool, you only need a fan. Right, I got a new plastic fan yesterday. It cost 10 dollars. What I do is just fan with my hand. My husband got it when he arrived home. See! It is easy to keep cool. It's noon time, and I use an electric fan because I have to do my homework. I'd better get off the line now. To save the energy.
Students' Cards June 30, 2008
I went back to my office last Friday and found a card from Angie Teng for me. The beautiful flowers bring warmth to the little card ...though small but carries with all her thanks. How touching! Angie is a good student, mature enough to lead her classmates to join speech contests. You can see good ladies like her on campus. And the sweet thing is to see her printing on the card sounding poetic. I hope she can find her own voice.
Some students sent me cards at school or after graduation. Most of the cards that came in in these few years are kept in the book shelf. Graduation photos and pictures and cards, they get along and belong to each other. One day they will be cleaned away with only a few dust left. While they are still there, they are always in my memory. While I put Angie's card on the top shelf among those of former students, I knew they have me in their hearts.
My Weebly Is the Blog I Love to Visit June 28
I've got an email telling me that I haven't been here for three days a couple of days ago. Yes. I do not find my days free as usual. I do not know why. Maybe, being a teacher you have to do some things like reading students' papers, updating students' presentation stuffs in my website, etc.
After those busiest days at school, summer is welcome always. I have to relax for a while, think for a while what to do next. I would like to come up here more if I can. I do not get any feedback so far, though I know there may be somebody up here to check if I have done my homework.
One thing I have to do is to go back kaoshiung to see my old father. I haven't seen him for one year. It's hard to imagine. I sometimes call him though. The second thing to do is to go to Pai Ho to see my mother's tablet. I could only see her there. When my old classmates sent me messages about their own fathers, I dare not respond to them for my message will be about my mother and father. I guess it's time we have to see our parents more.
So to Marina Chen, Johanna Tu, Helen Hsu, May your dads rest in peace!
It's reasonable that we pay great attention to our own parents. They are the origin where we are from. We will never forget how much we are/have been taken care of. New life is being born unto this world while the old ones disappear. Let me guote the poem "People" by the Russian poet Yevgeny Yevtushenko again. See an interview here. CNN Cold War. Criticism.
In any man who dies there dies with him
his first snow and kiss and fight
it goes with him.
There are left books and bridges
and painted canvas and machinery
Whose fate is to survive.
But what has gone is also not nothing:
by the rule of the game something has gone.
Not people die but worlds die in them.
Whom we knew as faulty, the earth's creatures
Of whom, essentially, what did we know?
Brother of a brother? Friend of friends?
Lover of lover?
We who knew our fathers
in everything, in nothing.
They perish. They cannot be brought back.
The secret worlds are not regenerated.
And every time again and again
I make my lament against destruction.
Summer Begins June 27, 2008
Summer 2008 is a really warm summer. Whew! What a sizzler!多熱的天哪!In very hot days what can we do? After grading the papers and making out grades, the next thing to do is open the books and read. There are books to read and paper to work out if possible. So my summer may be the last summer in this post, but I still hope I can be healthy enough to teach a few years at Providence.
The student's call for assistance which is impossible to do. I felt sorry for that. There must be ways to solve the problem that the sudent causes by careless plan and study. I thought some students need to work part-time. They work too hard and neglect their studies. How much pain do they have to suffer? It's always a burden if the students have to work part-time. They may not concentrate on their studies.
Enjoy Your Summer 6.20.2008
I am still grading the papper. Summer is here already. Things turn out that Sr. Celeste is teaching in the English Department next year again. I really see her with respect. After working for so many years at Providence, Sr. Celeste still works on her post. Luking Library is the embodiment of Providence and she is the hand that moves the library.
I will see myself wondering on the green grass in the parks in the summer morning. And I see Sisyphus still pushing the stone uphill. I must imagine he is happy. Am I happy?
Bruce Lee June 16, 2008
My students introduced Bruce Lee who attracted movie fans a lot. I was impressed by the way he talked about the art as water. In a bottle it becomes a bottle water, in a tea pot, it is teapot water. It looks like one, when it flows to fit the container. Gee, it's philosophical. I don't even know that he was graduated from University of Washington where he took philosophy, drama, and art. He is a fast kung fu fighter, but I don't like the way he yelled when doing martial art. Maybe it is hard to consume his energy in a second to show his best, no matter whether it is a punch, or something else.
It's a pity he died young
I wouldn't want my grandson to do martial art. It seems violent for me.
What Evaluation Is This? June 13, 2008
When it comes to evaluating teaching, how can somebody know the kind of effort you put into it. But since this year, last year, the MOE has given this order that every teacher glances back to the past four years and reflects on his service, teaching evaluation from students, and research. Not everyone does not know that we are already busy with work, not to mention to spare a few minutes or hours in order to prepare papers to let examiners know how good we are. Isn't it ridiculous?
I am lucky to be ready to tell people that I have done something that only few in the academic world would like to do - creative writing. I couldn't find a category which gives the item called - creative writing in literature in the evaluation sheet. In the faculty meeting Dr. Haseltine said that it belongs to creative writing and it is another category. And Dr. Mei-shi Tsai said that it is not academic and therefore can not be called professional work. I then checked the wiki to find that some scholars do not take poetry seriously because of its modern form in free verse which is prosaic and is like prose. No wonder I heard Dr. Gorden told me that he was doing prose poems. We are modern writers and I deem that we should write easy and short poetic poems that the busy people today may want to amuse themselves by prying into the writer's secret private world and feel happy to see writers echoes lay readers.
I like my poems to appear poetic, however, not every poem I write is poetic enough to create beauty only. Sometimes I like to elaborate beauty in a sory. I did it very successfully I figure.
This morning I was amazed to see the grass in the Avenue Ching-Kao, People's Square, looked so green and tender. To my surprize, I saw so many beautiful diamonds hanging in the grass where the sun cast its light in small patches. I was working out there and after a while, the sun moved upper, and the small patches of grass with diamonds dim away. Wen I looked attentively, they came back again, in a smaller circle. And I knew that one day when I was not there again, the diamonds will show up again sometimes to strangers. I do hope they may also see them shining with sparkles. The small suns newly born. They were there in the grass.
This afternoon, there is afternoon shower, a heavy one. If I go tomorrow, and it is a sunshiny day, I'm sure I will be able to see them again.
The Last Class of the 96th Academic Year June 11, 2008
Each year when I teach the last two hours, I almost can not stand for long speeches. This happened today when I talked about nihilism. I should not talk about it for I felt God up there above my head. Atheism 無神論and nihilism虛無主義are the core theory which builds up absurdity in life. To Camus, suicide yields to fate which makes life absurd. Existentialism teaches a battle against absurd life. Facing absurdity in life, one is conscious of the wretched condition. He is awared of the situation and with free choice he can fight against the futile world and create his own fate. When one takes fate as a human matter, he acts what he likes and is responsible for what he has done. They negate a higher fate. I would say that they put the higher authority aside, do as they think suitable without regret. When they take the consequences, they have the courage to face the ordeals with a healthy attitude. Let's imagine Sisyphus happy when he faces his rock as Camus said.
The Sunshiny Days
After the Dragon Boat Festival, we have sunshiny days again. You can put your quilt in the brilliant sunshine for the winter. You must have sunglasses or you can not stand the bright sunlight. The heat is poisonous with ultraviolet light; not good for the eyes. I am worried about my eyes. Maybe one day, I can not read and write as usual. I begin to count my days to the minute. Sorry for the busy days! I said to myself. I have to rest sometime during the daytime.
The Dragon Boat Festival and Poetry Day June 8, 2008
I almost forget the national poet Chu-Yuan who drawned himself because he wanted to show patriotic thoughts. I still felt very much in a festive mood. One academic year is about to end and I do not know how many semester I can count. In the future days to come, I have the joyful moments occasionary, though my students and friends sometimes remind me of the short human life. I called it temperary amusing moment. I satisfy with it and feel it enough with my humble heart. To the world and to nature with all my heart!
Be Close to Nature June 7, 2008
How can one work all life only to try to be close to nature? It takes one or two generations or maybe three to settle down in one place. The funny thing is, you never know at the end, what you want is merely the last moment that one can be as close to nature as nature itself. I almost identify myself as one with nature, though I do not really get that close to nature. Nature becomes a cliche to me. Nature is real when you get up early, walk out of your door. Walk through your familiar sight and scene. You come to the shade to welcome the bright brilliant sunlight coming down from above. The morning air is fresh still, and your mind rests on the yellow and pink flowers on the tops of trees. Mosquito bites, you forget about it soon because a little mosquito can do if he wants to take advantage of you. When you are intoxicated in the quititude of the morning air, you can tolerate the annoyance. I'm sure I will be fighting with them while I get so close to nature.
The Last Three Weeks June 3, 2008
There are two weeks for classes. And one week for the final. The 96th academic year will glide to an end. How time does fly! My life is sliping away between the fingers caressing through the keys. My eyes dim for sharp light rediating from the white screen. I'm thinking about the reason that Bethoven went deaf. How can one lose his eye sight when he has to read and write? I should not hang out here, or i won't be here often as usual.
The Meeting and Sister's Birthday May 29, 2008
I have done the job with the help of Dr. Haseltine and Dr. Baker. They like the new version. So with a little change I settled with the second one. I read both the English and Chinese poems after the birthday song was sung and before the candle was lit, blown, and the photo taken. They seemed to enjoy the recitations, especially Sister Tsai. I get to like her more after the poem was completed and began to understand how wonderful she is.
Ann said that it is a pity that we do not enclude this one in the book. I was exhausted because there was not microphone and I had to read out loud. Patience and Ms. Lo praised the poem and the cloth. When I look into the mirror, I saw the blue eyes. It scared me.
Poetry Reading for Sister Celeste May 27, 2008
I've come out with the poem dedicated to Sister Celeste Tsai. When I thought of the four words--Truth, Sincerity, Accuracy, Ideal-- representing what she said, I laught heartedly. It all came from Anna long time ago when she tried her names and sent it to me.
I have to ask someone to read the Chinese version art the farewell party Wednesday morning.
Yesterday I saw you in the hospital. At first I saw you but I did not know it's you.until after one hour when I walked to the other door. You waved to me smiling at me. We were like two friends got separated for such a long time. I bet for a moment you forgot all the pains and discomfort. You talked about the discomfort caused by operation. I could only listen, trying to picture the memory strips and figured out what you could do to reduce the discomfort. I'll pray for you a lot more knowing that there is a detour way you need to face with nerves and faith. God bless you!
Since the song "Breathe " by Leigh Nash can not play up here. I found another one "I Can only Breathe Your Name".
Graduation Party May 25, 2008
I went to the graduation party again this year. I saw Paul, though I did not talk to him much. Only 8 faculties were there at Evergreen last night. The students seemed to enjoy themselves by having photos with others or for each other. Each received a bunch of flowers. I think they should have their own on the graduation day.
Junior students are going to talk about workplace. Here is a good site for career advice.
Sister Celeste May 23, 2008
Sister is going to retire. She looks too young for retirement. Next Wednesday the school is going to celebrate for two at the retirement age. The department chairperson asks me to recite a poem. I can not help but write one for her. It is time for rejoyce after working almost 30something years. It's time for me to retire too. I'm expecting it to come too.
Priority Jobs Thur. May 21, 2008
President Ma put some priority jobs to reach within 100 days of his presidency. He reminded all public servant, "Absolute power can cause absolute correction." He will have committes to study and revamp tax systems, activate regular weekend charter flights to facilitate more effective business operations. He will cooperative with DPP and be the president of all the people.
The first step is to nomalize economic and cultural reolations. He can see the increasing hopes of better relations across Taiwan Strait. The close contact between the KMT and the CCP as the second track of the communications between the two sides will not overlap with the semi-official.channel between Taiwan's Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) and China's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS).
Only 23 countries formally recognize Taiwan over China, while Beijing has 171 nations with official ties. It is meaningless for Beijing to continue squeezing Taiwan in the international community, Ma noted.
I hope his diplomatic reconciliation will not only be a wishful thinking.
What a Big Earthquake May 18, 2008
There was such a big earthquake in Sichuan which causes about 50,000 death and land loss, river swell and lakes forms. It's devastating to see the disaster, girls crying for family loss, babies being rescued from the collapsed stones, father crying to see daughter being found alive. More corpses being digging out and dogs found alive, etc. Don't miss the crucial 72-hour rescuing time.
The air is full of sadness even if we are far away, the dead toll echoed what Virginia woolf had said in her essay "The Death of the Moth" that death is so powerful compared with life. It can take away life, even lives of a city. People reflected from this quake what we have been through at 9/21. We begin to think that we should think good, and we have to pray for our enimies but not only for ourselves. May there only be goodness in this world, then we may make this a wonderful place without disasters. Can we do it? I bet we can.
Classic Literature and Poetry May 15, 2008
This World e-Book Library has the sound of literary works. I will listen to some of them.
Wait until it is loaded.
The Doctor's Diagnosis May 13, 2008
Yesterday the ophthalologist Dr. Lin, but he wanted me to see Dr. Liang who is a specialist in eye vision. I waited and waited until my turn. After having three doghs of eye fluids to enlarge the pupil in my eyes, Dr. Liang checked my eyes with flash lights while ordering me to see direct and the other 8 directions the best I could. She came out with the diagnosis as a result of aging. It was a great relief for me not to worry about a problem in retina. Retina problem might lead to blindness. The blood might be absolved by body in two weeks. I have to see if there are more blood to come out or no. The spot will not disappear completely though.
While I was waiting , a lady sat by the door waited longer, did her make-up, took out her eyeline, and eyelash shade to enhance the beauty of it. I had my scenario going which day will be convenient for a surgery in case of need. I'm glad it is not needed this time.
It is like an animated water painting keeps turning in my left eye, floating, changing forms which might drive one to crazy. I gave in to this vision in my eye. It may be the foreshadow of some horrible diesease.. I must have no fear.
A few faculties at school mentioned the news about my book. They congratulated me of this work. One professor felt words in my advertisement amusing. I really can't do writing that much any more. I'm waiting for my old classmate to take me out for a real chat. I was pleased to see some old faces in poetry recitation contest.
Say Good-Bye To My Friends For A While May 10, 2008
Today I went to my friend Ms Chu's daughter's wedding banquet. I had a good time listening to Bernadette's witty chatting over the table. At the opening, I suddenly felt discomfort in my left eye and twice the electric lightenings flashed. I was striken dumb and was scared.
I see large floaters (Muscae Voltantes飛蚊症) in my eye.and there is a shade with little bubbles in front of me when I look into the screen for words. I decide not to come up here often. Next week I have to seek for the doctor's help. An experienced ophthalologist may help me to improve my eye sight. The worse situation may need laser treatment. It takes 3 to 6 months to tace the real problem. I hope I can still see this beautiful world without much problem.
Do not go gentle into that good night by Dylan Thomas May 8, 2008
Click here to listen the recitation. (poets.org)
Today we, Susan, Richard and me, sat and listened to students reciting poems. It is entertaining to hear the prepared ones. When it came to the assigned one - Do not go gentle into that good night - most of the participants did not grasp the emotion very properly. They hesitated here or there for a second which indicated a lack of familiality in this poem.
The poem tells of the young poet's father changing from being strong in early years to soft and weak when turning to blind. He shows a humanistic concern about his father losing eyesight upon old age, like eighties. A poet is often sensible of the change in time. He has this emphasis that old man should not yield to old age. "Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay. " "And you, my father, there on the sad height/Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray. " "Rage, rage against the dying of the light. " The poet is picturing the effortless old age and is thinking that though his father is blind, he can still see clearly and be happy. His father should still have strong temperament like his old days. He is expressing this anger at seeing the lost of sight.
The Hills Echoed
To buy please call: 04-26328001~12214 or 0921391185 The third study room 201
購買請撥04-26328001~12214 或撥 0921391185 三研201室
Paperback NT$ 170 (per book) NT$160 (10 books or more)
平裝每本170 元 十本以上每本160元
Hardcover NT$ 300 (per book)
精裝每本300元
Nice Weather May 3, 2008
We are having nice weather now and then. Unfortunately, there is this big scandal of foreign policy. In the governing of the country, we residents do not see much hope. How can we get out of this trap of competeing with China in foreign relations without having to strive for recognition worldwide and losing great sum of money. I don't think our officers do not have common sense to lose money that way.
Nice weather, our good mood was spoiled by bed news. My good mood was spoiled by my worries for people I concerned. I pray for our country now to get to know our own worth. Do not contempt on us to look for recognition. If we do not want to recognize ourselves, who else will see us as normal. You understand; only our government don't. It's a pity.
Mr. Farzad and Lotus at spotmetering.com
I am glad to learn that Bahman has got the books. He is so lucky to have his daughter married in May. Mr. Farzad has a Web page full of beautiful lotus flowers. His Lotus Gallery is worth visiting.
I began to feel that maybe my poems are a bit of greyish for the titles. I feel sorry to share with readers this sort of poems. But I hope that they don't mind.
I'm Really Tired
After these busy days, can I get some days off? I doubt. There are time to attend somebody's wedding party for the daughter. There are time to grade papers. And time to do physical check-up. So much to do. Don't you think that we seem to burn out? Even if we are busy, we have to take part in important gathering which seems not so important at all.
My book looks so beautiful, but I'm tired of the poems. Not as fresh as they appeared to me when I first got them. I got words from student and colleagues. The words ring, ringing in my ears. I do not feel especially happy indeed. I have to live the way I did. I am used to common ordinary days.
Book Signing Day
I know how difficult it is for me to sign a book for my reader. I do not want to bother writing the name because I do not remember lots of names. Second, to write a line that fits the two of us - reader and writer - is not easy. Not to mention that the reader is someone you respect. How am I going to sign the book I gave Sister Baker for instance. Should I write: The miricle does happen to me. And both of us know that she has prayed for me for years. I have learned to trust prayers. Say prayer to your God and He will listen. You will have no fear.
The School Reunion April 26, 2008
Although I haven't got time to check the mid-term papers, I took part in the annual school alumni gathering today. I planned to sell my book at the book stand the alumni section set up for me. There are other books and spices that alumni produced. I was lucky to have four buyers who are old department mates or school mates. One of them is my student who is the librarian of the Luking Library. Sister Celeste came in and greeted my by saying that she had ordered 20 books from the publisher. She asked my to sign in the books for her. I said, "No problem! How about next Monday?" I was surprised to hear that she valued the book and will recommend her students and friends to read the book. I was moved very much.
During the lunch time, I sat by Sister Baker, and to my right was the 理事長Director of the Alumni Association. I was honored to sit next to her because she donoted 1 million to our Alumni Service Section. Money talks. She is a powerful person. I gave her a hard cover book which she seemed to be interested in. She said that she was interested in poetry as a little girl but her family disapproved of writing poems. Study is important. She is two years older than me.
And the Dean of the Studies is good at English. He said for him writing Chinese is difficult. He suggested that I could apply for promotion with that. I said that I would like to try.
What a wonderful day it is for me! I enjoyed very much, though a little bit tired.
Sister and I tried to enter into her bldg. because she was sure that the purse was left there. I did not try my card first. I took a detour way to call the guard to help. Then I tried with mine. It works. I have to keep my bag closer to me. She tried hers with my bldg. but it didn't work.
I was so tired that I had to stop right now.
Dinner Gathering April 24
I was invited to the dinner gathering last evening. It's a great honor to be treated as quest of honor. I knew how nice Dr. Haseltine is now. She is the one I really admire, a devoted mentor acting like a sister or mother. Without her the book may not come out so beautiful when you count the English version. Seeing her I can feel Sister Buckley is here around us. She is working very much for school. No can surpass her in this.My heroine at Providence.
The Reunion
I'll bring a couple of books to school reunion tomorrow. April 25, 2008
About the Sizzling Jacaranda : They do bloom in Spring!
I thought that the sizzling Jacaranda does not bloom with blue purplish flowers this year, but I was wrong. Sister Celeste was right. They come out late this April, when the Chinaberry flowers were all gone.
Though there is only one left in front of Saint Peter Hall, there are a couple lining up by the side of the dorm, in front of Anthony Kuo Hall. They are still shining. I'm glad for that. I'm afraid that if I do not take pictures for them, they might be gone one day I am trying to see them.
The Hours
Every year at this time we are going to see the movie the Hours. Mrs. Dalloway, Mrs. Brown, and Mrs. Woolf are interwined in the story. Clarrisa is going to have a party for Richard. Mrs. Brown is going to bake a birthday cake for her husband. Virginia is writing the book Mrs. Dalloway and planned who is going to die. Mrs. Brown is reading the book Mrs. Dalloway and tries to commit suicide. The poet dies; there is no party at all. Mrs. Brown comes and is sad. Though she did not kill herself when she was pregnant, she went away. She was defeated in her family life. Richard was influenced by her mother. He had been with his friend who left for Europe. Clarrisa is taking care of him in the past few years. And Virginia is drowning herself when the story begins.
Sould one let the past trouble oneself for such a long time. It's time for one to get out of that trouble. Modern men are so lucky to be able to see things deep after reading and seeing so many other life experiences. Good luck to you!
My Good Friend Dr. Haseltine
I haven't talked to Dr Haseltine since I got the book. I bet she would be very pleased to see the book I left in her box.
I got two phone calls from Susan who is a lover of works, especially literature in voices and music. I regret of not recording some of the poems as soon as possible. Would it be possible that I invited some of my colleagues to record and make a voice book in sound tracks. I do not believe I could spend my life this way except they all come to the recording room and record with the help of staffs from the Information section.
A Dinner gathering for celebration, hmm, not bad, but does it mean more work?
I am still enjoying the honeymoon period and have not started selling it. Though I am not good at figures I was informed already that a poetry book has never been a hit like those popular books by celebrities. I then shall persuade my readers to take a look at it. Maybe they can be charmed by the few photos we arranged for purpose.
Joy and Pain
My friend Helen is a reader with a keen mind; she sees everything to the details in my poems. She is the kind of reader I'd like to share my thoughts. She said that I owed her an autograph. I never like to sign on a new book.
My teacher, who is now in sabbatical, wanted me to send another copy because I had it sent to the school. I'm so glad to call her up yesterday and knew she is doing so well. After teaching for so many years, one can never be too easy with house work. I deem that she is a diligent person as she used to be.
I'm still waiting for the hardback. It is bigger and heavier. I can't wait to deliver to Mr. Bahman Farzad.
The Mycology Program Header, the phytopathologist Nigel Hywel-Jones lives in Thailand. I hope he can get the copy as soon as possible.
I have to wait for a while to send others to some friends.
Large Type Is Easier to Read
I can see that words become clear in this computer in Office. Maybe it is because I changed the frame before. It looks nice in this computer. I do not know why it changed all of a sudden. I will see if I can do this the same way at home.
妳好利害喔
妳好利害喔!這是妳寫的嗎?
書店說幸福的感覺、出書愉快。之類的話果真如此,難怪這麼多人忙著寫書,不管賣或不賣,寫了再說。
我該把一本獻給林語堂先生和溫源寧先生,還是白修女正倫、蘇修女莉妮、馬修女玉薽,可惜他們都不在了。
I have given some books to my colleagues and friends
It probably will take 10 days to get to my friend in Thailand. And my friends in Taiwan will have them in four or five days.
I listened to my students talking about animation Miyazaki. A writer's concept will probably be the same as an animator's to share personal reflections from life. People in Japan were invaders as well as victims. It is ironic for Chinese to view anti-war films because they were mostly victims in World War Two. Japanese saw the war and the fire caught them; it was unavoidable to be harmed by war. See how terrible people were troubled by war; airplane flew above the sky; people were running from the air raid and to hide in bomb shelter.
Once my father's boss told them to go to work. There came the air raid again, and they found a few people got into the bomb shelter and were dead. Most of them were taken by trucks to get off in the hill side. Then he walked a long way back home. A place not far away from home was hit by a bomb and there was still a big hole when I was a kid.
Hardback will be checked and done in two weeks I hope 2008.04.11
Next Wednesday I will go to see and prove if hardback can be done totally.
This is the photo of the book 2008.04.13
My husband arranged the book for the pictures. Please check for the ppt file at the bottom of the page.
It is a brand new thought sharing poems with my dearest ones and friends. The book stands as a milestone in my life. I do not want to write any books I think. I can then forget the pains laboring in typing and profreading. The unskillful designing for the picture pages and covers was really devastating. I had not known to leave .3cm at the margins before I turned them in to the editors. You had the idea, and you did the designs and they were to do according to your designs. What a hard job it is to cooperate this way! I survived any way.
My father complained the weight of the book. How weak he is now! I was really surprised by his coughing this morning. I called the nurse to teach Wadi to soothe him from his back. He took sister's herb and felt much better. Thank God!
The Trees Celebrate with New Shoots
The green leaves of tropical almond/ Spruce for spring
The two Chinaberry trees take turns to dust the air with fragrance
Only the sizzling Jacaranda does not bloom with blue purplish flowers
Why? Only earth knew it.
Now I know why Mr. Lu could take that picture "Our Lady of Providence". The branches before April were bare, stripped off its clothes, a ritual sacrifice. Do not think they are going to die. The white cherry tree in my terrace changed its leaves like humans change gloves. There is indeed a sacrifice ritual in the grenery world.
My Father Is Waiting for My Book 2008.04.08
This morning my father called to ask when can he get the book. Well, he can't wait to read the book. I said that I will send him three in a few days. I have to read students papers and send notes to friends promising them for a copy. And I do not even know how to send those to them by mail. What an extra job for me!
The book looks nice. Only the front cover a little dim and greyish and ancient. I like bright color with warm sunshine, but... Anyway, some just don't accept bright color. I suspect that they must have done something to the photo. I will ask the publisher later.
My Book Arrives 2008.04.07
To my surprise the books arrived this morning. There are 100 copies waiting to be changed into hardback. There are some to be delivered to school on Wednesday. I hope those who get the book may not feel disappointed at the book. I begin to imagine how hard it is to sell the books.
Computer Reorganized Day
When you use your computers there are reasons that you may not use them with ease. I just do not understand why someone enjoy seeing people caught in traps by sending viruses or attacking browser's PC anywhere. We just have to work with it like walking in the beach full of bombs. When you tip-toe carefully, you might be wounded and get hurt.
So always save your work in your USB or CD may be a good habit. The lady in the computer editing company told me that it will be wise to save your work in both CD and computer because you do want them to not be useful someday because of the advanced communication technology.
The Hills Echoed 2008.04.04
My book is coming next Wednesday.
Spring Break 2008.04.02
My students may not be taking the days off because the mid-term is around and they have to prepare for it. However, they have already planned several vacation spots to trip spiritually. Have a good time!
Can you see this site? April Fool's Day 2008
I do not know what happens. I can't post this site.
Patriotic Thought and a Change for the Media in Taiwan
I do not know how hard my students are struggling for the recognition of Taiwan in global community. The self-esteem and respect grow in their mind. Only if Taiwan the Republic of China is recognized may we be able to look forward with hope. I do not agree that mainlanders will flow over across Taiwan Strait to compete with us for professions. The competitors are mainlanders themselves. We are decent people and if we are not superior, at least we are as good as we are, a people of free China.
We are sharing the same blood; and we are better before. We can not draw line and fall behind.
Media goes bad when there is so much competition in our society. We should be true and tell news stories that are truly inspiring. Inspiring stories are interesting. You do not need to fake and tell false stories, or people will turn away when they find you make up all of them.
補救髮型2008.03.30
等待春天 長長的髮已經不耐拂肩的負擔,花NT$1750,把上面卷起,說是較有精神。只要不恍神就好,怎可能有精神呢。小孩和我一樣也跑去剪頭髮。沒多長的髮剪的見頭皮,頭更大些,他真的考過三張保險證照了嗎?我半信半疑,會不會看錯了。0440在第四考場,前後都不合格,他卻過了。一夜沒睡,考到虛脫。那是禮拜六的事。
我仍舊為他感到很高興,雖然工作總是沒進展。有證照有前進的理由,我幾乎叫他別作了。
幸運的新總統 2008.3.28
目前看來新總統還是新奇,他第一天被嚇醒,承諾的事諸多,可否一一兌現仍舊未知。總算有一新開始,希望油然而生。周圍突然清新許多。困難的仍舊很多,須要幫助的仍然眾多。阿公阿婆可以看到一個新台灣,一個新中華民國嗎。
淡淡的三月天 2008.3.27
雖然三月末 苦楝樹紛紛換上新妝 打點門面 卻不見藍花楹來召喚,杜鵑花早已亮了幾輪,有的已經凋謝。校園一副缺少什麼的樣子。淡淡的山坡路、淡淡的三月天。我在尋找詩裡的記憶,雖說用筆記下詩句,即將印出,它們已經不屬於我。我突然覺得輕快起來。一切從新來開始,要不就快樂、快活起來面對將來,一個稍加規劃的句點,一齣戲散場前的謝幕,一個不想離開講台的老師。
誰能撐下去到最後呢?最後的要收拾善後,我總不願做那最後一個。我也不能丟下大家,先走一步。我看還能走多遠‧走吧,繼續走下去了...
A Step Forward
如履深淵如履薄冰 A lot of people are keeping an eye on what Ma the President-elect is going to do next. What is your advice? Read his plans first. What is mutual non-denial? His focus in pursuing economic cooperation and signing a peace agreement to terminate the current state of hostility between Taipei and Beijing as the most urgent priority needs Beijing's approval. Ma defeated Frank Hsieh by over 2 million votes.
He said, "I will explore the possibility of reaching consensus with China on the issue of our international space, including our bilateral and multilateral relations with other parts of the world."
Though the referendums failed, he stressed that the government of the Republic of China actually withdrew from the United Nations in 1971, and expressed his willingness to be flexible on which title to use in apply to regain membership in the international body. I am not in for being flexible. It might bring in problems for generations. Why not enter UN bearing the Republic of China, since it is our official name. If people admit you, you are you by the name, not something else. It will be much more easier to identify. Though I don't think we need to join UN so eagerly.
A New Leader for Taiwan
After so many days of blaring and bombast, we finally can go back to the normal life again. We can see how anxious people were in those few months- if we were not going to have a good leader in this country, where would we go and what kind of future would our younger generation have. People cried for their dream to come true or not come true. We still do not know what kind of future we will have. We felt disappointed about the past; will we or do we deserve a better future? Of course, we do. We are a people striving from hardship in the past. But in the past 8 years, no matter how much you worked, you are not going to hit the goal.
I was lucky to ill and went back to work again. Beginning last year I began to see a dim light of hope. Our lives are different; we have to seize the chance to go a better way. And I can see the strong will of residents in this country to get things right. And those who firmly believe that this country should always be free democratic country cried because they are afraid of being taken over by mainland. No matter what, I think that they lack the confidence. Or maybe we are innocent. I really hope that people who live on and depend on this land shall be exampted from fear and this country will surely be the bright tower of democracy in Asia.
Hail to the president elect Ma Ying-jeou! Hail to the Republic of China!
This is the ad. for my book. 2008.3.19
To see ad. click here. 出版
After Revision
My publisher asked whether I want to have polished cover or foggy effect with the cover. I told them to have polished cover for I felt that a cover with photos may look bright with a good polish. It might look shallow, but it saves money.
There is going to be evaluation day next Tuesday, and I think the book will not be ready to give them. I begin to worry about how to manage them. I imagine I be buried by my own books. It's a nightmare. There are spaces in my room. I also need work student to help--sending the books or mailing the books. I have to make out posters to sell the books. What an extra work for me!
The Hills Echoed 2008.3.16
I have turned in everything to the publisher Bookman hoping that they may keep an eye on the process before and after the book comes out. I have no thrilling, only fatique and relaxation.
Fortunately the two important persons to me helped immediately right away when I needed help.Bahman agreed on the cover and Nigel solved my riddle about "Summer Grass-Winter Worm". He is a world insect fungi scientist who studies a new species of cordyceps in the subtropical forest of Gedu. It is interesting to know that he is from the royal family, he said that he is informal. I can see that. The Prince of North Wales.
This is the link to my ads of the book in my Lotus Garden Page.
Good Morning Sunshine Again
You can't believe that I haven't been to the avenue for a few days. When I went back this morning, I was surprised to see that the leaves on the trees aren't like those of the spring time. For a while I thought it propably need carbon dioxide. Then, I thought it needs water. Yes, we have had cold days in winter, but not enough rain water. I do not expect to be soaking wet, but we need more rain water for sure.
A group of students have already thought about the fluctuation of weather and are willing to talk more about it. Sand storm blew for a couple of days from Mainland China. Weather go extremes in the world. For a few years until three days ago we did not smell burning toxic air on campus. It was choking and we were not able to breathe. And the news report food shortage in 2012.
Spring came late this year 2008.03.02
Spring came late this year. I can sense it from warm sunshine though the weather forecast another coldfront approaching tomorrow. Monday afternoon I hope to settle with punctuations and corrections with spelling. There will not be much to worry about except the printing.
The new construction is almost complete with the framework. I may not see the blue sky as broad as it used to be. The new building may be pressing the neighborhood to make way and leave room for it, we still have to live here without alternatives to choose. In fact, this is a wonderful community one can not deny. No wonder people are attracted to move in.
The Flowers behind the Scene 2008.02.27
The flowers once purple, fresh, fragrant and conceited now lie under the paper. When I moved the paper, I peeped and saw the purple color as beautiful as they were on my desk. They have been given to me by you my friend. Those flowers are gone, yet the green leaves are still striving off the lobby by the corner, accompanied by the two bottles of evergreen trees. The leaves of evergreen turned yellow until I came back for the new semester. I leave them there alone. No need to care about them. I found the orchid are green and the roots fat and lively. I know you are also there. The other day when you called, I knew you have done your best; only weak as we sometimes found: fatique or exhausted. I still think of you. I pray for you.
Assessment 2008.02.21
In the faculty meeting the president and vice-president came with critical comments. We have to help work out a really interesting PowerPoint to introduce and sell us as a good department. Three professors offer to help.
I thought I may bring over pictures of Lynch and Jess taking part in Intercollegiate speech contest. And Jess also took part in APEC Youth Forum in Vietnam.
They thought that our department is highly praised and our graduates are accepted. We should let people know what kind of department we are. We should contact grads who are obscure. Their lives must also be interesting. We are good teachers who know our students well and know how to encourage and guide them. What we have to do is sell us.
Learning English 2008.02.19
Angie is looking for greater progress in learning English. She came to an article which tells of English learning as cooking. By comparison, vocabulary is not the only ingredient one picks up. it needs heat for the cooked food to be done. Well-said. A good comparision it is. Angies said that she went up to the platform is like heating. I think the making of a speech is the oral communication which makes one's thinking complete by sharing with others. She is more mature than her classmates.
Jim Rogers --Follow your passion 2008.02.18
Jim Rogers is a good investor. Read more about him.
Follow your passion, you may become rich someday and your parents will like you. If you are good at teaching, stick on it. You may own a chain of school in the future. If you like gardening, even if you are against your parent's will, you may become a successful gardener and earn a lot of money.
Do you want to be rich? Be yourself.
Photoshop Workshop is worthwhile, though I haven't got the time to practice. 08.02.17
My classmates must be chatting to each other right now. I have sent mails to three of them. Have Fun my friends!
After searching from memory, I still do not have the idea where it went. Perhaps it is lying somewhere waiting for me to pick up. Perhaps someone is just playing with it feeling good for this gift from heaven. We get addicted to objects. The best policy is not to think about it and pretend that you are not going to do with it anymore.
School Begins in One Day
School will begin next Monday. I'm not ready but I still have to go as schedulled.
Today I took part in the wedding banquet of my husband's niece. Foods were tasty and luxurious and fresh. Seafood like abalone with shell, shrimp, soup, colddish with squid which was recommended as their speciality. I can not help but have the urge to check the names of fish from wikipedia.
Then, Marina wrote to inform of the sad news that three of us may not attend class reunion tomorrow for our own special reasons. I hope LiJen will not mind leaving Taiwan without seeing us. Helen's father passed away. What a great loss! He is to rest in peace. Silence for a while, to pay respect for her deceased father and the bereaved daughter and family. I couldn't help to listen to Allen Ginsberg's Father Death Blues. See the poem here.
I was driven crazy because I couldn't find my digital camera yesterday. I have to find it out or forget about it.
School Reunion (2008.02.13)
I've seen the editors and I've seen many school faculties in the reunion feast. I was late and picked up a seat facing the audiences rather than the stage. No wonder I couldn't see the stage for a while. Sister Baker was sitting to my left. A lot of tickets were waiting for calling and mine answered the call. It was not possible that I did not get a prize. My sister didn't get a prize but a mouse lanthern. Too many colleagues were called but did not answer. You know, when your name was called twice, my heart went with a bong. You are away, but most of them do not know. I pray for you several times, and I wouldn't want to be absent from those special occasions because I do not know if I may come next time.
The editors refused to take my design because they do not want to take the risk of ruining my hardcover. So be it. I do not argue. It will come out the way it is made of. I can't do much of it. I've tried my best. It ends up using at least three Bahman's photos. I hope he wouldn't mind.
Soon everybody will be back to their own positions (2008.02.11)
Tomorrow is extra day for me. The day after tomorrow, I will be back to my book for the final revision and decision for the changes. I will also go for the school reunion for the new year. Following school reunion is a wedding banquet held for sister-in-law's daughter. My students will be back though unwillingly to school to complete their second term for 2007th academic year.
I have to excuse myself from class reunion this time, feeling sorry for not being able to see LiJen and her family. I do not know since when I'd like to waltz beautifully in my life. That means I take slow pace in life. A bit slow I quess. Time freezes and stays longer for me if one counts the time. I miss them all, tough. I really like to get the feeling that we do not grow old fast. Tell me that you are all happy with life. You do not get old.
Happy New Year (2008.02.07)
This is the first day of the lunar new year. We went to Hsing Hsiu Kung 醒修宮 to worship the gods, Kuan Sheng Ti Chun 關聖帝君. Many pilgrims had already been there, wishing for a smooth and healthy new year for their own families. The burning of incense could choke people and cause hard breathing, nevertheless, people flowed inside.
I felt that this year the worshipers were patient and waited orderly for their turns. It is foggy and a little cold like any other new year days. I bet everyone was feeling the time to the minute for the reunion.
農曆年 (2008.02.06)
我們的同學麗貞返台參加親戚子弟婚禮,18日即將回美,雖在美工作已屆想提前退休也可退的年齡。但是我們都繼續在職場固守崗位。16日先生姪女要文定,17日我們老同學要reunion團聚。我們舊校區已不復存在,她們不像我有新校區近二十年的回憶。麗貞有著美國夫婿女兒的成長歲月,嚴然一副美國職業婦女的味道。
我們班大部分都已經退休,班聚是否可以缺席,多少歲月可虛擲。割捨之間,難以衡量。再過一週我就知道是否會上台北。看來是歐巴桑的我們,似乎歲月不會吝惜烙印,靠adobe photoshop 磨平皺紋成美麗優雅婦人的作法,僅存在想像之中。我在記憶中加入歲月,在聚會中神韻態度宛若青春少女。難怪很多人喜歡同學聚會,證明自己曾經年輕。
那天麗貞來敲門,說:『妳的聲音太大了。』我不好意思的笑了。我在練習會話句型。
Question and Answer February 2, 2008
Recently people worry about how a president-to-be should answer properly.
In people's interaction, one way to play the safe part is to not respond in haste. If you are not sure about sth, don't say anything that sounds sure. Or people will question your reliablity. To a president we count on one who is trust-worthy. In our conversation practice, we are to train ourselves to be alert of any question that includes some question marks. So think before you answer. If you can answer thinking about the possibility of any different answers, you are sure not to respond abruptly and arbitrarily. Otherwise, people would think that you lied to them. They might judge you with flaw in character.
應對之道宜謹慎,否則怎能得到信任呢? 信任是互信、 友誼之基礎, 我們又上一課。
Breathe Lyrics Trans. by Mu-Lien Ho 何沐蓮譯(2008.01.28)
Breathe 呼吸
Take my sorrow and my sin 收拾起我的傷悲和罪過
I will run into your arms again 我再投入祢的臂膀
Hold me father 擁抱我上主
Once again my tears are dried 我淚再度乾凅
By Your perfect love that’s river-wide 有祢完美的愛 河流般開闊
Over-flowing 洋溢
As I stand on its bank 當我站立岸邊
With my arms overhead 雙手高舉
I am overcome 我勝利了
As I breathe 當我呼吸著
The air of Heaven 天堂氣息
Drawing in your fragrance 吸入祢的芬芳
When I breathe 當我呼吸時
I feel your fullness come alive 我感到祢完美在我內心
Inside of me 甦醒
You are the breath that I breathe 祢是我呼吸的氣息
Covered by the evening sky 天空被夜晚覆蓋
I turn my gaze where Your kingdom lies 我向祢的國凝視
Deep inside me 在我內心深處
A silent whisper in my mind 一靜默聲音在心中低語
Sweet surrender to Your love divine 甜蜜的降服於祢的神愛
Peace enfolding 和平開啟
In the stillness, I empty my soul 在寧靜中 我放空心靈
And Your healing presence flows 祢的治癒力湧現
As I breathe, the air of heaven 我呼吸著來自天上氣息
Drawing in Your fragrance 吸收祢的芬芳
When I breathe 當我呼吸時
I feel Your fullness come alive 我感到祢完美在我內心
Inside of me 甦醒
You are the breath that I breathe 祢是我呼吸的氣息
It’s taking hold 它掌握著
It’s second nature when I 它是第二天性 當我
Savor 品嘗
When I 當我
Savor 享受
You 祢
As I breathe 當我呼吸時
The Lunar New Year
Fifty-eight years have gone. It's definitely true that there won't be another 50 years for me. I'm what I am now, against any doubt of living on in this world. As we are getting near the Chinese New Year, it gets cold as usual. The rainy foggy weather adds up the air of the coming of a new year.
In the stories, the Year is a beast. People fire off fireworks to scare the year away. Instead, we hope for another year to come. Lucky me, I don't worry much for myself now; I pray for those in need of help. I feel happy for we are people who know to overcome and to adjust our life for the better. I hope we have the courage and gut to live on. We must face all troubles without flinching.
Should I plan sth new for the year? Let me see.
Winter Break Begins
Winter vacation starts as I find nothing urgent to do today. Things that haven't done yet I may not be able to help because the editors are doing them for me. I count on them all. And that is the problem. When you pay someone to do something for you but you do not question them. Even if you do not satisfy with what is done, you still may not question them because you are not good enough. Not good enough to bring up new ideas?! You pay, and you pout, and nothing is going to change. You should not try to be perfect they said. That is why I feel sad. I really can't do much. I can only wait and wait, till they can fit in a few minutes to listen what I want.
If you work everyday in that situation, you are going to get sick easily. If you don't get sick in that situation, it's probably you are trained to react like an eel. Like the receptionist, who is quick in response. But most of the time, I found it was negative response. In other words, when you call, she will say Miss D is busy. If you want to tell her something, she would say, I do not know. Tell Miss D. about it. But can seldom get any response from Miss D.
It is difficult to write and have your work published. It does not take much for you to cancel your thought of publishing anything when you talk to a publisher for 2 minutes. It takes you longer to think about quiting to publish something because it is too late. You have already got down in the water and you can not say I am not soaking wet.
I found people are getting around business-like, gaining a little, complaining about hard job and little gain. You have to show a Buddha's mercy kindness--forgive and persuade that one should not pout. It's good for the heart and mind.
You see the construction workers work almost everyday creating noises. The only joyful moments must be the end of day when they are ready to go home. One day, some families will be proud of moving in and feel happy the rest of their lives. I have been living in such a condition for almost one year. Lucky me if I can go to school, I can escape from it. Now I have to face all the noises.
Longing to see a day or two of quietitude in the woods.
Breathe Leigh Nash
The Best of Sixpence None the Richer 啷噹六便士
This is the song in my son's MV. Visit these sites for the song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDSO04nU5jY&feature=related Listen
Lyrics for Breathe
第一百五十八道
Leigh Nash MySpace.com
Leigh Nash Music?
This is a photo picture for my Wretch Blog.(2008.01.19)
Annular Solar Eclipse
Animation with Photoshop .gif
Solar eclipse of August 11, 1999 See a total eclipse of the sun at wikipedia. And see here.
MrEclipse.com The second day of flash class, we practiced doing pictures for flash, such as happy new year 2008. The third day of the photoshop workshop, we chose pictures to do short animated photos on MSN. I still do not know how to use it in MSN.
Photoshop Practice
Word Patterns, Word Transformation and Transparency
My Happy Moment
The happy moment is mixed up with sadness. It is a great joy to finish my book for a life time. It seems that I don't have to bother too much any more. One can seldom count the happy moment in life. It last only a few seconds when one was moved inner heart without uttering it to anyone. My happy moment in life when I feel honored, relaxed. Life for me is not wasted away even by time. Now I can go ahead without fear. I am not alone anymore. My book will accompany me anywhere I tread over the world. I do not hear the skylark singing, only my heart tunes in a wonderful song.
My Friend Is Coming from Abroad
My friend is coming back from the U.S. She is coming back to Taiwan for her nephew or niece's wedding. She expects to see all of us.
When you are living far away, you miss everyone on this land. You are thinking maybe next time when you come back, you will be able to see all of us. To tell the truth, if I were you, I should have dreamt about the same thing and done lots of plans. Though you have your life there, you do not want to give up the warmth of old classmates.
I should welcome you with both of arms. I will try to see you in Taipei or Taichung. If you come to Taichung, we may celebrate somewhere. I will try to contact others for this wonderful gathering.
After Wedding and Revision
When you are doing a few things together, getting too busy, you may not do everything the way you want. It has been a great honor to invite so many quests - 21 tables and 25 tables - and I did not say any words on stage. I really do want to say thank you to my guests and friends who weren't able to come. It is always a great joy to see young people growing up and be willing to take up responsibilities. A new member but not exactly familiar is to be treated with hospitality. I'll try to guide though they are always on their ways of doing things.
And my book is coming soon. In the third revision, I still find missing of a period or word. Sometimes, a whole line can be missing in the first and the second revision. Even a whole paragraph could be switched with the following paragraph. And all the corrections are counted on me. I don't complain. The clerical lady isn't an experienced one or the main editor did not quide the right way. The most important is that a clerical clerk or editor should have the knowledge about editing.
Before the Wedding Day
There isn't much to do as I imagine. Something like cleaning up for the rest of a lifetime. Preparing the rings, brushing up the souvenirs on the desk, rearranging the desks in the study room, sparing time between job and home, etc. are the trivial things.
Questions about whether things are enough for the new couple-to-be. One is growing up with us; another a totally new lady grown up to be married. To be married for the sake of getting married. It's like growing up to a mature and useful woman. One that I can trust my dearest son's hand in hers. One that I can see a perfect pair when they come in together. I would be staying myself with husband in room and come out to see that there are the newly-wed in our home.
They begin to suspect if we are going to treat her as in-law, or as daughter. She will not be stranger any more. Father said once: a cow goes slowly; you have to guide the young people with patience. I was a slow cow myself. I move slowly like turtle in a race. Like one who is always seeing the hare look back snickering at me.
Sister said: you are the hostess; you should buy and dress up to treat your guests. It's a great honor to see so many guests in one's life. I was scared; is marriage so important. Is it that important to bother so many people to come as witnesses? What kind of rule is it? When you get married, you have to announce and let people know of the marriage betrothal and the wedding. You sign every step in the turning point in life. At the moment not everything is sweet at all.
A sweet wedding memory is approaching for my son and my family.
The Animated Reflections of the English and Chinese Poetry Book The Hills Echoed Designed by Bahman Farzad spotmetering.com
The Animated Reflections of the Book Cover
Thanks to Mr. Bahman Farzad's design and his animated reflections of the book cover made me feel so happy that I laughed and laughed. Again I feel the warmth of a friend from afar. He said that they are mine; I'd love to share them with my readers. The copyrights belong to Mr. Farzad.
It seems to me that I've begun to count the gifts I have so that I may carry them with me. It's contrary to what I thought in the past five years that I have to give things away so I can be light. Perhaps right now still having the feeling of ownership, of owning something to grasp the light, the sense of being can bring well-being to one. Look at these, I can see that what I have felt the strong connection of myself and the name Mu-Lien Ho is seen in these animated reflections. The combinations of feeling, scenes, and over-flowing and ever-flowing of emotion come to display like there has been no years (E.B.White, Once More to the Lake).
I haven't seen animation like these.
A Bag of Chocolate for Christmas
Elveria came with some chocolate for Christmas. Lynch came with a Christmas card full of kind words. Both gifts warm me a lot. Those chocolates taste sweet. And the warm kind words kindle my heart in a rainy winter day. It has been raining since last night. Though it never really gets very cold this winter. Do you think it will get colder after raining days? In old days it got warmer each time it rained.
I do not prepare any gifts for you my friend. I guess, to stay healthy is what I can do now. I do wish all my friends A Merry Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year. I still pray for you my friend. This is going to be a turning point in life. Be strong! Be brave!
Busy Days towards the End of the Year
I am lucky to have a few friends who really can and want to help. It's such a close connection that they would like to help. Though there are various times of corrections to make, they have been with me all the way up to now. Million thanks to them all and I salute them for their tireless efforts for the book. The Hills Echoed : English and Chinese Poetry is a collection of 59 poems I wrote in the past two or three decades. It's a long time. I do not know if I am to write poems again. I don't predict for future now. When I write again, there must be time and health for me. So I pray to have health and time to live on right now.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
It must be a jolly moment for us to celebrate the end of the Pig year and welcome the new year. How come I don't have a bit of happy feeling? I still wish you and people out there happiness for the new year.
Love of My Life - The Wedding Song
This one is beautiful.
Editing of a Book
I can't wait to see the brand new book to be born soon, my daughter. I'm about to do the second revision. The whole process won't make me escape the smallest details such as comma, dash, spaces, double space, stanzas, notes, itallic forms and so forth. You hold a book to read each time. You take it for granted that it is a book. You have the right to read it. But you have never known how it comes to you and you have it, see it, decode every mark you can. And you see you know more, understand better certain things, but you have never known the writer has burn out his own energy in order to come out a few words. You read it by heart. You read your own interpretation to it.You know everything, you know nothing. I may not write any book any more. Yet I am glad I come to the end. Soon I will declare to you my friend, I have a gift for you. My daughter that Muse has given to me.
The Invitation Card
The yellow golden card has reddish shiny letters of a marriage statement. It stands out as if you are bold enough to let everyone know the good news. I can't believe it; your son is already a grown-up. He looks like a child, a baby face. I don't know. I like to witness all his life cycle until I get old. He is so comfortable in his dreams still. People said that he's changed a lot. I guess so. Only he still is careless about money. Do not know how to make money like friends his age. The Chinese said: Sons have their own fortune; don't worry.
When you get lonely, you want someone you can trust to come to live with you. I hope you have found her and have the patience to go smoothly without fear. You will have the courage to live a brand new life. I feel happy for you. The golden invitation letters on a reddish card inside are shining. They reflect your sun-shiny smile rich and contagious. Our innocent young boy is grown up to be a mature young man. God bless you.
Johann Pachelbel's Canon In D Major
This is wonderful music to listen. Enjoy.
My Son Is Growing Up
My son is struggling to grow up. I can't imagine that he is going to get married. At this moment I should be feeling happy. Happy for him because I then will not care so much for him as usual. How much should a mom care for her own child. Now perhaps there are two. These two children can walk together hand in hand on their way to the future. I may or may not have chance to see much. I wish him happiness. What should I play at this moment? Johann Pachelbel's Canon In D or J.S. Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring? One is steady music of piano and violin in orchestra like music from heaven. The other is going rapidly, like you counting the notes of happiness that will never end.
More Prayers
Glad that at least some of our students have known the need of prayers for my friend. I told her to stay calm and I'll ask people to pray for her. Yes, young students and old friends, they all hear about you. We all hope that you can be one of the few who can really recover. You are still there.
A Prayer for My Friend
When you are sick, you dare not say a word because you are strong. No, no, that is'nt right. We are humble and humble people ask for assistance. My friend, you endure it as if the secret unveiled, your soul will not be free. Oh, how time does fly; I can not go back to the past, three months ago, or even earlier. If I could, things will not be the same. I regret for not listening hard to your words last summer. How much you need help! I was too busy and obsessed by editing my book. How have you been through these hardships these days? Remember we are vulnerable human beings. You think you are different, in fact, we are the same.
It's useless to blame you for being so scared. I was scared too. I cried for you and for me. Let me pray for you. You got to be one of those who have that miracle. There are things going on; one world more, one world less. We are still breathing. Oh, God save you from pains you are facing now. Have nerve and courage to endure those short painful physical check-ups. It is what the doc needs for prescriptions. We are under trial often; we are tough people. You can stand through all these ordeals. Let me hold your hand once more. Let the shocking news passes, you recover, days will still be shining. I will hear your sweet voices say softly "you are so nice".
Marriage Proposal
You have to talk over details about wedding before going for a marriage proposal. It concerns the money you offer, the money for cakes, and the money for the banquet. The long name list to invite. The restaurant to hold the feast and the church to have the wedding ceremony in front of God. Well, every thing goes on once in this scenario. I double in this life to handle different matters. Triple, I guess. In another words, I have my career to think about, my interest and my family. The life-lines are getting a bit complicated. I just want to keep life simple.
A Busy Day
This morning I arrived at office to prepare for the day. I had four hours of class plus a noon meeting. Then, after class, Nicole asked me to write a letter of recommendation. When I was looking for the sample letters, Cherry showed up in MSN to ask me for a letter of recommendation. Later Amy joined in to mention for another letter. What a day for me! I am exhausted!!! Now I come upon this website to create a new web. I call it "My Lotus Page", easy to remember. This is a wonderful site with beautiful designs to choose. I am happy indeed.
Autumn 秋
The morning air was fresh.
Two things attracted my attention. The earthworms crawled out of the grass and died on the pavements. What happened? Was it because they were frightened by the earthquake? Or maybe it was because the grass had been mown. But it was not normal. I had to walk very carefully almost tip-toed. They were ignored by birds because birds like to find them in the grass.
The second thing bothered me is the flowers, the buds fallen down on the ground in the wind. The little buds lay around the root of the tree, white and pink or purple. They were fresh but were stepped upon by the passerby. When you walk for exercise, you do not care what lies on the way. Lifeless things.
Some one who is gone is allowed to come back to this land. Oh, what a pity! One can not do something wrong. One may do something wrong while believing he is doing the right thing. One lives for one's own convictions. One is human and must be humble. And the spirit is heading for things dear to him.