Moving Day

I absolutely hate transitions! Well, it isn't the transition itself but rather the change that irks me. I don't like change! I don't like stress! I don't know when this happened; it kinda just snuck up on me because as a kid I couldn't wait to move. Moving meant new things, new places and great beginnings. There was fresh paint, different perspectives and the very real possibility that everything would be much better.

Now, moving means sore muscles and stress. It means another mess will have to be cleaned up TWICE (once in the place being left and then again in the new space when everything needs to be put away). If you add to this the fact that I've only been there for four months; and all my things are on the 6th floor of a six floor walk-up, you get part of the picture. Plus, the place I'm leaving is a perfectly beautiful tri-level apartment. I don't want to go, but I've got to leave. Fortunately for the owners, the place is sold. Unfortunately for me, I’ve gotta go.

The beautiful part of this is that many friends are going to help me. They have offered places for me to stay, places to store my things and even volunteered to take on the onerous six flights of stairs carrying heavy “stuff” for me. It brings tears to my eyes to see and feel this outpouring of love. Walking six stories with weight for a friend with no expectation of compensation just makes me weepy. I am truly blessed.

And a reward is so necessary! It’s my plan to take everyone out to lunch for sumptuous, delicious Chinese food! Yes, the real deal right here on Xinda Lu!

SO, this is my shout out to all of the fabulous folks who are helping me in advance! I’ll have pictures (maybe) and a fuller account after the move!

Thanks people!

Gwen Magee

The shock of today's news of her passing is hard to describe.  The vibrancy of her presence, clarity of her words and precision of her work only scratches the surface of the complexity that is Gwen Magee.

The prolific amount of work she created is impressive.  The attention to detail and fullness like her Lift Every Voice series seems to just flow from her.  Her capturing of the essence of what was meant is creative and easy to follow.  The ability to articulate what for me is intuitive stands out as yet another one of her gifts.  Take time to go look at her work, it is well worth the effort and energy.  You will not be sorry.

Gwen was at the Atlantic Center for the Arts in New Smyrna Beach, FL for a moment when I was there.  Her ability to suffer fools gladly, impart information without stuffiness and draw her line in the sand when necessary without force is what stands out most for me apart from her magnificent art all these years later.  She joyously shared her wisdom with those receptive folks like me who gathered round and listened to her softly spoken pearls that were interspersed with humor and love.  She gave thoughtful attention to everyone with respect and appreciation.

I was so awed and humbled by her generosity that I failed to verbalize (or write) my thoughts to her.  I loved her in essence and continually sent out great karma, but failed to do it in a way that she could tangibly feel.  Shame on me.

I feel her blessings on me now.  My tribute to her will be to share my feelings more fully with those who contribute to them most directly.  You are and always will be missed Gwen!

TIME

Time has a way of leveling the playing field!  It makes the difficult irrelevant because it just never stops - time that is.  It makes the easy ridiculous because it just doesn't matter - time will not stop!

Just settled into the six story climb to get "home" - doesn't matter because it's time to move.

Arguing about when to cancel a visa - doesn't matter because everything is unsettled AND it's time to move.

Having trouble getting up and out in the morning - doesn't matter because every second is already gone AND it's time to move (ready or not)!

It most certainly is time to breathe!

Blogs, Blogs and more Blogs

I find myself wanting to inspire others with my blog.  I find myself completely inspired by the blogs of others.  Some are simple yet quite complex in that one photo says more than a million words.  Others have more words than I can count, but I'm still sorry to see them end.  The wealth of perceived connectivity feels genuine, but in reality is only one way.  Oh well, is that really any different than IRL?

So, here are some of my favs (in no particular order):
(you have to click on the words, not the photos to go to the actual blogs)

Lauren's Blog:  One In a Million   There are many artist blogs, but this is one that has a slightly different perspective.  It's never boring!

Eden's Blog:  Edenland  This is a "Mommy Blog" that has so much more than just mommy "stuff".  I absolutely love it!











Sarah's Blog:  Not A Mud Hut  This is a family saga, and the family is utterly amazing.  The posts are all creative (like the family), and the kid is too cute!

Woog's World:  All things Woog  This too is a "Mommy Blog" but it also is much more.  It's also an award winning (honourable mention) blog.












Lizsong's Blog:  Live Inspired  This is a very inspiring spot!  Each time I go there I come away with something of intrinsic value.

Sonzeh's Blog:  Walking Photography  It has way cool pictures!

Allie Brosh's Blog:  Hyperbole and a Half  This one annoys me because I can't follow it.  There are too many followers already, so I have to manually search for it each day.  It is worth the search!

and last but not least

Tanis Miller's Blog:  Attack of the Redneck Mommy  It is quite something.  Not every blog is perfect, but enough of 'em are to win the Canadian Blogger of the Year in two different years.

E N J O Y !

The Beach

Not far from my apartment by bus is a lovely beach.  It's rather small, but it has fantastic views and challenging walking paths.  It has bar-b-que pits and loads of venders all very fresh.  In fact, they cook your food right before your eyes.

Right now, the weather doesn't support swimming, but it's refreshing to walk on the beach and boardwalk.  There are lots of things to see, people to watch and waves to ponder.  It's particularly peaceful during the week days, but it's renewing on the weekends too.

The air smells different.  The air feels different.  I feel freer and more at peace when I'm there.  I think I'll go back tomorrow!

Happy Easter

How I long for those days gone by of Easter Bunnies, Easter Egg Hunts and happy, hyped-up little people begging me to "Hide them again Mommy!"  The sacrifices necessary to make this event joyous and celebratory only served to enhance the fun.

On this holiest of holy days, I am thankful for my family, friends and the future.  I am glad that I am whole and the same can be said of almost everyone in my circle (praying for you Grandma Alice and Aunt Dee - putting the positive energy out there for the 80 year olds and everyone else)!

Hoppy Easter! <3

So THERE!

Lest anyone think I have an over exaggerated view of myself, my place in the universe and anything else: 

Yesterday . . .

I spoke quite softly of depression and my state of mind . . . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

TODAY!

Any questions?  I rest my case!

Random Ramblings and Rants

Just when you think it's safe to enter the water .. da dum .. (hear the music) .. da dum .. the sharks come out to play.  Now if I were someone other than a jet, it would be simply scary.  But, because of my affiliations it's down right dangerous. 

OMG - what in the world am I talking about?  Well here's the thing, the folks who are supposed to be out of my life are NOT.  They want things from me and I don't feel inclined to oblige them.  The question is am I going to be bold and confront 'em, or am I just gonna ignore 'em?  There are up sides to both courses of action, and as always there are down sides.  I am not sure where I will land in this puzzle, but something will definitely have to give because that's just the nature of life.

To be or not to be isn't the real question, rather its when!  Is this a good time for drastic action or procrastination?  I adore both, and quite frankly, I'm thinking that procrastination is a good idea.  When dealing with morons, it's often the path of least resistance because they can't hold a thought for very long -- too taxing for 'em.  My dilemma is that in this particular instance, the annoying one is merely a pawn.  He will get grief.  If I were in another part of the world this would not be an issue for me.  I am however in China, and life isn't easy for those in the middle.  In fact, it's downright difficult!  Plus, he's got a new baby.

What happens to my karma if I just decide to take care of myself?  Does every situation require win - win endings?  How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop?  Oh well, on to more interesting topics.  Should I walk to the park and participate in Tai Chi or go to Cup O'Joe's for breakfast?

Life is good!

Now the update:  I ran into him (the aforementioned middle guy) and he was quite snarky.  He threatened me.  I didn't like that one bit.  So, how do I resolve all of this?  I'm still not sure, but I've called in my experts.  Once I have their input, I'll make a decision.  And I know that consideration of the "poor middle man" has completely left the building!

I'm struggling with a big daddy depression (in large part because of all of this), and want to run cower under the bed with shades drawn, phone disconnected and earphones turned up too loud to hear anything external.  I don't want to see my friends, don't want to go shopping and don't even want to watch the laughing babies on YouTube.  It's a major effort to get food when I'm hungry.  BUT they will not win.  I will surmount this debilitating downer and stand strong!  I'm off to Shanghai to bring in the re-enforcements!

The Lecture Circuit

I was invited to be a groupie for my friend the AUTHOR. I immediately jumped at the chance and found myself in the midst of her glory. She is an amazing woman who holds people enthralled. Here she is postulating:





After the lecture which included a PowerPoint presentation, audience participation and numerous interruptions that were made to seem "part of the show", she signed her book and answered questions.




Did I mention that she did all of this in high heels, lipstick and Chinese?



Then, we went to high tea at an upscale restaurant!