Dear friends, I apologize for my absence. I could use the excuses that I was out of my element, that the weather was poor, that there were technical difficulties, or that I was sick in bed unable to move - but only the first of these is valid. Yes, I have been feeling poorly as you might have noticed from my last posting, but it has not incapacitated me. Therefore I humbly beg your pardon for not submitting my adventures and newly acquired knowledge on a regular basis.
That being said...
Where shall I begin?
My parents' 25th wedding anniversary is fast approaching, so I went searching for an appropriate gift on the Internet. I had seen a neat eco-friendly blog with a fashion side, and decided to look further into the source. What I found was a neat collection of fair trade items from around the world, handmade by local artisans - I couldn't have asked for a better inspiration. Not to mention that I also found the perfect piece: a Laotian treasure basket, woven in square form at the base but ending in a circular mouth and topped with a conical lid. At 6" by 6" by 6", it was the perfect dimension for trinkets and small presents, or perhaps candles, potpourri... the possibilities are limitless. Moreover, it was reasonably priced and I had enough funds to secure also a silken napkin to place inside, perhaps to wrap up those treasures. I hope my parents will be pleased and appreciate the thought I put into finding a meaningful gift, especially given that my father hails from Laos.
To be honest, my friends, I have been feeling quite melancholic and rather blue of late. Drinking spearmint tea has helped my nausea so that I may eat more successfully, and therefore spending late nights discussing dessert with a connoisseur friend of mine have been bearable. He gets excited about Rocky Road pancakes and Chinese-style rice bowls - now that's my kind of conversation! Actually, just about anything will help distract me from the pain and remind me of the good things that I enjoy. Living is not just about existing - eating, sleeping etc. - but also about growing and caring and doing good for others.
In that light I have been playing the piano, challenging myself with sight-reading and new pieces, learning a song in Vietnamese, and studying a violin concerto by Mendelssohn. When my playing becomes tolerably good, I might visit a convalescent home as I used to do, and play for the residents. In the meantime I must prepare my gifts.
At the moment, it's pouring rain outside, so my adventurous options are a bit limited. First stop, get me a pair of rubbers! No use slogging around soaking wet at school. Hmmm, I wonder what I'll find. Shall I dare to darken the doors of that American institution of spending they call 'the mall'? I never figured out why people call it that. Hey, that could be another etymology project! On second thought, maybe I'll see that Egyptian hairstylist at the mall again, haha. I wonder if he still works there?
I have a feeling today is an auspicious day. Makes me want to watch the koi fish in the rain at the Japanese Gardens. After all, life is too short to die...
No comments:
Post a Comment