I asked Y, a friend to help review my blog, UncoverSpecial turning to a book. She gave me 3 suggestions/ ideas. (1) Distinguish situation and story: though my blog is not a novel yet each post shall has both elements: what’s the situation and why is it ‘special’ (story); (2) Show, don’t tell: show (engage) …
Category Archives: Beauty
Love and Logic
Chinese pronounces eight as ‘Ba’, similar to Eight so Eight Eight (August 8) is Father’s Day. I called home to wish dad a Happy Father’s Day! Normally dad handed the phone to mom quickly, today we chatted. He spent most of time talking about a recent car repair and a fuel system cleaner. I know …
Mask of Love
I opened the box of masks that mom and dad sent. The box was first wrapped by paper then covered by tape. The box itself was also covered by tape. Inside, a neatly taped plastic bag contained 10 envelops of three disposable masks each. Mom and dad went to pharmacy every few days to buy …
There is Always Hope
Last summer I moved to Boston area and I was busy enjoying its variety of offerings, e.g. concerts, festivals, startup events while exploring restaurants and museums. This year, with Covid-19, a different summer, I’m finding alternatives online… I came across Honeyland, a documentary about Hatidže Muratova, a wild bee keeper’s life in the remote mountain …
Gift
I took a walk after dinner as usual in the neighborhood. I walked pass a garden while a man was working behind the vine with his wife standing by. I gave them a big smile and said hello (as I normally do with people) and complimented on their flourishing tomato, lettuce, etc. When I walked …
Be the Cause, Not Because
Can’t remember where I saw or heard the phrase, Be the Cause, Not Because, yet it immediately became my mantra. Instead of making excuse or waiting on others, it’s our responsibility to take action to make what we’d like to see and a world we want to live in. Using data/ fact to make decision …
Story Worth Telling
I came across SheNYC Arts, showcasing women writers and theater artists across the country, out of curiosity and love/ support of art, I got the All-Access Pass. My first show is Fort Huachuca which featured five African American women enlisted in the army to train as nurses. Simple story with complex issues of racism and …
Celebrate Global Food
I like to try new food and restaurants. I called a Nepali Indian restaurant to order lunch. I haven’t had Nepali food and the staff recommended chicken or vegetable chowmei (isn’t it Chinese?). He explained it’s Nepali style. Ok, I’ll give it a try. I went to Spot Café to pick up Miche bread*. While …
Generosity is Good Deed and Business
2 weeks ago, I came across a small café, Spot Café, and ordered an Italian Cannelloni (roll of pasta filled with cheese, meat, and tomato sauce). The chef, grandpa-like figure came out and said ‘I gave you some bread with it’. I love bread and thank him. I sat down at a nearby park and …
A Different July 4th
Due to Covid-19, many US cities cancelled events and fireworks for July 4th to avoid the crowd. To celebrate at home, my roommate S and I made and shared champignon pizza (French-style with mushroom) for lunch and orange chicken with vegetable over brown rice for dinner. S said orange chicken is among the most popular …