I have thought of buying an instruction book on Chinese painting but was fearful of the finished product not matching my expectations (which is usually the case with me and painting– maybe that’s why I like photography so much?).
.-= Marsha´s last blog ..beware the librarian =-.

Chuckles at the directness of the language. Do you have to watch this when you come stateside? I know I had to adjust…sometimes I think I still am! After a while you get so acculturated, you don’t even notice it.

I’ve been requiring myself to invest in some new hobbies–kinda a mother culture attempt, and have been learning to play harp and playing with photography. I love the thought that something is better than nothing, and from the beginning one can only improve! Well said. I’m enjoying taking baby steps, and progressing a little at a time.

I hope you’ll continue to post your paintings! It is beautiful! I love the cultural insights and glimpses you give as well.

Interesting, our harp ensemble teacher keeps talking to us in Mandarin. He’s teaching a course in Mandarin at the college and comes from there to harp ensemble. Although not Chinese himself, he apparently has difficulty switching gears, especially as he has us playing primarily Asian pieces. Often he’ll rattle off quite a string of instructions or comments to a bewildered ensemble class before realizing that we. do. not. know. Mandarin.

While I’m rambling:
My eldest (who is Sprite’s age) tells me that president Hoover and his wife used to speak to one another in Mandarin to avoid nosy reporters.

What a great new hobby! Please keep sharing and encouraging others to try new things!
.-= Dell´s last blog ..Utah, Deep Space, Paella and Strawberry Soap =-.