I’ve had my share of really bad haircuts here in China. My  last haircut was actually fine, but this hairstyle was CRAZY!

While I was getting ultra flip, Sprite got this sweet braided do.

Here I am with my 28 year old stylist. This guy served three years in the military before becoming a hair stylist. I can’t even imagine him as a soldier.

After the major make-over, they had me take pictures with the webcam on the salon’s computer. They were pretty impressed with this hair style. I laughed at it, but I knew I’d never be able to duplicate it even if I wanted to, so I wasn’t too worried. The stylist told me, “Anytime you want me to style your hair, just come back. If I’m not busy, I’ll do it for free. You can put on some nice clothes and go out shopping. Whatever you look at, everyone else will want to buy because you’re so beautiful.” (Gotta love your stylist when he flatters you!)

By the way, this is me day two of the new haircut. This is “normal” me without the crazy flips everywhere.

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I am still enjoying my Chinese watercolor lessons.  I started in September, and I am quite amazed at how far I’ve come. I realize that I’m far from excellent by Chinese standards, but I find the activity very invigorating, and I am usually pleased with my end results. That’s enough for me.

Besides, my teacher is a fabulous instructor. She teaches me so much more than just painting. I love it when she shares stories about her own life.  Through them, I’ve gained a deeper understanding for modern Chinese history.

a blooming peony

My classmate (a 60+ year old grandmother of a 10 year old) often criticizes various aspects of my work. (That’s just a Chinese thing to do, I’ve learned, to criticize and focus on flaws. So I don’t take it too personally anymore.) She just laughs and shakes her head with amazement when I say, “But I like that part.” or “But I like it like that.”

If I agree with her criticism, I do admit it, but sometimes beauty is simply in the eye of the beholder. And I can be pleased with my work even if no one else is.

peony in full bloom

I really like my latest peonies, below.  I don’t like the narcissus on the side, to be honest, but my teacher said I had to add it. So I obeyed. (I just visually block it out when I look at the painting.)

peonies in vase

I told her and my classmate I didn’t like the narcissus. They asked, “Why? You painted it well.” I told them that I like how I painted it, I would just prefer to have nothing there. Then I got an explanation of more principles of Chinese painting. No matter how much I learn about the rules, there’s still something inside me that has its own idea of what looks good or not. Whatever that thing is inside me, it’s really hard to change. But I’m being “good.” I listen dutifully and try hard to appreciate things from the perspective of the rules.

That same thing inside me also says that these paint plates (palettes) are works of art in themselves. I love looking at them. Each day they are different and strike me in different ways.

paint plates

What do you think?

Do you have a unique sense of style that others just don’t “get?” Do you create for yourself and not care about the criticism of others?

Do you think the plates are beautiful? Or am I just weird?:-)

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I’ve just started my new hobby — Chinese watercolor painting.

I found a teacher at an “Old People University.” We would call it a senior citizens continuing education center, I think.  (Chinese language is far more direct than English when it comes to describing people. There’s no problem with saying someone is fat or old. It’s just a fact.)

I observed this guy paint for about an hour.

Then the ladies who watched with me signed up for his class. I guess the idea is to evaluate his skills before signing up. He didn’t teach anything. He just painted in their presence giving a little commentary occasionally. I realized quickly that I was way over my head. I don’t even know how to hold the brush and this man was painting an entire composition! I asked around and found among the students a woman who teaches children on the weekends. She was willing to teach me on a weekday morning (8:30 AM!) in her home along with another lady. My teacher and my classmate are both around my mom’s age so I address them as “Auntie.” I tried “Big Sister” but they gave me shocked looks and started discussing ages.  The teacher is super patient and speaks perfect Mandarin. (The man pictured only speaks local dialect, and I barely understood 40% of what he said.)

After my first class, I bought my supplies. It all cost under $10. (Don’t you love a cheap hobby?)

I practiced at home. I think I’m improving. Of course, when you first start, there’s no choice but to improve. Something is better than nothing.

Sprite had to try her hand at it as well, of course. I had to threaten the girl to get her out of my brushes and my paints. I’m not being mean. The child has an entire cabinet FULL of craft supplies including brushes and paints. But I’d really like to have my own things for this new hobby. You know, things that I can find and keep in good condition.

Anyone else starting a new hobby or learning a new skill?

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Ready to Attack?

Why am I looking up there?

"Put the camera down, Sprite!"

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Welcome to my collage! I’m so glad you found my new online home.

Things are organized so much better than before. There are categories in the sidebar as well as topically organized pages up at the top. Feel free to click around and see what you think.  I’ll be dressing up those pages you access across the top and making minor changes here and there, but the overall appearance is here to stay. If anything is strange or hard to read or understand, please let me know.

To comment here with an avatar, you need a Gravatar account. But anyone can comment!

If you were a subscriber to my old blog, please make sure add this NEW feed. (Also linked in the sidebar.)

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Random Family Shots…. but mostly me!    Vanity…

Pagoda built in 1800's.

A relief sculpture

Sprite at the sculpture

Me, Mao, and Poinsettias

An old building of traditional style.

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