Category: Reflection

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August

August had been a time to plan for the next “season,” and a time to prepare for a trip home. If the summer heat wasn’t too oppressive, I would have been out in the garden, readying for autumn planting.

It is impossible to plan for another performing arts season this year. That is, if there is a new season to be planned. I will not be making a trip home this year. Not only because of mom’s passing but also because of the difficulties caused by the pandemic. Although I will make plans for our gardens, there are also changes—a positive one: There will be new roof constructions and installations of solar pannels. Then, we will have a newly designed patio framed by planters.

I was reminded of the two-year anniversary of the first post on goldfishodyssey. Writing and posting have come part of my life during the last two years. The structure of the site, with minor changes along the way, has stabilized. Changes in my personal life as well as in the outside world slowed me down from time to time. But my reason for starting a blog hasn’t changed: through sharing my experiences and knowledge, however limited it might be, I wish to connect people of various cultures.

Again, I like to give thanks to all the friends who continue to support my effort by pointing out my mistakes, giving me suggestions, and encouraging me to journey further. Even though I do get weary and do wonder where the road leads, it is comforting to know that I am not alone.

THANKS. 謝謝.

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Early in the morning

Watering our gardens is a labor-intensive task which involves carrying hundred-plus-feet of hoses in and out of storage. I do it faithfully for two reasons: One, to keep the plants healthy and productive; two, to maintain my own health. To avoid the summer heat, I try to do it early in the morning.

I enjoy watching the colorful waves of flowers and leaves under splashes of water. The plants, first bending slightly, seem to be giving me appreciative nods. Then, they stand back up making wake-up stretches, refreshed.  From time to time, an unexpected breeze comes by, blowing light mists around me.  Often, I hear mom’s voice: “Get an early start of the day while it is still cool.”

If I had any choice, I would have traded summer months with longer winter breaks. Summer in Taipei basin means scorching heat and high humidity. There were weeks of mandatory summer schools. After summer school, mom always signed me up for extra-curriculum activities. To fill up the rest of the hours, mom would come up with various projects for me—more reading, writing, and practicing.

Every morning, mom would remind us that sleeping in might not be the best idea, as it would get uncomfortably hot in a few hours. Still, being productive during summer vacation was such an oxymoron. Mom’s kind words only added to my reluctance.

Of course, mom was right. There were always cool breezes in the morning. With sliding doors and windows open, even on the hottest days, early hours were pleasant. If I made enough progress on my assignments or projects, I could have water fights with little cop in the garden while enjoying chilled watermelon. I might get a nap when an afternoon show passed by.

“Get an early start of the day while it is still cool. . ..”