A conclusion for this blog

About this blog, this might be my last post. So, I’d like to make a conclusion of my life in Cascadia, as what my blog posts were talking about.


For Winter quarter, the only college class I took was Political Science&204 on Comparative Government. I chose it because I like challenges. The first problem is language problem. I had a hard time in understanding what my fellow students talked about in class at the beginning, because they are native speakers, and they speak very fast and unclearly. But after I realized the problem was that I knew nothing about the content of the book. So, I spent a lot of time reading my textbook and looking up the words in a dictionary. This problem seemed solved. Besides, I learned to use Angel and Discussion Board, and how to do good presentations in class. Bibliography, outline, draft…step by step, I gradually learn the way to write a research paper. And finally, I finished it! After turning in my research paper, I felt great relief. At the beginning of this class, there were twenty one students, however, only fourteen left in the end.

One of the best thing for this quarter is that I took part in many activities. I made sushi, volunteered to plant trees and for the celebration of the Chinese New Year at school, watched some movies and listened to some fascinating speeches…There are a lot of things to say, and I enjoyed myself. Also, my English improved because I had more chances to communicate with others.

on the celebration of Chinese New Year

Another important thing is that my friend and I moved to a new house. As I mentioned in my blog, now I am living in an “Art World”. I am learning American culture which is not taught in textbooks, and how to get involved in their activities. Of course, the most important is to improve my pronunciation. I should borrow some children books from the library.

This is the last day for Winter Quarter. For this quarter, I did not do so well in my writing class. I should have done better, if only I could check my blogs earlier.

I am planning for some trips; at least, I will go to a church. I have never been to a church before, so I really want to have a try. I hope at the end of Spring break, I will not regret for what I will have done. A meaningful break is what I want to have.

Last but not least, I can take care of myself now. I want to tell my parents: I am fine, do not worry about me, I am being good. I am still learning and improving. I will do better.

See, I enjoy cooking!

Ubuntu, the connection between you and me

On Wednesday, Dr Naomi Tutu, the daughter of Archbishop Desmond and Namalizo Leah Tutu, gave us a speech on "Ubuntu: The Essence of Humanity" in Mobius Hall of Cascadia Community College.

After a brief introduction by our president, Dr. Naomi Tutu began her fascinating speech by sharing her experience as one of the only two black girls at her school. When she was in detention, she began to think deeply about the disunified state of South Africa. She made the conclusion oppressions, inhumanity and high walls between people come from fear. Killing and force only add to the fear. By saying, “I can never be fully free unless we are all free”, she pointed out the importance of freedom and the personal connection between people. What is ubuntu? It is the highest compliment that a South African can give to others. It is a way of being in the world, being a human, an individual instead of label. It is recognizing others even if you are diminished by them. She stated the importance of each individual by saying, “each of us came to the world with a gift”. In other words, everyone is different and unique, and recognition and respect can make a difference. She shared her own stories and explained, “everyone has his or her own story and perspective, start by looking at one another, by recognizing each other”, you would have the chance to get to know a person that might change your life. She also talked about her struggle as a mother, about welfare, and inhumanity in different countries. Finally, she called on the global community by saying, “we all have the responsibility and opportunity to recognize one and another... we believe in justice”. By recognizing each other, our world will be a better world.

This lecture told me what Ubuntu is, the importance and how to realize it. During question time, she talked about her opinion of technology. She said it is not technology itself that keeps us away or brings us together, it is our choice whether to use the technology as a communication tool or high wall.

I feel lucky to have the opportunity to be familiar with such a great female activist. This lecture opened my eyes to a world I paid little attention to before, and her interesting stories gave me more ideas of how to get along with others.As for the use of technological communication tools, both of us are that small group of people who do not use cell phones often, needless to say cellphones. When I was asked if I have a Facebook, I often feel embarrassed because the amazed look on their face directly told me that I was out of date. However, I do not find my life is affected because I do not have a facebook. It's really hard to say whether technology promotes or affects our communication, because it just depends. At least, in order to get connected to the outside world, we should have at least one kind of communication tool. Indeed, it is us that decide whether the technology has a good use or not.
This lecture helped me to look through the world from a different perspective. Every individual in the world can have connections by knowing the importance of Ubuntu, a harmonious way to recognize and get along with the world. When listening to this lecture, I compared my own experience to hers. In high school, I used to spend all my time at school, and did not have time to talk with my family and friends. I rarely had chance to get to know my neighbors. After I came here, I was impressed by the good relationship between friends and neighbors. A smile on a stranger’s face always made me very happy. I think Ubuntu is the precondition of loving others and loving the world. It is a logic to connect everyone, you and me. Dr. Taomi Tutu really sets a good example for me, and for the world.

Art Day-first try to make a DOLL

           Every other week, on Saturday---Art Day is coming!

           You may wonder what Art Day is. Does it mean you enjoy some great paintings in the museum or go to a concert?

           No, my Art Day is a stay-at-home activity. On this day, my host mother invites friends to come over, and do some art work, any kind of art work such as painting and sewing...

           I have been looking forward to this day since I moved into my current house. I have been interested in what kind of art I can create. I am very very very eager to have a try!

          In the morning, the smell of coffee woke me up. When I went downstairs, my host mother was enjoying coffee with her friends, and they were talking about what kinds of art they would like to make. My host mother, let's call her Captain, was giving her friends some pieces of advice. I grabbed an art book, and saw a cute doll on the first page. Then  I decided to make a doll.

        Let's take a look at what we will use to make a doll:

different colors of clothing, thread and needle, stuffing, beads, and other kinds of decoration stuff.
Okay, let's start!

1. Find two pieces of clothing, and cut it into square.

I choose scarlet red and brown.

2. Choose any kind of thread you like. It does not need to match with the clothing.

There are so many colors: I choose jade green and gradient red.












3. Stitch on, and do not forget to leave a hole to put stuffing in.

4. Continue sewing.

5. Hair, eyes, mouth, legs...be creative! I use really beautiful selvedges for hair, two blue buttons for eyes, a smiling mouth, and curtain selvedges for legs.

( Have you noticed the left eye and right half of mouth is rose, while the right eye and the left half of mouth is yellow?)

6. Decorations! You can add whatever you like! My baby doll is almost done! She has two faces!

I spend a really long time sewing because I am terrible at it. However, the best thing is I do not need to do it in a way-I can sew as ugly or casually as I like. I use different kinds of beads and colorful stones. I love bling bling!

I love my baby doll. She is so fancy!

My friend's doll: an Indian princess.

Isn't it very interesting to make a doll? You might be considering starting your own Art Day now, right?

Spring is coming, enjoy flowers and food!

Have you noticed the colorful blooming flowers?
Have you ever got close to them and smelled them?
Have you ever kissed these lovely flowers?
I have!

If you are living in North West America, you must have many chances for gardening and yard work. You might spend several hours a week working in a garden. However, for a student who lived in a small city in Asia, and who devoted most of her time at school, I did not have much time to go to a park. I had never done any yard work before. Besides, the climate in my hometown is much drier than here. Flowers were less easy to grow outside the house. When I came here, I was amazed at so many beautiful flowers blooming outside in such cold winter. I was looking forward to the coming spring, because I was told that the spring here was really beautiful. Now, slowly and quietly, spring is coming!
These days, I go to school with my camera in hand. There are so many nice flowers. I want to keep this beauty in mind. How I wish I were a flower expert! I want to know these flowers' names!
Please remember, the beauty of nature exists only for whoever keeps an eye on it. Enjoy!

                             

Spring is a good season to wake up your stomach with healthy food.
I tried baking some biscuits this afternoon. The reason was that I saw some recipes on the back of the mix  flour box, in which biscuit is the easiest one. But I did not want to just follow the recipes, I wanted to create my own biscuit--let me call it Heng's Spring Biscuit! I did not add any sugar or butter  into the flour, because  I think sugar and butter may cause fatness. Below was what I added into the mixed flour.

1. Custard tart shaped biscuit: half-half milk, to mix the flour, sunflower seeds, sweet corn kernels, eggs, wheat germ

custard tart model makes these biscuits very cute!

2. Banana nut oat cheese bread: two bananas, oat, cashew, almond, pecan, sunflower seeds, pine nut, an egg, cheese, sweet corn kernels( because bananas contain water, I did not add any water or milk)

3. Orange oat nut corn biscuit: an orange, 100% orange juice, oat, wheat germ, sunflower seeds, cashew, sweet corn kernels, dried plums.

These biscuits are wonderful for spring.  I especially like the banana oat cheese biscuit because it is very soft inside, and a little bit crisp when I bite the nuts. Smell the fresh banana flavor--is there a better thing than this?  I proved that bakery could be good without sugar or butter. I find baking is really really enjoyable!
Spring is coming. What a great thing to take some home-made biscuits to the park, and enjoy the nice weather!

Chinese paper cutting and paper folding

     In my last blog posts, I wrote something about art and Chinese traditions. Here, I am going to combine these two topics, that is, Chinese paper cutting and paper folding. Have you ever tried paper cutting and paper folding? Oh, maybe the last time was in kindergarten. So, why not grab some paper and activate your fingers?

1. Paper cutting

     Paper cutting is also called jianzhi in Chinese, is a kind of folk art widely used on traditional holidays and special ceremonies. Every year before Spring Festival, my grandmother usually makes some " Window Flowers" which mean good luck to decorate the house. She also cut some Chinese characters in represent of benediction for my uncle when he got married. I am not very good at paper cutting. What I can do is just some basic patterns. But my friend Pippin is much better at paper cutting than me. She made some simple but beautiful paper cuttings today. Scissors or knives are used for paper cutting, as well as colored paper. It is better to use very thin paper for complicated patterns.

     Look at these picturec, she cut a Chinese character"喜喜" (xi). It is a good wish for someone who is getting married.

       I watched several videos on YouTube. Here, I link two of them. The first one is an introduction, and the second one tells more details about paper cutting in some rural areas. Actually, I was unfamiliar with some of the traditions and customs before watching it. Some of the traditions are interesting and unique.


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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRPSOAQ2iIk&feature=related

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-ufZ5LPzYY

     After watching the second video, I feel both proud and sad. I am proud of our brilliant culture, however, the great art is missing. Most of the people who can master this great art are old people, and many have already passed away. I am afraid of losing this great art which has a history of thousands of years. I do not want to see it only in the museums.

2. Paper folding

     There was a time when folding paper cranes was very popular in my middle school. Every girl had a pile of square colored paper, and a big box for cranes. I had a big biscuit box for paper cranes and stars.

     This is a paper lily, isn't it beautiful?

     I tried to take a good picture of a paper crane flying in the sky, however, I failed...The instructions can be easily found on the Internet. Maybe you have already done better than my friend. I think doing some easy paper folding and paper cutting is a good way for a rainy day, when you do not want to go out.

     Finally, I also find that this is a tour of finding my childhood's memories, because the paper crane and paper flower reminds me of my school life and my friends. Being too much focused on the future can easily make us tired. So, why not spend a quiet afternoon on these childhood's activities? This is a good way to relax, and find something you treasure in life.

Pike Place Market

      Before I came here, I was told that Pike Place Market and the Space Needle are the two must-go places in Seattle. The Pike Place market impressed me greatly with its special stands and stalls. 

     My friends and I went to Downtown Seattle just a few days after we came here. At first glance, I was shocked because it was crowded with so many people, especially tourists. Immediately, I thought of some crowded and chaotic markets with strange smells of fish, and I hated these places. "Again, a boring place for tourists", I told my friends. However, as I stepped inside, I changed my mind. There were so many interesting things to see! The craft stalls were a mixture of global culture, in which I found some irresistible African carved wooden masks! Various kinds of flowers made me feel as if in a wonderland. I also took several photos of some fruit and vegetables that I had never seen before. Jumping from this stall to another stall, I was like a little kid in an amusement park. I did not want to leave...

   

 I had never seen these before.

Plastic beer bottles-can you imagine?

The bronze pig, the market's unofficial mascot   

     Now,let's come to the old pictures.
 (This is the link:http://content.lib.washington.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/curtis&CISOPTR=1042&CISOBOX=1&REC=11)

     Dated back to 1912, Pike Place Market was once much smaller than it is now.There was only one very simple building in the photo. Vendors were busy loading and preparing the goods on the undeveloped tracts. I think these vendors were also farmers who grew vegetables, fruit, and grains. Although the early Pike Place Market was just like an ordinary market from the photo without the unique craft stalls and interesting buskers, I find a well dressed lady buying some groceries in the picture. From that, we can probably assume that it might have been a popular place for the local people. Living in a time without modern entertainment and technology, walking around the market might have been a good choice in free time.

     I am happy to see Pike Place Market is developing without losing its original function. I think it is a good place not only for tourists but also for local people to buy fresh goods and a good place to spend their free time.

Lost in an Art World

      My friend and I moved to a new home last week. Yes, it is more than a house, it is home. Before moving, we lived with a host family for nearly two months. Now, we are sharing a house with an artist and her two little kids. I am living in a house filled with art work, and this makes me excited! The house was built in the 1980s, however, it is very fancy. I really enjoy my current life, which is filled with art. Let me take you on a tour on an exploration through this fantastic art world!

  

This is what I am seeing from my room. My host mom built the house on the left with her family.

     I like the nicely decorated lights! They are unique!

     She and her kids made the paper crane together. Look at the photos at the top!

     She likes painting and decorating everything. She can change waste into art work! The picture above shows a big painted plastic bottle (left). I would never have imagined that garbage could be made into beautiful art work!

     A hen and a cock. They are made of used buttons and clothing. I think their tails are made of fragments of curtains. They are really interesting, aren't they?

Part of the living room is a painting area. Different kinds of  painting bushes can be found here.

          So much interesting stuff for needlework! Before I came here, I just thought these fragments were a waste. But now, I am considering using them to embroider a pillow cover.

      Finally, a shot of the garden. The garden is very big and it has many different kinds of trees and flowers. This spring, I will learn how to do yard work! Have you noticed the interesting face hanging on the tree?                                                                   
     There are so many interesting and unique crafts, paintings, and other kinds of art work in my new house, and they are everywhere. I am lost in an art world! In China, there is a saying"Art exists in life."  Indeed, we can create art no matter who we are or where we are. We can use everything to make our lives better. We all have the talents to turn waste into wonder. Life can be made better and more enjoyable by using just a small bit of creativity.