In Remembrance of a Special Dog "HAPPY"

It was a walk in the raining Fall of 1992 that changed my family forever. I was a senior in high school and several of my classmates gathered in the school to cram for the upcoming exams on a typical Saturday. After a short lunch break on our way back to the campus, an intermittent crying sound caught our attention. Following the noise along a brick street, soon we discovered six soaking wet puppies, shivering in the muddy bushes.

Later that day, I decided to take home one of the puppies. Not knowing how my parents would react to the "wild animal" was uneasy enough but the idea of abandoning this poor little thing devastated me even more. Anxiousness mixed with excitement, my emotion escalated further as the bus approached closer to home. It was the longest and one of the most overwhelming "Route 216" bus ride ever. Mom's reaction was predictable but Dad was suprisingly supportive. It was after some screaming, a hour-long debate, and negotiation between Mom and Dad that we decided to welcome this lost puppy to our family.

"There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven:
A time to be born and a time to die

A time to weep and a time to laugh"

On March 8, 2007, it was the day for Happy to say goodbye as he passed away peacefully in my parents' arms. This pencil drawing, which is my own artwork, is dedicated to Happy, my family, and all the jolly fun times that we have spent together in the past 15 years.

Extreme Makeover-Hair Edition

Order is good. Mostly. It makes sure that the earth is revolving in the same way as it has in the past to bring out the sunrises and the starry nights. Habits are good, too. Most of the time. The morning espresso, the afternoon tea, and the Sunday newspapers provide not only stability but also comfort to our daily lives. But stick too much to the same order or habit we lose. We lose creativity and the opportunity to discover. Over the new year holiday, I decided to have my same old 10-inch long hair chopped off. It was the type of change that involved a great deal of discomfort and risks. But If I had not taken such chance, I would never have the luxury to experience the fresh new look! During this new year, I challenge you to learn a new hobby, explore a few new words, or even take a road less traveled. May you uncover treasures and joys that were once hidden in the old path!

Our "Adoped" Baby Girl: Telister

September 24, 2005 holds a very special meaning for Tim and I as it was the day we met each other for the first time. On this very same day, a baby girl named Telister was born in a rural area of Africa. The ending of our "desperate" single lives was the beginning of Telister's deprived childhood. This is a true story... For $35 a month, she no longer suffers from hunger and is able to get clean drinking water and warm clothes.

We were introduced to Worldvision, a Christian-based nonprofit organization, through our dear friends Scott and Melissa whom have been proud child sponsors for 8 years. We entered our first date as a child's birthday on the website and found this little girl. Every year as we say cheers and give a toast to our anniversary, we also celebrate the birth and pray for the happiness for Telister, our "adopted" child from the other side of Earth. We might never get to meet her in person, yet knowing that we are making an impact on a life of a total stranger is far more rewarding than we have ever imagined!

Creating a Soothing Living Space

I have always dreamed of becoming a homeowner. But the reality of living in such a spacious two-story house with 0.5 acre of greenery was more than just a "let's buy a house" decision. It was truly a dream-come-true to me! It was the freedom of space that rekindles my desire and passion for arts and creativity. The picture represents an overview of our living room. For the family and friends who have visited us, I hope our home is not only an eye-opening retreat but also serves as an inspiration. As for those whom have not gotten a chance to stop by, we await your visit!
I find it unusual that people no longer decorate with tapestry which used to be such a commonality. The creation of picturesque landscape on fabric just fascinates me!
You might also notice an abacus on the wall. Sadly, I have forgotten how to perform arithmetic processes using this thousand year old "counting frame". Yet the memory of carrying a 12-inch long Japanese abacus (算盤) to an after school class was still vivid.
This is the "cafe by the window" with a full view of our front garden and neighborhood street. Often we enjoy a cup of grande latte and a relaxing conversation here in this corner. The coffee table was our 2006 Christmas present. It was exclusively designed and handmade by my father-in-law, Ron. The picture does not do justice to the true beauty to its craftsmanship!

Christmas Greetings from Chapel Hill, NC

This is the third Christmas we celebrated together! Tim's parents flew down to North Carolina from the snowy West Bend, Wisconsin and we all gathered together at Chapel Hills, where Tim's brother and his family reside.
We went to Duke University Chapel for the Christmas eve service and had dinner at Outback Steak house afterward. The highlight of the holiday was the gift-opening. I started the gift-hunting early Spring and I have completed the shopping list by the end of October. I was so proud! All the presents were meticulously picked out and neatly wrapped. I took some "laminated camouflage film" from work and used it as a wrapping paper. It was such a fantastic idea! Besides the cool looking multicolor, the film is heat & UV & tear resistant! Could you imagine trying to open a gift wrapped by an adhesive film laminate expert? ^_^ It was such a great reward and pleasure to see how much Tim's family enjoyed our presents! The thoughts and the efforts we put in to make each holiday the most unforgettable one not only brought the two of us closer together but also strengthened the family bond!

Moroccan-Style Daybed in Living Room

The focal point of our living room is a Moroccan-style daybed with a shimmering canopy. Two bookselves are filled with a variety of Oriental decors. The leather chair sits on the right was handmade by Tim's Dad, who is an amateur carpenter with extradinary skills and talents!