Fly Away, home?

I've been reading the Divergent Series this week. (I'm a fast reader). I've almost finished Allegiant and it has caused me to think a lot about work. The factions remind me a lot about the roles created in Plato's Republic. Each person has a role, benefiting the society as a whole. I live in a part of the world, in a certain economic status (and I know that I am extremely blessed to have this): that I don't have to work in order to survive, at least not while my husband works. This would be a different thought process if I was supporting the family.

I do want to work but I don't want my work to be my whole life. My whole life of 26 years, which I know, is young. There is pressure (that mainly I put on myself) to "know what I want to do" have everything figured out. I see friends who have masters or career-y jobs and think of myself of not accomplished enough. Then I recognize that I am also not going to do something I don't want to do.
I recently had the pleasure of hearing William Lishman (famous artist and bird-migratation assistant, ever seen Fly Away Home?), he was a great inspiration to me for three reasons.
1) His humility. When my coworker told him he inspires her, she encouraged her to go out there an accomplish more than him.
2) His crazy random life path: he went from being a sculpter to a lover of flying to a man who helps birds migrate. It was life someone gave me a breath of fresh oxygen. "Oh! I probably won't know every path of my life at the start, who knows where I will end up." Maybe I just strive to do what I love, or inspires me now. (what that is, I'm not so sure but that's a different story).

and finally, 3) This quote: "Art is what you can get away with". How beautiful is that. So be creative, take risks, and breathe.

I'll let you know when I finally start listening to my own advice and not all the fears in my soul. One step at a time.

There are so many beautiful paths in the world it is hard for me to let go all the ones I just can't do-not because I am not able but because I am just here for one life and it's not possible. I am grateful for the opportunities though that point in the next direction that I should go. Some days I let the fear take over and some days, like today, there is a gentle peace and guidance in my heart encouraging me to grasp a little more firmly around those things that I enjoy. Like teaching. So we'll see what the future holds. I'm grateful to all those around me that encourage me, your support means the world to me.

Can you see the sun?

It was the first super warm day here in Shanghai, almost 80 degrees F. Beautiful warm weather, beautiful breeze and yet, you couldn't see the sun and the pollution index skyrocketed.
So no, I won't be raising any children in this city of smog.
On the bright side, I had a surprise day off when my one lesson canceled and got to enjoy the Spring weather. Plus, all of the blooms are arriving, new leaves and lots of blossoms, the city has some beauty in it after all.

Enjoy the blossoms:

I don't know if any of you have been watching Jimmy Fallon lately but it has been quite good. I can't compare it to his other show but I have been really enjoying it lately. My favorite part is that half of the time he is laughing so hard he can't continue, laughter is so healing. 

I apologize to my friends back home that I haven't been in touch with too often. Even with the interwebs, it's amazing how hard it is to keep in touch. I promise you are in my thoughts much more often than I am able to write and I miss you all! Please don't hesitate to write me and I'm always up for a Skype chat! xoxo

Hangzhou

I've resisted writing for a long time, clinging to fears that shaken my confidence in writing etc etc. Lots of fears these days. And yet, some a friendly comment encouraged me to reach out again and just share.

It's the middle of March here in Shanghai China. I've missed the craziest Chicago winter since I've been alive and instead dealt with pollution, rain and crazy traffic. (Even after a few months of living here the traffic still rattles my nerves).

We took an incredible vacation to New Zealand at the beginning of February. My soul got to breath again. We relaxed, took in amazing culture and scenery. (photos posted soon, promise)

Just this past weekend, we managed to get away for a night. Spent $80 on train tickets and $30 on a pretty nice hostel twin room. Easy. We barely made our train. Picture Patrick and I running, full speed through a train station totally out of shape. Probably looked ridiculous. We made it with 30 seconds to spare. Whew, I'm tired just thinking about the running.

Anyway, the train ride to Hangzhou is pretty quick when you take one of China's awesome high speed trains (over 300 kms/hr-yeah that fast!).  China definitely has the train system worked out-and it's a huge country.We should figure it out in the US.

Anyway, Hangzhou is famous for the "West Lake" a small but pretty lake with a well done park area and walkway around the lake.  It is a small city, only the size of the Chicago Met. Area. (8 million or so). So small.  It's amazing how quiet it was on the South end of the lake.  We arrived late in the evening but managed to take a relaxing walk around the south end of the lake. Everything is well lit, so walking at night isn't scary and it was quite peaceful.  I don't find that quiet here in Shanghai. and know we will not live here in Shanghai forever because of that. There are parks, and the Bund, but there is so much noise, noise noise. and lights. Every building in Shanghai has lights on it at night, often they are moving, glowing or creating pictures. Here's photo proof:



 Something that we noticed about Sydney is that the buildings are relatively dark at night. Just to compare.

Anyway, this Saturday we we climbed a newly built Pagoda. It is built on an ancient site, the old pagoda from the 12 century collapsed in 1924.  Even though it was rainy and cold, the mist over the lake was quite beautiful.  My soul needs to see that beauty. Something about living in the city makes it difficult to see that beauty.  Enjoy these photos from the weekend:

 

 Enjoy the view! Til next time...