Ngauhyat: birthday Many Chinese characters can be broken into smaller parts. The word "birthday" (??) can be simplified into ngauhyat (??). My blog just turned one! (April 5th marked the anniversary of my first post.) Even though ngauhyat means "cow" and "one" when taken separately, I hope it still proves to be an auspicious occasion.A popular Chinese tradition held at one-year-old parties is to surround the birthday child with different items. These things represent their possible futures. Here … [Read more...]
Happy Birthday, Blog!
April 8, 2013 9 Comments
Filed Under: anniversary, birthday, blog, Cantonese, Chinese, Chinese characters, ritual, writer
Topics for New Post
March 11, 2013 4 Comments
Yatyahn Dakdouh, Gai'hyun Gaai Sing: family and friends also benefit when one encounters good fortuneThere's a legend about Lauh Ngon, the Prince of Waaih Naahm during the early years of the Han dynasty. He was involved in Taoist cults because he wanted to become immortal. One day, eight old men visited him and taught Lauh Ngon how to refine cinnabar. He swallowed the cinnabar and flew into the sky, immortal. After eating the crumbs of the cinnabar left at the house, Lauh Ngon's hens and dogs … [Read more...]
Filed Under: Amanda Socci, blog, Bolton Carley, Cantonese, Chinese, Chinese saying, food, Gretchen Rubin, Han dynasty, happy, listen, one word resolution, Taiwan, Tao, The Happiness Project, travel
Very Inspiring Blogger Award
January 7, 2013 10 Comments
Cheuiguk: to quickly strengthen a man's or an animal's capacity to workIn The Book of Songs, it talks about how the king's horses are typically fed with grass. However, in times of war, they are given grain (guk) to stimulate (cheui) their energy in a short amount of time.I was recently given the Very Inspiring Blogger Award by Romelle Broas (thank you!), which motivates me to move forward with my writing and blogging. In response, I'll be nominating seven inspiring blogs that I know … [Read more...]
Filed Under: blog, blogging award, Cantonese, Chinese saying, inspire, Very Inspiring Blogger Award, Wordsmith Studio
Writing Highlights from 2012
December 31, 2012 6 Comments
Deihseui: blind manIn Gwongdung province, there is a folk song called "Deihseui naahmyam." Deihseui refers to a blind (man) musician. In ancient times, almost all music masters were blind men.Music, the life of celebrations.Instead of a Christmas letter, I usually send out a New Year's mailing. This is mostly due to procrastination, but I also like reviewing the whole calendar year before I write to family and friends. Oftentimes, though, I feel like a blind man, not knowing what to put down on … [Read more...]
Filed Under: blind man, blog, Cantonese, Chinese, Chinese saying, Christmas letter, contests, folk song, guest blog, Jamie Ford, Lisa See, literary conference, music, New Year, photos, UCLA, writer's block, writing
Wanted: Guest Blogger
December 3, 2012 Leave a Comment
Jouhdung: to play hostDung stands for the abbreviated version of "dungjyu," or "host of the east." In the story of Jo Jyuhn, a commentary on The Spring and Autumn Annals, the state of Jehng was about to be attacked. Jehng's king sent an envoy to persuade his enemies to stop. He argued that it would be better for Jehng to remain unscathed. Then, in the future, Jehng could act as a "host to receive your envoys when they travel eastwards and you won't suffer any loss." After receiving the message, … [Read more...]
Jiyauh- Knowing Weakness
May 4, 2012 6 Comments
Jiyauh: without hurry, slow, leisurely.The I Ching speaks about appreciation for subtleties. A clever man sees a small change and predicts great outcomes. When he knows (ji) the weak (yauh), he can forecast the strong. Small twigs grow into thick branches. Things strengthen over time. Take a look at the Anping Tree House in Tainan, where banyan trees overtake a building. Starting from small sprouts, they now support the structure.My blog, like a tiny seedling, holds the potential to burst … [Read more...]
Filed Under: Anping Tree House, blog, Chinese saying, Jennifer Chow, Liebster Award, Taiwan, writing
