"Fate loves the fearless." I love people who subvert stereotypes. Aging is something I want to embrace with grace and poise. But I also enjoyed reading about Wang Deshun, the 80-year-old Chinese model. He's unwilling to compromise his dreams and yield to others' expectations of him. Some of his practices for aging with power? Makes sure he gets both learning time and exercise time in his daily routine Eats a variety of foods, but drinks less alcohol Dares to try new things: "People … [Read more...]
Foodie Friday: Sesame Sticks
February 12, 2016 Leave a Comment
Sesame sticks: rectangular sesame treats If you haven't already heard, Monday marked the beginning of Chinese New Year. It's the Year of the Monkey in 2016 (the fire monkey, to be exact). Overseas, people get seven days off to celebrate the holidays. When we were visiting Taiwan, people looked at us funny because kids don't get winter break there--their time off is consolidated around the lunar new year. Besides meeting up with family, New Year is a great time to eat tried-and-true treats. … [Read more...]
Chinese Calligraphy
July 6, 2015 7 Comments
"Someone in your life needs a letter from you." The other day my daughter told me she was impressed by cursive writing. She likes the fancy swirls and loops connecting all the letters together. In the same way, I'm in awe of the calligraphy artist. I tried several times during my childhood to imitate the flowing strokes. I had my own brushes and ink well, but I always seemed to fall short. There is so much skill involved in holding the brush at the correct angle and applying the right … [Read more...]
Tiananmen Square–25th Anniversary
June 9, 2014 7 Comments
"Distance tests the endurance of a horse; time reveals a man's character." --Chinese proverb Does time also reveal a nation's character? I remember watching the news coverage of the massacre with my dad. The images of rumbling tanks filling up the square scared me. Nevertheless, I think it is now, decades later, that I've begun to understand the horror of that time. My friend recently asked me: "Do you ever imagine what your life would have been like if your parents hadn't immigrated … [Read more...]
Reading at a Senior Home: One Elder’s Reaction
October 7, 2013 14 Comments
"A single spark can set a prairie on fire." -Chinese proverb This saying, although centuries old, is closely associated with an essay entitled, "A Single Spark Can Start a Prairie Fire," by Mao Zedong. In his document dated January 5, 1930, he talks about his idea to win over the masses and ensure a successful revolution. He urged the conquest of rural areas and having "an armed independent regime of workers and peasants" before surrounding the cities and taking over the government. His tactics … [Read more...]
The Importance of Moon Cakes
September 23, 2013 8 Comments
"It is easy to dodge a spear you can see, difficult to guard against an arrow shot from hiding." -Chinese proverb Moon cakes were the arrows in hiding, the secret weapons behind a historical Chinese revolution. These dense cake-like treats are filled with red bean or lotus seed paste. People enjoy moon cakes during the mid-Autumn festival. The moon is supposed to be the largest and brightest during this time of year, and it's an occasion for families to gather together. This year, August 15th … [Read more...]
Foodie Friday: Hainanese Chicken Rice
May 24, 2013 1 Comment
Hainanese chicken rice: chicken simmered in broth and served with flavorful riceHainanese chicken rice originates from Hainan, a province in China. However, it's very popular in Malaysia and Singapore. The dish boasts chicken with silky skin, accomplished by steeping a whole chicken in bone-based broth at sub-boiling temperatures and dowsing it in ice water at the end. The chicken meat inside remains soft and smooth. (Sometimes younger birds are selected for the dish for an even tenderer … [Read more...]
