What I Choose To Remember

BumberShootStudio Paintings

I memory journal using a Travelers Notebook type system, with leather cover and standard size inserts.  Journaling is another way to get your creative juices flowing and anyone can do it. I use a lot of pictures, old vintage book pages and paper collage, painting and even some fabric.  You can be basic and simple or as elaborate as you wish, with no one judging, because it's only meant for you.

The beginning of my year always starts with Spring Festival because I live in China and everything evolves around Chinese New Year.

If you've read any of my writing you will know that I love it here.  It is a beautiful country and they are wonderful people.  When I share, I try to express unique differences in culture and give you a small glimpse of what life is like.  Sometimes we deal with things that are just downright goofy, but other times it's more then surreal.   Like this years Spring Festival drama that took the whole world by surprise.

And right now, we all feel like we are in a 'dreamlike' state, COVID 19 has turned the nations upside down and it's not unlike a scene from the Twilight Zone.  And though it may seem like the end is near...trust me when I say, this too shall pass.  With that said,  I want to be sure to remember and document these moments, and what I choose to take away from all this chaos, quarantine, and isolation is an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

I am reminded to be thankful for the simplest things in life that on a regular basis are taken for granted.  Walks with a neighbor, social gatherings, sports events, church services, eating out, birthday parties, family gatherings, picnics, fellowships, concerts, shopping, working, and the list goes on...

You get the point, but notice that all these things require other people, in order to even exist!  We really do need one another.  Here in China, we have had to officially keep away from each other since January 24th, and this was not a suggestion.  Thankfully, things are starting to get better, but do the math...it's been a long time and we are all missing each other.
Life is not just about me, because without you, what kind of 'life' would it even be.