QIILIN (QQ, THIS LANTERN IS FOR YOU!)

What do you do with your leftover glass bottles?  You could construct a giant Qilin using 13,000 of Chinese medicine bottles to built one these mythical creatures.  For this lantern, a total of 40,000 colorful bottles were pieced together to create the Qilins and the giant vase with the crystal ball on top.

Qilins are rare creatures composed of different animal forms, some real and some mythical.  They look fierce, but they are peaceful creatures that can walk on grass without harming it and can even walk on water.  Qilins are said to appear in areas ruled by wise and kind leaders.  (Do you know individuals that could be considered wise and kind leaders?)   Although normally gentle, they are quick to defend the righteous against evil by spouting flames from their mouths, making them symbols of protection, success and longevity.

QQ, this lantern is for you!

HERE COMES THE BULL

There are a total of 14 lanterns lining along the path near the Spink Pavilion, adjacent to the Central Axis.  The 12 lanterns (below) represent the signs corresponds to the 12 animals in Chinese Zodiac.  On dispaly at each end was the above listing of the years the person was born and what animal would be associated with him/her characteristics. 

The animals in the Chinese Zodiac are fabled to have held a race across a river for a place among the signs.  Rat used his clever ways to be the first to get across (often at the expense of others), and is the first animal in the Zodiac.  The other eleven followed in succession.  Each Zodiac sign corresponds to a calendar year, and the cycle repeats every twelve years.  All the animals have specific characteristics associated with them, and the people are thought to assume the qualities of the animals into which year they are born.

I don't really believe that my fortune of the present and future is based on whatever Chinese or Western astrological sign occurred in the year I was born.  Of course, that did not stop people from asking me questions about Chinese Zodiac or about Asian cultures as if I was the "official representative".  At a former workplace, a manager just came back from lunch at a local Chinese buffet and wanted to know more about the astrological signs of the twelve animals.  I politely provided a brief explanation that the Dragon is the most favorable animal.  Families (especially in China) would plan their pregnancies so that the child would be born in the year of the Dragon.

He then asked about arranged marriages.  I said that today most marriages are no longer arranged and probably more thru on-line matching services.  However, most traditional Chinese families are still following certain practices such as a good match would base on the compatibility of a girl's and boy's astrological signs, birth dates, and family backgrounds.  The wedding date is determined also based on the couple's signs and birth dates to be sure of a favorable beginning.  I gave an example that if a girl was born in the year of the Tiger, she would face difficulty finding a suitor whose signs that were not also a Tiger or a Dragon.  A boy with other signs such as Dog, Sheep or even Snake would be too "afraid" to be married (overpowered or killed) by a wife that was born in the year of a Tiger.   "What kind of crap is that?" he said and walked away.  I wish I could respond to his idiotic comment, "You asked me a question about my heritage.  I was polite in my anwers and all you could say was this insulting comment.  Next time, look up on internet yourself.  You probably will find your sign was either a pig or an ass!"

PHARAOH'S FURY

Saturday, June 16th - It is a beautiful sunny day with glorious blue sky just like in these photos I took a few weeks ago at the festival.  I walked around saying hello to those helping at various booths as fundraising for non-profit organizations.  I know most of the volunteers from working together at previous community events.  "You are just like a typical politician", my husband said to me after my "tour" of public obligations.  Normally, I would be flattered by such comment.  However, given the current state we are in (incompetent leaders, disregard for human lives and shameful behaviors in government), both in America and around the world, I should feel insulted by my husband's comment!

I thought the title "Pharoah's Fury" and the photos of the ship swinging back and forth are sort-of appropriate to describe my recents weeks.  We had a successful event on Thursday.  I got to the office at 8:30 a.m., drove to the Banquet Hall at 2:30 p.m. to get ready for the event starting at 5:30.  It concluded at 9:45 p.m.; I loaded up the after-event stuff into the car and got home almost midnight!  Unlike the previous workplace where I handled most of the arrangments, there were many other staff working that night.  However, I was expected to take care majority of the work being that the event was part of my job description. 

After two weeks of putting extra time (average 9+ hours everyday), I really look forward to going back to the regular schedule.  I am still trying to get used to being hourly compared to having always been a salary employee.  There is no time-clock to punch in-and-out, just an expection that I have to be at my desk by 8:30 and leave at 5:00 p.m.  At this point in my life, I don't really get excited about the overtime pay.  I would rather trade the money for time-off, not working on either Friday or Monday.  As I get older, a 3-day weekend has become more precious than an extra digit in the net income column.

I hope you all have a relaxing weekend.  Any big plans for July 4th celebrations?

NEXT QUESTION PLEASE

Above lantern is the Blissful Wedding.  The wedding banquet marks the conclusion of the elaborate traditional Chinese wedding ceremony, which also includes a processional from the bride's home to the groom's.  In Chinese society, the wedding banquet is sometimes considered more important than the actual wedding itself and features such important ceremonies as the bride's presentation of wine or tea to her parents, her new in-laws, her spouse and their guests.

"Is your husband Vietnamese?" was the question that I have been asked so many times by mostly non-Asian individuals.  Even when I point at my nametag that reads "TOTA Pulaski" (ok, I made that up), and explain that "Pulaski" is my married name, the person still said, "Is that Vietnamese?".  I smiled, "Does Pulaski sound like Vietnamese to you?".  The person then said, "I don't know Vietnamese, so I can't really tell if Pulaski is Vietnamese or not."  (Even the fools are entitled to their opinion!)   Let me be clear, I am not accusing these individuals who asked such idiotic question as being racist or prejudice.  I just want to know if anyone who is either of European descent (white) or African (black) would be asked the same question, "Is your wife white?" or "Is your husband black?".  I am proud of my heritage and I enjoy sharing story about my family coming from Viet Nam.  What I don't care for is a stranger or individual who only meet me for a few minutes and upon learning that I am a married person, immediately asked, "Is your husband Vietnamese?".  What is the purpose and if I was not Asian, would the person ask such question?  Next time I think I will reply, "No, he is Mexican and I married him for the green card."  Feel free to share your thoughts, comments or suggestions.

The bride wears a red dress and elaborate headpiece, and the groom usually wears a sash forming an "X" in front of him.  (Is that like XOXO or to surrender his freedom - haa haa?)  In China (or most Asian country) red symbolizes fertility, happiness, good luck, and of course, marriage.  It just occurs to me what colors do Chinese accountants use to show negative (in the red) and positive (in the black), does anyone have the answer?  

GONE FISHING (TOTA, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?)

Above is a lantern entitled Jiang Tai Gong Fishing.  According to the brochure, Jiang Tai Gong was an expert in military affairs, and hoped that one day he could help overthrow the evil Shang ruler.  He waited patiently, fishing with no hook, believing that the fish would come to him of their own volition when they were ready.  (Please don't try this technique, you would be waiting for a long time!) Eventually he was made prime minister by King Wen of Zhou, who gave him the name Jiang Tai Gong.  He later helped Wen's son, King Wu, overthrow the Shang dynasty.

I am sure you know that the reasons I have not been blogging not because I have gone fishing in Montana or have gone on bass catching trip in Canada.  There is a major fundraising event coming up at my new job and by the time I got home after a hard day of working (or hardly working - haa haa), I did not have much energy left to write or even post cheesy photos (I sure have lot of those)!  Of course, some of you might be aware that the Stanley Cup Finals between the New Jersey Devils v. the Los Angeles Kings are still going on.  The Kings won the first 3 games, the Devils came back strong and won games 4 and 5 to force game 6 back to LA on Monday.  My husband said that I am probably the only person in St. Louis or the entire state of Missouri, still watching hockey.

Also from the brochure - The Shang dynasty lasted from the 16th through the 11th centuries B.C.  The Zhou dynasty lasted from 1046 to 256 B.C.

I have been working 9+ hours almost everyday.  I even worked 6+ hours last Saturday.  At the new job, I am willing to give 100% and remembered from the interview that there would be long hours as part of my responsibilities.  However, at this point in my life, I no longer get excited about the potential of being noticed for possible advancement.  My attitude is "been there done that".  That rat race no longer is part of the competition I want to spend the rest of my life reaching.  In my previous employment, there were many times I put in 60+ hours, weekends, took work home, and always trying to make things better, and after 11 years of dedication, I was thrown off the bridge!

So the lesson for today is to go fishing or do whatever brings you happiness!

GOD AND COUNTRY (2012 MEMORIAL WEEKEND)

I am getting ready to attend the 9:00 a.m. Mass.  It is the only Mass schedule for today.  My husband is driving back to St. Louis from Detroit and he probably won't get home until 8:00 tonight.  I will be taking my sister to the airport for her flight back to Atlanta at 3:00 p.m.   We plan to go to a festival prior to heading to the airport.  We had a good time at the Lantern Festival and also at the Cardinals v. Phillies game last night.  I will be posting lots of photos taken this weekend in future posts.  (Please come back and visit often :) and I promise to share many interesting stories!)

I took the photo below a few months ago when I was asked to help at a 7:00 a.m. Mass.  I am not really a morning-person but I was glad I agreed to be there early because it was completely empty and spiritually beautiful.  People don't normally attend the early Mass and I had to get there 6:45 am to get ready so it felt as if it was just the Lord and me.  After we were done with setting up, I sat and waited.  It was my quiet time with God.  If you are a person of faith, you might share my appreciation of being in the presence of Christ.  On this Memorial Day, let's pray for peace and in rememberance of the men and women who gave their lives and those served and are serving our nation so we could enjoy freedom and liberty.  

YOUR CALL - HEAD OR TAIL (DRAGON SKY - 2012 LANTERN FESTIVAL)

Just a brief note while my sister CH is still sleeping.  We have a full schedule today.  First we will visit the Lavender Farm (Last May when CH was here, we drove to the farm but it closed that weekend and most of lavender was already picked), lunch and back to the house before going to the Lantern Festival at the Garden.  We plan to be at the Garden around 3 to see the lanterns during the day, go to dinner at the Hill and then come back when the Lanterns are lit at 8.  I might have to drop CH off, park at another lot if there is no parking space at the Garden and take the shuttle back.

The airport did a great job with the repair from the tornadoes damage last year (January 2011).  I went straight to C gates out of habit.  The renovation was impressive and the area has a welcoming look.  There was an exhibit of tea pots using different kinds of medium.  Good thing I realized that Delta airlines arrivals are at A gates.  I quickly walked real fast over there and CH flight arrived about 10 minutes early so I did not wait too long (or good thing I was not still waiting at the C gates while CH waited for me at A gates)  After we got to the house, CH kept me company in the backyard while I gave the flowers and the arborville bushes plenty of water.  It is predicted that it would be hot this weekend.  We went to a local Mexican restaurant for dinner.  I even saw Captain BW from the police department there.  He made me feel so proud when he told CH of my involvement with the City.  I got to show off "my hometown" to my sister.  (St. Louis is now officially my 2nd American hometown.  BTW, the New York Rangers - my 1st American hometown team - was eliminated last night.  The New Jersey Devils advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals.  It will be East v. West Coast - NJ Devils v. LA Kings.)  I better stop talking about hockey as it might ruin this weekend with my sister.  (Hey QQ, no politics talking yet so CH and I are ok - haa haa!) 

 

The Flying Apsaras (Above and below) lantern set showcases the beauty of the Chinese fairies, celestial beings in the form of female spirits.  The lanterns are forming an arched way with the flying apsaras surrounded by cloud, weaving colorful flowing dresses, playing musical instruments such as lutes, fifes or small drums.

This week turns out to be very comfortable with cool temperature in the morning and then warm and sunny in the afternoon.  My laptop is giving me trouble again.  It started a month ago when it shut itself off during a virus scan.  At first I thought it was the battery problem.  I removed the battery and just plug the laptop into the outlet.  It worked fine for a few days then the thing just shut down in the middle of a sentence I was composing for this blog.  Perhaps it is time to get a new toy!  Good thing we have the iPad and I could also use my husband desktop.  Technology is a wonderful thing as long as it does not break down. 

There are 150 light bulbs used in this Moonlit Pathway (Above and below) to form a rousing welcome entrance to the festival.  Visitors passing beneath this canopy of stars and moons would feel like royal or someone with lots of wealth and power.

(Above - Lotus Flower on display in the Swift Family Garden, adjacent to the Linnean House)
After the Garden, I headed straight to a local clothing store to participate in a fashion show.  After work on Thursday, I went there to be fitted.  I selected two outfits.  I got to the store with enough time for a facial touch-up and ready for the show at 2pm.  There were about 8 "models".  There was no runway or even a stage.  The store just re-arranged the clothing racks to create enough space for us to walk from the back room to the front of the store, smile, turn around, and walk to the back.  We had to quickly change into the next outfit.  The store manager mentioned the name of each model, explained how the outfit was put together, the price and about special discount of the day.  All the models were geezers like me, no beauty queens there, just ordinary looking women who agreed to participate in the fashion show for the extra discount.  We get 40% of the regular price items or additional 10% for items that are already marked down.  We all had fun during the show and make purchases because we believe that we save 40% and not that we spend 60% on clothing we did not really need! 
(Below - A giant lotus is set in the waters of the Miles Sculpture Garden ponds, between two 60 feet long dragons.    The dragons are created using approximately 40,000 porcelain cooking utensils.  Photos of these porcelain dragons will be in the next post.)

Most people associate cherry blossom with Japan even though cherry trees grow naturally in China.  There are almost 200 cherry trees in the Garden, mostly in the Japanese Garden.  For the Lantern Festival, these Cherry Blossom lanterns line along the path leading into the Chinese Garden.  When illuminated, the light will create a cherry tree with glowing petals in the dark, I can't wait!

THE DRAGONS ARE COMING TO ST. LOUIS - 2012 LANTERN FESTIVAL

 Yesterday, I attended a training session for volunteers at the Missouri Botanical Garden.  It is required for those wishing to assist during the Lantern Festival.  The grand opening will be the Memorial weekend and runs thru August 19th.  The Chinese Festival is scheduled the same weekend. 

After the training, I walked around the garden and took photos of all 26 lanterns.  I can't wait to see the lanterns when they are lit.  For more information about the Lantern Festival, please visit www.mobot.org and good luck if you have not gotten your tickets for the opening weekend. 

Come back often, I promise to post photos of all the lanterns during the day and at night after the grand opening.

THE AFTER PHOTOS

Here are the AFTER photos after we cleaned the area by the "great wall" and planted nine of the arborvitae along the fence.  We also moved the eagle to the center from the southeast corner.  We learned that these shrubs are normally found in eastern Canada.  (Maybe I would find a hockey puck in one of the shrub!)  The shrubs are about 6 ft tall, just enough to provide screening.  I think we are done with all the projects for the backyard for now. 

THURSDAY RAMBLINGS - RUNNING WITH MY SISTER

My sister is coming in for the Lantern Festival on display at the Missouri Botanical Garden.  It would be just us "girls" because my husband will be driving to Detroit to visit his sister who has been suffering from manic depression since her divorce.  It worked out that we both got to spend special time with our sisters.  I visited CH in November after she moved to Atlanta last year (September 2011).  This will be the 4th time CH visits St. Louis.  The 1st time was in 1996 to see the exhibit of Lewis and Clark bicentennial expedition.  We drove to Memphis and Nashville when CH came to visit last year.  We had a great time at the Grand Ole Opry.

CH is my only sister and 4 years younger.  Our childhood was different because we did not do most of the regular things sisters would do since CH was born with muscular dystrophy.  She did not walk on her own until she was almost 7 years old.  What CH lacks physically, she made up for having a brilliant mind.  Growing up, CH was unable to go to school but I was able to provide regular lessons based on the curriculum I had learned.  By the time CH was able to walk and began to attend school, she not only was placed in the grade according to her age but was much more advanced than other kids.  From the time we came to America, CH has taken full advantage of all the benefits available.  CH graduated among the top of her class, earned a full scholarship to Hunter College, and another full scholarship from New York University for her graduate degree.  CH has always been an indepedent person.  She never allowed physical difficulties became the barriers of her goals to live life to the fullest.  CH has travelled to all the countries in Europe, Russia, enjoyed many cruises and visited most of the States.  A smart investor, CH was able to make wise decision when she purchased a condo in Park Slope, New York and again in Atlantic Station, Atlanta.  I am proud of my sister and her accomplishments.  CH is an example of the strength of human spirit to overcome obtacles and what the American Dream offers to those willing to do what it takes to reach their goals.  I look forward to spending quality time with my sister.  Just hope we don't get into the subject of politics and which direction America should be moving forward in the coming (election) years!    

THE BEFORE PHOTOS

Our backyard faces a rather busy two-lane secondary road.  The speed limit has been kept at 25-30 mph because there are three schools, a daycare center and two parks along this stretch between two major roads.  I was among the residents who spoke at a public hearing against extending the road to four lanes and increasing the speed limit to 35-40.  Our main reasons were the safety of the children.  Kids walking home from school and riding their bicycles to the parks.  Increasing the speed limit would encourage some motorists to zoom thru our streets.  Two years ago I my husband built the brick wall to replace the old rotten railroad tires along the fence.  The bushes have become overgrown.  Whether looking out the kitchen window or sitting in the patio, we notice that there are many walkers and runners passing by.  If we wanted to, sometimes we could hear the conversations between two slow walkers.

This year, we finally cleared all the bushes as you could see from the above photo.  Cutting the limbs into manageable size took almost the whole Saturday afternoon, a few hours on Monday evening and ten yard waste bags to get it all accomplished.  Are you ready for the "after photos"?

FLOWERS IN THE SKY

This is sort-of a Friday Sky post - I hope you like my "artistic" method of photographing the flowers.  If you know what kind of flowers these are, please share with me and other readers.

We have been enjoying comfortable sunny weather all week long.  It is a nice change compared to all the storms that came thru our area a few weeks ago.  You might have heard about the terrible accident of the collapsed beer tent that killed one person and injured many others.  The man who died was looking forward to his daughter's wedding.  My husband has an expression "we are on vacation" whenever he wanted to do something that I thought too costly or that we should wait.  I used to think that he was just being silly.  Now I live each day as if I was on vacation.  It does not have to be spending money to accumulate earthly possession, just relax and "don't sweat the small stuff".  Every day is a good day for celebration because you don't know what tomorrow might bring.  Perhaps in my old age, I learned not to allow little things or anyone get to me. 
There is a really nice park near my new workplace.  I tried going there during lunch and walked around the park for about 20 minutes.  The park has a nice playground and there are always kids playing while their parents watching.  There are a few group of office workers, mostly women, that are regular visitors/walkers.  The area around my new office has variety of restaurants, plenty of stores, and many specialty shops.  The best part is a public library branch located within walking distance and I have been going there often.  A Happy Mother's Day if you are mothers and have a good weekend to everyone else!

BLUE MONDAY (THANK GOD IT'S MONDAY)

"Don't you hate Monday", a co-worker grumbled as he walked by my corner.  I responded, "No, I am just glad that I am alive and working!"  If I am financially able, I would rather not working, especially in an office environment being surrounded by imcompetent, dishonest people and when you have no respect for those you report to.   I would rather spend my time traveling, doing volunteer work or just doing what I enjoy.  But since I need an income, I am trying to make the best of the situation.  At my current employment, things are much better compared to my previous workplace.  I am learning new skills and there is potential for growth within the organization.  So for now, I am happy where I am, considering the "stormy" journey that began last June (2011).  Be patient my readers, I promise I will share the details when the time is right. 

Blue Monday
No use in my going
Downtown to work today,
It's eight
I'm late -
And it's marked down that-a-way.
Saturday and Sunday's
Fun to sport around,
But no use denying -
Monday'll get you down.
That old blue Monday
Will surely get you down.  (Langston Hughes 1902-1967)

Until I win the Mega Million jackpot, I would no other option but keep working.  So I will try to make the best of it.  There is no use in whinning all the time.  If you hate Monday, try to think that only four more days and it will be weekend again!                                                                                                     

SUNNY SUNDAY

It was a sunny Sunday with temperature in the high 90s.  It was not comfortable as yesterday because of the humidity.  After 10:15 Mass, we decided to visit the Apple Store as we have been considering the iPhone.  We are not happy with the current phone carrier which I will not mention the name of the company here.  The contract will expire in October, so we will have to wait.  We don't want to pay any penalty for breaking the contract.

After lunch, I planned to spend time outside reading but it was too hot.  The patio looks so nice with all the hanging baskets of flowers.  I stayed inside where it was cool and watched the Blues v. Kings game instead.  The Kings swept the series 4-0.  It must be a long and torturing flights for the Blues from L.A. back to St. Louis.  Later, I watched the Devils v. Flyers and I was happy that the Devils won.  It was Martin Brodeur's 40th birthday and he assisted on a goal so it was a good birthday for him.  It was a good and productive weekend.  I am ready for Monday, back to the rat race!