English Afternoon Tea Birthday Party / 英式下午茶的生日派對

今年的生日很平靜，不像過往幾年的毛躁，所以能訴諸言語的東西不多，卻比之前沉靜堅定。

Unlike the past few years, I am in an extremely zen state this fall. There seems nothing much for me to put into words; yet, I know I have taken another giant step upward in terms of emotional maturity.

昨天上課的時候，講到一半便神秘地對大家說，「明天要帶美麗的茶杯來上學，上課之前要裝滿熱水。」有人忍不住想繼續問下去，我說，就把驚喜留給明天吧！

Yesterday in the middle of the class, I declared mysteriously, “Everyone has to bring a beautiful teacup to school tomorrow, and fill it with hot water before I come in.” Some couldn’t keep their curiosity capped in the bottle, but I prefer to leave the surprise for today so that there is something to look forward to.

生日願望再簡單不過，希望可以一直畫畫，明年的這個時候在英國畫畫。

My birthday wish can’t be more simple: I’d like to keep drawing seriously. Hopefully, I’ll be drawing in the U.K. at this time next year.

謝謝在遠方祝福我的朋友，在我心裡，我們也是這樣邊喝水果茶邊吃蘇格蘭餅，邊聊著生活和期望。

Many thanks to those dear friends far away who’ve sent their best wishes. In my mind’s eye, we also chat about life and dreams over fruit tea and Scottish shortbread to celebrate my humble but cheerful existence.