Wanda's art class 8 / 汪達的美術課 8

阿姨家來了個小貴客，是生重病的六歲男孩，想到他的人生也許就這樣，心裡不禁難過。中午又和美燕提到親人生病的話題，她說覺得自己面對疾病死亡是何等渺小，我說是啊，但我們要因為自己目前還可以照顧別人感到幸運。

My aunt is hosting a young guest, a six-year-old terminally ill boy. Sadness creeps into my heart when I  think that he won't be able to grow up like our boys. This noon Meiyen mentioned the topic of seeing our family tortured by disease. She feels very tiny when faced with illness and death. I replied, "Yes, but meanwhile we should feel lucky about having the ability to take care of others."

晚上上美術課時，小方和我說第一天上學的生活，他和新同學打招呼，有些人沒有回應他，本來想要安慰他，他自己笑笑說，可是有的人有理我。我們不是熱情的笨蛋，我們只是勇敢地先打開心，看到他很大方的樣子，我真以他為傲。

In our art class today, Von shared his first day at school. He greeted his new classmates, but some didn't  say hello back. I was afraid his fragile heart was bruised, but he took it in stride, saying, "But some did talk to me." We are not brainless idiots fully of passion. We happen to be the brave ones who warm up to others first. Seeing him so mature, I couldn't help feeling proud of him. 

嘴甜的楷維邊畫邊討我歡心，喃喃自語地念著：汪達姨，明天我要回家了，我會很想你，我很愛你。我雖然被打動了，仍舊假裝不以為然地回答：你愛的人可多了呢！數來聽聽有誰？果然是一長串！既然阿長就坐在我們旁邊，我和楷維低語：說你愛乾阿公啊！這小子示愛非常大方，接著又去討愛雪開心。

Kai, who is very good at sweet talk, drew and murmured, "Auntie Wanda, I am going home tomorrow. I will miss you. I really really love you." Though I was moved, I pretended to be detached and teased him, "There are so many people you love. Name them." He did end up reciting the names of our big family. Since Dad was sitting next to us, I whispered in Kai's ear, "Say you love your god granddad." Kai didn't feel shy about expressing his feeling at all, and after that, he went on to please his god grandma. 

當下我得到答案。

It was at that moment that I saw the answer. 

我問楷維愛不愛小男孩和小男孩的媽媽，他說愛啊，我靈機一動，做了幾張卡片，請楷維快遞，我和楷維強調：你送信的時候要說我愛你喔，這是你的想法，汪達姨只是幫你做出來。可愛的楷維邊跑回家邊大叫：我愛你卡片來囉！

I then asked Kai if he loves the little boy and his mom. He said, "I do!" It occurred to me to make some cards and ask the delivery boy Kai for help. I emphasized, "You have to say 'I love you!' when you give them the cards. This is your idea. Auntie Wanda just carried out it for you." Kai, the most adorable boy I have ever seen, ran home with the cards shouting, "I-love-you cards are coming!" 

即使我只是個陌生人，面對疾病和死亡，我還是想要獻上溫暖的擁抱。因為抵不過人生，不如用明亮地、深情地、感恩地方式說我愛你，起碼我們可以在悲傷的深谷裡看到一小盞橙黃的燈，知道我們並不孤單。

Even though I am just a stranger, I still feel like offering a warm hug when witnessing others' misery. I know we can never win in the race against life, so why not say "I love you!" loudly, sentimentally, or thankfully? At least we will see a small glow of light in the dark valley of sadness, knowing that we are not alone. 

這是一個三歲小孩教我的事。

This is the lesson a three-year-old boy taught me. 

Wanda's art class 7 / 汪達的美術課 7

摺紙不是我的強項，但因為每天的美術課要求新求變，我不替自己設限，而男孩們看到網路上摺紙恐龍的圖片也相當興奮。

I am no expert in origami. However, there has to be some variety in our daily art class. I don't want to impose any boundary on myself. Besides, the boys were thrilled upon seeing the origami dinosaurs on the Web.

我們從簡單的恐龍做起，看起來還挺像樣的。

We started from very basic origami dinosaurs, which looked quite impressive for beginners. 

不過我們想要做進階一點的恐龍時卻遇到挫折，這時我說不如來作骨頭恐龍好了。

However, when we attempted to try the advanced version, we encountered setbacks. At this point I declared, "Why don't we draw dinosaurs with colored bones?" 

孩子們很隨和，也跟著我瞎起鬨。因為這個日本色紙很高級，隨便做隨便好看。

The kids were very easygoing. They had no doubt about my words. Because the Japanese origami paper is very pricey, it makes the images look good whatever we do. 

這個美術課可是我每天辛苦上班的原因啊！

This art class is my greatest comfort after a day's hard work! 

there is only love / 就抱著愛吧！

最近在讀「這一年過得還不錯」，作者為一年十二個月份訂了不同主題，每個月針對一個主題自我改善，提高快樂感，在第二章的婚姻關係，她提到有位朋友雖然老闆很難搞，但朋友的心態是：就抱著愛吧！因為這樣的出發點，少掉了很多抱怨。

I've been reading The Happiness Project. The author Gretchen Rubin made a chart for twelve months, in each of which she had to tackle different subjects to improve herself and enhance the sense of happiness. In the second chapter on marriage, she mentioned a friend who had a difficult boss, but she convinced herself, "There is only love." Because of her mindset, she didn't complain.

今天收到溫迪從倫敦寄來的訊息，說她正在聽昆丁布雷克和陳志勇的演講，身邊還圍繞著出版商，只是讀她簡單地幾句話，我也覺得開心，雖然我已經不活在那個空間裡。但是過去的這一年很多時候畫畫的動機不是想讓別人印象深刻，就是想要得到書商的青睞，好不容易這一個月可以只是因為高興而畫圖，對我來說我也再度有所得。

Today I received a message from Wen Dee in London. She was listening to a talk given by Quentin Blake and Shaun Tan, surrounded by publishers. The short message elated me, though I no longer live in that world. During the past year, I drew because I wanted either to impress others or to win a book contract. Finally I can draw again simply because I feel happy. For me, I feel I have regained something I lost.

其實「就抱著愛吧！」看似沒有企圖心，但這是所有成功背後的最大動力啊！

The starting point "there is only love" seems insignificant, but it is actually the biggest impetus behind all sorts of success!

Wanda's art class 6 / 汪達的美術教室 6

楷維和汪達繪 / by Kai and Wanda 

思維和汪達繪 / by Von and Wanda

恐龍把倫敦吃掉了！

The dinosaurs EAT UP London!

Wanda's art class 5 / 汪達的美術課 5

和男孩們讀了好幾次「開貨車的男人」，很想試試看這本書的形式，剛好週末要和吳妞妞小妹見面，我決定來個外帶的美術課。

After having read Munari's l'uomo del camion, I was really tempted to try the format of this book. I knew I would meet up a pretty little girl on the weekend, so I decided to have a takeout art class. 

同時我也想來個實驗，假如一個小朋友對繪本和畫畫有興趣，那麼關於個性上的問題是否可以透過繪本改善呢？我因此特地為妞妞做了個人專屬繪本。

Meanwhile I'd love to make an experiment. If a child is interested in picture books and drawing, then can we try to modify his or her behavior through picture books? I thus made a personalized picture book for Nio. 

越做越開心，便為繪本做了封套。

I got so carried away that I made a book bag for the book. 

The Listening Princess 

story and illustration by Weichuen You 

Nio is different from other princesses in that she doesn't chatter on and on. 

Nio knows that she has to be quiet and listen really hard to hear many things. 

For example. She can hear Dad's lack of self-confidence, much as he wants to take good care of everyone. 

She can hear Mom's fatigue from work. Sometimes she just wants a hug, but she doesn't say it. 

She can hear her little brother's love for her, despite the fact that he can only grin at her because he hasn't learned to talk yet. 

Having heard these secrets that are not revealed to any other person, Nio decides to give everyone a gift. 

When Dad picks her up from school, Nio holds his hand saying, "Daddy, I worked hard at school today. You have to do your best too ok?" 

Nio waits with the moon for Mom. She wants to welcome her home with a BIG hug! 

Before going to bed, Nio kisses her little brother, whispering in his ear: I love you too. Let's play together in our dreams as well!" 

Dear Nio, now be quiet for ten minutes. What do you hear from your mom, dad and brother? Draw it in the blank space on the right-side page. 

朋友們本來看到快要流眼淚，看到最後一頁的習題紛紛爆笑，他們說：為什麼老師本色又冒出來了？

My friends were almost moved to tears, but upon reading the exercise on the last page, they couldn't help bursting into crazy laughter. They asked, "Why can't you stop being a teacher?" 

終於我又可以畫圖畫得理直氣壯，所以睡了一晚起來又加了新想法。

Finally I feel free in drawing again. After a night's sleep, a new idea occurred to me, and I couldn't help further developing it. 

我替妞妞準備多餘的紙，讓她可以把無聲不能說話的物品貼起來，因為我覺得有很多美好的事物如太陽月亮星星山脈花朵等等都是安靜的，希望妞妞可以懂這個練習的重點。

I prepared extra paper for Nio so that she could do collage with shapes that stand for things/objects that don't make any sound. A lot of beautiful things, such as the sun, the moon, stars, mountains, flowers, are silent. I hope Nio gets the point of this exercise. 

這是第一次妞妞和我們吃飯的時候如此安靜專注，真好，我和愛雪說，這本書的代價是過去一年的總和，換算成金錢是一百二十萬台幣，但是我好久沒有因為畫圖這麼開心。

This was the first time that Nio remained so engaged and quiet when we ate. So nice. I told Mom that the price for this picture book, translated into monetary value, is 1.2 million NTD, the amount of money  I spent during the past year. But I have not been so happy because of drawing for a while, not even in London. 

朝下一課邁進！

Time for next lesson! 

Wanda's art class 4 / 汪達的美術課 4

美術課的中間休息時間有繪本閱讀的行程，最近男孩們非常喜愛慕那利的「開貨車的男人」，其中一個原因是他們被我的義大利文發音逗得很樂，等到我們校外教學走在路上，看到摩托車和腳踏車也不禁大叫motocicletta、bicicletta！

During the recess of our art class, we have the agenda of reading picture books together. This week the boys take a fancy to Bruno Munari's l'uomo del camion. One of the reasons is that they are tickled by my Italian pronunciation. When we go on short field trips, strolling on the roads, we can't help shouting "motocicletta," "bicicletta!"

昨天看了編班表的小方，一回家便衝來和我報告，看到喜歡的小女生名字，雖然不在同一班，但他還是好高興。因為大人已經無法因為一個人的存在而感到喜悅，我們總要的更多，所以我是那麼喜歡他沒有雜質的快樂。

After finding out which class he'll be in, Von rushed to report to me that he had seen the name of the little girl he has a crush on. Though they are not in the same class, he is still overjoyed. Because I know adults can't just feel satisfied because of the existence of another person, because I know we always ask for more than that, I so love his untainted happiness. 

號稱校外教學的行程只是我去繳費和領書的堂皇藉口，我們三人手牽手走在路上，不一會下起雨來，我們狼狽地奔跑著，此時小方和我豔羨地對阿楷說：你那顆頭真好！都不會溼！本來還有點介意的他說：對啊！好棒！我們在屋簷下躲雨之際，這傢伙以Fred Astaire的姿態衝到雨中興奮地轉起圈圈，配上開懷的笑聲，那真是極美麗的畫面！

Well, the so-called field trip was nothing but a grandiose excuse for my errands. The three of us walked on the busy roads hand in hand. But then we felt raindrops kissing our faces. We picked up the speed and ran for shelter. At this moment, Von and I exclaimed with envy, "Kai, we'd like to have your head. You don't get wet!" Without any previous embarrassment, he replied, "Yes, I love it!" While we were waiting under a roofed building, Kai just ran into the rain turning around as if he were Fred Astaire, laughing that silver-bell laugh only the happiest person in the world is entitled to. What a gorgeous image! 

我的英國財產在海上航行兩個月終於回到我身邊，其中有陪著我走過整趟旅行的小電車和嘉蕊送的小木人。現在我什麼都有了，寂寞和幸福，但是現在的停靠點是後者，所以即使上帝只給我線條和輪廓，我看得到顏色和光亮。

My British possessions, after two months of sailing on the vast sea, have come back to me. Among them are the tram car that accompanied me during the whole journey and the wooden man from Jazel. Now I have everything, loneliness and togetherness, but it is the latter that cradles me now. So even if God shows me just the lines and contours, I can see the colors and the glow. 

Wanda's art class 3 / 汪達的美術課 3

早上聽到細碎的腳步聲，就是孩子們過來說早安，順便問吃完早餐可不可以上美術課。這是楷維的新造型，他還在適應中，我說他的頭型像黃橙橙的滿月，因為我在中秋夜出生，我特別喜歡他那顆飽滿的頭，他說這張照片只能給我看，我偷偷放上來了。

Upon hearing pattering footsteps in the morning, I know it's the kids coming over to say good morning. They will make sure that we have art class immediately after breakfast. This is Kai's new hairstyle. He's still making efforts to get used to it. I say, "Your head is as beautiful as a golden full moon. Since I was born on a full-moon night, I especially love your round head." He says this photo is only between me and him, but I still can't help posting it. 

雖然在倫敦讀的是插畫，我在美術教育方面好像也得到了靈感，孩子們就位之後，我很認真地說：今天我們要替汪達姨的新學生準備三樣見面禮，你們兩個非常重要，下個星期我給姐姐這些禮物時，會讓她們知道我有很棒的小幫手。其實我是把自己該做的工作下放。

Though I studied illustration in London, I am inspired when it comes to art education. When the boys take their seats, I make a serious announcement, "Today our task is to prepare three gifts for my new students. You two are very important. Next week when I give them the gifts, I 'll mention that I had two fantastic assistants. Well, I am actually being lazy by having the boys do part of the work for me. 

三歲的楷維穩定度沒有哥哥高，但今天居然一路把工作完成，讓我幫他積了點數。

The three-year-old Kai can't concentrate as much as his elder brother, but he finishes the work all the way, and I end up giving him a big brownie point. 

我的學生今天名單就出來了，他們不知道已經有閃亮亮的小禮在等著。我媽怎會把我生得這麼有愛心啊？

The list of students that made their way to my class is announced today. They certainly don't know there are already shiny gifts waiting for them. Why did my mom put so much love in me when she gave birth to me? 

我們一邊畫一邊聊天，我和小方說：你去小學一定要和同學說你有個年輕漂亮的阿姨。他說：對，而且是個美術老師。我回答：不是啦，是英文老師。於是我們又學學單字來著，說來我算是非常高級的家教。

We draw and chat at the same time. I say to Von: When you go to school, you have to tell your classmates that you have a "young and beautiful" aunt. He replies: Yes, and also an art teacher. I go on to clarify: No, an English teacher. So it doesn't make sense if we don't learn some English words. I count as a very high-class tutor don't I... 

好些朋友問我回來之後過得好不好，我總是說：在這裡我是被愛著的。

Several friends asked me if I am doing well after coming back. I always gave the same answer: I am loved here... 

看看小方六歲的手寫字體，他一張一張畫了三十次，那是多有手感的筆跡啊！

Look at Von's six-year-old handwriting. He draws "Thank you!" for thirty times. How idiosyncratic it is!

Wanda's art class 2 / 汪達的美術課 2

小方下個星期要上小學，現在儼然是個小大人，從我們和書上得到許多知識，這應該是值得高興的事，可是同時有些東西不見了。

Von is going to start his elementary school life next week. He is a miniature adult now, having absorbed all sorts of knowledge from us and books. This should call for a celebration, but meanwhile, something is missing.

小楷三歲兩個月，最近突然變得很禮貌成熟，小朋友每天用快速的腳步往前邁進，大人要很敏感才能觀察到他們的獲得和失去。

Kai is three years and two months old. Lately he has become quite polite and mature. Children stride into adulthood at such a lightning pace that adults have to be very observant to see what they have gained and lost.

因為我一直覺得自己出生時就是個中年人，自以為比其他的小朋友成熟，一直到長大之後才知道我沒有他們的自由心靈，那是多麼可憐的事。所以當別人長大的同時，我學著當小孩，而且我要幫孩子們抓住那一份自由。

Born with a middle-aged mindset, I always looked at other kids with a little bit of disdain and indifference. It was not until I became an adult that I realized how pathetic it was to live without their free mind. So when others learn to become grown-ups, I learn to be a child. And I want to help children hold onto that freedom.

「想像力比知識重要。」—愛因斯坦

Imagination is more important than knowledge.   by Einstein 

I / 我

Wanda's art class 1 / 汪達的美術課 1

特別的星期日，上了十一個小時的班，回家之後男孩們苦苦地問什麼時候可以過來畫畫，我說再給我一點時間。

Today is a special Sunday. I worked for 11 hours. After coming home, the boys came eagerly to ask when they could come over to draw. I told them to give me some more time.

美術課從九點半開始，我們在書房裡塗塗抹抹，對我來說這是今天最平靜美好的一刻，孩子們也很開心。

The art class started around nine thirty p.m. We doodled and smudged in the study. For me, this was the most peaceful moment of the day. I could see that the boys truly enjoyed it too.

最近阿楷不乖，只要我說出：你不能來上畫畫課了，他馬上知錯改過。我很高興除了我之外，孩子們也懂畫圖的動人之處。

Lately if Kai hasn't behaved himself, I'll threaten him by saying he can't come to our art class. The strategy works like magic. I am so glad that the boys know the charm of drawing.

還有我們在一起的簡單喜悅。

And the pure joy of our being together...

Things that make me happy / 開心

早晨六點的陽台風景。

The balcony at six a.m.

早晨六點半的繽紛呼喚。

Colorful calls at six thirty a.m.

NO such thing / 沒有這回事

一、

開始上班之後畫圖的時間變得很壓縮，可是越是這樣越想畫。今天因為趕著要去上班，早起吃完早餐立刻來畫很想做的立體卡片，畫得很愉快，但等到快畫完才發現畫反了。唉，我好像很少有計算縝密的人生啊！

Part I

After I started working, I do not have so much free time at my disposal. But the less time I have, the more I want to draw. This morning I have to leave for work, so I got up early and had breakfast quickly just to draw the background of a pop-up card I'd like to try. I really enjoyed myself. It was not until I almost finished it that I realized I had drawn on the wrong side! Sigh...I hardly have carefully-made plans carried out in the exactly same ways as I'd like to.

沒關係，明天這張圖就會變成男孩們的週末禮物！

It's alright. Tomorrow this mistake will become the boys' weekend surprise!

二、

週五晚上剪恐龍剪到十一點，男孩們得用力找恐龍並且數數，今天家裡的屋頂又會被掀開了！

Part II

I was making the paper-cut dinosaurs until eleven p.m. on Friday night. Today the boys will have to look hard for them and count the number. There'll be a merry mess in the house today!