Miss Moon 2 / 思思與月亮 2

拖了三個月，我終於送印有名字的書檔，雖然只是小小的五個字，卻有非凡的意義。書印出來和老闆詢問印刷的問題，他說其實很多數位印刷的問題是大量印刷可以避免的，我說：再給我一點時間，有一天我一定有機會的。

I put off sending to print the book version with my name on it for three months. Though they are only five small words, they make a whole world's difference. When I pick the books, I inquire about some printing problems with the printing shop technician. He says many problems of digital printing can be avoided in traditional printing. I said, "OK, give me some time. I'll get the opportunity to have my work printed in huge numbers."

        我也在自己的書櫃裡了，想著我的書對其他世界級的繪本說：初次見面你好！

   I find myself in my bookshelf, imagining my book saying to other world-class books: Nice to meet you! 

        不知道有沒有機會和全世界說這本書的故事，是八歲的小方睡不著的故事，他在睡前總想著各種擔心，甚至擔憂以後會不會結婚，有自己的孩子，雖然我自己都還沒實現同樣的願望，我卻可以堅定地和他說，一定沒有問題的！朋友在試讀的時候紛紛說這是他們最喜歡的圖，我想其中有我無限的想望和祝福吧！

   I don't know if I'll get a chance to tell the world about the book. It's a story about the eight-year-old Von, who can't fall asleep. He tosses and turns at night because of all sorts of worries. He even worries if he'll get married and have his own children in the future. Though I am still single with no children, I have the firm faith that he will. When my friends read the book, they find the picture their favorite. I bet it's because they can feel my longings and best wishes too! 

相關故事 / related post entries: 

小方的生日禮物 / Von's eight-year-old birthday gift

楷維的監督 / Kai was a strict supervisor 

終於把書送出去了 /  I finally sent the book to the competition 

Stone Soup study club 5 / 石頭湯讀書會之五

今天的主講者是著作等身的科幻作家黃海老師，因為我小時候對科學不是很有興趣，所以很少涉獵科幻類小說，但是聽了老師的講課，又再次明白，無論是哪一類的寫作，基本精神都是一樣的，而科幻文學的想像更是浩瀚，所以這兩個小時裡有好幾次下巴差點掉下來，老師舉的許多中外作品例子實在太有趣了。

Today our guest speaker is Mr. Hai Huang, who is a productive sci-fi writer. Not very interested in science, I didn't particularly go for sci-fi fiction. However, after the lecture, it dawns on me again that all roads lead to Rome. In whichever genre of writing, the underlying principles are the same. In fact, it requires even more imagination to write sci-fi fiction. My jaw is about to drop several times during the talk because the examples given by Mr. Huang are way too fascinating. 

        在科幻創作中，特別強調想像力的合理性，而許多科幻作品的想像後來都變成人類生活的真實，如果未能有科學的背書，就會較偏向奇幻文學。科幻常用的主題有穿越劇，包括時間和空間上的穿越，從以前的作家開始，就已經有旅行到外太空的想法，並且對於其他星球的生物有各式的想像；人和動物之間可以互相轉換形式，或者人類可以跨越生死的限制，身體和靈魂也可以分開。

   In sci-fi fiction, scientific logical reasoning is especially emphasized. As a matter of fact, many sci-fi novels later become the reality. Yet, if the idea is not backed up by science, then the work should be categorized as a fantasy story. Time machines are a main theme as well as traveling both inside the human world and to the universe. Also, since a long time ago, writers have had diverse ideas about creatures from outer space. Moreover,  men and animals are interchangeable in form, or human beings can cross the  boundary between life and death. Our soul doesn't necessarily have to dwell in our physical bodies. It can take its own adventures as well.  

        從古到今的科幻作品中，其實主要的理念不斷地被借用重複，每個作者加上自己的想法，黃海老師說：著作權法保護的是作者的表達方式，而非他們的觀點。這也是我去英國讀書時學到最重要的事，參考別人的作品不是抄襲，而是發展想法的過程。

   Some themes are constantly borrowed and re-developed throughout history. Every author comes up with their own perspective to create their version of story. Mr. Huang says: What the copyright protects is the author's way of expression instead of their viewpoint. This is also one major lesson I learned when I studied in Camberwell. It's part of the idea-developing process to collect information and references. 

        老師說話有種令人放鬆的風格，我不自主地畫起速寫，有些同學像我一樣，每週都來上課，我覺得特別令我敬佩的是帶著孩子的媽媽，而有些是選擇主題來上的人，這樣我們也上了五週的課。今年是很棒的一年，而參加石頭湯讀書會是最棒的事情之一，我因此更清楚如何讓想像力遨遊；兒童文學協會也有很多繪本的收藏，每週末我總會翻一些書來看，因而能更堅定我的目標。

   Mr. Huang has a very relaxing style of speech, so I can't help but start to sketch. Some people come to the gatherings every week like me. I find some young mothers very impressive for they always bring along their children faithfully. The others choose their favorite lessons and come whenever they'd like to. It's kind of hard to imagine that we've attended five weeks of classes. 

   This year is a great year, and coming to the Stone Soup study club is one of the best things. I have thus learned how to set free my imagination. There are amazing book collections, so every Saturday I'll read some picture books to remind myself of my goal again and again. 

        黃海老師一生都在筆耕，做了幾十年對於科幻總有無比的熱情，我也要一直這樣生活！

   Mr. Huang devotes his whole life to writing, and he's still full of passion for sci-fi fiction. I'd love to live in the same way too! 

Banana chocolate birthday party / 香蕉巧克力生日派對

一根香蕉可以做什麼？可以成為生日派對的主題！

What can a banana do? It can be the theme of a merry birthday party!

讓我的香蕉巧克力小猴先獻上歡樂的生日禮物！

First let my Banana Chocolate Monkey  present the wonderful birthday gift! 

再來「婆娑咖啡」的招牌香蕉薄餅，總要開開心心地增長年歲啊！

And we'll top it off with the banana crepe of Canopy Cafe. As we all have to age, why don't we age with joy and grace? 

A HUGE LEAP / 一大步

今天收到信誼的掛號信之前，心想：之前沒有入圍的信也都是這麼薄薄一張‧‧‧‧‧‧不過打開之後在電梯裡只差沒跳了起來，這是我第四次參加信誼的繪本比賽，終於入圍了，雖然不知道能不能進入最後兩終兩名，但對我來說已經是很大的一步。

Before I opened the registered mail from Hsin Yi Foundation, I thought, "The rejection slips from the past few years were also this thin ... " But the surprise this time really made my day. This is my fourth time participating in the contest, and my work is finally shortlisted this year. Though I don't know if I'll make it to the final two, for me, this is already such a HUGE leap.

        雖然我不是天才型的繪本家，但慢慢地，也開始找到了方向，不過我覺得更重要的是企圖心，最近隨著春天的到來，我又有了新的動力，從現在開始，我要更義無反顧地把寫繪本和畫繪本這件事做好，我想我會離目標越來越近，我相信在多元的市場裡一定有我的位置！

   Compared with excellent picture book makers, I was not born with the talent. However, slowly, I've found my direction. With the coming of spring, I've found new impetus. From now on, I will work harder to write and draw picture books. I feel that I am getting closer and closer to my goal and that there will be a place for me in the diverse market!

Banana cake & Bananaman / 香蕉蛋糕和香蕉俠

昨天才赫然發現，原來已經有香蕉俠了，他是英國人，是小學生「膽小鬼艾力克」的化身，而且2015年就會推出電影版，我還真喜歡他的造型，看來為了不侵權，我只好為我的英雄改個名字。

I was stunned yesterday when I found that Bananaman has already existed! He is a British hero created in 1980, the double of the schoolboy Eric Wimp. And the movie will come out in 2015. I can't resist his hilarious look. However, not to infringe on the copyright, I'll have to change the name of my banana hero. 

        最近打著要尋找靈感的名號，買了之前不會亂買的東西，例如說昨天信步走進一家日本零食店，看到香蕉蛋糕，眼睛一眨也一眨地就買了，因為我想這應該可以放在故事裡。

   Lately I've bought stuff I wouldn't in the name of looking for inspirations. For example, I accidentally walked into a store selling Japanese snacks yesterday. Upon seeing the banana cake, I immediately checked it out. Maybe I can use the idea in my story. 

        香蕉俠只要吃香蕉就可以恢復體力，我想他應該也不會拒絕香蕉蛋糕吧！

   Bananaman restores energy by eating bananas, but I guess he probably won't say no to the aromatic and yummy banana cakes! 

        最後再來點武器的研究，看看我的香蕉俠要如何打倒壞人。現在只要心情不陽光，來點畫香蕉療法馬上奏效，香蕉真是救人的法寶啊！

   Last but not least, I'd like to study how bananas work as a weapon. Now whenever I do not feel upbeat, the banana-drawing therapy works miracles. The fruit is really my life savior! 

Stone Soup study club 4 / 石頭湯讀書會之四

今天波隆那插畫展在義大利開跑了，雖然只能在這裡想望，我也要再接再厲才行。

Today Bologna Book Fair 2014 has started. Though I can only think of it here, the thought motivates me to work harder. 

        石頭湯讀書會的第四堂課由蔡淑媖老師帶領大家認識聲音，老師說身體是我們的樂器，我們要好好使用各部位，知道如何發出好聽的聲音才能說好聽的故事。小嬰兒在學會說話之前都在做聆聽的動作，所以大人得給幼兒好的詞句，這樣小朋友才說出好東西。

   In the fourth lesson of Stone Soup study club today, Ms. Shu-ing Tsai teaches everyone how to know our own voice. She says that our body is our organ and that we should learn to use every part well. In fact, only when we make good sounds can we tell good stories. Before infants learn to talk, they are accumulating the input adults give. Thus, grown-ups should feed them with well-written stories. 

        聽老師演講同時，我想到自己對於聲音和聽覺一直是很不重視的，即使我在工作中得大量使用喉嚨，我完全沒有在保養，而我也不常聽自己說話，所以我在思考寫故事時鮮少用到聽覺。

   While I am listening to the talk, I realize that I tend to ignore my own voice and hearing. Even though I am required to talk a lot at work, I never take good care of my throat. Nor do I listen to myself. That's why I hardly employ the auditory description when writing. 

        老師又教我們如何發出不同動物的叫聲，因為老師小時候在鄉下長大，對於動物叫聲有細微的觀察，連同一種動物的老少聲音都有明顯的不同，我們很努力地學著用腹部發聲，但我覺得自己放不開，在這方面我還得好好練習。

   Ms. Tsai also demonstrates how to make sounds of different animals. Because she grew up in the country, she had very keen observation. She can even show the sound differences between the old and the young of the same animal. We try our best to make sounds with our stomachs, but I am too self-aware. I still need a lot of practice in this aspect. 

        從現在起，我要走出平面式的故事，盡量用五感來形容畫面。

   From now on, my stories will no longer be visual. I will make use of the five senses to enrich the text and pictures. 

Banana Man / 香蕉俠

我畫香蕉欲罷不能，但同時覺得應該要有一些新的發展，之前男孩們每天找我玩正義聯盟，所以我對這些英雄們久而久之也有些了解，於是便想要惡搞他們的造型，邊畫還不停邊喃喃為何英雄們都得穿緊身衣和靴子，這大概是男孩們的fantasy吧！

I am addicted to drawing bananas, but meanwhile I would like to further develop the idea. A while ago the boys were really into role-play. They especially loved the heroes of Justice League. In the end I came to gain a basic understanding of the roles because of them, and it occurred to me to draw the parodied versions. It's funny that the heroes are all dressed in tights and boots, which is probably most boys' fantasy!

Stone Soup study club 3 / 石頭湯讀書會之三

跳過了上週末下雨的大龍峒之旅，我直接來到石頭湯讀書會的第三次聚會，由黃惠綺老師主講日本繪本，今天的主題是春天。看到老師帶來一大皮箱的日本繪本，我便興奮不已。第一個故事是有關於宅急便先生如何把包裹裡的春天送給住在深山的小朋友們，一邊看美麗的圖片，聽老師念很溫柔的日文，真的是視覺和聽覺的享受。

Having skipped the second gathering of Stone Soup study club last weekend, I came directly to the third lesson, which was hosted by Ms. Hui-chi Huang on the topic of spring in Japanese picture books. I felt all worked up upon seeing her come in with a suitcase filled with picture books. The first book is about how a delivery man drives all the way into a small snowy town in the mountains to deliver packages of spring to children. It was a visual and audio feast to look at the fantastic images and hear the teacher recite in soft Japanese. 

        而這本叫做「野狼飛起來了」的繪本則是作者在某個暴風夜的體驗，故事有關小朋友在風雨交加的夜裡感到不安，作者設計很多動物角色，讓情節充滿想像力，是很迷人的一本書。

   This book titled The Flying Wolf derived from the author's personal experience on a stormy night. It talks about children's anxiety on such a night. She designed many animal roles to make the plot really interesting. Because the style of illustrations really speak to me, I find it to be irresistible.  

        這本以蘋果爲主題的繪本非常天馬行空，一小男孩看到桌上的蘋果之後開始發想，也許蘋果並不是蘋果，可能是內部是葡萄的蘋果，這世界上可能是由蘋果外星人組成的，讀這本書可以完全解放我們的想像力。

   This book based on the theme of an apple is super imaginative. The story starts with a little boy wondering if the apple on the table is really an apple. He wonders it might be an apple with something else inside. Or this world might be full of appliens. It is said the book sold extremely well in Japan. 

        至於這本以免洗筷爲主角的故事，是說一雙叫瓦利的筷子很希望自己被顧客拿來使用，但始終沒有人注意到他，於是他開始一連串的逃亡去不同的餐廳和住家，繪者很厲害地賦予一雙筷子諸多表情和性格，非常可愛的一本書。

   The story in this picture book features a pair of disposable chopsticks named Wally. He wants to be used by customers badly, but no one notices him. He is so desperate that he decides to seek a new chance in other restaurants. The illustrator gave so much life to Wally that it's just impossible for the reader not to love the book. 

        每次去上課都會遇到很有元氣的阿姑，我突然發現她也有順手塗鴉的習慣。

   Every time I run into the energetic lady, and it wasn't until this weekend that I discovered that she has the habit of drawing sketches. 

        後來和阿姑聊才發現，原來她覺得自己忘得很快，但如果有記錄下當時的畫面，就可以保存一點記憶。阿姑還毫不吝嗇地把很多作品和我分享，是非常開朗的人喔！

   In my later conversations with her, she explained that now she forgets easily, but if she makes an effort to sketch, she will get to keep something in her memory. She even shared her works with me. Her optimism is contagious. 

        櫻花是日本繪本中的一大主題，老師也分享好幾本關於季節更迭、生命循環的好書，後面的幾本書都是走畫功路線。

   Cherry flowers are a major theme in Japanese picture books. The teacher also introduced several good books about seasonal change and life cycle. These books impressed me not only with their stories but also with the sophisticated drawing skills of the illustrators. 

        而這本關於死亡的書讀起來令人很有感覺，作者以真誠寫實的口吻討論很重大的議題，繪者的功力也很驚人，聽完故事之後讓我久久不能自已。

   This book about death made a lot of think. The author discusses death in a genuine and realistic tone. The illustrator also did a wonderful job. A lot of us still wanted to talk more about it afterwards. 

        雖然我離出書的夢想還有一大段距離，不過在這過程中的追尋是很幸福的，慢慢地，我好像開始找到之前某些疑問的答案了。下午同孩子和家人去看「如果」劇團的「真假王子」，深深覺得這世界真是充滿太多好玩的事了，要是我不畫繪本，也可以考慮去當舞台劇演員，但我要專注一件事，認真把它做好！

   Though I am still very far away from my dream of having my picture book published, the way to my goal is filled with happiness in that I've got to see so much. Gradually, I have found answers to some of my questions. In the afternoon, my big family and I went to the children's play The Real Prince by the Taiwanese troupe IF. I have to say this world is full of a lot of fun things. If I didn't draw picture books, I would think seriously about being an actress. Having said that, I still prefer to focus on one thing only and give it all my attention! 

Views / 風景

搭捷運時遇到一個小女孩，和媽媽嚷嚷著要看風景，列車穿過山洞時，她惋惜地說：風景不見了，而當我們再度穿梭於高樓大廈之際，她忍不住興奮和媽媽說：又有風景了。整趟車程中我聽見至少五次「風景」，好可愛的女生。

On my MRT ride, I run into a little girl. She keeps telling her mom about the views outside the windows. When the cars run through the tunnel, she can't hide her disappointment because there is nothing to see in the dark. And when we emerge from the dark, she yells in excitement: There are more views! I have heard the word "view" for at least five times before getting off. God knows how hard I have to refrain from letting her mom know what a lovely daughter she has.

        也許有一天女孩長大了會知道，生活隨處是風景，山洞裡的黑暗是風景，而最難察覺的風景是身邊的小變化。

   One day when the little girl grows up, she will probably learn that life is full of views, even in the black tunnels. The views that are least noticeable are the silent change around us.

        小方最近在種綠豆，我想他每天一定看到了不同的植物風景，而我看到他看風景的專注。

   Von has been planting green beans lately. I am sure he must have seen different views of the plant. And I see the view of how he concentrates on the view.

I see you / 我看得見你

春天到了，花朵紛紛綻放，樹木也冒出嫩葉，最近經過楓香樹，總不禁流連樹下，觀察新葉的顏色和葉脈的分布。

Spring is in the air. Flowers blossom one after another, and the tender green leaves on the trees transform the cityscape. Lately when I pass by a sweet gum tree, I can't help lingering under it to observe the color and veins of new leaves. 

        年初去拜訪台北市最老的楓香樹，最近卻聽說帶我們去的大哥生病了，當初他告訴我們說，老楓香也一度生病，經過樹醫生治療才又恢復生機。我想春天裡，老楓香一定也萌生無數新葉，我寄了一幅畫給大哥，希望他能儘快康復。

   Earlier this year I had visited the oldest tree in Taipei, a sweet gum tree, but recently I've learned that the gentleman that took us there fell ill. He told us then that the old tree had once become sick. It was with the tree doctor's help that the tree survived. I bet in spring, the sweet gum tree must look rejuvenated again thanks to the canopy of young leaves. To cheer up our tour guide, I sent him a painting, hoping that he will get well soon. 

        人和植物的生命循環有同樣的模式，最近在看一本書叫「植物看得見你」，作者認為植物有知覺也有記憶，如果是這樣的話，我想老楓香樹會關注大哥。而我，下次千萬不要亂摘花。

   There are similar life patterns in humans and plants. I've been reading a book titled What a Plant Knows. The author thinks that plants can feel what is going on in the world. If so, I believe the sweet gum tree will secretly look after our guide. Well, as for me, I shouldn't pick flowers randomly from now on. 

DREAMER! / 夢想家！

去巷口的阿威麵包店買麵包，收銀台旁放了個小紙片，說阿威的麵包師三月八日即將在巴黎參加世界麵包賽，我問店員之後才知道，原來師傅已經入選世界八強，而且已經前往巴黎準備，一聽之下還真令人熱血沸騰。

When I went to the bakery la whale in my neighborhood this week, a note on the cash register accidentally caught my attention. It said the bakers are going to participate in the Bakery Masters contest. I was so curious that I couldn't help asking the clerk for more information. So it turned out that the bakers have been chosen as the eight candidates from all over the world. Besides, they are already in Paris at this point to prepare for the competition. The short visit to a bakery I had always gone to became my inspiration. 

        最近遇到好多夢想家，看大家如此努力生活，我不禁想到泰劇浪漫滿屋中的男二稱呼女主角時會用泰式發音唸dreamer，重音要放在第二音節，唸久了覺得很有力。

   I've encountered so many dreamers recently. To pronounce the word with force, I like to imitate how the supporting male role in the Thai version of Full House calls the heroine. By placing the stress on the second syllable of the word "drea-mer," he makes the word sound so much more powerful. 

        我也是個dreamer來著，不想要對不起自己，我要開始構想新的繪本故事，而只有在做喜歡的事時我才會發光！

   I am a dreamer too. Since I know I shine only when drawing, I have begun to brainstorm for a new story. I have a feeling that it'll be another really wonderful journey! 

Stone Soup study club 1 / 石頭湯讀書會之一

我想學寫故事有一陣子了，上星期放棄上蕨類課程的機會，卻非常幸運地從郭城孟老師的臉書連到中華民國兒童文學協會，偶然發現三月有讀書會的行程，我當然不能放棄這天上掉下來的好運氣。

I'd wanted to learn about story-writing for a while. Last week I gave up the fantastic opportunity of taking a course in ferns in NTU, but God didn't give me up. I accidentally found the Facebook webpage of The Association of Children Literature, ROC via the page of the herbarium's director. What's better, new study club sessions are scheduled to begin in March. How can I ignore such a heavenly chance? 

        第一週的主講人是楊茂秀教授，他是很棒的兒童教育學家，一開場便說了好幾個故事，老師說故事的功力讓人完全不懷疑故事的真假，而且老師靈活運用聲音和肢體語言，把每個角色扮演得栩栩如生，加上他天生的幽默感，每個故事其實都像演出來的繪本。

   The lecturer of the first week is Prof. Mau-hsiu Yang. He's an excellent children educator. He starts the "new semester" with several stories. Dr. Yang is such a wonderful storyteller that I don't question if the plots are true at all. Besides, he exerts his voice and body language to such a degree, along with his natural sense of humor, that every story he tells is a picture book that comes alive. 

        其實每一個故事的哲學都很簡單，去掉大人社會化的認知，回到兒童最單純的想法，這就是繪本的精神，而神奇的是，對我來說，回到最初有重新學習的強烈力道。

   In fact, the philosophy in every story is simple. The spirit of picture books is to discard what socialization has imposed on every child and to highlight children's innocence. Amazingly, though I once had that in me, I feel the power of re-learning what I have forgotten or left behind. 

        楊教授也提出有趣的名詞，如故事生態學，也就是說故事沒有必要一定要如此，結局可以順著自然的方向發展，原來故事書也要像圓融的人生觀一樣自在；還有，東西是有生命的，人和他們是平等的，果然很多繪本都因為賦予東西生命，於是觀點就變得好玩了。

   Prof. Yang also comes up some interesting ideas. For example, there is not a "must-be" ending to a story. Instead, the story can go with the flow. So I've learned that stories and real life are the same--we should allow for many possibilities. Also, the term "ecomocracy" advocates that things have life and that people and things are equal. True, many picture books are fun to read because the objects have their unique points of view as well. 

        聽著老師說著說著，等我下午去植標館時，居然有個錯覺，覺得我可以替植標館的生活寫部少年小說了。

   As I listen to Prof. Yang, a really wild idea crosses my mind when I go to the herbarium in the afternoon. I suddenly believe that I am capable of writing a teenage novel for the life in the herbarium! 

        讀書會的現場清一色是女性，從一個人來的女生，到帶著孩子來的媽媽，還有阿嬤，不知道喜歡繪本的男人都去哪了。我身邊坐了個認真的媽媽，抱著一歲的小嬰兒，他的視線放在我身上好長一會兒，即使我沒有小孩，也覺得自己融入在現場和樂的氛圍裡。最後有些孩子們都跑走了，大人們卻聽演講聽得目不轉睛，看來大人比小朋友還需要繪本啊！

   It's funny to see only women in the study club, from single women to married women with children to grandmas. I wonder where the picture-book loving men are. A really committed mom with a one-year-old infant mom sits next to me, while the baby can't take his eyes off me for a long while. Now, despite the fact that I am childless, I don't feel so anymore. In the end, some children have started their own "play club" whereas the adults are the ones that stay to listen to Prof. Yang. It seems adults need picture books more than children!