Silence is gold / 不說話也很好

包包繪 / drawn by Bao-bao

又過了一學期，期間因為要說很多話，錯失了很多不說話才能看到的細節。學期結束前，我終於能夠安靜地用心想，雖然之前有許多焦慮和恐懼，但我還是要稱讚自己一下，因為不管中間有多少壓抑，最後我都還是打開心了。

During the past semester, I missed a lot of details because I had to talk much. Before the semester officially ended, I could finally hush and work in silence. Despite my considerable anxiety and fear, I feel I need to give myself a hug for opening up after long struggles. 

        儘管我的學生風景不停流轉，我還是真心喜歡我的工作和遇見的孩子，而這是不說話的領悟。

        Though students come and go, I realize I still love my job and many kids I encounter sincerely, which I see when I do not need to talk. 

Free World / 隨意世界

沒有作業的寒假，好久沒來畫畫的男孩終於有時間畫圖。剛開始他們問：「這樣畫可以嗎？」我回答：「你想怎樣就怎樣！」楷維冒出了一句：「這裡是隨意世界！」其實像我這樣在工作上一直在訂規矩的人，和得遵守規矩的人一樣，也很需要隨意世界！

The winter break without homework gives the boys time to draw again after a long lapse. In the beginning they aren't very sure, "Can I draw in this way?" I can't help brushing off the question by replying, "As long as you like it." Then Kai blurts out, "Here is the Free World!" To be honest, I am required to impose restrictions on others at work, but I don't take delight in it. Like my students, I am also in great need of a free world! 

        哥哥太久沒畫圖了，一下畫了七張，弄得楷維很有危機感，不過思維好像停不下來。

     Von draws one picture after another. By the time I am aware of how far he has gone, he has drawn seven pictures, which makes Kai very jealous. Yet he can't stop. 

        思維是歷史控，看來他找到了發揮自己所愛的方式，這真的比任何寒假作業都有意義啊！

     Von is a history buff, and he really has a blast drawing the famous figures in Chinese history. I admit that teachers tend to have a sense of insecurity when asked not to give any assignment, but seeing what Von do, I am reminded again that less is more, and not doing any assignment can be very significant! 

Ritual / 儀式

每年都要把畫夾拿出來，用珍惜的心擦拭上面的灰塵，在整理的過程裡，總是會看到自己的努力，也感謝寫繪本這件事一直沒有離開我，把它們放進櫃子裡時，我知道我又可以充滿勇氣地重新出發！

This week I've performed the yearly ritual of sorting through my portfolios. I wipe away the dust on the covers with care; meanwhile, I am reminded of the effort I've always been making. I can't help feeling thankful that the calling of making picture books has never abandoned me. And when I put my past works into the closet again, I know, I can set out on a brand-new journey with my heart full of courage! 

Yours / 愛你的

楷維繪 / drawn by Kai 

因為我唸、楷維寫，所以楷維的每張明信片都附上「愛你的楷維」。

We were playing the dictation game, so the warm greetings "from Kai, who loves you" can be found on every postcard of Kai.  

Pedro

有時總會熊熊夢到很久沒有連絡的朋友，這時總想畫一下他們在我記憶裡的樣子，用的是從來沒打開過的化妝品，算是給回憶上新妝吧！

Sometimes subconscious memories catch me off guard, and friends whom I haven't been in contact with will find their ways into my dreams. Whenever this happens, I can't help drawing what they look like in my memories, and today I use makeup I have never used for years, which is a way to give my "old" friends a new look! 

Shortcuts / 捷徑

這幾天想到很多之前去過的地方，雖然身體上暫時回不去，但是我有回憶的捷徑，帶我穿梭各地！

I've been recalling the trips to many places I'd gone on before. Physically I can't go back for the time being, but I have the shortcuts of memories that work wonders! 

Madly in love with ferns / 陷入蕨類

新年裡重新發現每天速寫會讓心靈強壯，而我的目標之一就是畫很多蕨類！在溫室裡速寫時，邊想到當時住在倫敦居然沒有去舉世之名的邱植物園，越想越覺得遺憾啊！

As the new year comes, I have rediscovered the magical healing effect of sketching on a daily basis. Well, one of my goals is to sketch as many ferns as I can. While doodling in the greenhouse, it occurs to me that I didn't visit the renowned Kew Garden! How hard it is to live without any regret!

Red bean soup / 紅豆湯圓

去逛羅東夜市，進夜市前在中正路上瞥見一家傳統的紅豆湯圓，很受它古典的風格吸引。店裡有轟轟的煮紅豆火爐聲，老闆有點年紀，昏黃的燈光下人潮沒有停過，一整碗紅豆湯圓表面浮滿了湯圓，甜蜜的味道暖到心頭裡。

I spot a traditional shop on the corner of Zhong-zhen Rd. before heading into Luo-dong Night Market. It has the classic charm that draws me to it. The shop is run by an old man with his wife, filled with the rumbling noise of the stove on which red beans are being constantly cooked. Though the shop is not as crowded as the night market,  customers stream in, waiting to be warmed with a bowl of red bean soup full of tang-yuan on the surface in winter. 

Getting old / 老了

我們一家三口去東澳粉鳥林漁港，爸爸更緩慢了，媽媽可以接受爸爸的緩慢了，我也發現自己很需要緩慢，我們都老了，可是老得蠻開心自在的。

We three travel to the northeast coast. Dad is getting slower. Mom can live with Dad's slowness, and I need to slow down. We are getting old, but in a jolly sort of way. 

Addiction / 癮

我對健身房和茶無可救藥地上癮。

I am a hopeless addict to the gym and tea now.