feeling of love / 愛的感覺

溫蒂在臉書上留了教師節快樂的訊息給我，說大學的英文課沒有愛的感覺，這四個字讓我很驚訝，雖然教書的時候總是很開心，卻不知道自己給人這樣的印象。

Wendy left a message on Facebook wishing me a happy Teacher's Day. She said that she doesn't feel any love in English class in university. I was surprised by her description. Though I enjoyed teaching, I wasn't aware that I left on students such an impression. 

因為溫蒂的提醒，今天看到PK又在外面撿昨晚孩子們的煙蒂和垃圾，我心想等一下得和他說說話。下午繞去辦公室時，有人可以和他聊天讓他心情大好，今日主題是亞洲和英國教育比較，他和我說了三個孩子的成長過程等等，說實在，來到這裡兩個半星期，那些表面的打招呼點頭都不是問題，但是要說進入英國人的人生或聽到他們的故事並不容易，所以儘管他講了好一陣子，我完全不介意時間流逝。

Because of Wendy's reminder, this morning when I saw PK pick the cigarette butts and litter left by kids from last night, I planned to talk to him later. As I went into the office in the afternoon, it placed him in a good mood to have someone to talk to. Today's topic was the comparison between Asian and British education. He also told me about his three children. To be honest, I've been here almost three weeks. I can say I am good at greeting and nodding at new acquaintances, but it's by no means easy to enter the Brits' lives or hear their stories. Despite his long rambling, I didn't mind about time passing by. 

雖然現在變成了學生，但我還是要抱著愛的感覺生活。看下午的太陽那麼大，我打算不再讓那些英國孩子獨占中庭吸煙喝酒，去買雜貨時順便買了起司蛋糕，要邀請嘉蕊一起作日光浴喝下午茶。後來下午茶變成了晚茶，我把餐巾紙和叉子拿到我窗戶前總是被佔據的空地，吃著吃著，一邊討論別人到底是怎麼交男朋友的，一邊抬頭往天空我大叫：有星星！其他群的西方人被我嚇到了。每次嘉蕊總是嚷嚷著要交男友，最後說要去哪做什麼還是會說：有你啊！

Even though I've become a student again, I want to live with the feeling of love. Seeing the bright sunshine this afternoon, I determined to occupy a corner of the courtyard as well. On my trip to shop groceries, I bought two slices of cheesecake for my picnic with Jazel. Then the afternoon tea was put off and turned into evening tea. I took napkins and forks to the vacant lot in front of my window. While we were savoring the sweets, we discussed how others find boyfriends. Meanwhile, I raised my head screaming: Stars! Other groups of British kids were scared by my excitement. It's funny that Jazel always grumbles about wanting a boyfriend, but whenever I mention where we are going or what we are doing, she will turn to me saying, "I've got you!" 

最近又多了個年齡小我一半的小朋友，是隔壁棟的印度小弟，每天要出門或回家經過我的窗前總會停下來和我哈啦，前幾天還說我們改天應該要出去玩，我暗自覺得他以為我只有十九歲，所以看到他誠懇的樣子，有點不好意思，可是我會是很好的朋友。

Lately I've had a new addition to my limited circle of friends. It is the Indian boy who lives in my neighboring building, and he's half my age. Every day on his way in and out of his room, he'll pause to chat with me. He even suggested hanging out together some other day. I secretly think he thinks I am only 19, so I feel kind of bad about not revealing my real age to him. But I can be a very good friend...

上瑜和大方攝 / photo taken by Phoebe and Mars 

不管我身邊現在有的是誰，那種愛的感覺是很大的支撐力量，以後我回頭看都還是會衷心感謝他們。

No matter what companions we have at this moment, that feeling of love between us can lift us up. When I look back in the future, I will always thank them from the bottom of my heart... 

如果你身邊沒有人，就來喝點熱熱的英國茶吧！（這真是很爛的轉場，因為我要介紹每日一品了。）

If there is no one around you, then have some hot English tea! (What a lousy transition. Please bear with me because I am about to introduce the object of the day.) 

每日一品─來杯熱茶─一套兩本手作札記─16頁附中間伸展頁─11.5 cm x 15 cm 

object of the day--a cup of tea--a set of two handmade notebooks--16 pages (unfolded large page in the middle)--11.5 cm x 15 cm 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/82738886/a-cup-of-tea-set-of-2-handmade-16-page?ref=pr_shop

Power of Making / 創作的力量

上個星期去了維多利亞和亞伯特美術館，目前有個手作的展覽在進行中，展出的作品琳瑯滿目，從相機到腳踏車到衣飾，我特別喜歡客座策展人丹尼爾查尼寫的一段話：

「創作是我們解決問題、表達想法和改變世界最有力的方式，我們創作的物品和創作方式為我們自身寫下定義，也透露我們想成為的人。

對很多人來說，創作是生活所須，對其它人來說，創作則是他們選擇的職志，是他們思考、發明和創新的方式。而對某些人，能創造某件物品並且說『是我做的！』本身就是件開心的事，創造的力量在於它滿足了上述每一個人類的需求和渴望。

手藝和獨創性達到極高水準的藝術家可以創造出令人驚豔之物，但每個人都有創造的能力，不論是創作生活必須品或高技術作品的知識，都是人類最珍貴的資產。」

Last week on my visit to Victoria and Albert Museum, I found an ongoing exhibition on the power of making. There are various handmade objects on display from cameras to bicycles to clothing. I am especially impressed by the introductory comments by the guest curator Daniel Charny:

Making is the most powerful way that we solve problems, expressing ideas and shape our world. What and how we make defines who we are, and communicates who we want to be. 


For many people, making is critical for survival. For others, it is a chosen vocation: a way of thinking, inventing and innovating. And for some it is simply a delight to be able to shape a material and say 'I made that'. The power of making is that it fulfills each of these human needs and desires. 


Those whose craft and ingenuity reach the very high levels can create amazing things. But making is something everyone can do. The knowledge of how to make--both everyday objects and highly-skilled creations--is one of humanity's most precious resources.

本日一物：你在我心裡─手作小筆記本─15 cm x 10 cm─32頁

object of the day: i carry your heart with me--handmade notebook--15 cm x 10 cm--32 pages

http://www.etsy.com/listing/82503396/i-carry-your-heart-with-me-handmade?ref=pr_shop

i carry your heart with me / 你在我心裡

來到倫敦之後，一直要重新經營My Little Room，雖然外在的誘惑很多，我每天儘量抽時間做新商品，可是我選了一個很複雜的開頭，我想要做月曆，卻又想用能打動我的主題，前一陣子重讀康明斯的小詩「你在我心裡」，便立志要重新詮釋它。雖然我沒有特別喜歡貓，但最近看到許多美麗的貓，就想把新環境給我的影響放到新作品中，今天終於完成了，這可是我花了好幾天、犧牲出去玩的時間做的，不過我很開心，這代表我的心靜下來了。

After coming to London, I've wanted badly to reopen My Little Room. Though there are tons of temptations outside, I try to spare at least some time designing the new item every day. However, I chose a pretty complicated beginning. I'd love to make a calendar, but I wanted to go for a topic that would speak to me. A while ago, I came across e. e. cummings' i carry your heart with me again, and I was determined to re-illustrate it. I don't take a special liking to cats, but lately I've seen many beautiful cats. I figured I should add the element of my new living place to the work. I am glad to have finished it today. Well, this is the result of my sacrificing days for fun, but I am quite happy because that means I can concentrate on drawing again.

我隨身帶著很多人的心，今天小方和我說他想我想到快哭了，我和他說，我們都在交新朋友，等我們各自收集五百個朋友就會再相見了，那時候我們的心會很大很大吧！

I carry many people's hearts with me. Today Von told me that he misses me so much that he feels like crying. I told him that our mission is to make new friends, so when each of us meets about 500 friends, we'll see each other again! By then, our hearts will have become ENORMOUS!

本日一物─「你在我心裡」2012年懸掛式月曆─19.8 cm x 27.3 cm

item of the day: i carry your heart with me--2012 wall calendar--19. 8 cm x 27.3 cm

http://www.etsy.com/listing/82168157/i-carry-your-heart-with-me-original?ref=pr_shop

me or others / 我或他們

經營My Little Room後對於做作品的觀點改變很大，以前多半在表達自己的想法，現在要策劃產品之前我不停自問，顧客會想要什麼產品和內容？果然自我表達的商品人氣不是太高，這成為了我要再接下去做的重大考量。

After I reopened My Little Room, my way of thinking has altered dramatically. I used to create for expressing my experience and thought, but now I have to constantly ask myself, "What do customers want? What kind of images do they prefer?" As I wondered, items which I design for self-expression are not too popular. This lesson decides the new products I will bring forth in the future.

這星期發現婚禮的主題是個商機，凡是和婚禮相關的產品因為有強烈的實用性，購買率自然比裝飾性商品高，雖然我真的得收個尾了，我還是無法把這個婚卡的想法拖到去倫敦之後才執行，因為到時候又會有別的想法啦！

This week I discover that the subject of weddings is something I should tap into. Products related to the theme are of practical value, so they are easy to sell, compared with decorative items. I am so aware that I should draw an end here and go on with packing. But I really can't put off the idea until I go to London. I will surely indulge in newer ideas by then!


每日一物─「我們結婚吧！」手作婚卡─一套四張─每張 20 cm x 13.6 cm （附精美手工彩色封套）

object of the day--"tie the knot" handmade original wedding cards--set of four--each measures 20 cm x 13.6 cm (handmade colorful envelopes attached)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/81210263/tie-the-knot-handmade-wedding-cards-set?ref=pr_shop

on and on / 停不了

出國倒數五天，本來計劃這幾天東西要開始收拾，Etsy的My Little Room暫時不要上新貨，但是每天腦筋轉啊轉的，一個想法引到下一個想法，居然睡五個多小時也不覺得累。再加上前幾天非常幸運了得到三筆交易，我又去美術行採購了一堆東西，我和好幾個朋友說，我的房間現在充滿一袋一袋的貨品，說是野田妹的房間也不為過。昨天終於硬著頭皮把東西裝箱，果然裝不下，於是我又跑回去畫畫當作是逃避。

I am starting to count down days before leaving. Today is my fifth last day in Taiwan. I planned to clean my room and desk. More importantly, I knew I shouldn't come up with new items on my Etsy webpage for the time being. But I can't stop my brain from turning. One idea develops into another automatically. I don't even feel tired even though I sleep so much less than usual. Besides, I was very very lucky to land three deals during the weekend, which made me go shopping in the art supply shop. Now my room is full of bags of things I bought, which reminds me of Nodame's messy space. Yesterday I finally pulled myself together to pack, and I couldn't put in everything! It was kind of frustrating so I went back to paint as a getaway.

真的走到包裝貨品這一步，和之前只是一味推出新貨感覺很不同，讀了很多Etsy的新聞通訊和其它商家的建議，我學到要把顧客當作家人，包裝的時候帶著誠意和愛，其實包裝的時間不見得少於創作，但是花這個時間和心力是必要的，我希望顧客收到作品時會發出讚嘆聲，更希望他的那一整天都因為這個包裹變成多彩多姿。然後我會想著，在這世界上的某一角掛著我獨一無二的作品，這對我來說真的是很大的肯定，就像凱特琳娜說的，我必須讓人知道，現在創作對我來說不只是好玩而已，我是很認真地對待這件事。今天早上和小雪在討論一件新商品時，我問她其他可能的顏色選擇，她說：反正會吸引到不同的人。我回：可是我得自己先覺得這是件好東西。如果我自己都沒有自信，怎麼去說服顧客呢？

Now I've come to the part of wrapping an artwork and mailing it out. That is very different from posting a new item on my web shop. I've read many newsletters from Etsy and other sellers' tips. I learned I have to view customers as my family. When I wrap their order, I have to do it with sincerity and love. As a matter of fact, it might take me more time to wrap than to create, but it's necessary to invest so much time and energy. I hope that when my customer receives the work, they'll wow with joy. Most of all, I hope the package will make his/her day. I'll constantly think, my unique work is hung somewhere in the world, which is a very important recognition for me. Like what Caterina said, I have to convey the message that  I do not create just for fun now. I am taking it very seriously. This morning when I was discussing a potential item with Mom, I asked her about options of other colors. She said, "Different combinations will attract different people." I replied, "Well, but first of all, it has to convince me. How can I promote something that I don't even have confidence in?"

我要一直不斷感謝很多很多幫助我的人，我會很努力很謙卑很有誠意很堅持地走下去，現在就先耕耘吧！

I want to thank you all, especially those who keep giving me a hand without giving me up. I'll persist with hard work, humility, sincerity and ambition. Now it's all for work!


本日一物：啟程去─原創抽象水彩畫作─39.6 cm x 27 cm

object of the day: set to sail--original abstract watercolor painting--39.6 cm x 27 cm

我的確有想重覆受歡迎的商品主題或內容，但是我的靈感真的是不受控制，所以我的商店裡東西風格會迥異。這一陣子想到我的人生，覺得還蠻好玩的，教書的時候想如果不朝九晚五，可能會不適應，但當時已經有些具先見之明的朋友和我說，我會很開心，本來還半信半疑的，現在看來他們挺了解我的。目前我要先駛往不同的方向，，不管未來如何，這一刻我過得很充實，也會感激有這樣的生活經驗。

I do intend to repeat the themes or styles of popular items, but my inspirations are out of control. So the items in my web shop vary greatly in all aspects. When I think of my life now, I find the change really interesting. I'd thought I would feel lost without a 9-to-5 job when I was still teaching. But then some girls told me that I would have a blast. I wasn't so sure then, but it looks like they did know me well. For the time being, I am going to sail in a different direction. Whatever happens in the future, I'm living the present moment to its fullest, and I will be thankful forever for such a beautiful life experience. 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/81070054/set-to-sail-original-abstract-watercolor

LUCKY DAY / 幸運日

每次推出一個產品之後，我得放慢腳步好好搜集靈感。今天本來計畫一早起來寫寫書法，修身養性， 想不到打開信箱就發現我的第一筆交易！小雪在客廳忙弟弟婚禮弄得焦頭爛額，我卻忍不住抱著她又叫又跳，之後忙了一整天，終於把顧客的貨品寄出去。

Every time when I have brought forth a new item, I have to take my time the next day to collect inspirations. I had planned a relaxing morning for writing calligraphy to stay zen, but when I opened my email box, guess what? I received my FIRST transaction order! Mom was busy preparing Jei's wedding in the living room. I couldn't help jumping and shouting at her. It took me a whole day to prepare the package and mail it to my first customer.

最近開始不在意白頭髮了，我洗澡的時候還會對它們說謝謝，是它們幫我想出許多好主意。

Lately I have been less obsessed with my gray hair. When taking a shower, I even say thanks to them. It's they that help me come up with so many good ideas. 

到了傍晚之際，我又得到我的幸運星幫助，訂了第二筆交易，今天一整天都覺得世界真美麗！明天還要繼續努力！

By this evening, I had won my lucky star's help and got my second deal. I am really in seventh heaven today! I'll head into tomorrow with more zeal!

seize the time / 一年當三年

上個月過著步調倾向緩慢的生活，這一週卻越轉越快，我想到去了英國的佳瑜說，她要把這一年當三年用，我感受到她說這話背後的熱血，同時還要記得完美包括放鬆。

Last month I was still taking my time, but this week I have slept less and worked more. I constantly think of the words of Natalie, who went to the UK a month ago. She said that she's going to turn one year into three. I feel the fire behind these words, but meanwhile, I have to bear in mind that perfection includes letting go as well.

Caterina給了我一張產品的建議清單，週末在誠品看到土耳其籃的皮革帶時有了靈感，書籤上如果別上如此美麗的顏色，看來一定會賞心悅目。至於書籤的功能，都是為了暫時放下書本，休息或工作去，我想了十四件事，做成了一組十四張書籤。

Caterina gave me a long list of potential products. I was inspired when I glimpsed at the turquoise leather at Eslite. It should look good on a bookmark. Bookmarks are used when we stop reading to take a break or work. I thought of fourteen patterns and made a set of 14 bookmarks.

本日一物：實用書籤組─一套十四張

object of the day: handmade bookmarks used for practical functions--a set of 14 bookmarks

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80902768/handmade-bookmarks-used-for-practical?ref=pr_shop