Gifts on a rainy day / 下雨天的禮物

是無限的想像力！

Is endless IMAGINATION!

Happy Big Bear 

Big Bear loves rainy days, 

when there are traffic jams,

when he can sleep on the trams.

Big Bear has honey in his bag; 

not to hear his teachers nag,

Big Bear decides to skip school

because he wants to try the cool 

picnic in the rain 

with his honey mixed with the rain 

還有來自倫敦超級酷的禮物！

And this super cool gift from London! 

戴著它，下雨天也閃亮無比！

I feel my rainy days are extremely shiny when I wear it! 

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!

Wrong bus / 搭錯車

昨天本來要帶大女孩們去貓空踏春，結果傻傻地搭錯車，就一路直達了信義區，於是我們決定更改地點去松煙。

Yesterday we planned to go on an outing to Maokong, a hilly scenic spot in the south of Taipei. However, I made the silly mistake of taking the wrong bus, which took us into Xinyi District. Not to waste more time, I consented to the girls' proposal to change the destination to Songshan Cultural Park. 

        雖然自己有些失望，不過在大城市裡也有好看的，偶然走進誠品音樂館，找到了幾乎免費的黑膠唱片，倫敦的回憶湧上心頭，之前為了做黑膠唱片的包裝設計，弄得人仰馬翻的日子，現在想起來卻無限珍貴。縱使我沒有唱盤，但因為太多留戀的理由，我便下手買了兩張。

     Being a fanatic fan of nature, I was disappointed by myself, but fortunately, there is much worth seeing in the big city. I accidentally walked into the Eslite CD store and found some nearly free vinyls, which so reminded me of the days in London. Those days when we were all screwed up because of the group project of designing vinyl covers now turn out to be precious as I look back. Though I don't have a turntable, I just couldn't stop myself from purchasing two vinyls. 

        這週把準備了三個月的故事草稿唸給男孩們聽，想不到反應異常糟糕，這是我第一次看到他們皺著眉頭直說不懂。以前的我會生個幾天悶氣再捲土重來，結果我當天晚上馬上想到新的靈感，趁著週間改寫，今天再念新的故事給男孩們聽，哥哥一臉驚奇地說：「居然不一樣了呢！」孩子要的不多，只希望我們用他們的語言說故事，這麼想，我就是三個月走錯了方向，都要回頭。

     This week I read the story I had prepared for three months to the boys. Their reaction turned out to be really awful. This was the first time I saw them frowning when listening to a story. I would have sulked for a few days before pulling myself together in the past, but I was blessed with a new inspiration the same evening. God bestowed drive and determination on me so that I rewrote the story during the week. Today when I read the new story to them again, Von exclaimed: Wow, the story is told in a very different way! Kids don't ask much. They only want us to tell stories with their language. Thus for me, it's very too late to revise. 

        也許我目前無法聽到黑膠唱片裡的音樂，可是我對於裡面的內容會一直抱著好奇的心，就像我對於自己的努力有一天會帶領我到的地方，同樣好奇。正因為如此，搭錯車也不是壞事。

     I have no way to find out what the music inside the vinyl is, but that doesn't lessen my curiosity. Likewise, I am also very curious about where my effort will lead me eventually. Yet thanks to that, I never think it a bad thing to take the wrong bus.

Cultural tour in Taipei / 台北文化之旅

攝於田園城市書店．台北 / photo taken in Gardencity Bookstore, Taipei 

從倫敦回到台北之後，我很積極地想要多認識我生長的城市，於是我參加北藝大的文化散步之旅，有老師介紹大同中山區小巷裡的書店和文創事業。

Since coming back to Taipei from London, I have felt the urge to know more about my city. Thus, when I discovered the cultural walking tour held by Taipei National University of the Arts, I was rather thrilled. The tour of December is about the bookstores and cultural and creative industry in Datong and Zhongshan Districts in Taipei, which used to be the major business hubs. 

第一站是捷運雙連站一號出口附近的田園城市書店，圖中的老闆以台灣在地的出版品為主，雖然不是主流的書店，但是老闆致力把很有台灣味的書籍推銷到國外。店內也有插畫作品，有興趣的朋友可以投稿。

The first stop is Gardencity Publishers and Bookstore near exit 1 of Shuanglian MRT Station. The owner, as you can see in the middle of the photo, focuses on publishing books written by Taiwanese authors and about Taiwan. Then they are translated into other languages and promoted abroad. There are also illustrated publications in the form of picture books more for adults. If you are interested, why not take a try? 

書店樓下是個小巧優雅的展間，老闆強調展覽多以有「人」的味道為主，下一檔由幾位攝影家上場，主題是以影像爲情書，明年一月五日開展。

The basement of the bookstore is a small but tasteful exhibition room. The publisher emphasizes that they are particularly interested in works that center around people or handmade feel. The upcoming exhibit, starting from Jan. 5, is about love letters in the form of visual images by several photographers. 

在這家店我一直想到半年前於倫敦的Nobrow之旅，雖然當時總覺得回來之後不會有那麼豐富的資源，但現在卻因爲自己願意走出去感到慶幸，台灣也有很多在爲文化藝術努力的人們。

During our stay in this bookstore, I recalled the trip to Nobrow in London half a year ago. Back then I had the idea that there wouldn't be so many resources in Taipei. Now I am glad that I have taken a step forward, thus realizing that many Taiwanese are actually working hard for art and culture. 

攝於台灣好．店 / photo taken at Lovely Taiwan Shop 

第二站是捷運中山站附近的台灣好．店，這是幾位原本反對見蘇花高的企業家轉念，想爲台灣的文化事業有所貢獻的成果。

The second stop is Lovely Taiwan Shop near Zhongshan MRT station. The foundation Lovely Taiwan was founded by several entrepreneurs who were brought together by their common goal to protest against the construction of freeways in the east Taiwan. Later, they decided to turn their opposition into positive contribution. Their ideal is to do something for the cultural industry of Taiwan. 

台灣好．店的主要理念除了推銷台灣藝術家的作品外，也和原住民及弱勢族群合作，賦予每件商品故事，藉此讓顧客更瞭解台灣文化，在店裡我們吃了台中女子監獄受刑人做的巧克力，也喝了921後台中茶農為了自立種植的森林紅茶，更學到原來現在國外觀光客來到台灣，想體驗的是在地的台灣經驗，而文創也是旅行的一部份。

Apart from promoting artworks by Taiwanese artists, the foundation also cooperates with the minority groups in Taiwan. They stress the importance of stories behind every product. In this way, customers  get to learn more about Taiwan. In the shop we sampled chocolate made by female prisoners in Taichung. Also, we tasted black tea planted by farmers who would like to be on their own feet again after the famous 921 Earthquake. Most of all, I was surprised to hear that now international tourists make it a point to experience Taiwanese culture on their trips here, in which the creative industry plays an important part. 

我在幾個月前就買了照片中台客藍出產的白色馬克杯，不僅每天上班很喜悅，這個美麗的杯子也受到很多同事青睞。

I bought one of the white mugs shown in the photo above, designed by a Taiwanese artist two months ago. It not only brings me great joy at work but also attracts the attention of many colleagues. 

攝於日星鑄字行 / photo taken at Ri Xing Type Foundry  

整趟散步之旅中我最期待的就是去日星鑄字行，兩個月前在報紙上讀到有關鑄字行的介紹就一直想親訪，這家店是台灣唯一僅存的鑄字行，現在不只是一家店，也有歷史古蹟的意涵。

I was most looking forward to visiting Ri Xing Type Foundry on the walking tour. Since reading about it in the newspapers two months ago, I had wanted to take a look at the shop in person. Ri Xing is the only type foundry left in Taiwan now. It is more than a shop; in fact, there is much historic significance to it. 

店內有英文字及好幾款大小不同的中文字模，顧客可以慢慢挑選。

There are English and Chinese typefaces in various sizes, and the customers can take their time to select the words they are looking for. 

我已經想到可以如何運用這些資源，下次我要帶很多錢回到鑄字行採買！

It has occurred to me how to make use of these resources. Next time I'll go back to the foundry, with a BIG budget! 

Shakespearan week / 莎士比亞週

這週和莎士比亞特別有緣，讀赫胥黎的「美麗新世界」剛好讀到引言莎翁的部份，而倫敦的妹妹們從莎伯伯的故鄉寄來了明信片。

I think my theme of the week is Shakespeare. I am currently reading the part with many quotes from his plays in The Brave New World. And the young girls in London sent me  a postcard from Stratford-upon-Avon earlier this week. 

年初帶嘉蕊去亞方鎮慶生，年尾嘉蕊帶勵雯去亞方鎮慶生，在台北的我也因此受惠，現在回頭看在倫敦的日子很美好，但我的懷念裡從來沒有一絲感傷，因為我知道漣漪效應會一直持續下去⋯

I took Jazel on a birthday trip to Stratford-upon-Avon at the beginning of this year, and Jazel took Liwen there for her birthday at the end of the year. Though in Taipei, I benefited from them both too. I know how fantastic my year in London was when I look back on it, but there is never a tinge of  sadness. That's because I know the ripple effect will last and expand in my life now... 

Four Dinosaurs in London / 倫敦四兄弟

在倫敦的時候很寂寞，因為渴望被了解，卻又明白那是不太容易滿足的想望，回家之後終於可以讓寂寞沈澱，把當時的情緒轉成畫面。

I was lonely in London. I desired to be understood, but meanwhile I knew it was a lofty wish. After coming home, I could finally face my loneliness and turn it into images. 

想在倫敦生活的四隻恐龍也有同樣的愛的需求吧！

My four dinosaurs, who dream of finding a place in London, also have the same need for love...

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!

Goodbye British Museum / 再見大英博物館

原本只是陪娜娜去大英博物館走走，並沒有特別的展覽要看。

I had planned only to go for a look at the British Museum with Nana. There wasn't any exhibition in particular I wanted to see.

這是我第三次來大英博物館，感覺很熟悉。

This was my third time visiting the museum. The place felt quite familiar. 

卻還是有好多沒見過的常設展。

Still, there were permanent collections I had not explored. 

無意之間我又晃到了古希臘區。

Unexpectedly, I strolled into the Greek room again. 

九個月前我也像照片裡的男孩坐在雕像群前速寫。過了九個月，我的心裡和腦裡塞了滿滿的經驗和影像，現在的我是怎樣的人呢？

Nine months ago, I was the boy in the photo, sitting in front of the sculptures drawing sketches. Nine months later, my heart and brain are packed with stories and images. What kind of person am I now? 

Richmond Park / 里奇蒙公園

去里奇蒙皇家公園時下著小雨，我們從導遊書上得知公園佔地廣大，卻沒有很清楚的概念究竟有多大。

It rained on the day when we visited Richmond Park. We learned from the guidebook that it is huge, but we didn't have a clear idea how huge it is. 

看到跑步者經過，車子呼嘯而過，我們忽然覺得自不量力。

Seeing joggers race by and cars whiz by, it dawned on us that we probably needed a car as well. 

還好我們身邊還是有行人和我們作伴。公園有個詩人角落，登了兒童和少年詩歌創作比賽的優勝作品，題目以里奇蒙公園為主。在雨中讀這些文字特別詩意。

Fortunately we were not alone. There is Poet's Corner in the park where the winning works of a poetry competition among children and teenagers are posted. The theme is on Richmond Park. It was especially poetic to read them in the rain. 

英國人喜歡在公園的長凳上留下紀念親人的文字。

The Brits love to leave a few words in remembrance of their beloved on the benches in parks. 

夏天的倫敦到處可以看到這種開的很像煙火的花朵。

The flowers that bloom like fireworks can be seen everywhere in London in summer. 

突然我們瞥見一片斜坡大草原。

Suddenly we spotted a huge sloping grassland. 

雖然最後我沒有機會造訪「咆哮山莊」的背景地，走在草原上，雨越下越大，我們感覺到故事裡描繪的淒涼。

Though in the end I didn't have a chance to visit the Bronte Country, where the story Wuthering Heights take place, we could experience the bleakness portrayed in the novel as the rain turned heavier. 

這枝樹幹看起來很像雲門舞集的舞者表演。

Somehow this branch is reminiscent of the performance of Cloud Gate. 

這間喬治式的豪宅「潘布洛克之屋」曾經是權貴居住之所，十九世紀中期維多利亞女王把它賜給首相約翰羅素，之後他的兒子伯權羅素─知名的哲學家和數學家於此長大。現則為餐廳和婚宴場地。

The Georgian mansion Pembroke Lodge used to be inhabited by the upper class figures. In the mid-19th century, Queen Victoria granted it to the prime minister John Russell. His son Bertrand Russell, the famous philosopher and mathematician, grew up here. Now it is a restaurant and wedding hall. 

Londoners / 倫敦人

從湖區回到倫敦之後，陪娜娜複習了重要景點，以為可以暫時不碰相機，但想到很久不會回來這個城市，多少還是想記錄眼睛看到的一切。

After coming back from the Lake District to London, I reviewed the most important tourist attractions with Nana in person. I had thought that I wouldn't need the camera for a while. However, there were still so many images worth recording, especially when I knew that I wouldn't come back for a long time in the future...

當時邊逛邊想，怎麼說倫敦都是很棒的地方，我從中得到太多無法用金錢計算或言語形容的經驗，人生有走這一遭真的很幸福。

As I played, I couldn't help telling myself that London is such a brilliant place. I gained so much experience whose value I couldn't calculate with money or describe with words. I am really blessed to have lived in the capital for 9 months.

回到家整理倫敦的照片，最喜歡的都是人的影像，所以這一集以倫敦人為主題。

When I was going through the photos taken in London today, my favorites are all images of people. So I decide to use the theme of Londoners in this episode.

攝於國會大廳前 / photo taken in front of Houses of Parliament 

攝於國會大廳前 / photo taken in front of Houses of Parliament 

攝於皇家騎兵衛隊閱兵場 / photo taken in front of Horse Guards 

攝於皇家騎兵衛隊閱兵場 / photo taken at Horse Guards 

攝於皮卡迪里廣場附近 / photo taken near Picadilly Circus 

攝於伯靈頓商圈 / photo taken at Burlington Arcade 

攝於柯芬園 / photo taken at Covent Garden 

攝於柯芬園 / photo taken at Covent Garden 

攝於柯芬園 / photo taken at Covent Garden 

攝於維多利亞地鐵站 / photo taken at Victoria tube station 

我離開倫敦之後，夏日還是吹著冷冷的風，吃甜點還是最撫慰人心的活動，可是我在亞熱帶的小島上，聽著BBC的廣播，讀著勞達爾的瑪蒂達，看著有點悶的連續劇「東城人」。在另一個地方想著倫敦果然有完全不一樣的風味啊！

After I left London, summer is still chilly. Eating desserts is still the most comforting activity one can think of. But on a subtropical island at the other end of the world, I find myself listening to BBC radio, reading Roald Dahl's Matilda, and watching kind-of-dry EastEnders. It does make a difference to miss a place and to actually be part of it...

Camberwell memory 2 / 坎貝爾回憶 2

沒有離開的時候覺得自己已經準備好了，等到真的要和一個地方和那裡的人告別，反而有見什麼都是風景的感嘆。

When I couldn't leave immediately, I thought I was ready. But when I really have to say goodbye to a place and its people, I feel the pressing need to record every scene I see.

坎貝爾綠公園本來不在我的名單裡，但是週日早上去到克里斯汀肉舖時，肉還沒擺出來，伙計們請我過半個小時再回去速寫。我走進公園，看到一對情侶坐在玫瑰花叢旁的草地上看報紙，前方是一群群悠閒的灰色鴿子，他們就這麼走進我在英國的最後一本速寫本裡。

Camberwell Green was not originally on my sketch list. But when I got to Christine's on  the sunny Sunday morning, the meat wasn't all there yet. I was asked to go back in another half an hour for sketching. I thus walked into the park, catching sight of a couple sitting next to the rose bush on the grass reading newspapers. In front of them scattered leisurely-looking gray pigeons playing and eating. That was how they made their way into my last sketchbook in the UK...

Camberwell memory 1 / 坎貝爾回憶 1

現在我算是離開學校了，脫離之後反而開始想速寫，趁著下週三去蘇格蘭旅行之前，我想再一次好好和坎貝爾說再見。

Now I am no longer a student. After leaving school, the desire to sketch has been rekindled. I want to make use of the time I have before setting out for Scotland next Wednesday.

第一號回憶當然就是我最愛的米亞法羅公園，如達米安賀斯特用鑽石榮耀死亡，我也要用金銀的顏色讓回憶顯得很貴氣！

My no. 1 memory is of course my favorite Myatt's Fields Park. As Damien Hirst honors death with shiny diamonds, I want my memory to stay opulent and luxurious with golden and silver colors!

In Love in Summery London / 戀夏倫敦

告別行程第二站去了坎貝爾附近的布里克斯頓，和炳龍及成觀說再見。

The second appointment on my farewell agenda took place in Brixton, which is very close to Camberwell. I met up James and Marcia for the last time.

對我來說在倫敦要交到很喜歡的朋友不容易，我很幸運遇到很喜歡的成觀，她送了我昆丁伯的書。

It isn't easy for me to find people that are on my wavelength in London. I am glad to have run into Marcia. She gave me Uncle Quentin's book as a farewell gift. 

送兩人去地鐵站的路上感受到英國店家的幽默，雖然這不常發生。

On our way to the underground station, we witnessed the humor of a British shop owner, though that doesn't happen often. 

分手之前我和開玩笑和都很成熟的兩人說：要好好相愛。

Before turning to go, I joked with the two mature friends saying, "Be nice to each other." 

散步回家路上穿過米亞法羅公園，目睹前所未有的日光浴人潮。據說倫敦的夏天很短，這樣的好天氣約莫三個星期。很高興見證了這樣的美好，還有一場美麗的愛情。

We passed through Myatt's Fields Park witnessing the biggest sunbathing crowd I'd have ever seen in the park. I was told that summer in London is short lasting about 3 weeks. I am happy to experience such beauty, and also a blossoming relationship...

傍晚要去第三個告別行程，和Damien Hirst的作品見面‧‧‧

I will run for the third appointment on the agenda in the evening, which is meeting up Damien Hirst's works...