When it's not raining / 不下雨的時候

下雨的清晨五點起床畫圖，沉浸在書房的橘色燈光裡，雨天也變得很詩意。

I get up at five in the morning to draw on a rainy day. Basking in the orange light in my study, I can't imagine a more poetic day. 

        蘇菲說自己很像大海裡的小小魚，我說可以像條小魚游在下雨的城市裡，是種幸福。

     Sophy says she's like a small fish in the ocean. I feel there's joy and beauty in swimming in a watery city like a small fish. 

        於是，不下雨的早晨，我反而想念起雨了。

     So I can't help missing the rain when it's not raining. 

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! 

Waiting for a person / 等一個人

曉寧又要遠行了，不過現在對我來說，說再見像家常便飯，我不用莊重的儀式，因為我們很快地，又會再見。

Hsiao-ning is going on another long trip. But now I view saying goodbye as part of life. Instead of focusing on its sentimentality, I am so sure that we will see each other again. Soon. 

Autumnal serendipity / 秋光進行曲

秋天的週六傍晚，我們晃到寶藏巖，在藝術聚落裡東看西看，經過尖蚪咖啡時，女孩們立刻Google查詢，看網路上說值得一遊，我們很阿沙力地走進去，果然沒有讓我們失望，咖啡店裡的fu自在又逍遙，並且帶著點浪漫。豆豆點的沖繩啤酒來時，香醇的酒味迎面而來，瀰漫在涼涼的深秋空氣裡。

On a autumn Saturday we saunter to Treasure Hill Artist Village, which is like a meandering uphill labyrinth. Though by the time we arrive, some galleries and studios have been closed, but we still get to see something. When passing by Tadpole Cafe, my high-tech young girls immediately Google it to see if it is worth a visit. With bloggers' recommendation, we do not hesitate to walk in. The artistic and romantic atmosphere does not disappoint us at all. When the Osaka beer Bean orders comes, the yeasty aroma fills the cool autumnal air. 

        我們接著從下午開始的胡言亂語，瘋瘋癲癲的，卻無比開心，當下的氣氛太迷人，我捨不得不把速寫本拿出來，雖然畫得歪七扭八，但我不在意。天黑之後，從窗口望去，遠方的高架橋上閃著光，車輛極速奔去，真是美麗的夜景。

We carry on with our babbling that has gone on for several hours since the afternoon. It doesn't make sense, but we are extremely elated. The moment is too beautiful to be missed, so I can't help taking out my sketchbook. Though I end up with a terrible sketch, I don't mind. When the sky eventually darkens, the matchbox-like cars speeding on the highways in the distance form a charming image. 

        原本以為是另一個埋首在書桌前畫圖的週末夜晚，結果女孩們送給我了一首即興的秋光進行曲。

I thought it'd be another weekend evening at my desk, but the autumnal serendipity takes me somewhere so near and far too. 

The 26th Award Ceremony of Hsin Yi Picture Book Contest / 信誼第26屆幼兒文學獎

上次參加信誼幼兒文學獎頒獎典禮已經是五年前的事了，現在回想起來，其實有沒有入圍或得獎都要來看一看才行。

Last time when I went to the award ceremony of Hsin Yi picture book contest, it was five years ago. Now when I look back, I feel that whether I've won or not, I should come for a look. 

        典禮上邀請到許多兒童文學界重量級的人物和入圍的諸多年輕藝術家，是令人很振奮人心的場合。

   Many heavyweight figures in Taiwan's children's literature circle were invited along with many super young selected artists. I felt so moved to be part of all this. 

        事前便知道我沒有得佳作或首獎，但是我一點也沒有感傷的心情，，看到很多好作品就很開心了。

   I knew that I didn't win the final award  beforehand, but I didn't feel upset at all. In fact, I was more than happy to see so many wonderful works. 

       今年的首獎從缺，有三名佳作，兩名獲獎人是二十多歲的年輕女孩巫宇庭和林潤芃，最後一組是雙人創作，左邊的許智偉先生說他參加好幾次了，這真是很鼓勵人的話語啊！最棒的是頒獎人是永遠的小太陽林良老師。

   This year there was no first place. There were three winners of second place, two of whom are young girls in their early 20s. As for the third group, the winners said they are not that young.  Mr. Hsu on the left encouraged us by saying that he had participated several times. Best of all, Mr. Lin Liang was there too. He is the father of children's literature in Taiwan. 

       主辦單位認為這幾年的作品圖勝於文，所以今年徵件的項目恢復圖畫書文字獎，希望可以有好故事讓插畫家來詮釋。

   The judges have the impression that the works over the past few years have been more impressive in terms of pictures. Most artists can work on their story-narrating skills. Thus, there's the category of picture-book narratives in the coming competition. Hopefully, there will be more good stories for illustrators to work with. 

        感謝我的好朋友們蕙玲和美燕來陪伴我，很貼心的主辦單位還安排了美麗美味的下午茶，我們在我的小恐龍家庭前留影。

   I would like to thank my good friends Huiling and Meiyen for being there for me. Hsin Yi prepared really yummy afternoon tea for us to enjoy. We took a picture in front of my dinosaur family. 

        而頒獎典禮之後有小野先生的演講，主題是如何說一個好故事，雖然小野沒教任何的寫作技巧，我們卻在他說的無數故事裡又哭又笑，這就是說故事高手的功力吧！

   The famous writer Hsiao Yeh was invited to give a talk on how to tell a good story. Though he didn't teach any writing skills, we laughed with tears during the whole speech. He definitely showed how a good story-teller should be. 

        今天過後我要更加努力，一輩子都要寫故事和畫故事！

   This is such an uplifting day. After today, I will definitely work harder and dedicate my life to writing and illustrating stories! 

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. 

Da Vinci code of life / 人生的達文西密碼

學習認識植物的過程中，有很多我解不開的拉丁文密碼，就像人生中的許多事件，發生的當下令人一頭霧水。這幾個月以來，我開始累積一丁點的知識，慢慢地，我可以揣摩所有陳列室標本加起來背後的意義，恍然大悟的心情真的難以言喻。

In the process of learning botany, there have been so many Latin codes that don't make sense to me. Just like many incidents in life, at the moment we'll think they do nothing but cause confusion. Over the past few months, I have accumulated some knowledge. Slowly, I can guess the common rule behind the exhibits in the herbarium. The only word I can think of to describe the epiphany is "Oh!" Which says so little and so much at the same time.

        這個週末應該是要在曼谷旅行的，可是當地的政治情勢讓我決定留在台北，多出來的時間讓我可以泡在植標館。每週走一樣的路，卻一點也不無聊，我擁有一家博物館的鑰匙，值班的三個小時裡會和一些這輩子原本不會有交集的人相遇。悠閒的週日早上，走著走著突然想到很久以前在美國的生活，也是空蕩的校園，但沒有當時的寂寞。

   I should be traveling in Bangkok this weekend, but I decided not to go due to the political riots. Thus, I had extra time to spend in the herbarium. Every weekend, I took the same route, but I never felt bored. I have the key to A MUSEUM in the city. During the three hours of my shift, I will encounter people I wouldn't have a chance to know in my whole life. On the relaxing Sunday morning, the memories of my American life came to mind as I walked on the quiet campus. However, I didn't feel lonely at all. 

        以前去到很多博物館，看到或坐或站的管理員，其實我從來沒有發呆的機會，即使我的展間不大，我總是有新東西要看，新書要讀。在成堆的拉丁文裡我居然可以認出一兩樣植物的名字，而我想最後這些密碼被解開之後，應該是很簡單的道理。

   On my visits to many museums in the past, I had noticed that most guards either stood or sat, mostly in boredom. But in the exhibit room, I've never got a spare moment. It is far from small; yet there are always items for me to take a close look at and books to read. It thrilled me when I recognized one or two Latin words out of millions of lines. I wonder, there must be a very simple rule behind all these codes. 

        因為知道展品背後有太多故事，我多麼希望來的人可以聽我的說明，因為這要他們離開時會帶走至少一兩個故事。

   Now that I know there are too many stories behind the exhibits, how I wish everyone who comes could  hear me talk. Then they'll take away at least one or two stories with them when they leave. 

        就算不聽故事，也希望他們在展示室裡找到難忘的某個密碼或訊息，也許以後有一天回過頭來看，會有特別的意義。

   And even if they don't listen to stories, I hope they will find an unforgettable code or message. Maybe one day when they look back, it will find a way into their lives again. 

        三歲半的小宥在暖洋洋的週六下午來看我，除了盡情在地板上打滾外，他無法停止玩蓋章的遊戲，還不斷驚呼：我好喜歡這個！這是他和植標館的連結。

   The three-year-old Wright came to visit me on the super sunny Saturday afternoon. He rolled with happiness on the floor and played with the stamp, which is his connection with the herbarium. 

        週日早上雖然有些冷清，當我很賣力地擦著櫃子，貴美和心慧─我很喜歡的工作人員來探班，隨處一問都是我不知道的密碼，是寫在黑板上關於豆科花朵的構造，姊姊們帶著我解密。這星期稍早在雲林，到處都是我看不懂的植物，我突然想，是不是應該走到大自然裡去學習，心慧卻說，我可以把植標館當做起點。這兩個人最令我敬佩的地方是，他們是踏實的生活家，我學到的東西多半是看書籍或網路，而他們有無限豐富的實際經驗，所以能說出的東西是那麼深刻。

   I had the exhibit room all to myself on the lazy Sunday morning. When I was wiping the display windows, Guei-mei and Hsin-huei, my favorite staff members, gave me a surprise visit. In our casual talk, I realized that the room is full of codes I don't understand. Take the symbols on the blackboard for example. They are about the structure of Fabaceae flowers. The two ladies taught me word by word. I admire them two for they learn from actual life experiences, so what comes from their mouths always sounds so convincing and powerful. 

   Earlier this week in Yun-lin (in central Taiwan), it had occurred to me that maybe I should turn to nature and learn right there because I believe I need to learn through seeing with my own eyes. However, Hsin-huei, an unofficial botanist, told me that I can start from learning in the herbarium. 

        在整理種子之際，心慧不經意地說她要離開植標館了，起先我以為只是個玩笑，但後來知道之後，我們開始聊很多植物以外的人生，說著說著，姊姊們邀我一起吃午飯，我們輕鬆地度過午後，分手之前，貴美問我：你知道我們今天來的意義嗎？我說：是惜別會對吧！雖然什麼都明白，不捨的情緒卻在一個人回家的路上襲捲而來。

   While we were sorting out the dried seeds, Hsin-huei mentioned offhandedly that she is about to leave the herbarium. At first I thought it was just a joke, but then we began to talk a lot about life apart from plants. As my shift drew to an end, the ladies invited me for lunch. We spent the afternoon like really close friends though we met only four months ago. Before going on our separate ways, Guei-mei asked me, "You know why we came to you today?" I replied, "It's a farewell party isn't it." Though I understood why such a choice was made, I didn't feel the backlash of my sadness until I walked home alone. 

        我想去不成曼谷有它的意義，因為這樣我才有機會在這裡好好地說再見。我會記得心慧教我的所有密碼和故事，有一天我們再見面的時候，我會分享植物教我有關人生的大事。

   I guess it has made sense why I couldn't make it to Bangkok, or I wouldn't have had a chance to say goodbye properly. I will bear in mind all the codes and stories that Hsin-huei taught me, and one day when we meet again, I will share THE RULE that botany will have taught me about life. 

Simple and Sincere / 又單純又真心

37歲了，被問到要什麼生日禮物，我真的是想不出來。只要有孩子陪伴的日子都好。

   I turned 37 today. Asked what I'd like as birthday gifts, I couldn't think of anything I want. I guess as long as I am accompanied by children, my days will be full of light. 

        於是我們一如往常地在書房畫圖、嘻嘻哈哈。

   So as usual we draw and play in the study. 

        一起讀霸王龍的故事讀到三個人都眼眶泛淚。

   We read the dinosaurs' stories until our eyes are brimmed with tears. 

        然後男孩們那麼簡單但深刻的祝福，讓我有預感接下來的一年都會如此美好。

   Then the boys' simple and sincere best wishes make me believe that my following year will be so wonderful as today. 

        就是出外的下午茶會也很簡單，但我們吃得杯盤狼藉，就知道有多盡興。

   Even the birthday afternoon tea party is very low-key. However, see what a lovely time we have had by looking at the almost-empty plates. 

        不論走到哪裡都有孩子的陪伴，我差點要相信自己是孩子王了。

   Wherever I go, I have the fabulous company of children. Well, I come near to believing that I enjoy high popularity among kids. 

        又老了一歲，心境卻像盛開的玫瑰，眼前見到的風景越來越美。

   Though I am one year older, I feel like a rose in bloom inside. What I see in front of my eyes is more and more beautiful. 

Boundless / 沒有界線

初認識台灣萍蓬草沒多久，在某次搭高鐵的旅程中發現，它曾經快要瀕臨絕種，當下突然覺得，這世界有太多我沒有注意到的生命，以它的節奏和週期誕生死亡，可是如果我只要有一次機會認識它，之後我如果再和它相遇，就不會錯過，以前以為這叫做巧合，現在我則認為，，世界上的每樣人事物都有如此緊密的連結。

Soon after I met the yellow waterlily, I came across an article about it in the High Speed Rail magazine on one trip. It was not until then that I learned the flower was once on the verge of extinction. It dawned on me that there are so many forms of life on earth, but I have no idea of their existence. They rise and fall at their own paces, having nothing to do with my life at all. However, if I am given just one chance to know it, I am sure I won't miss it when seeing it afterwards. I used to believe that is called coincidence; yet now I think it's because everything, every being and every story in this world is inter-connected.

        要轉三十七歲的前夕，我決定不要再錯過路邊的、眼前的生命，於是十天前開始，我信手寫了一張明信片給薛吉，說每天我都要畫一張當天遇見的植物，三百六十五天後，我們會把明信片放在行動的行李箱裡，寄給想要觀看小展覽的人。

   Before turning 37, I decide that I don't want to miss any life right next to me or in front of me. Therefore, about ten days ago, on a postcard sent to Shaggy, I came up with an idea: I am going to draw a plant/an animal on a daily postcard. In one year, we'll put 365 postcards in a small suitcase, sending it to anyone who's interested in the private exhibition.

        正在上文化課的小吉給了我如此的回應，這也會是旅行的展覽一部分。

   Shaggy, who's taking courses on Taiwanese culture, responds to me as shown above. Her mail will be part of our traveling exhibition too. 

        我們都是念舊、極需安全感的處女座，但沒有人規定我們要那樣過活，從現在開始我們的人生沒有界線。

   As Virgos, we are both attached to the old people and in desperate need of a sense of security, but we are learning to live otherwise. From now on, our life is going to be boundless....

Encountering my self / 遇見自己

穿越過好幾個城市去薛吉家玩，我很努力指認牆上的明信片，花了好一會才找出我的手繪作，因為我總是改變太快，所以過去的我對現在的我來說有些陌生。

I traveled across several cities to visit Shaggy. Standing in front of the wall of her room, I made an effort to recognize my hand-drawn postcards. However, I've always changed at such a fast pace that it took me some time to find my past self. 

        看到這張明信片楞了很久，雖然覺得很熟悉，卻因為上頭的字強烈地認為不是我寄的信，薛吉說：是你寄的啊！這麼說來就是郵差幫我加工，但因此讓一年多之後的我感到驚喜，在中台灣還可以回想北愛爾蘭巨人海岸的風光。

   Upon seeing this postcard, I was overwhelmed with a sense of familiarity, but the words told me that it didn't have anything to do with me. Then Shaggy uttered: It IS your postcard. I got it. The postman added the final touch and thus prepared a huge surprise for me more than one year after the mail was sent. It was amazing to be reminded of Giant's Causeway while I was physically so far away from it. 

        從薛吉的書架上拿下青木由香的書，對其中一段話心有戚戚之感：

        我有點後悔學了太多，但高貴的藝術對我來說太困難，現在的我只想做出和自己等身大的作品。小時候不會思考困難的事，只是單純開心地畫畫。我希望作品能讓一般人看，不用管它是不是藝術、美術，就像小時候，看到我畫畫就很開心、一起替我收集紙張的人一樣，如果對方也能感受到一些什麼就好了。

        從沒有什麼創作出什麼，然後能微微牽動人的情感，畫畫如果能做到這樣，就很足夠了吧！

   I thumbed through a book written by the Japanese author Aoki Yuka taken from Shaggy's shelf. A quote really impressed me: 

   I kind of regret learning too much, but high art is too difficult for me. I only feel like making art that can represent me. I didn't have to think about complicated things when I was little. All I did was draw happily. I hope to share my works with people instead of caring if it is defined as art. Just like in my childhood, people were pleased to see me draw and collect my drawings for me. It's enough if my works can touch others. 

   It will be enough to make something out of nothing and then kind of move people. If drawing can do that for me, it is more than enough. 

        而我每次遇見過去的自己，也覺得被微微牽動了。

   Whenever I encounter my past self, I also feel kind of touched....

Momoko / 桃子

這個夏天重新檢視了我的生活，因為又能夠重新開始認真畫圖，而對於過去幾個月沒能好好做這件事，這樣不像我的改變就是現在回首看，我自己都覺得驚奇。

This summer I have reexamined my life. I find it amazing that I could live without doing too much drawing in the past few months, especially when I am back in the lovely habit and feel how much joy it brings me every day.

        自己沒有在努力的時候找了一堆藉口，自我安慰努力也沒有用，但是看到之前的同學慢慢嶄露頭角，心裡不免有些難過。

   I consoled myself with a lot of lame excuses when I was not making any effort. The most hideous one is that working hard won't get me anywhere anyway. However, I couldn't help feeling a mixture of emotions when I saw my ex-classmates' effort pay off.

        今天讀了一篇文章，有關我的前同學工藤桃子，很為她高興，心中的情緒像八月晴朗的天空，我也要緊握著我的夢想，再怎麼說努力過的人生都比光用想的真實。
 
   I read an article about my ex-classmate Momoko Kudo. I am truly happy for her, and my sky is as cloudless as that in August. Now I am holding onto my dream again. After all, I feel better about taking a try than doing nothing at all.

桃子的部落格 / Momo's blog

Unique wedding gift / 特別的結婚禮物

我的部落格查詢度最高的是關於結婚禮物，因為如此我不禁想我要的禮物，不過老實說，我要是遇到很好的人且結得了婚，根本不想要任何禮物。但從賓客的角度，怎麼樣我都要獻上祝福。

One of the most popular posts on my blog is about wedding gifts. Because of that, I can't help thinking about what kind of gift I'd like to have, but the truth is, if I am lucky enough to run into a very good person and get married, that will be a perfect gift for me. That said, I still want to send my best wishes as a guest and friend when it comes to others' weddings. 

        蘇蘇和另一半都喜歡慢跑，所以這次的婚禮主題很清楚明瞭。

   Susu and her other half are into jogging, which thus becomes the theme of their wedding gift.

        星星和太陽都感受到他們的喜悅！

   Stars and the sun feel their joy of love! 

        今天瞥了電視節目之際，記者問福山雅治想不想結婚當爸爸，他用親民的表情說：我每天都期待這件事發生。我忍不住微笑了一下，心想真好，有人和我有一樣的想法。不過在那發生之前，我要感受別人結婚生小孩的開心，這世界對我來說是開闊的。

   When I glimpse at the TV news today, the show host asks the famous Japanese star Fukuyama Masaharu in the interview if he feels like getting married and being a father. He answers with a positive look on his face saying: I am looking forward to that every day. I can't help smiling to myself thinking, "How nice. At least there's someone out there feeling the way I do." But before that happens, I want to feel others' joy of finding their beloved ones and having children. The happiness in this world always opens up its arms for me. 

Threesome / 三個人

我想像我們七月要去的高山音樂會，畫放在客廳，有一天陽光打在畫面上，美麗地讓我們趕快拿出相機記錄‧‧‧‧‧‧

I imagined the mountain concert we are going to in July. The painting is placed in the living room, and one evening this week even the sun reveled in the cool atmosphere of the picture. It was so fascinating that we couldn't help recording the instant with the camera.

The Star Is Twinkling / 星星還亮著

兩週前收到信誼繪本比賽未入圍的通知，心裡著實難過了一下，不過因為目前很認真地在籌備一本書，雖然沒有空畫圖，卻也沒有時間傷心太久。

Two weeks ago I received a letter from Hsin-yi Publishing House informing me that my work wasn't selected in the picture book contest this year. It did hurt. However, since I am busy preparing a book, I didn't have spare time for dwelling on my disappointment. 

我試著復原的同時，凱特提醒我倫敦的友人珊卓拉很喜歡我送件的「把我的星星還給我」。上週末在薛吉妹妹的新屋裡看到我之前寄的明信片像展覽一樣貼在牆上，看到自己繽紛熱情的過去。今天要離開學校之前，我和孩子們說也許明天可以趕印第一本書，她們的眼睛閃著光芒，蘇菲說：那將會是世界上第一本屬於我們的書耶！

While I was recuperating, Caterina reminded me that Sandra in London is a fan of my story Give My Star back to Me!. Last weekend I saw my past postcards shine on the walls of Shaggy's new place. They so reminded me of my colorful past. Today before leaving the office, I told the girls maybe we can get to see our first printed book tomorrow. Their eyes sparkled, and Sophy said, "That will be our first book in the world!"

當我一直很用力地閃著光亮或用力地拉著陷在黑暗裡的人，我的星星也照顧著我。我準備好重新再來，我就是要一直畫到別人都看到我的光亮。

When I go all out to shine for or pull those who are trapped in the dark, my stars are taking care of me. I am ready to start again, and I am determined to draw until the world sees my twinkles.

Good Friend / 好朋友

對於三十幾歲的單身女性而言，女朋友真的很重要啊！還好我的身邊有個美麗的小天使！

For a single woman in her thirties like me, having girl friends MATTERS! Luckily, I am always accompanied by a beautiful angel. 

好朋友小蕙的生日要到了，我要獻上充滿溫暖的禮物！

My good friend Hui's birthday is around the corner, and here are the gifts I made with heartfelt gratitude and warmth!

I Like You / 我喜歡你

多年前，男孩帶著這本書去紐約找他愛的女孩，女孩最後還是拒絕他，於是他把書送給我。多年後，男孩結了婚有了自己的小孩，我某一天卻猛然發現，我的書櫃裡藏著他過往的傷心：It's ok. Your once-broken heart is safe with me.

Many years ago, a boy took this book to New York as a gift for the girl he loved. She turned him down in the end, though. Not knowing what to do with the book, he gave it to me. Years later, the boy was happily married to another girl. One day I found that his past sad love affair hides in my book shelf: It's ok. Your once-broken heart is safe with me.

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... 

What's REAL / 真實

週一收到兩封信，有關我為何關了臉書。週二收到兩份禮物，來自離我很近和很遠的友人。不用臉書之後的生活，我和過去和虛擬世界做切割了，但是我在真實的人際關係裡感到再腳踏實地不過，快樂也是，傷心也是。

I received two letters this Monday from friends who are concerned about why I closed my fb account.  I got two gifts this Tuesday from a friend who lives close and a friend who lives faraway. In my life without facebook, I have cut off my connection with the past and the virtual world. But I feel so down-to-earth in my real-life relationships, whether it be joy or sadness. 

Comforted / 安心

今天又見到我很喜歡的小桓哥，我畫完他的肖像後要求他畫我，結果我變成捲髮的多拉愛夢。

Today I met my favorite little boy Juan again. After I finished his portrait, I offered to be his model. Little did I expect that I would turn out to be Doraemon with curly hair. 

現在有個習慣，朋友聚會時如果有小朋友，我會很自動地移到他們身邊，通常我會隨身帶著彩色筆，我們會一起畫圖。我總覺得自己小時候活得太不像孩子了，現在一心ㄧ意想彌補之前未能和同齡的小朋友共處的樂趣。

I have got into a habit now. In friends' gatherings, if there is a group of kids, I will automatically move over and pretend to be one of them. Usually I bring colored pens with me, and that enables us to draw together. I feel that I didn't get to be a child when young. Now I am intent on making up to myself for the fun I didn't enjoy of spending time with children of my age before. 

小桓一點也不畏縮地畫在我的札記本裡，我們一人分一面，他說我把自己畫得很老，我就在旁邊畫了年輕版的我，他顯然滿意許多，然後他又畫起最愛的多拉愛夢，我們聊起兩人都很喜歡的土耳其進行曲，他眼裡露出閃閃的光芒說：那是我最喜歡的曲子耶！

Juan drew fearlessly in my journal. We each were responsible for one page. He commented on my old-looking portrait, so I drew a younger version of myself, which obviously pleased him more than the first one. He was engrossed in drawing his beloved Doraemon again. We chatted about the song Turkish March. His eyes shone with glow saying, "That's my favorite song!" 

有時候說的話太多，連自己都覺得不踏實。可是這時候只要有個小孩坐在我身邊，我們一起安安靜靜地畫圖，我就會感到安心。

Sometimes I talk so much that I don't believe in what I say anymore. But at this moment, if there is a child sitting next to me and drawing with me in silence, their presence never fails to comfort me...

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!