In museums 2 / 博物館裡 2

又去了一次歷史博物館，這次去看畢卡索展，速寫起來非常痛快！筆袋裡的筆輪番上陣，最後發現我的最愛是口紅！ 

I went to National Museum of History again for the exhibition of Picasso's imaginary faces. It's certainly a luxury to imitate Picasso's works. The wild lines and bright colors are my favorites. I tried as many combinations of pens as possible, and in the end I found that I love lipsticks the most! 

        今天沒有太多人群，卻又足夠我畫圖，一切都剛剛好。

     There weren't too many people today, but enough for me to sketch. Everything was just perfect. 

        咖啡店窗外的荷花也開得正是時候，隔著窗避開炎熱的暑氣，在畫面上看起來多有生命力！ 

     The lotus pond in the botanical garden is at its best. As long as I didn't have to be exposed to the summer heat, I can make it look as beautiful as possible! 

In museums / 博物館裡

和繪本班同學去歷史博物館看常玉展，老師說要拿出小冊子速寫，好久沒有在博物館裡速寫了，我不禁想起在倫敦的博物館速寫歲月。

I went to the exhibition of Sanyu in National Museum of History with my picture-book-making class. Our teacher asked us to sketch in the museum, which I hadn't done for ages. I couldn't help recalling my endless sketching sessions when studying in London. 

        我把重點放在展覽作品的記錄，雖然身邊人潮不斷，一旦專注在速寫上，感覺就像不為水流動影響的大石。常玉的線條和顏色都很迷人，而且不花太多時間即可模仿。

     I put emphasis on Sanyu's paintings. The flow of visitors was kind of disturbing in the beginning, but as I began, I felt I could be as firm as a giant rock. The lines and colors of Sanyu's works hold infinite attraction for me. Moreover, it didn't take much time to imitate. 

        速寫節束之後，我們分享各自的作品，我發現每個人的視角都不一樣，老師重在分析每件作品的結構（於是我之後也學起來），有同學則把重點放在畫作和訪客之間的關係，或者是把博物館當作整張圖的空間發揮，非常有趣。

     After the sketching session, it was time for us to share our sketches. It was fun that everyone sketched  from different perspectives. For example, the teacher analyzed the composition of each painting, which I learned later. Some drew the relationship between the artworks and the visitors, and still others thought of the space of the museum as an artwork. How nice to have such wonderful stimulation through the exchange. 

        回家後的某一天我想起八年前去巴塞隆納米羅美術館的速寫，發現當時我的視角也好不一樣啊！從在門口排隊時就開始速寫了。

     Several days later, I thought of the sketches I had done on my trip to Miro's Museum in Barcelona eight years ago. I found that I had a very different perspective back then. In fact, I started to sketch even when waiting in line to get the ticket. 

        當時的我是多麼喜歡記錄人群啊！ 

     I found the crowds so irresistible at that time! 

Dadaocheng Wharf / 大稻埕碼頭

來去大稻埕碼頭看夕陽，與其說這裡是觀光景點，不如說是市井小民生活的場域。

Let's go to Dadaocheng Wharf for the sunset. It's more a public space for the locals than a tourist spot. 

        大家用最自在的方式放鬆，畫著畫著我也感覺像在家一樣自由。

     Everyone relaxes in their own ways. I can't help loosening up as I observe and draw how others live. 

        華燈初上，廣場上、榕樹下或廟旁的空地，紛紛成為卡拉ok歌手的舞台，排排站的塑膠椅向路人招手，邀請他們來聽一曲，還有毫不害羞的歐吉桑跳著熟練的舞步，多麼華麗的台北夜晚！

     As the sky darkens, the wharf becomes a performing stage for local singers. They can be seen on the square, next to the temples or under the banyan trees. Rows of empty plastic chairs wave to the passers-by, inviting them to be part of the show. Moreover, the music is accompanied by the sophisticated dance of middle-aged men. What a splendid way to spend an evening in Taipei! 

My first marathon race / 我的第一場馬拉松

給了Nike辦的Women's Run!雖然事前已經先自己練習過跑十公里，去賽跑的時候心情很不一樣，晏蘋說到現場會很興奮，果然聽到快節奏的音樂和很動感的教練，我等不及要起跑！

Nike's Women's Run was my first marathon race. Though I had practiced running for ten kilometers twice before the run, it felt very different to run in a race. I was kind of skeptical when Irma told me that I would feel the excitement on the spot, but the loud music and hyper coaches really turned me on on the spot. I couldn't wait to begin! 

        剛開始得在人群中鑽來鑽去，漸漸地人潮開始拉長，果然和大家一起跑步比自己在操場上練圈圈有趣多了！沿路不時有工作人員喊加油，這些鼓勵的話語超級有力量，讓我能夠再次加快腳步往前進。我按著一貫的速度，慢慢超過一些跑者時，不覺得是自己變快了，心想也許是別人變慢了，但是馬拉松的精神真的是和自我的競賽。

     In the beginning I had to worm my way out of the crowds, but little by little, the runners began to thin out into long lines. It was indeed much more fun to run with others than practicing alone on the university campus. Along the way, the staff kept rooting for us, and I had to admit, their words were really uplifting. As I progressed at my speed, I gradually ran past some runners. I didn't feel I was running faster. Instead, I couldn't help wondering if they had slowed down. To me, a marathon race is more about competing with myself than with others. 

        我們從仁愛路上高架橋，跑在平常車輛行駛的道路上有種很奇異的感覺。我隨身沒有帶任何手錶或計時器，所以對於跑了多遠沒有什麼感覺，倒是看到沿路的距離牌之際才有恍然大悟的感覺。八公里左右有撞牆期，但是有經驗的跑者知道千萬不要停下來，因為會熊熊發現雙腳不是自己的，再起跑就難了，這時有位跑在我身邊的選手對我說：「你好厲害！」我看著眼前的其他選手，不解地回答：「為什麼呢？」她說：「我從剛才就一直跑在你後面！」被她這麼一說，我的雙腿像裝了推進器，又加速往前衝！

     We ran along Renai Rd. and then went on the Jianguo Expressway. It felt weird, in a good way, to run  on the roads normally for cars. I had neither a watch nor a a timer with me, so I couldn't tell how far I had gone. It was not until I saw the sign that indicates the distance we had covered that I got a clue. When I had run for eight kilometers, I felt I was about to hit the wall, but experienced runners know better than stop to walk because then it will be hard to start again. The legs will feel so heavy that it will require more determination than ever to break into a run again. At this moment a runner next to me said, "You are amazing!" I looked at the runners ahead of me, puzzled by her words. I asked her why. She replied, "I've been running behind you." Upon hearing her words, I couldn't help pushing forward as if my legs were equipped with propellers.  

        結果我以六十三分三十秒完賽，是六千零五十一名選手裡的兩百一十六名喔！以一個跑短跑慢到從來沒有機會跑大隊接力的人來說，我在四十歲的時候找到我的天空！

In the end I finished the race within 63.5 minutes, ranking 216th out of 6,051 runners. I always thought of myself as a super slow runner, so low that I had no chance to run in a relay race in my life, but I found my talent at the age of 40! 

Chubby Auntie / 胖阿姨

胖阿姨早上在萬芳醫院捷運站發報紙好幾年，每天她會給我好明亮的微笑，我的心情總是因此一振。前一陣子胖阿姨再也沒有出現，我想了幾個星期，幻想她或許生病了、或許遠遊。

Chubby Auntie had been handing out free newspapers in the Wanfang Hospital MRT station for several years. Every day her bright smile would light up my day. However, a while ago, Chubby Auntie  vanished without a trace. I wondered if she fell ill or if she went on a long journey. 

        那一陣子聽了繪本作家馬尼尼爲的演講，對於海的旅館有非常嚮往的心情，那是可以獨處的空間。

     I happened to attend a talk given by the illustrator Maniniwe then. I long to spend some time in her "Sea Hotel," where I will have all the time and space to myself. 

        也許胖阿姨去了海的旅館。

        想不到有一天居然在家裡的捷運站遇見胖阿姨，原來派報社不再雇用胖阿姨了。

        我居然如此想念一個近似陌生人的胖阿姨‧‧‧‧‧‧

     Maybe Chubby Auntie went to the Sea Hotel. 

     One day I encountered Chubby Auntie coincidentally in the MRT station near home. She explained to me that she is no longer employed by the newspaper. 

     Strangely, I miss such a stranger so much that my heart aches... 

Fuyang Park / 富陽公園

想念速寫的我，今天的太陽也鼓勵我出走，到城市裡的小森林富陽公園畫畫，這裡連星期天也一樣清閒，我坐在小徑上，偶爾有爬山客經過，大部份時候我獨自享受一整片綠意。

I miss sketching badly, and the sun today beckons me to go outside for fresh air. I travel to the forest inside the city--Fuyang Park. The hidden corner is quiet even on weekends. I sit on the narrow path, having the green garden all to myself. 

     台北人很會生活，帶著蘋果電腦來山的書房工作娛樂，有竹林和陽光作伴，這樣別有一番風味‧‧‧‧‧‧

        People in Taipei certainly how to make full use of the park. The hills are their outdoor study with the bamboos leaves swaying in the background and sunshine streaming in from the four sides... 

Sense of Taipei / 台北感

週五聽了李明璁教授的演講，他提到每個地方都應該有其特殊的文化氛圍，台北的特色是什麼呢？去象山健行的時候，得到了有趣的答案。

I listened to a talk by Prof. Lee Ming-tsung two days ago on how every place should have its own particular sense, i.e. culture and atmosphere. What is the sense of Taipei? I found extremely intriguing answers on a hike to Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain) yesterday. 

        現在的象山非常國際化，有國內國外的旅人，每個佇足點也都有強烈的特色，例如說，我們到巨石公園時，被排隊的人潮嚇了一跳，這裡又不是信義區的百貨公司，究竟在排什麼？原來大家想爬到石頭上拍照，有人認真研究如何爬上去，有人為了避開人潮，盤算著登上其他顆石頭，我強烈感受到大家征服石頭的欲望。而且這裡的旅人穿著打扮很多和逛信義區的人群沒兩樣，還有穿著小紅鞋來登石頭的女孩呢！我本來只是在遮蔭處發呆，後來忍不住記錄這個驚奇的畫面。

     Amazingly,  Xiangshan is a rather international tourist spot now. There are much more foreign travelers than imagined. Every stop in the mountain is unique in its own way. For example, upon reaching the Giant Rock Park, we were stunned by the queue. What were people lining up for? It turns out that they would like to take a picture upon one of the rocks. It was amusing to eavesdrop   people's talk about how to climb the rock or how to avoid the crowd by going up on another rock. I could feel their strong desire to conquer the rocks! Besides, most people would be mistaken as the shoppers in Xin-yi District since their wear was no different. In fact, it's important to look fashionable for the photo on the rock. In the beginning I was just watching people in the shade, but I couldn't help sketching the super interesting image later on. 

        往前走到逸賢亭，亭子前有做操的民眾，亭子裡有大叔拉著手風琴，旁邊還有舉重的男孩，大寶說這是象山上的World Gym！因為再度覺得很驚奇，我又拿出速寫本，想不到右下角的阿伯跑來讓我點歌，接著「何日君再來」，我只能想到「甜蜜蜜」，大叔演奏完還來教護心操，好和樂融融啊！

     As we moved ahead to one pavilion, in front of it were the locals doing exercise, and in the pavilion there were other stories going on. An old man played the accordion while a young man was lifting weight next to him. This is the mountain version of World Gym! Feeling amazed again, I took out my sketchbook immediately. The half-naked uncle in the lower right corner was eager to have me request a song. Since the previous one is a classic by the famous singer Teresa Teng, I had no choice but to request another song of hers. After the performance, the accordion musician came to teach me how to massage my hands. What a harmonious afternoon! 

        台北是個什麼元素都可以找到的地方，而且完全無違和感，可說處處有驚喜！

     The sense of Taipei lies in a wide mix of all the cultural elements, whether local or foreign. Strangely, nothing feels out of place here and there are always surprises to look forward to! 

The Lin Family Mansion & Garden / 林本源園邸

在上海的旅行，只能走馬看花，很想念園林的景致，於是去了林本源園邸。一定是因為我太崇洋媚外了，居然還被問到：你從哪裡來？

In Shanghai, we traveled at a lightning speed. I didn't have any time for sketching, and now my heart craves for the classical gardens. Well, it's funny that I am asked the question, "Where are you from?" It must have something to do with the fact that I adore exotic stuff so much that I myself appear kind of exotic too. 

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. 

Someone who sees / 看見

可以畫完一張速寫真是人生最大的幸福之一，不過就算沒有那樣的時間，搭捷運的十分鐘也夠，現在的我一點都不在意沒畫完這件事。

Now come to think of it, what a luxury it is to sit in a place for as long as I like for a sketch. Well, even if I can't afford that in my everyday life now, ten minutes of the MRT ride suffices. I no longer mind collecting unfinished drawings in my sketchbook. 

通常不會有人搭理我，今天把速寫本闔上，起身時頭左上方一抬，收到的是捷運駐車工作人員的微笑，好溫暖的早晨呢！

Usually other passengers are too sleepy or too busy to pay attention to my drawing activity. Today as soon as I close my book, I am greeted by a knowing smile by one MRT staff member when I am about to stand up. Isn't it a warm morning, I think to myself.

Another step / 又一步

今年年初找到了台北市最老的楓香。春天的時候，小蕙問我有沒有寫書的計畫，我說總有一天。五月偶然發現環境署辦的繪本比賽，雖然當時離截止日期只剩一個月，我卻相信自己可以做到，於是我就用三個星期做了一本書。在準備的過程中，楓香樹給了我很大的力量，我充滿了信念，然後很幸運地得到了佳作。

After finding the oldest tree in Taipei, the sweet gum tree at the beginning of the year, Huei asked if I had the plan to write a picture book for it. It was spring, and I didn't feel ready then. In May, I occasionally found the picture book contest held by the Environmental Protection Administration. By the time I learned about it, there was merely one month away from the deadline, but somehow I wanted more than ever to participate in it. During the process of preparation, I was full of faith and power, which I believe came from the tree. Very luckily, my work won the special mention prize. 

        頒獎地點選在台灣博物館土銀展示館，是很古典雅緻的建築。

   The award ceremony takes place in Taiwan Land Bank Exhibition Hall, National Taiwan Museum, which is an extremely classical building. 

        我很喜歡木造的屋頂，今天才發現台灣有這麼美麗的博物館呢！

   To be honest, I didn't know that we have such a beautiful museum in Taiwan! The wooden roof is my favorite. 

        這個比賽有分教案組和繪本組，繪本組的評審很熱心地提點獲選作品的優缺點。

   There are two categories in the contest--teaching plans and picture books. The judge points out the strengths and weaknesses of the winning picture books. 

        會中還播映前三名的繪本作品，第三名的得主陳潤芃小姐之前在信誼的比賽也得獎了。

   The top three picture books are turned into audio books presented to the audience. The winner of the third place, Ms. Chen, was also a winner in the picture book contest held by Hsin-y Foundation earlier this year. 

        第二名的作品「大樹開花」用很精細的剪紙作為表現技法，以種植大樹爲主旨，小方邊看還和我說：這和你的故事有相似的地方喔！

   The winner of the second place "Blossoming Trees" impresses the viewer with its fine paper-cutting technique while the theme of the book is about planting trees. As we watch the story, Von can't help whispering to me: You two have similar stories!" 

        第一名的作品「海邊診所」被評為幾近零缺點，畫面和文字都很簡單，可是很有力道。

   The winner of the first place "The Clinic by the Sea" is viewed as almost perfect by the jury. The images and text are extremely simple, but the story is really impressive. 

        主辦單位還準備好幾道用在地食材做成的小點，令人感受到他們的用心。

   The sponsor prepares snacks made from local agricultural crops, which warms our hearts. 

        畫繪本的都長得好漂亮！

   Picture book artists are all so beautiful! 

        頒獎典禮還有一個很棒的地方─有小小的分享會，讓我從別人身上學習，收集到很多好點子。

   Something wonderful about the ceremony is that every winner is invited to share their inspirations and experiences about making their books. I have thus learned much from the others and collected many great ideas. 

        孩子們帶著花束跑進我們的大合照裡。

   The kids run into our group picture with big bouquets of flowers.

        楷維很喜歡我的獎杯，我是帶最多親友去的人，感謝大家都來為加油！

   Kai loves my trophy a lot. I am the person that brings the most visitors with me. Many thanks to my family who come to cheer for me. 

        會後和評審請益，老師說我的文字還要再更精簡，有些圖也要更洗練，這席話是我今天最大的收穫。

   I talk to one of the judges about how to improve my work. She suggests that I work on the text and some images. Her advice is the most important reason why I have to be there in the ceremony today. 

        台博館土銀館真是令人驚艷，一走進去我便想到倫敦的自然歷史博物館，但我更加喜歡台博館，當時抱著夢想去倫敦，現在在台北實現夢想了，我愛我的當下。

   National Taiwan Museum is a really amazing place. In fact, the moment I walk in, I think of the Natural History Museum in London. However, I like the one here more. I went to London with a dream, and I am on my way to realizing the dream step by step here in Taipei. I don't love anything else more than my present. 

        最重要的是，我和我愛的人在一起！孩子們總是和我一起做繪本，當我的聽眾和小編輯，沒有他們我就不會得獎！

   Most important of all, I am with those who I love. The boys always work with me when I make picture books. They are not only my readers but also my editors. Without them, I wouldn't be here! 

Butterflies / 蝴蝶

六月，陽明山的二子坪因盛開蜜源植物，吸引了很多了蝴蝶，我對蝴蝶滿天紛飛的畫面很嚮往，覺得自己不能錯過這樣美好的大自然。

Every June is the blooming period for nectar plants in Yangmingshan, Taipei, so butterflies swarm the mountain paths. I am tempted by a strong urge to see the fantastic scene of colorful fairies scattering the whole sky. 

        不只蝴蝶喔，毛毛蟲、瓢蟲、蜘蛛、蜜蜂都出席盛大的派對，大家盡情吃吃喝喝、在花草間自在地打滾。

   In fact, there are way more than butterflies. Caterpillars, ladybugs, spiders and bees are all part of the party. Everyone eats, plays and rolls happily among blossoming plants. 

        蝴蝶和花兒親吻著，更棒的是，吻都是甜甜的味道，還可以塞飽肚子呢！

   Butterflies can't stop kissing flowers. Better yet, the kisses are sweet and filling! 

        每年青斑蝶在秋季後會隨著東北季風往南移動，前往琉球群島或台灣等地越冬繁殖，直到隔年春天，後代再隨西南氣流往北移動，曾有在台灣被標記的青斑蝶在日本被發現。

   Based on some research, blue-spotted butterflies fly south in autumn to spend winter in the Ryukyu Islands or Taiwan. Next summer, their offsprings move back north. Certain blue-spotted butterflies tagged in Taiwan were once discovered in Japan. 

        小小的身軀，卻可以完成兩千公里的大旅行，我們都只是來陪青斑蝶走一小趟路程，我們是多幸運的伴遊啊！

   It's amazing that a small butterfly can accomplish the grand journey that covers 2,000 kilometers. We are all here to be their companions on a short leg of their trip, but how lucky we are!