Showing posts with label life lesson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life lesson. Show all posts

Monday, May 29, 2017

Good friend / 好朋友


上週的繪本課裡,當老師不斷問大家有否要分享的作品,我遲遲拿不出來,心裡勇敢和懦弱不斷交戰著,最後我安靜若無其事地走回位置上。

In the picture-book class last week, the teacher kept asking if we had any work to share with one another. Even so, my cowardice held me back, finally blowing away the last whiff of courage I had. In the end, I walked back to my seat quietly without saying or showing anything. 

        那天的課堂上,遇見認識好多年的Ada,下課之前她對我說不要害怕,她的鼓勵推了我一把,果然,老師和同學給了我許多回饋,之後我的生活看似相同,但其實一切都不一樣了。

     That day in class I happened to run into Ada, a friend I'd met years ago. Before leaving, she told me not to be afraid. Her words of encouragement made me take a huge leap. As she had predicted, I got so much helpful feedback after showing the work to the teacher and classmates. After that day, though my life appears to be the same on the outside, it has, in fact, become very different. 

Saturday, December 24, 2016

Headache / 頭痛


頭痛是我今年的關鍵字,雖然醫生說是生理原因,但鼓隊打起來的時候還是忍不住想是不是也有心理因素。

"Headache" is my word of the year. Though the doctor confirmed that it should be attributed to the hereditary factor, I sometimes can't help wondering if I have imposed too much pressure on myself. 

        要送走2016年之前又發了一場頭痛,腦裡的鼓隊打的節拍越來越密集,他們說:不要再鑽牛角尖那些無謂的小細節,數我們的節奏!!! 

     Before seeing 2016 off, I suffered from another headache. The beats of the drummer intensified with time passing. The thunderous music screamed, "Forget all about your obsessions with the insignificant trifles. Focus on us!" 

        軍隊離開的隔一天,我全身上下變得很柔和,為自己還舒服地活著這件事感到喜悅,沒有精力想不重要的瑣事,到辦公室做的第一件事是塗鴉。

     The next day after the drummers left, I softened from head to toe, feeling acutely the joy of living without physical pain. I couldn't afford to give thought to what had been bothering me anymore. And surprisingly, the first thing I did when arriving at the office was doodling. 

        真好,這一年結束之前,我突然明白頭痛的意義了。

     How nice that I have finally figured out the meaning of a headache before the year ends. 

Monday, October 10, 2016

Power of plants / 植物的力量


雖然這個秋天做什麼都有點懶散,連植標館都去得比平常少,不過每次去之後,總是會獲得清新的力量。三年前開始的每日明信片計畫,原本每天都會畫一種植物,結果寫著寫著,就變成每日的喃喃了,這幾天我又想起了初衷,大自然也用念力對我說:趕快回到植物的懷抱吧! 

I've been rather laid-back for a while. In fact, I don't go to the herbarium as often as before. However, every visit always empowers me no matter how reluctant I am before going. I am reminded of my everyday postcard project started three years ago in which I made it a habit to draw a kind of plant on a daily basis. Now I write only about my trivial daily life. Luckily, mother nature has been sending me the message, "Come back to us. This is where you belong!" 

Saturday, September 17, 2016

Truth / 真理


身體說:「你居然活著活著,便忘了睡覺是真理!」

My body says, "You live only to forget that sleep is the basis of everything!"


Thursday, September 08, 2016

40


轉四十歲之前,是充滿焦慮的一年,還好最近把腳步慢了下來,找回了我想要的從容。

This has been a year filled with anxiety. Fortunately, I managed to slow down before turning 40 and retrieved the poise I so desperately longed for. 



凱特琳娜寄給我的卡片裡,問我要送什麼給自己當生日禮物,我的答案是「慢活」,所以今天去上班的路上,不奔跑也不緊張,看到想速寫的行人也不猶豫地停下來畫個兩筆。

Caterina asked me in the birthday card what I'd like to give myself as a birthday gift. My answer is "a slow pace." On the way to work today, I neither ran nor rushed. Upon seeing a beautiful smoking lady, I didn't hesitate to stop and sketch her. 

一早進到教室裡,可愛的孩子們準備了好大的蛋糕,我毫不彆扭地接受了大家的心意,今天我自在開心。

A super big cake was waiting for me when I stepped into the classroom this morning. I learned to accept the new girls' love without feeling shy. Today my heart is as wide as the ocean. 



雖然暑假就送了自己去奧地利旅行的大禮物,但一直到最近,我才真的明白對自己好的意義。暫時放掉了一些野心,我要從頭開始,一次只做一件事,表面上看起來像是放手,但我知道這是完成夢想的必要手段。

Though I gave myself the luxurious birthday gift of traveling to Austria in summer, I didn't really know what it means to be nice to myself until recently. For the time being, I let go of some goals. I will begin again and focus on one thing at a time, which is the only way I know to my dreams. 

四十歲真是個美麗的年紀,向前看未來的人生,還有一些機會,我要慢慢地前進‧‧‧‧‧‧

Forty is a very beautiful age. When I look ahead, I see some opportunities. Now I am going to move forward slowly...

Sunday, August 28, 2016

Treat me nice / 溫柔地 對待自己


開學的前一天,還是有好多想完成的事,不過,這一切都得放在一邊,先進行一些重要的儀式,放下過去,調整好腳步,明天以後的日子才能走得安穩。

I still have so many goals in my mind on the day before the new semester starts. However, I am aware that there's something bigger: I need to undergo some essential rituals to bid farewell to the past and adjust my pace first. 

前幾天得知了同事佳怡過世的消息,因為我們是類似性格的人,所以我感受到很大的情感衝擊。去了喪禮,悲傷很神奇地被轉換成力量,也讓我再一次正視自己的生活結構,過去的幾個月裡,我給自己很多目標和壓力,明明身體有一些狀況,我卻沒有好好對待自己。感覺佳怡在幫助我提醒自己,要放掉一些東西,要慢慢來。

A few days ago I learned of the tragic news that my colleague Chia-yi passed away earlier this month.  Her death has had a huge impact on me because somehow in her, I saw myself. Surprisingly, her funeral transformed my sadness into strength. More importantly, I am reminded to rethink seriously about my life. In the past months, I've given myself much pressure. Even though my body can't take it, I still dismiss this problem. I feel that Chia-yi is telling me to let go of some things and to take it slow. 



小智的檸檬 / Chi's lemon 

面對新的開始,人事物都換新了,收起舊的札記本之前,翻閱了過去幾個月的記錄,雖然覺得自己過得有點灰頭土臉,但記錄中其實有一些愛的片段,好像是說,美麗的片刻當下不一定是要充滿光亮的。

I am surrounded by new people and new objects at this point of life, but before putting away the old journal, I thumb through the record of the past few months. Apart from frustrations, there are also some moments of love. After all, beautiful moments don't always have to be shiny. 



還是忘不了爸爸在機場揮手的身影 / Dad's waving goodbye in the airport

生活就是走著走著,過度專注小細節,忘了大風景,總是要一再被提醒,要退後一步看。

As we all know, when we focus too much on details, we lose sight of the big picture. We have to be reminded to take a step back and get a perspective constantly. 



沒有答案是正常的。

It's ok that we can't find the answer sometimes. 



的確,最近有些時候心亂,還好運動過後總是會平靜下來。

I do lose that peaceful feeling sometimes, but fortunately, the evening walk always calms me down. 



春天會再來的。

Spring will come again. 

兩個多月前的某一天,佳怡對我說,她發現我的部落格,用坦然的態度開始和我聊生病和生活,雖然只有過這樣的交談,她卻在我的生命裡留下強烈的力道。重新出發之前,我也要在部落格上留下對佳怡的祝福,同時也對自己說:溫柔地對待自己吧!

One day in mid-June, Chia-yi accidentally told me that she found my blog, and then she began to chat with me about life and illness. We didn't have that much interaction, but she has left such a deep impression on me. Before the new semester begins, I want to send my best wishes to her and to myself! 

Friday, July 29, 2016

If I am lonely, / 如果我感到寂寞,



一定是忘了把速寫本拿出來。

it must be that I forget to take out my sketchbook. 




維也納
Vienna



內在的旅行:

這個夏天一個人去奧地利,想要挑戰不同的速寫形態,所以我不用平常習慣的Moleskin札記本,而是單張的水彩紙,但我又擔心沒有寫字的空間,於是買了價美物廉的無印良品筆記本,它成為了我旅行的良伴。

我說:這是一趟很安全的旅行。雖然一路上是真的很安全,不過我的重點其實是,沒有太多驚豔的心情,可是很放鬆,同時也讓我有機會回想過去在歐洲的生活,朋友說聽起來是一場很內在的旅程。

旅行中,我待過很多間小房間,總覺得似曾相識,我問自己:所以我又回到這裡做什麼?我現在的心境和四年前有什麼不同?


The significance of this trip: 

I went to Austria alone this summer. Desiring some change, I chose not to use my beloved Moleskine journal. Instead, I went for single sheets of watercolor paper. Also, desperate for the sense of safety that only writing can give me, I brought along a really convenient and inexpensive journal of MUJI, which greatly soothed me along the way. 

I told others, "This is a safe trip." Instead of emphasizing personal safety, I focus more on the meaning that there weren't great adventures, but on the other hand, it was very relaxing, which I needed at the moment. Meanwhile, I got to look back on my life in Europe before. One friend said this was a very "deep" journey. Yes, it was. 

I stayed in several small rooms in different cities, but they always felt kind of dejavu to me. I couldn't ask myself, "What did I come back here for? What difference do I feel now compared with four years ago?"




我在新城市裡的位置:

在旅館裡定義這一刻在我人生裡的意義,出了旅館,我一邊尋找自己在這個城市的位置,混在大群的觀光客裡,這個任務特別有挑戰,雖然我也是其中之一,卻反骨地想證明自己不一樣。

大太陽底下,躲在Sisi Museum有陰影的大門後面畫著不確定的線條,打掃的阿姨說我的腳不能放在大理石上。


My place in the new city: 

I was defining the significance of my trip in my life inside the hotel room. When I walked out of the hotel, I was looking for my niche in this city. It was especially challenging when I knew that I was just one of the tourists, but I wanted to prove my difference so much. 

Before I found the answer, I hid in the shade behind the door of Sisi Museum. My lines were indefinite, and I had no idea what I was doing. The cleaning lady said I should put my legs down the marble ledge, but I could sit there drawing. 




因為帶著太多媒材,一下要用本子,一下要用水彩紙,同時還要遮陽,常常覺得自己很忙碌,羨慕Schoenbrunn動物園裡這個很自在的大隻仔。

It was distracting to bring so many sorts of media with me. I had to choose between the journal book and sheets of paper. And of course, there was the scorching sunshine to worry about. I found myself so busy that I really envied the big guy in the Schoenbrunn Zoo. 




觀光還是畫圖?

有時買了套票,激起了我的好勝心,告訴自己沒有時間畫圖,在大太陽底下跑來跑去,雖然有許多學習上的收穫,不過最後都覺得有些空虛。

前一天錯過的風景,第二天我會再跑回去記錄,我發現,只有坐下來安靜畫圖的時候,才感受到微風。


Sightseeing or sketching? 

The purchase of a package with one ticket could blind me. To visit as many museums as possible, I would persuade myself that I had no time to sketch, so I ran around like a madman under the sun. Much as I had learned, I couldn't help feeling kind of empty. 

I would go back to the same spot to make up for the view that I had missed. I realized that only when I sit down to draw peacefully will I feel cool breezes. 




關於寂寞這件事:

離開維也納的早上,天氣變糟了,拉行李出旅館時,我還想:和從前比起來,我一點都不寂寞。想不到過沒幾個小時,上帝便把這個大禮送給我。

從維也納到格拉茲的沿路風景很美,我卻越來越寂寞。


About loneliness: 

The day when I left Vienna, the weather took a downturn. The moment when I pulled my gigantic luggage out of the hotel, I thought to myself, "Well, at least now I don't feel lonely, if I have to list a difference from the past." Interestingly, as if to prove I was wrong, within a few hours, God bestowed the big gift on me.  

On my way from Vienna to Graz, I felt more and more lonely despite the lovely scenery. 





格拉茲
Graz 



危機即轉機:

每搬進新的旅館,我的寂寞感特別強烈,剛習慣上一個小房間,又移入陌生的新房間,一個人,不免感覺某種程度的淒涼。還赫然發現,我沒有帶轉接插頭是件嚴重的事,沒有iPad,我要如何和熟悉的世界保持連絡?


A crisis is also a turning point: 

I feel especially lonely when I change hotels. Right when I feel used to one little room, I have to adapt to another room. It feels bleak. It came as a blow when I found that I didn't have an adaptor with me. "How can I stay in contact with the world I know without my iPad?" 




旅行時只盯著眼前的風景:

別人羨慕我的假期、我的勇氣,但是我的內在有很多小劇場,還好我總是能找到答案─如果感到寂寞,一定是因為我忘了把速寫本拿出來。

那一天是週日在格拉茲,觀光客特別少、店家幾乎都關門,我卻找到我最忠實的旅伴─速寫本。


Live at the moment when you travel: 

Others envy me for my holidays, for my courage to travel alone, but truth be told, there was a lot going on inside of me. Fortunately, I always manage to find an answer: If I feel lonely, it must be that I forget to take out my sketchbook. 

That Sunday in Graz, tourists all left for somewhere else, most shops were closed, yet I found my most loyal partner--my sketchbook. 




從等公車開始畫到搭公車。

I sketched while waiting for the bus, while taking the bus. 




畫到城市裡的漫步之旅。

While walking in the city. 




畫到有感覺的作品。

While encountering artworks that I really adore.




畫到真的找到合適的位置畫圖,然後路人就來和我說:「你擁有特別的旅行記錄。」我在心裡接著說:「和很平靜的心。」

Until I found a perfect spot for sketching. Then the passer-by would tell me, "You have a special record of the trip." I went on to say, "And a very calm feeling." 




不一定要有意義:

我學著不去賦予每件事或每張圖意義,從純粹的觀察裡會產生全新的了解。


There's no need to give everything meaning: 

I learned not to give everything or every picture meaning. New understanding will arise from pure observation. 



米滕泉
Bad Mitterndorf



時時會有變化:

在安靜的鄉間車站等火車,卻發現火車不會來了,但我畫了一張圖,畫完之後接駁巴士出現了。


Be prepared for change all the time: 

I was sketching while waiting for the train in the quiet countryside only to find that the train wouldn't come. However, the shuttle bus came after I finished a sketch. 



聖沃夫崗
St. Wolfgang



下雨天坐在咖啡館裡是必要的選擇:

並不是走來走去才叫旅行。


It's a must to sit in a cafe on rainy days: 

Traveling is more than moving around... 




MUJI筆記本小而美,到這一點必須收起來,作每天的旅行文字記錄了。我帶了一堆顏料,最後畫出來的都是黑白作,這也是我始料未及的心境改變使然吧!


I had to stop drawing in the journal at this point because not many pages were left for my text record. I actually brought paints and colored pens with me, but to my surprise, I ended up drawing in black and white. That was what I hadn't expected beforehand! 

Thursday, June 02, 2016

Free airplane! / 自在的小飛機!


今天我的第五個班級畢業了,因為答應自己要用萬里無雲的心情和大家送別,果然一整天神輕氣爽,果然要轉四十歲之前的夏天,我是有進步的!

Today my fifth class has graduated. Since I kept reminding myself to say goodbye to the girls with my best wishes, I did have a great day. See, I have made much progress in the summer before turning forty! 

        前幾週還在尋找答案時,托了工作的福,去了一趟上海,飛行的途中得到很多靈感,本來覺得自己的職涯幾乎走到半路,強烈地想有一些突破,回來之後沉澱了一陣子,明白我還有很多想做的嘗試,雖然我有外在的大框架,但想像力還是無限寬廣的,而框架裡還是有許多可能性。

     A few weeks ago I was looking for some answers. I felt the strong need to make some breakthroughs because I am almost halfway through my teaching career and feel like change. Luckily, I had an opportunity to go to Shanghai thanks to work earlier in May. Along the way I was blessed with many inspirations. After the trip, it took me a while to realize within the box, there are still many possibilities if I use my imagination and creativity. 



        每一世代的孩子特質都不一樣,我也得學習接受他們的不同,因為只有這樣,我才能過得好。我要邁入第十五年的工作生涯了,我的目標是當自在的小飛機,從空中看盡所有風景,卻不捲入感情的漩渦,也不做主觀的判斷。

     Kids of every generation vary greatly, and now I strongly feel only when I really accept their differences will I live well. I am heading forward my fifteen year of being a teacher, and my goal is to be a free airplane. I would like to overlook everything from the sky, but I won't be emotionally involved or make subjective judgments. 

        新風景,三個月後見!

     My new scenery, see you in three months! 

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Trial / 試煉


突然間就發現自己變成有架子、壞脾氣的大人,該好好修練了!

Before I am aware of it, I have become a pretentious and bad-tempered adult. Time for me to meditate and shake off these annoying shackles! 

Sunday, May 01, 2016

My dreams always / 初心


最近身體有些不適,還有一些小打擊,雖然不免沮喪,不過我回想自己的初心,總是要緊緊抓住原本的目標,沿路的挫折只是助攻,而不是絆腳石。

I've been feeling kind of unwell. There're always some very minor setbacks. However, whatever happens, I remember to stick to my initial dreams, which helps me to hold tight onto my goals. The frustration only serves to make me more determined. 

Sunday, April 10, 2016

Timing / 時機


前一陣子太心急,這幾週有機會靜下來好好思考,才又想到,所有事物都有它們的時間表,只有我一個人急不得。

I was moving too fast a while ago. Over the past few weeks my loss of goals has slowed me down and given me time to think. I, again, realize that everything has its agenda. I can't make it happen no matter how determined I am. 

        我和吉吉的明信片計劃進行到第三年了,代表現在我們手上有八百多張明信片,最近想把明信片展覽的計劃付諸實行,發現也急不得,也許會拖到明年,於是我對吉吉說:「這樣可以選的明信片又變多了!」

     I have begun my third-year everyday postcard project with Shaggy, which means we have more than eight hundred postcards now. Though we'd like to carry out our plan of holding a postcard exhibition, I find that it takes time to find the right venue. Maybe we will have to put it off until next year, but I told Shaggy, "That means we have more postcards to choose from!" 

        在對的時機來臨之前,我會好好準備的!

     Before it's time, I will wait and be well-prepared! 

Saturday, March 26, 2016

Come come sunshine! / 陽光快來!


現在下雨天對我的影響並不大,不過這週我感受到雨天的鬱悶,原來在進行的project出了問題,本來一心一意地往前衝,因此得停工,沒有了目標,我感到很失落。

Now rainy days can't influence me, but this past week I felt the blues of rain. Something went wrong with the project I had been working on, which made me have to take a sudden pause. I was totally lost as if the firm rock I was standing on turned out to be nothing but an illusion.

        晃蕩了一整週,在迷惘當中想了很多事,陽光出現之前,我提醒自己年初許的新願望,即使沒有了外在的目標,我可以再次為自己訂目標。

     I wandered mentally for a whole week, but in my confusion, I got to think about many things. Finally, I reminded myself my new year resolutions. I realized that even without any outer goal, I can set goals for myself again.

        雖然之前畫泰王畫得很高興,但是得先跟泰王說再見了,現在就先讓金黃色的陽光陪伴我吧!

     Though I had a great time drawing the Thai king a lot, but now I have to say goodbye to kun po for the time being. I'll have the golden sunshine keep me company for the moment!

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Company of a cup of tea / 一杯茶的陪伴


去年在寫繪本上跌了很多跤,上了一些課和講座之後,秋天時決定先練習寫作。每個週日我會坐在書房一整天,就是在那時愛上喝茶,總有一杯茶伴著我,玩各式各樣的文字遊戲,出了書房有身邊的友人和小朋友也都來幫忙,這個過程很充實美好,我可以看到自己的極限,並且從別人的回饋突破瓶頸,因為如此,我其實很感謝去年的轉折。

Last year I experienced several failures in writing picture books. After attending some talks and workshops, I made a big decision of focusing on writing first. Every Sunday I would sit in the study for a whole day reading and writing. It was then that I fell in love with drinking tea. On my desk there was always a cup of tea keeping me company. Outside the study, the adults and kids would read and listen to the stories for me. The process was really fun and enjoyable. I got to see my limits and learned from others' feedback. To be honest, I appreciate whatever happened though everything was a blessing in disguise. 

        這週一去演講,我和老師們說:我很喜歡做繪本這件事,雖然目前我還做得不是很好,我會用一輩子來做好這件事。當下有個好可愛的老師說:不要再說了,我快哭了。我都沒想到這些話這麼感人。

     This past Monday I gave a talk in a school on making picture books. I said, "I really love making picture books. Though I am not very good now, I will spend the rest of my life on it." Upon hearing this, a sentimental teacher suddenly replied, "Don't say anything anymore. I feel like crying." I found her response amusing for I hadn't expected my words to be so moving. 

        去年底寄了五個故事參加信誼的文字比賽,這週收到通知,雖然只有一個故事入圍,不過還是很高興,我想我的努力方向應該是沒有問題的,而我也比之前更積極,現在我更想知道的是如何修改故事,也期待能很快地得到答案。

     I sent five stories to Hsin-y's picture book contest at the end of last year. Though this week I learned that only one story is shortlisted, I am still quite happy that I am working in the right direction. Compared with the past, I am also more active now. Instead of dwelling on the success and failure, I am eager to find out how I can revise my stories. 

        雖然今年有許多計劃在進行,這一週是一顆逗號,讓我可以停下來喝一杯茶,往前往後看看,再昂首闊步前進!

     I have so many projects going on this year, but it's nice to have a cup of tea this weekend so that I can look behind and ahead before moving on! 

Wednesday, March 09, 2016

He does look back. / 回頭


爸爸送兒子去機場,我和媽媽怕傷心,故意說完再見就走開,爸爸一個人站在那裡,不時舉起手揮啊揮的,直到兒子消失在海關入口。

Dad sees off his son in the airport. Knowing we will feel sad, we walk away right after saying goodbye. Dad stands there alone, waving his hand until the son disappears in his sight. 

        爸爸好開心地和我們說:「這次他有回頭看我喔!」可是我聽到這話,卻好想哭,也真的哭了。

     Dad says to us with happiness, "This time he does look back at me." Upon hearing his words, I so feel like crying, and I do cry. 

Sunday, January 03, 2016

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. 

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Beauty of failure / 失敗的美好


今天傍晚去把落選的畫稿接回家,心情有一點受影響,不過去了健身房一趟之後,決定明天重新開始。

This evening I went to pick up my story and illustrations "Not Alone" for the Sanmin picture book contest. Though it took me only an evening to get over my frustration a few weeks ago, I knew I was going down today. Luckily, after working out in the gym, I am so determined to begin again tomorrow. 



        夏天寫了兩個故事,故事本身都不夠好,所以都失敗了,不過今年學到最大的課題就是:失敗也是一件很美好的事,因為它讓我變得更謙卑,並且開始享受尋找方法的過程,更重要的是,失敗讓我更強壯,也毫不遲疑地重新修改寫過的故事。

     I wrote two stories this past summer, but I failed all because my stories are not good enough. However, I learned an important lesson this year, that is, failure itself is a very wonderful experience. It makes me more humble. Also, I've seen so much as I am looking for ways out. Most of all, I've become stronger. I've got down to revising one of the stories without hesitation.

        未來的某一天,我一定也會懷念這一刻的自己。

     In the future, I'll be bound to miss how I am at this instant...

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Courage / 勇氣


從芬蘭航行至瑞典的途中,穿越過波羅的海,走過日落日出,感覺像繞世界一圈,釋放了一些東西,也得到了一些,人生的視野又拓寬了許多。

As we sail from Finland to Sweden, we cross the Baltic Sea with the company of sunset and sunrise. It feels like I have traveled around the whole earth. On the trip I lose some and gain some, and most important of all, my horizons have been broadened. 



        當我覺得自己在同樣的問題中打轉時,回想這趟旅行給了我勇氣,提醒我能夠用大視角來想事情,我希望到人生的盡頭,都不會忘記那樣的領悟。

     As I feel trapped in the same problem, looking back on this trip never fails to supply me with courage. It reminds me to get a perspective. And I hope I will not forget the epiphany until the end of my life.

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Finland healed me / 芬蘭治癒了我


抵達芬蘭的那一天早上,天氣陰陰的,導遊又說芬蘭人因為是匈奴人的後代,長相沒有其他北歐國家人民好看。

It was cloudy on the day when we arrived in Finland. Our tour guide also reminded us that because the Finnish people are the descendants of the Huns, they aren't so beautiful as the other North Europeans. 

        一天玩下來,從陰天變雨天,我還發現之前參加的繪本比賽落選了。於是我在悲傷寒冷的下雨天早早就寢。

     The weather turned from cloudy to rainy at the end of the day. Worse yet, I found that my work was not chosen in a picture book contest I had participated in. To get over my sadness, I hit the sack quite early in the cold and depressing evening. 







        隔天太陽又一副沒事地出來,我感受到它的溫暖,加上旅行的外在刺激,才過了一天,覺得自己似乎好了一半。

     The next day it was all sunny. I felt the warmth of the day. Plus the constant change of places and stimulation during the trip, I seemed to have partly recuperated within a day. 



        最後我把心碎從郵輪上丟進波羅的海,告訴自己重新開始吧!

     In the end I threw away pieces of my broken heart into the Baltic Sea and tell myself to start anew. 


        還好是芬蘭,因為如果是挪威、丹麥或瑞典,他們太明亮,恐怕不能理解我的傷心。

     Fortunately it was Finland. After all, the other countries like Norway, Denmark or Sweden are too sunny to accommodate my disappointment.