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!
