Dear Snowman makers,

It snowed two feet in Minnesota the other day! Of course, my Dad called and told me he tried to make a snowman and it didn't work. I asked him if he knew how to make a snowball and he did. I told him to roll the ball around and then pat the snow down but yet I don't think he understood.

Anyways, I am going home to Minnesota next week and my dad wants to make three snowmen!!!! He wants my help and I am so excited to play in the snow. My dad is 60 years old and it makes me smile that he wants to build snowmen!

Can't wait for the snow,
My-Linh

P.S. I built a snow-woman when I lived in Boulder, CO and it turned out wonderfully. I do remember that my friend Stephanie stopped to help me put on the snow-woman's head. I wouldn't have been able to make it without her.

To those who like to bake,

For Thanksgiving, I attempted to make apple pie, however, the dough was a bit thick. My next attempt was to make some apple pop tarts but it didn't seem right. My final attempt of making apple tarts was a success! I had to reform the dough and approximate everything, right down to the baking time. It was so much fun! I learned a few things about pie crust and that milk on dough makes it a bit shiny when baked, but I like to use egg yolk.

Next, I made some almond cookies, which I have never made before, for the Holiday Crafts Sale that I was in. They were a big hit! I was a little nervous as I was making the dough because it was more crumbly that I was use to. I kept going back to the plate and the cookies were getting less and less. After a short bit, I didn't have anymore cookies left to refill.

I really enjoy baking and experimenting with new recipes!

Excited about my next baking adventure,
My-Linh

P.S. I got a cute snowman cookie tin so that I can transport my yummy cookies. I think I am going to bring some chocolate chip cookies to my roommate's classroom on Friday!

To those who enjoy change,

Change is constant in life. It's an exciting time yet scary. Change does give you a challenge and strengthens who you are. I enjoy change for those reasons.

It seems to me that change within myself is difficult. I have lived the same way for almost 30 years but maybe the changes happen in a subtle manner because I have figured out what I like and don't like. And what makes me happy.

I am changing my ways a bit to be more present and to take time for myself. Lately, it seems like the world just keeps moving so fast that 6 months has gone by and I haven't even thought twice.

Sometimes, change doesn't need to happen and going back to writing in my journal and sending postcards is all I need.

Needing a change,
My-Linh

To those who love to write,

In my junior year of high school, I received a journal with a frog on the front. I still have that journal somewhere at home in Minnesota. Ever since then I have been writing in a journal. it calms me down to see my handwriting and to write down my thoughts.

Lately though, I haven't been writing as much as I would like. I am attempting to get back on track because writing is something that I really enjoy. Sometimes life is moving so fast that I forget about doing things that I enjoy. I also think that ideas come out as well and I need them for my next etching!!!

Trying to write everyday for a bit,
My-Linh

P.S. It is interesting to know how others see you.

Dear bring-your-own lunch eaters,

I discovered that one of my favorite things is not only eating my lunch but packing it before I head to the city!!! Lately, my lunches consist of a sandwich, fruit, homemade banana bread, granola, pita chips, carrots and yogurt. I really look forward to eating today's beautiful sandwich (ham, avocado, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, mayo and mustard on roll with poppy and caraway seeds). I get a bit nervous when I feel like I did not bring enough food to work!

One of my roommates probably thinks I am crazy. I am always doing something with food when he sees me or napping.

Eating well,
My-Linh

P.S. I am saving money by bringing my own lunch which helps.

To those who find balance,

I have been working 6 days for the last few months and it was stressing me out. I always need to be somewhere.

However, I found something that makes me real happy!!! My only day off is Friday. I either bake a nice treat or work on some artwork. I also find someone who doesn't work on Friday to have lunch with.

Next, I need to figure out how to fit exercising into my life. I have been choosing to bike to my boyfriend's house occasionally.

Balancing on my head,
My-Linh

Dear NFL viewers,

NFL's first game is in the forth quarter and yes, the Vikings are playing the Saints!!! I enjoy watching, however, the Vikings look a little like they have been in the past. They are a bit shake-y and with no rhythm or rhyme and too many penalties. I feel like I am a nervous wreck. We have a pretty good team with Harvin back,the famous never going to retire silver fox Brett Farve, and our fierce Allen.

I love watching sports!!! I hope you like sports too.

Hoping for wins,
My-Linh

P.S. I am back writing again!!! Working six days a week is a bit much but I need it. I think I have found a bit of a balance though.

To those who love going to the library,

Yesterday I went to the San Francisco main library because they had a book that I wanted. I even looked to see if they had it in the catalog at home before going. I like having specific books to check out. I love finding books on my own without any help. I was able to go the fourth floor, the section, etc. However, the book was no where to be found on the shelf. Sometimes books are misplaced on the same shelf but nothing. I had to opt for a different book by the same author.

Drawing on the Artist Within by Betty Edwards was the book I checked out. I absolutely love it!!! I am always itching to find answers about how my brain works and wanting to discover new ways to tap into my creativity. This book was published in 1986 when I was five years old. It's funny because it mentions the difficulty of computer language and looking up information with encyclopedia books.

Sometimes the older books have some good information.

Excited to read,
My-Linh

To those who enjoy working,

Every time I see the owner's son at Summer Kitchen Bake Shop, he's eating something! What a life, always eating. I guess that's life for him since both of his parents own the Shop and are amazing chefs.

Yesterday while I was working I met Betty from Bakesale Betty's. Betty has been friends with the chefs for some time. She didn't have her blue wig on. Also, the brisket sandwich is only selling at the store on Telegraph and you have to come early.

I finally felt a bit of empowerment and ownership at my new job last night working. I am a hard worker and I love be around food. I guess that things take time.

Enjoying work,
My-Linh

P.S. I haven't cooked in a while and that makes me a bit sad.

Dear Early risers,

I use to get up at 12 noon in high school and also sometimes on the weekends in college. While I was in Viet Nam, I woke up every day at 5:30am and it was difficult. Saigon would start to bustle about at 6am and I didn't want to miss out. Or it could be the fact that my parents would wake my sister and me up at 7am on the weekends to go to garage sales as to not miss out on the good stuff and to venture to the Minneapolis Farmer's Market. For the most part, this is why I am an early riser. However, the last few days I have been sleeping in. It feels quite wonderful!

But I feel that sleeping in isn't a part of who I am and it makes me a bit crabby along with some other things. I feel like part of the day has been wasted if I don't wake up early.

What really gets me out of bed is breakfast!!!

Trying to get back on schedule,
My-Linh

P.S. I am going to the gym this afternoon on a guest pass. My upper body workout dropped off the planet.

To those who get sick,

For the last few days I have been blessed with a cold. My voice sounds raspy and low. Many people get sick but maybe don't realize that it directly correlates with their life. I have been busy working, not sleeping, and going at the speed of the roadrunner. Being sick just reminds people to slow down and that it's okay to take many naps.

I am a bit scared because I have to work at the call center tomorrow. Training is over and I will be live on the phone selling tickets to Broadway and answering questions. I can't call in sick because I have only been working there for two weeks.

My theory about getting better is not only to rest but to eat as much as possible!!! Oh and maybe getting some sun for my vitamin D.

Hoping I feel better by tomorrow,
My-Linh

Dear Writers,

It's obvious that I haven't been writing three days a week like I planned. I have been engrossed with the World Cup and I also started another job! Yes, I am one of those people who has to have many different jobs at once. I enjoy learning new things.

My sister started a blog!!! Her adventures have started in Mexico City. I think that her outlet is creative writing. Here's her blog: http://vietly.blogspot.com/

If you're interested in writing, Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird.

Love reading good writing,
My-Linh

To those who enjoy their sleep,

So I have been getting up everyday at 4:17am to record soccer games and then going to sleep for about an hour and a half. I get up around 6:45am to prepare myself for the second soccer game of the day. I didn't know that waking up just briefly to tape interrupts my sleep so much that every free minute I have, I am napping!!! I haven't been at all productive this week.

My energy slows down. I can't seem to drink coffee. Any amount of sleep does no justice to how tired I am.

I hope you are getting enough sleep. I get pretty crabby when I don't get enough.

Wanting my energy back,
My-Linh

P.S. My upper body workouts are going okay.

To those who love watching soccer,

It's 4:33am!!! I am up for the second day of the World Cup 2010. My Dad requested that I record every game. I am not sure if I can do that but I hope that I can. It's the first game for group B, Greece versus South Korea.

Yesterday, I woke up at 5:30am to get ready to go to a restaurant in the Fruitvale featuring the opening South Africa vesus Mexico game at 7am which was quite fun to be surrounded by people from Mexico.

The energy that people have for soccer is incredible. I too am hooked! However, I might go back to bed.

I love sports commercials. Koreans are very attractive.

I hope you get a chance to see at least one game. You are in for a real treat. They say the World Cup is the Greatest Event on Earth.

Rooting for Spain,
My-Linh

P.S. My boyfriend is obsessed with the World Cup 2010! Here's his brillant blog: www.bayareacopa.blogspot.com

To those who workout,

Due to the pain in my neck and back from the previous week, I am really making an effort to exercise my upper body. I have been actually doing push-ups everyday for the last few days. Working my upper body has given me more awareness of muscles and my strength or lack of. I hope this will help reduce future pain and give me better posture.

I wonder how many muscles we have. Should I join a gym? I hope you find time to exercise even if it is going on a short walk or biking around the block.

Feeling good,
My-Linh

P.S. I hate sit-ups and that will never change. I might even go running tomorrow.

To those who enjoy learning,

I believe that everyone has something to bring to the table.

This morning I had the pleasure to see 4th and 5th graders from east Oakland play in a soccer tournament. These kids wanted to win and were so supportive of each other. Their work ethic was outstanding in their desire to score. I was their for a good chunk of time and somehow tossing a rugby ball around with them and watching them play opened the door to converse with me. At that age, I was scared to speak to adults. They wanted to have fun and presented themselves with who they are.

This evening I had the pleasure to work with a woman who is younger than me. She is named after a type of pear. She has no sense of insecurities and is confident when she speaks and is able to joke around with those who she has just met. I find this to be quite refreshing to see someone who holds her own ground, is outgoing and works really hard.

The 4th and 5th graders and my co-worker reminded me of some of the beauties you see in people and that age should not matter.

Wanting to learn more from people,
My-Linh

P.S. There was a time when I would make an effort to write in my journal about what I learned that day. People say you learn something new everyday.

To those who enjoy the comfort of a clean bedroom,

I decided to make cleaning my room a priority this morning. I have put this project on my to-do list every week. I guess that there were other important items at hand such as sleeping, class, work and watching the NBA playoffs. It only took about an hour. I have a bit more to do though. I am hoping to continue the cleanliness. However, I have always been one to mess my room up quickly and quietly.

I keep reading that clutter isn't very conducive to productivity or even happiness. I suppose people think it weighs you down.

Feeling some clean calmness,
My-Linh

P.S. I have been resistant to buying more beautiful stationery which makes me sad but I kind of enjoy using it and saving money. What will happen when all of it is gone?

Dear Do-it-yourself-ers,

Yesterday I changed the right headlight bulb on my car, Winnie. I consulted with my dad over the phone and did a minimal about of research on-line. It felt pretty empowering except for the part where I had to ask a neighbor to get the light out of the socket because I couldn't do it. My non-existing brute strength was validated with shooting pain in my neck and left shoulder in attempt to pull the bulb out. Oh dear! I really need to focus on strengthening my upper body strength!!!

My dad said it would cost $18 for someone to change the light bulb and here I did it with some help. He was proud of me and laughed like a five year old because I hurt my back. He reassured me that he also hurts his back fixing the cars.

I hope you attempt to fix something yourself. It's fun to problem solve and gain a new skill even if it is as minor as changing a bulb.

As the saying goes, "you trying doing it mom!"

Recovering from neck and back pain,
My-Linh

P.S. Last week I bought my ticket to Mexico City. I am pretty excited to travel with my friends.

To those who find truths within,


Sometimes you discover truths about yourself that you don't necessarily even notice or even like. It can be pretty overwhelming and shocking. I have recently been introduced to a few truths. I have been a bit sad about them. I guess this is life throwing me a hard curve ball to my left knee.

Some truths you already know. Lately, I find myself feeling a bit shy and timid. I mean I have been doing customer service since my first job 13 years ago and yet I am still hesitant here at my new job which involves interacting with people who I don't even know. I have always had this quiet nature for the most part but there are times where I wonder if that will change.

If I feel like I know who I am why do new things come up about myself? Well, I guess we change with the experiences that come forth because you can't always predict what will happen even if you do have a daily routine. I suppose you have to step up to the challenge to see what is possible within yourself.

Trying to accept and change,
My-Linh

Dear Dreamers,

I finally got a job at a bakery cafe yesterday!!! It's called the Summer Kitchen + Bake Shop in Berkeley. I worked a bit yesterday to see if they would like me and if I like them. Sure enough it all worked out. It was really hard to resist eating everything I saw. I am much relieved to have work.

One of my dreams has been to work at a bakery. I also wanted to work at a stationery store and I did that. Sometimes I feel a bit uneasy about not going back to school for a masters or for following a career path. But the fact is is that I don't know where I want to go. The people that I surround myself with strongly believe in what they do. They put tons of energy and time into their work. My dreams, I think are a bit different or maybe I am a late bloomer.

I am happy with what I have experienced in terms of jobs though. It's nice to see all the different aspects in how life works. I am not too worried.

I hope you are happy and living the life you want to live.

Happy to be working at a bakery surrounded by good smells,
My-Linh

P.S. If you live in Bay Area I would like it if you came for a visit!!!

To those who use art as therapy,

The above print is titled What Next? and speaks about the future in what is going to happen. The character feels a bit trapped and cannot help being present and constantly thinks about having something better or at least knowing that there is something better. I created this linocut two years ago, knowing that I needed to do something else with my job. I would stress out about it way too much and I hated getting and preparing art materials. I found that it's okay to make choices to shift your life into something different. As a Pisces, I have always felt like I need to be constantly moving and not getting trapped into something that doesn't make me happy over all. I quit my job and it was a great decision.

I want to discover new things. Explore new places. I like flexibility.

Yesterday, I started two new zinc plates for printmaking class. I consumed myself with a larger print for almost two semesters and I wanted to have that feeling of excitement back again. In class, I try to challenge my self a bit further by trying a new technique that I have never done before. It keeps me on my toes.

I hope that you find ways to challenge yourself and try new things.

About to work on my plates,
My-Linh

P.S. My artwork has shifted since quiting my job and I love the unknown worlds that I create.

Dear Worry Warts,

There are times when I worry and it can been a little too much. My energy gets sucked into worrying about finding a job, where money is coming from, if I am being a good person or what my next print will be. Sometimes reading and cooking calms me down to being present. I wonder if I would be losing hair if I didn't have printmaking class or busied myself with tutoring, eating and visiting my friends at their perspective schools.

I have also grown to love to-do lists!!! It's nice to see what you can accomplish in a day or week.

But being worried isn't so bad because it can put things into action.

Getting things done, I think,
My-Linh

P.S. I can't find my Harry Potter. I don't like this.

To those who like to travel,

This morning I woke up a little frantic because I am not traveling as much as I would like. My sister is going to Mexico City this summer to learn Spanish and I really want to visit her! Also, I remembered that some of my friends have lived in other countries but somehow I chose not to visit them. So stupid!!!

There are times in my life where I start making excuses up. Is it because I am too afraid? Sometimes it is about money but money seems to always come and go anyway. I live a life where things can be unstable. It's quite nice for the most part but then I keep thinking about needing to start my travel savings account but have yet to do that for years.

I love traveling and seeing new places. You learn about people's culture and you challenge yourself a bit further to see if you can order some peach gelato in Italian for second breakfast.

Yearning to travel,
My-Linh

P.S. My dad really wants to visit Viet Nam again. I hope he knows how much it has changed. I wonder what it would be like to travel with my friends.

To those whose past meets their present,

On Monday and Tuesday, I got the chance to work with an artist who I met many years ago back at Franconia Sculpture Park in Minnesota. It was such a delightful treat to see this artist. She was born in Taiwan and came to the U.S. in 1977, I think that is what she said. My ears are not too good at listening even though I try really hard. The minute I got out of the car she gave me a hug and said, "Oh, so skinny! Are you doing this intentionally or unintentionally? Before you look so healthy!" For a minute, I thought that she had just talked to my parents about how healthy I was before and plus she's my parents' age too. I just love this woman! She's so goofy and cracks jokes left and right. She reminds me of the Asian couture woman on the Incredibles. I wish that everyone could meet her because of her contagious energy.

Helping her install her artwork reminded me why I enjoy doing art. You just never know what you will come up with. Also, helping her increased my arm muscles. I am working on my upper body strength even though it is not doing push-ups or the damn plank.

I hope you get a chance to meet up with someone from your past that gives you love.

Dwelling and smiling about my past,
My-Linh

P.S. The word "healthy" to Asians equals chubby and the artist's favorite color is red.

To those who have made tough decisions,

Things happen for a reason. I often tell myself this. I didn't really understand this concept until this year. I feel like I have been put to the test this year and also last year. I had to make decisions that didn't necessarily give me a sense of security and predictability. I found though that the decisions I made opened me up to meeting new people, knowing that I am capable of handling my money and understanding that I can be challenged in a stressful situation.

I may not know why things happen at that time but I think they happen to strengthen your soul a bit. I like this feeling.

Sometimes, I think, that these decisions make you see that there's so much more to the world than you thought.

Make bold decisions,
My-Linh

P.S. I am not doing too well on my Birthday goals!!!

Dear Painters,

I just finished having my first painting class with a friend! I loved it. Awhile back he was interested in taking a painting class and I told him that I could teach him. We talked and talked for months and finally we started today. I couldn't believe how fun it was for me and I hope he had just as much fun. Maybe, I am meant to teach art to adults.

I have been a bit nervous about this little one-on-one class because I have never done something like this before. But all of the nervousness went away as soon as I started helping my friend. Sometimes I forget how easily painting is for me. I have been doing it for so long that it's second nature. I also forget that knowing the ins and outs about color, brushes, and materials is a skill to be respected. I assume that in this world of digital art, a painting almost seems like a past time. But my friends seem to want my paintings.

I wonder though why I am not hesitant in giving my paintings or art away. I will definitely keep my favorites. Bottom line, I think that art should be affordable to everyone even to those that are unemployed.

Try something new and maybe include your skills. Being creative in how you make money pays off.

Mixing hues,
My-Linh

To those who can't get enough of their parents,

My dad came to visit a couple of weeks ago and it was such a pleasure having him here!!! He notices the beauty that our eyes don't and he tries to take in every moment as though it might be his last. I loved watching my dad bike across Oakland during the Marathon in which my sister ran. I can't believe that she did it!!! What an accomplishment. My dad being the youthful character that he is, warmed up running on the sidewalk to prepare for my sister's arrival. He ran with her for about twenty feet but the joy and happiness that I saw in both of them was unbelievable.

I miss my dad's comforting soul. Although he bossed me around like it was nobody's business, he's doing it because he loves me. I hope that one day I won't get so irritated about him bossing me around. I hope my hospitality was welcoming and loving.

I noticed that I am similar to my dad in many ways. He did the trick in reminding who I am and where I came from.

A loving daughter,
My-Linh

P.S. My dad will be talking about this trip to California for months. He left a few things, maybe he's moving in slowly.

Dear Sports Fans,

I just watched an amazing game of rugby!!! The Berkeley Rugby Football Club beat East Palo Alto by just five points in the playoff game. The game was filled with aggressive spirit on both sides. However, BRFC stepped up and won. Some friends came out for the game which was great to see their support.

This year is the first year I have watched live rugby. The game's popularity dominates in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and England. I have now become a fan but it is tough to watch because it is a full contact sport without pads and plus my boy friend plays.

I find life to be quite exciting when you meet new people who bring you different perspectives and experiences. The world has many unique opportunities and elements to it that are endless and beautiful.

Love watching sports,
My-Linh

P.S. Go to a sporting event. It might be fun.

To those who have pets,

Yesterday our poor goldfish Ninja died. He wasn't eating and I think that the move caused him much stress. If you have ever seen a goldfish suffer it is pretty heartbreaking. Ninja survived for 2 years and has kept me company.

I set Ninja free with a nice orange flower in Lake Merritt. There were some birds lurking around wanting mid-afternoon snack. I assumed that Ninja got eaten. People have told me that it is a part of life. Other animals need to eat too, I guess.

Pet fish are easy to take care of but you have to be careful because the water has to be just right for them to survive and they need oxygen. I suppose friends too.

Mourning,
My-Linh

P.S. I hope you are living life with a bit more zest because who knows when it will be your turn to die.

To those who love stuff,

Yesterday was a fun and exhausting day! I had friends and family help my roommate and I move into a 3 bedroom house. Thank you for the help. I recruited a fair amount of people which turned out to be wonderful! There was no complaining, however, criticism was subtle and bluntly within ear shot of how much stuff we had. This reaffirmed creating one my birthday goals of getting organized and reducing the amount of stuff that I have. I am a sucker for keeping memories or things that people have given me. I did throw and give a fair amount of stuff away but not enough. Unpacking, I hope will continue the reduction of things. I will be living in a smaller room than I had before. You would think that smaller room means I have to get rid of my nicknacks. Cross your fingers that this happens.

For quite a long time, I have minimized my stuff to fit into a car. I am trying to refocus this idea but stationery is so beautiful and I can't depart with art supplies.

I hope that the amount of stuff you have doesn't acculmulate to the point where your loved ones are judging. They should be thankful that we aren't hoarders for crying out loud.

Excited about my new home,
My-Linh

P.S. Ahhhh, the tree next store is just a lemon tree. The look-alike grapefruit is overly grown and deformed lemons. So sad, the good lemons are not within arms' reach.

Dear Cyclists,

I had such an adventure the other evening! My roommate and I biked to my sister's house for some quiche. I have lived with my roommate for 3.5 years and in all this time I have never seen her bike. It was a glorious evening with the stars shining bright and the freshness of spring approaching. There was little old me giggling the whole way to my sister's house because I found such joy and excitement watching my roommate ride her newly acquired bike from the white elephant sale.

On the way home, however, I felt a bit frustrated because somehow my friends were cruising far in front of me and I was biking as fast as I could. You would think that I would be the one far ahead seeing as though my car is out of commission and I bike almost everyday. I just don't get it.

Anyways, regardless of my slow-poke-sallyness I find biking to be quite fun. I put in some effort to get to my destination. The sun shines on my face and I am outside. Plus, I am getting my daily exercise. You also somehow bond with the other cyclists even though there is no exchange of names or even a hello.

I hope you take your bike for a spin if you have one! I bet you'll gain a new perspective and a sense of adventure.

Enjoy the ride,
My-Linh

P.S. I am suppose to bike around with my dad and friends during marathon Sunday and I am a bit nervous that I won't be able to keep up.

Dear Friend,

Strangely, I am always searching for who I am through reading, writing, putting myself in challenging choices and following a path that seems erratic. For a long time, I have had some insecurity with myself which has prevented me from really loving my inner heart and body. Finally though, with much searching I have grown to change my life to make decisions that are best for me. The way I react to a job, experience, the unexpected or a person is telling of where I am and where I want to be.

My best friend from high school and I would always sit in the drive way and talk about life. I cherished these moments because we were curious about how people think, what motivates us, what the future holds and the list could go on. We had so much to talk about that I think most of our quality time was spent in her car. She is a person that understands who I am. Despite our distance somehow we hold onto each other like our childhood stuff animals. As years have passed, she is still my best friend and accepts me for who I am. This is very comforting.

I think that those who love you most know who you are when you have lost yourself.

Being true,
My-Linh

P.S. The searching hasn't stopped. This time around the searching is not about understanding my insecurities but tapping into qualities about myself that I have yet to discover. I know that insecurity will always come and go. I just have to remember that I love myself and that I am always going to present myself as who I am.

Dear Fellow Pisces,

Happy birthday to me!!!! Today is my birthday. The sun shines bright with cool winds. On my birthday I usually treat myself to either really good food or a special gift. Today's gift is the Three by Three Illustration Annual (2009). It includes beautiful illustrations from around the world. I've gone through most of the book already.

Above is an aqua tint dry point etching print that I created last semester. The title is "Everyday." The images are inspired from postcards and papers that I collect. The patterns represent a part of everyday life for some people including Chinese currency, Native American ceramics, rice fields, and an apartment fence in Cuba. The drawn creatures belong to my dad. These creatures refresh his memory of aquatic life while growing up.

On my birthday I also concoct a few goals for the year. Here they are:
1. Make art "everyday." My dad advised me to do this during a phone conversation one day.
2. Cook one Vietnamese meal a month. My mom loves to cook and I rarely ever cook any of her dishes.
3. Exercise my upper body. My sister is always exercising until her feet and body ache. I am bit scared.
4. Reduce the amount of stuff I have or at least have it organized. My brother when I was little would always pay me money if I cleaned my room.

Wish me a happy birthday and luck on my 29th year of life goals,
My-Linh

To those who live in the present,

Every morning I attempt to live in the present but my mind does get carried away. My mind thinks about the past but mostly about the future. I have always wanted to be a chubby old woman with salt and pepper hair. Also, my mind gets preoccupied with day dreaming. What am I day dreaming about? Maybe it is not about day dreaming but rather I get fixated on my tea being too hot and my patience is tested and that's all I can think about. I do though wonder sometimes about how people live their lives. What is their routine in the morning? Do they eat breakfast?

However, I have had moments where I have been able to quiet my mind and wait for my tea to cool to experience a glimpse of the beauty of being present. This year I have opened up my eyes a bit more. I have lived here in the bay area for more than four years and have finally noticed the wonderful flowers and plants fully in bloom. Of course, I can't go passed lavender or rosemary without brushing my hand over the plant to get the fresh liveliness of life. Living in the present makes colors, movements, and experiences with people stand out more into a definite focus of amazing excitement.

Hope you're living in the present,
My-Linh

P.S. I heard the present is the safest place to be unless you are physically in danger. That's where my Kung Fu friends come into play.

To those who have felt homesick,

I haven't felt homesickness in awhile now. But I desperately want to hug my mom and dad!!! They have always supported me in everything that I have done. Now here I am, unsure about what I am suppose to do. Somehow, I feel like they know me better than I know myself. Being around them reminds me and affirms why I am the way I am. I need a reminder.

Lately, I have had the privilege to spend more time with my sister. It is wonderful. Memories pop up. Last night I had a small rice bowl of raisin bran cereal which served as a little dessert. For some reason, we would have the same small rice bowl of cereal for breakfast every morning before middle and high school. Now, I am shocked that we ate so little seeing as though for breakfast now I eat an egg sandwich and some fruit. I am not sure if my sister knew but I packed our lunches so full that if we were hungry before lunch, a mid-morning snack was waiting. I consumed mine.

Dreaming of eating some homemade pho,
My-Linh

P.S. My dad comes in 21 days. He is a beautiful person and I can't wait to see him.

Dear folks who check the weather,

Checking the weather seems like a past time. Every morning before school in Minnesota I would turn on the tv to see what the weather was like because it determined my clothing attire for that day. The weather would be right on. I loved it!

When I moved out to Oakland I never really checked the weather out here in the Bay Area because the weather experts were unpredictable and they still are. Ever since I started working outside on an endless mural I have been checking the weather as though it were my daily horoscope predicting my future. However, the experts are sometimes right but I need consistency. I am blaming the weather on how long it has been to complete the mural and not my couple of weeks of break time.

I guess that life is like the Bay Area weather. It changes constantly and you have to be on your toes to endure the rains. Also, you can't believe everything you hear or see.

Wanting consistent predictions,
My-Linh

P.S. I went out for coffee today and when I left the coffee shop it was raining quite hard. Of course, I didn't bring or wear any rain gear so I was drenched when I got home. This evening, I wore my rain boots because of my morning escapade but there was no rain. Rain boots are heavy when it's not raining.

To those who love snail mail,

I have lost my address book among all my papers and books! This is quite a big deal because I love writing postcards and letters. The itch to write to a friend can be like a fresh mosquito bite waiting for the nails to dig in. I have been sending mail since 8th grade and supposedly a part of my room contains a "small stationery store." But I beg to differ. My inspiration to write back then was a crush I had on a boy, of course. I wrote him many letters and I applied what I learned in English class of writing letters to real life. Plus my mom would receive these amazing letters from Viet Nam in the overseas envelopes with the red, white, and blue striped borders. She kept the letters in the hallway closet because I think she needed to have some connection to her home country. I found this very unique. I hope to find my address book soon.

Yearning to walk to the post box,
My-Linh

P.S. Maybe the lost will convince me to finally clean!

Dear Tiger Fans,

Happy year of the Tiger!!!! The Tiger is powerful, gracious, independent, and brave.

Frowning Tiger Hidden Hannah (see left) was one of my first stuffed animals I stitched by hand for a friend's birthday. My friend is a tiger according to the Chinese zodiac. Searching to find a stuffed animal pattern was eye opening. In all of the specialty stores and the new super CVS I only found one pattern and that was for a weiner dog. How popular is it to sew a weiner dog? I ended up making my own strange patterns. Making Frowning Tiger was so much fun and reminded me of how trying new things can inspire creativity.

Be brave,
My-Linh

Dear Orange Lovers,

I have been watching the orange tree from my bedroom window ever since I moved in which was more than two years ago. My landlord asked if we liked oranges and he told us we could take them when they were ripe. I finally did it! I have eaten about 8 oranges. Some of the oranges I shared with my sister and others added a little more tartness to my salads. I was skeptical about these oranges for a long time because they weren't as big as the ones I have seen at the grocery store or farmer's market. But I have found that they are so sweet and watery with a surprising taste of tangerine.

I hope that the excitement I find in eating and picking fruit off the orange tree will somehow help me discover my next path in life.

Consuming my vitamin C,
My-Linh

P.S. I am moving and the orange tree will no longer be in sight. However, I am on to different fruits. There is a grapefruit tree and hidden next to it is a lemon tree!!!