Dear Friend,

As I was looking at my friend's new website, I clicked on her Links and there my blog was.  It was a bit strange but also really exciting.  Lately, I have definitely been meaning to write so this was a sign I suppose.

For the last six months, I realized something about myself.  That something would be that I am a Jill of all trades to some degree.  However, my projects may take months to accomplish.  One of my never-ending projects has been creating a dragon stuffed animal for my nephew who was born at end of June!  

Here's the timeline.

2011
November: I starting thinking about the dragon as soon as I found out that my sister-in-law was pregnant.  The baby will be born in the year of the black water dragon.  


2012
June: I did some research about dragon stuffed animals and found nothing I liked.  So, I decided to make my own patterns and build this dragon by hand, needle and thread.  Andrew Kingston is born with a head of hair.  

Mid-July:  I began my project hoping that I would finish it by August.  I purchased, washed and ironed the fabrics.  A friend gave me free stuffing that had been sitting around.  Everything is working out.    

Beginning of August:  I went home to Minnesota for the post-baby-has-been-born baby shower.  I even packed everything on my carry on and the scissors were inspected.  Beforehand, I looked on TSA and of course, the scissors made it on the plane.  I thought that I could finish the dragon while I was in Minnesota and then I could go home with more room for any garage sale purchases.  Well, I brought all materials for the dragon back to California and I had to use my sister's suitcase for my garage sale items.    Luckily, she wasn't so lucky with the garage sales besides a pin and an old radio.  

End of August: With what I had, I stuffed the dragon and saw it's actual form coming along.  According to my sister, it looks like a sea horse but it could pass as a dinosaur.  

October: The legs are made.  I procrastinated this step for so long because I didn't know what to do.   

November: Legs are stuffed and sewed and ready to go.  Andrew now in the 90th percentile for his age, 5 months, is eating solid foods and has formed a relationship with his favorite stuffed animal the lion.  You trying making a dragon stuffed animal Andrew!

December:  I had high hopes that I could give the dragon as a holiday present and send it home with my sister so I could save money on postage.   But this evening I ran out of red embroidery thread and noticed that I have about another month of work to do to finish.

2013
Beginning of April: Final deadline for this dragon!  I visit Minnesota with my boyfriend.  Andrew will be 10 months old.    

I was expecting this to go a bit more smoothly like the tiger I made.  I have gotten a lot of guff for this project.  Every phone conversation with my dad, "Is it done yet?  Ha, ha, ha.  I don't believe."  My roommates, "When are you going to finish that, you've held those legs up to the dragon's body about thirty times I think over the last month."  My sister, shaking her head slightly and giggling to herself.  I know what she is saying.  She doesn't need to tell me.

Don't worry, I will finish the dragon before Andrew turns three,

My-Linh

P.S. Next, I am hoping to create a stuffed snake.  :0)

To those who pray,

For awhile, I have been wanting things to change in my life.  I thought that the best way to change things would be to pray.  Putting things out into the world so that maybe my wishes would come true on some level.  A friend told me that when you pray there are three answers: 1. YES, 2. Not right now and 3. I have something better for you.  No is never an answer to your prayers.  I find this to be a bit of a relief.

Since I have started praying before I go to bed, some of my prayers have come true.  It's really exciting to see it happen!  Sometimes it takes a bit longer than I want it to be.

I guess the saying goes "be careful for what you wish for."

Enjoying life,
Lenny
 
P.S. One of my prayers today is for the Thunder to win Game 5. : )

To those who are NBA fans,

A couple of years ago I decided to relive my youth.  My sister and I use to watch NBA basketball every Saturday growing up!  It was our ritual.  I am sure I saw Kobe Bryant in his first year, witnessed Michael Jordan's hungry eyes, noticed my sister's David Robinson shoes of AirForce Ones, purchased a poster of Shaquille O'Neal as a first and drove by Kevin Garnett's home in Minnetonka, MN to seeing if he was shooting hoops.  But memory gets difficult to pinpoint.  

A few years ago was when a new generation of future stars jumped out of the television!  Among them Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, Kevin Durant and Rajon Rondo.  I was immediately attracted to Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder basketball team!  It was almost love at first sight.  He carried himself with poise, had a humble feel to him, a Mama's boy, and could shot a fade away like no other which made me become maybe the first big fan of OKC.   And plus, he has been the leading scorer in the last three years and OKC has been an underdog for the last few years until this year when the doors have opened and talent has shined in more ways than one.     

OKC has broken the San Antonio's endless winning streak and wins at home!!!  As experts anticipate each playoff game between the two and wonder if this is the year that the changing of the guards happen and the passing of the torch will be conquered.  Last night's game was a momentous game for the OKC franchise.  It was a nail bitter as two amazing teams played with such energy, both physical and mental.  It's a game of momentum, who's hot, who's has the quickest but precise control, who can handle the fouls, who can step up a be the clutch player but most of all who has the killer drive. Last night it was OKC.  Only time will tell as to who will move onto the championship series.

Wishing much luck to Scottie Brooks and OKC,

My-Linh

P.S. I wore a bun on top of my head to rally the OKC in the fourth quarter last night.     

Dear Writers,

I usually write a few thoughts each day especially in the morning and before I go to bed.  Frequently, I try and change the way I write.  Also, I keep hearing my Dad telling me that I should be drawing everyday and I've carried this advice in my back pocket for two years now.  I wonder why.  I can't seem to take this advice until just two days ago.  At printmaking class, it dawned on me to draw while I write in the morning when I am fresh and ready to take on the day.  The drawings correlate to what I am writing.  The drawings are small but I am drawing and that makes me happy.

Hopefully, advice from Dad comes your way.

Seeing the world through a few more drawings,
My-Linh

P.S. Yesterday I drew a woman with a bun on top of her head.  It's a newer trend I have spotted. 

 31st Birthday taken by a friend with Hipstamatic

To those who enjoy gaining another year in their life,

I just turned 31!  My birthday is one of my favorite days of the year!  I had friends play some games, eat sausage sandwiches and drink beer.  I lost best out of three games in backgammon.  It was only my second time ever playing.

Yesterday for my birthday I treated myself to a chicken pot pie and a beer at the Common Wealth.  And today I purchased some trendy black moccasins.  

My 30th year, I made few significant changes.  I went full-time in a long time.  I enjoy that I have more time off.  I have been exercising again which feels great.  I decided to get bangs!  I haven't had them since middle school.  The most significant shift has been my mental state.  I have come to realize that I have my own path in life, to worry less, relax and live in the moment. 

A year older,

My-Linh

P.S. I am almost done with the Fountainhead!  You try reading it.  

To those who are expert garage sale goers,

My parents have taught us well.  They would always wake us up at 7am and head out to garage sales.  You can find some amazing items and for cheap.  

Last week my friends and I piled in our cars to head to the White Elephant Sale!!!  The White Elephant Sale is a once a year warehouse sale of goodies to raise money for the Oakland Art Museum.  Of course, we meet at someone's house for a fuel up breakfast before we headed out.  Each year you gain a new discovery that will help you out in your power shopping extravaganza.  My sister mentioned that I should make some snacks to go and sure enough I did.  I made some mini mozzarella, basil, olive oil sandwiches, zip-locked some peanut butter filled pretzels, and apple juice boxes.  Sure enough the food was stashed in our purses and consumed within two hours of shopping.

I got an amazing mini 5-game travel set, very beautiful small flower vases, delicate scarves and more.  

Learning to play chess,

My-Linh

P.S. I love garage sales!

To those who step up,

My roommate/best friend a few days ago got into two schools for graduate programs in special education!  I am so happy and proud of her.  Sometimes you don't have control over your life and sometimes you do. 

During my first few years in the Bay Area I created a series of paintings that involved moving forward and looking at your fears.  I titled a painting Step Up.  The painting was about stepping up to your challenges, taking leaps of faith and going forward into unknown adventures.   

I sometimes feel quite stuck seeing as though I am not sure where I am going, what my next steps are and constantly searching for what fits me.  However, steps need to happen!  I can't keep letting my thoughts take over and being scared.  

I will step up soon,

My-Linh

To those who see their parents in themselves,

As I try and bring lunch to work everyday and not to buy too much pre-made food, I am cooking so much that there's a bottomless pit of dirty dishes and the dishes always seep out onto the counter.  I am washing dishes and a lot of them everyday.  I give myself a morning shift and an evening shift of washing dishes.  I feel like my mom who cooks all the time, morning into evening.  I cook almost everyday but my mom is by far the winner.

I find this funny as well.  My mom is always checking in, "How did you like the pho?  What did you think of the o mai?  Should I send you some beef jerky or what about pork pastries?"  I too do the same thing.  I made a orange almond cake a couple of weeks ago and did the same thing to my sister, roommate and boyfriend.  

Plus, I got my hair cut and went with bangs.  Now I even look like my mom! 

XOXO,

My-Linh

P.S. I tried to call my mom this morning  for some advice on making sweet sticky rice but she wasn't home.  I was able to invent my own and it was really yummy!    

To those who teach,

I am not sure if it's intentional or not but I am surrounded by teachers.  I am always an ear shot away from the latest workings of a teacher's mind.  Topics have included but are not limited to what the best strategies are, how to discipline students, how to nurture what students are good at, where education is going...  It can be a bit overwhelming as well as inspiring.  Everyday my friends critical think about education and are so passionate about it which is amazing.  

Although, I don't teach anymore, I do wonder though what all this talk does to my brain.  

Always listening,

My-Linh

P.S. I got commissioned to do some drawings for my friends' wedding invite.

My Dear Friend,

It's a quiet evening here at the house.  I am enjoying myself by writing and listening to A Charlie Brown Christmas.  I know Christmas is over but I love listening to the sounds of a piano.   

Happy New Year!  I like when a year ends and a new one begins.  Yes, of course, I create new resolutions every year and also on my birthday.  I won't entertain you with my new resolutions though.

However, I would like to share how my first few days of the New Year have gone.

January 1: I attended the Raiders versus the Chargers football game with my fanatic football fan boyfriend.  It was a beautiful sunny day.  The raiders lost which was a disappointment.  My boyfriend is silly and I enjoy the time I spend with him.   

January 2: I met my great aunt for the first time.  She is sweet, quick on her feet, petite and welcoming.  It was humbling experience. My sister and I are hoping to make ritual visits.   My sister loves me so and I delight in her company. 

January 3: I had lunch with my dear friend at the Chop Bar, a place I have been dying to eat at.  It was utterly delicious.  I had a garlic pork panino with braised pork butt, kale, chanterelle mushrooms, Holy Cow cheese on Acme herb slab.  We also went to the local Blue Bottle for a decaf latte and a dark dark brown chocolate cookie to share.  My friend is generous and is a foodie.   

January 4: I spent the day at work.  In the evening, I went to a friend's house.  Although she was sick, I sipped on some beet kvass as we chatted away.  I really enjoy chatting with her because she's quite inspiring, caring and loving.

It's a pretty good start for the new year. 

Good luck in 2012,

My-Linh

P.S. I purchased a small desk in attempt to bring my art studio together.  It's still a work in progress.