Hello to those who need a change of scenery,

This change is in my home.  I have finally had time to clean the dining room!  The wooden table had been completely covered with wilting flowers, loose change, an exploding basket that is supposed to organize my best friend, architectural magazines, thank you gifts from students and scattered art supplies.  The table has been like this for a few long weeks.  But now, the table leaves are hidden which limits the table space.  Hopefully, this limited table space tells us to keep the table clean!  A Summer flower printed table cloth is added to brighten up the room.   

Well, I am off to work on the other rooms in my home.  This is extremely therapeutic and needed.  In a few weeks, my life will change with a new job.  I wonder when life changes happen that it causes you to shift your home and other aspects in your life.  

Thanks for reading,

Lenny 

Durant embraces Jackson, Game 4 vs. Memphis Grizzlies

Dear basketball fans!!!  

The playoffs make emotions run high for not only players but fans!  Last night, as the buzzer sounded to end game 4 of the western conference round one playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies, I got teary eyed when I saw Durant and Westbrook embrace Jackson!!!!   The embraces were a thank you for saving us from another loss, we couldn't have done it without you, an I am proud of you and you're amazing moment.  

I love sports!  I love them for the fact that when an opponent challenges you to push yourself further and questions your ability to be better than you think you are, you have to ask yourself, "Can I do this?"   And you show them and yourself that you are a superhero!

Hoping that OKC wins on Tuesday,
My-Linh      

P.S. Two weeks ago the spring softball season started.  I was playing left field and the second person up hits a line drive toward my left and I ran after it with full speed and caught it while my momentum ran into the fence.  I didn't get hurt and the ball was still in my glove.  During the rest of the game, I got compliments galore which made me smile.  Maybe this is a sliver of what Jackson was feeling.

To those who enjoy tapas,

Lately, I haven't been cooking since my boyfriend loves to cook!  I am usually the one who cooks fried egg sandwiches for breakfast every morning.  

Well, today I decided that I needed to cook something other than fried egg sandwiches!  Cooking activates the right side of your brain which I can't get enough of.  This summer, I am headed to Spain and I am inspired by their invention of tapas.  

On the menu: First, was toasted Arizmendi garlic focaccia paired with artichoke tapenade, assorted olives and soft cheese.   Second, bacon wrapped dates filled with Manchego cheese.  Next, shrimp ceviche with avocado, jalapeño, red onion and cilantro.  Lastly, was going to be stir fried red onion and marinated pork but we got full from the previous tapas!  A few glasses of pinot noir went well with the dishes.  

I had such a fun time cooking.  I miss it.  Sometimes it's hard to fit things in but you have to or else you'll go insane.  

Can't wait for more cooking,
My-Linh



P.S. The wedding toast went well with much success!!!  Folks approached me and generously said that it was heartwarming and funny.  Someone even mentioned that it should be on youtube but luckily no one recorded it.  What a relief after two weeks of stressing about it!  

To those who have written a toast,

My sister gets married next weekend!  She asked me to give a toast and I am so nervous about it.  Will what I say give justice to how I am feeling about her and her fiancé?  I have been brainstorming for a month!   And plus, I have anxiety speaking in front of people.  

My boyfriend said that I was a good writer which gives me comfort and confidence.  It was music to my ears to hear him say that!  In college, I thought I was a horrible writer since I didn't do too well.  But maybe it was the subject at hand.  

Sometimes I find that I have the most energy when I first wake up.  I have been trying to write this toast first thing after breakfast.  :)  It's getting there but it's not quite what I am looking for yet.  

Hoping I come up with something amazing,

My-Linh

To those who want to use their right brain,

A Sunday Morning Observation, 2014

This morning, I continued to sort through neat piles in my studio hoping to make a slight dent in getting closer to a functioning space.  These piles are situated in every open corner or ideal area on the floor which makes the already small room even smaller.  

The pile that I was sifting through was full of past letters sent, programs from the Book of Mormon and Anything Goes and a special garage sale find of color pencil water colors.  As I was placing the pencils in another organized neat pile, my boyfriend eagerly asked, "What are those?"  

This opened up his right brain!!!!  "Linh, how do you use these?" he impatiently questioned.  I showed him how to use these pencils, gave him all the necessary supplies and before you know it he's onto his second painting.  

I guess even tiny actions spark creativity.  

Happy to see a different side,

My-Linh  

To those who are early risers,  

This morning I woke up at around 6:08am.  It's about a half an hour earlier than I am use to but so far it has been extremely worth it.  I have already spent 20 minutes cleaning my art studio.  This studio has been in a nonfunctioning state for quite some time.  I need it to be functioning!!!  Now, I am writing, eating breakfast and drinking a warm cup of coffee.

On Saturday, I went to a workshop called Fearless Creating with Diane Conway.  It was so exciting.  One of her strategies for beginning creativity is to spend at least 20 minutes a day in a space just for yourself.  So I hope that this works.  As you may already know, I have a hard time finishing projects and lately I have just been going through the motions everyday.  This 20 minutes in a sense is putting me in check of what I am really passionate about.

Well, I must go to get ready for work.

Excited to continue the day,

My-Linh

To those who want to gain more skills,  

I started my first class last night with the UC Berkeley Extension program.  As I walked in the doors of the art and design center, I knew that this was the place where I need to be.  Drawings and paintings were hanging everywhere in a beautiful space.  It was amazing!  I am taking the principles and elements of design class for interior design and interior architecture.  

A few years ago, I made myself a list of things I wanted to do.  Many of them I have tried which is comforting.  Becoming an interior designer was on that list.  So, I am trying this path and hoping it's the right one.  

My professor is at least 70 years of age or older.  He wore black slacks, a black and white checkered button down, a plain  black sweater vest and black shoes.  He was ready with notes in hand.  He also has a Bulgarian accent.  Everyone's eyes were glued to him.  He's a brilliant story teller with a twist of design philosophy.  Laughs and smiles of eager students surrounded him. He has done some amazing things in his life and is so enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge.  I am super grateful I decided to take this class and so inspired.  

Needing more,

My-Linh

P.S. My professor is a printmaker too.