I breathe you in…
Heat rises up from the sidewalk to greet
Statues covered in taxi fumes
Watching the world go by from an air conditioned bus

I breathe you in…
101 rises, majestic, visible everywhere
Crabs scuttle along the shore at low tide on the Danshui river
The crowds at the night market, pure entertainment

I breathe you in…
The surprising sight of dogs in baby carriages, on scooters
The smell of chou dofu and BBQ’d meats
Few trash containers, plenty of safety and patience

I breathe you in…
Chanting at the temple Thursday mornings
Around every corner a surprise
Walls of green, aqua water, unlucky four

I breathe you in…
Seemingly random celebrations
A sea of umbrellas and masks
Is possible be cheaper a little?

I breathe you in…
Ghosts haunt the alleys and lanes
Genuine joy on wrinkled faces
Waves of love

I breathe you in…
Products wrapped in paper, served up with a smile.
Why, oh giant Ferris wheels?
I see it all with new eyes.

I breathe Taipei in and exhale lightness.

have you seen how expensive makeup is? i personally have dozens of sets of eyeshadows, trying to find the elusive “perfect shade” to fit my outfit and mood. imagine my delight upon reading this: http://l.aunch.us/ghfb! You know how much I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE colors. I signed up to purchase this and can’t wait for it to be available!! I read about it in this article: https://shine.yahoo.com/fashion/print-your-own-makeup–a-3d-printer-brings-new-cosmetics-innovation-192512109.html . What do you think?

This post is long overdue; I’ve been adjusting to life back in the States and putting my life back together after Dad died. I worked 12-14 hours/day, 7 days a week caring for him and the huge house and garden. We got him a canine companion. I did my best to encourage Dad but in the end, he already had one foot in the grave both mentally and physically. I thought I had more time with Dad but after coming back, it became obvious that he just didn’t want to go on without Mom. Sigh….I had already had my stuff shipped to the US so going back to Taiwan was not an option. Within 3 weeks of his death, I had to find a place to live, buy a car, and find a job! I ended up in a cute cottage a mile from the house I grew up in! Amazing! I have Dad’s dog and my little conure, Neptune. I have wonderful neighbors and a full-time job. I bought a cute little Chevy – good gas mileage here is a must-have!

The biggest difference I’ve noticed between Taiwan and California is that it’s not easy or convenient to get things done here in the States. People are grumpy (probably from having to spend so much time in traffic) and often rude. I miss the night markets and “exotic” fruits and veggies. I miss the sights and sounds of the Tonghua area. I miss the tea! I miss the 24-hour bookstore. I miss my many Taiwanese friends. But life goes on….and so I’m adjusting: making new friends, getting reacquainted with old ones. And, I’ve started my own business with some of my friends! (More on that in another blog note.)