2011/12/31

Auld Lang Syne ROC 100

The glorious and magnificent 100th year of ROC is coming to an end!

On New Year's Eve, there is a long list of people I wish to express my gratitude and thankfulness. I shall hum Auld Lang Syne to them wherever they are, when the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve in Taipei. Thank you with kisses and hugs! And wish you a prosperous and happy new year!

Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup o' kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

And surely you'll get your pint mug! And surely I'll get mine!
And we'll take a cup o' kindness yet, for auld lang syne.


While remembering the good times with family and friends in 2011, I received a surprising email from a professional wedding photographer in China in the morning of this last day of 2011. Mr. Li Jian-yu sent me five beautiful photos he took of me when I visited Drum Wave Islet in October.

Drum Wave Islet, an island of 1.87 kilometer square, is a hot spot for wedding couples to have photos taken on the coastal city of Xiamen. No matter where you go, you bump into colorful and dressy wedding couples with their entourages of photographers and assistants in front of old consulates of many Western powers and grand mansions that used to be financial institutions.

I was lucky to run into Mr. Li after he finished shooting a wedding couple for the day. Mr. Li is a young photographer from Chuan-zhou. When I asked him if I could borrow the bouquet of red roses, he asked me if I would like to to pose for his camera with the beautiful flowers. What a serendipity it was to be turned into an instant bride (in heart) by an enthusiastic photographer on the famous resort of Drum Wave Islet when the sun set! I felt the long-gone bliss on my wedding day waiting at the end of the aisle for my father to give me away!

Now it is time I wrote down the New Year resolutions for year 2012 before the clock strikes midnight!

1. I shall stay healthy by leading a simple life.
2. I shall clean up the storage area at home, donate clothes, shoes, bags, and hats which are not in use.
3. I shall work as a friendly pharmacist at the new branch of Taiwan Biotech Pharmacy at RT Mart in Chung-ho.
4. I shall study French in order to charter a French speaking Toastmasters club in Taipei.
5. I shall practice flamenco more in order to excel at the flamenco performance at Armed Forces Cultural Center.
6. I shall visit the Toastmasters in District 76 Japan.
7. I shall go to China to have profile photos taken.
8. I shall join the Fubon Taipei Marathon to run with Toastmasters from District 76.

Happy New Year! A mysterious year that marks the beginning of a new era, the end of a 5,125-year-long cycle in the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar, awaits us!

2011/12/27

Habanera from Bizet in Flamenco

The first lesson of ten to learn Habanera from Bizet in Flamenco fell on the last week at Falla Flamenco Arts Studio this afternoon. I was happy that I made it back to the flamenco dance school in October and performed four parts of sevillanas at Falla Flamenco Xmas Party.

Starting from the first of October, I decided to perform Habanera, not knowing how to articulate the lyrics in French in singing till I could memorize the complete libretto by heart now. On top of that, I shall be able to dance Habanera with a flamenco fan in 2012.

Lesson One (12/20/2011)
L'amour est un oiseau rebelle, RLRL(8 beats moving forward)
Que nul ne peut apprivoiser, RLRLR (8 beats twist--slow slow quick quick slow)
Et c'est bien in vain qu'on l'appelle, LRLR (8 beats moving to the left)
S'il lui convient de refuser. LRLRL (8 beats twist--slow slow quick quick slow)
Rien n'y fait, RL (4 beats moving to the right)
menace ou prière. RLR (4 beats twist--slow quick quick quick)
L'un parle bien, LR (4 beats moving to the left)
l'autre se tait. LRL (4 beats twist--slow quick quick quick)

Lesson Two (12/27/2011)
Et c'est l'autre que je préfère. (8 beats turning to the back)
Il n'a rien dit mais il me plait. (8 beats moving to the left)
L'amour! L'amour! L'amour! L'amour! (16 beats turning to the front)

Lesson Three (1/3/2012) Feet movement
L'amour est enfant de Bohême, (8 beats facing to the right RLRLRLRL (Forward Stomp, forward drag, forward stomp, forward drag, back stomp, back ball, forward stomp, forward ball)
Il n'a jamais jamais connu de loi. (8 beats facing to the right RLRLRLR, Long Forward Stomp, forward drag, back stomp, back ball, forward stomp, forward ball, turn to the left)
Si tu ne m'aimes pas, je t'aime. (8 beats facing to the left LRLRLRLR, Forward Stomp, forward drag, forward stomp, forward drag, back stomp, back ball, forward stomp, forward ball)
Si je t'aime, prends garde à toi! (8 beats facing to the left LRLRLR---L, Long Forward Stomp, forward drag, back stomp, back ball, forward stomp, forward ball, twist, twist, twist, back ball, facing to the front)

Lesson 4(1/10/2012) Hands Movement

Si tu ne m'aimes pas, si tu ne m'aimes pas, je t'aime,
Mais si je t'aime, si je t'aime, prends garde à toi!

L'oiseau que tu croyais surprendere
Battit de l'aile et s'envola.
L'amour est loin, tu peux l'attendre.
Tu ne l'attends puis, il est là.

Tout autour de toi, vite vite,
Il vient, s'en va, puis il revient.
Tu crois le tenir, il t'evite.
Tu crois l'eviter, il te tient.

L'amour! L'amour! L'amour! L'amour!

L'amour est enfant de Bohême,
Il n'a jamais jamais connu de loi.
Si tu ne m'aimes pas, je t'aime.
Si je t'aime, prends garde à toi!

Si tu ne m'aimes pas, si tu ne m'aimes pas, je t'aime,
Mais si je t'aime, si je t'aime, prends garde à toi!

2011/12/25

Merry Christmas

We had a joyful Christmas Day. Toastmasters Bill Wan, Nate Alvarez, Libby Chung and her husband, Director Daniel Ingi Petursson from Iceland were guests of honor at Christmas dinner table at Jimmy's house on Christmas Day.

Jimmy prepared a full table of dishes, from grilled fish, roast chicken, stir-fried grounded pork, hot pot, sesame buns, lettuce, pickles. We ate, drank, and talked about everything, to exchange information and experiences about people and cultures around the world. Daniel taught us to sing Christmas Carols in Icelandic. Nate played piano, and I sang all the Christmas songs in English and in Mandarin in a children's Christmas songbook.

Daniel sat next to me at the table. When he talked about Iceland, I was all ears. Firstly, it's not cold in Iceland, because it's warmed by the Gulf Stream and has a temperate climate despite a high latitude just outside the Arctic Circle. Secondly, in Iceland, people don't have a family name. Daniel Ingi Petursson means he is the son of Petur. If Daniel has a son, he would be Danielsson. Thirdly, Iceland has the first female president in the world. That's why Daniel likes Tsai Ing-wen among the three presidential candidates of ROC.

Being a director, Daniel also recommended a dozen plays. Nate wrote down the list (a streetcar named desire, the glass menagerie, long day's journey into night, miss julie, a doll's house, three sisters, ghost, salome, the importance of being earnest, ulysses, the tricycle, picnic on the battlefield). It would be one of my new year resolutions to see them all.

Nate is from Boston. He was a music major in college. He studied international relations in graduate school. Nate came to Taiwan this year after traveling to many countries. He likes Taiwan because it reminds him of Dominican Republic full of vitality and diversity. It was Nate's debut show in Summer Shorts. Born to a Spanish mother and Irish father, Nate speaks many languages, English, Spanish, French, Mandarin. He also composes music. I think it would be awesome if we can produce a grand musical of 30 to 45 minutes for D67 Fall Conference Party 2012 in Taipei in November. It would be another one of my new years resolutions.

Many thanks go to Bill for inviting Jimmy and me to see the Summer Shorts Sunday evening, December 11th. Jimmy wanted to invite Bill for dinner. Bill invited Daniel and Nate to come along. I invited Libby and her husband to join us, because Libby used to perform in a few plays directed by Daniel. On Christmas Day, the more people, the merrier Christmas! Ho! Ho! Ho!

PS: The wikepedia provides more than a hundred languages to explain Iceland, from Acèh, Адыгэбзэ, Afrikaans, Alemannisch, Ænglisc, العربية, Aragonés, Armãneashce, Arpetan, Asturianu, Avañe'ẽ, to Zazaki, Zeêuws Žemaitėška. How come a remote island country of a population of 320,000 is interesting to people in many parts of the world? I want to see the mud waterfall where a Chinese is interested in constructing a golf course!

2011/12/18

Marathon Runners Toastmasters from Japan

It has been the third year in a row Toastmaster Yoshihito Watanabe lead a group of Marathon runners Toastmasters from District 76 to join the annual Fubon Taipei Marathon Sunday morning, December 18th. There were eight Toastmasters this year, including 渡辺(吉)さん(赤羽)、齊藤(赤羽)、安部さん(武蔵小杉)、豊満さん(輝)、渡辺(友)さん(響)、小堀さん(築波)、酒井さん(輝)、酒井愛里さん.

As usual, Japanese Toastmasters flew in Friday evening, to have the mouth watering Peking duck dinner at 一條龍 in Xi-men District to start their year end journey in Taipei. 一條龍 is one of the few restaurants which offer traditional and authentic Peking (royal) cuisine. I have been a regular patron since my childhood. After dinner, we went to 饒河 Night Market via Wu-fen-pu 五分埔 where young people shopped for clothes and accessories. It was the first time I visited Wu-fen-pu, I felt in love at the first time. I shall certainly pay another lengthy visit soon in the future to hunt for treasures. At the night market, we enjoyed various traditional Taiwanese desserts, including the almond drink, Hujiao bing, ice cream, barbecue mushroom, just to mention a few.

I didn't make it to the last joint meeting of Japanese speaking Toastmasters clubs and welcome dinner party for Japanese Toastmasters Saturday. Because I had a concert at a nursing home in the afternoon, and I had a Russian Dance Performance at Division H X'mas Party in the evening.

Sunday was the Marathon day. Every year, I thought about taking the challenge to run a mini-marathon of 3 kilometers around Taipei 101. Every year I procrastinated! This year I also had excuses! I needed to go to the Pharmacists Association to vote Sunday morning.

In the afternoon, I performed the complete set of sevillanas of four individual dances: Primera, Segunda, Tercera and Cuarta at the Falla Flamenco X'mas Party. Four Toastmasters came see my performance. I also attempted Habanera from Bizet Carmen with the accompany of a cello. It was a success. I wowed the full house of flamenco dancers. Hopefully I passed the audition to seize a post to sing on stage with Falla Flamenco dancers at Hero Culture Center in June 2012!

1:30 Dress Rehearsal; 3:15 Opening Falla 范德梁 Cello Solo; Sevillanas 向慈 珮霞 陶陶 伊妘; Sevillanas 書妤 若涵 扇子版; Carmen 姵君 敏敏; Garootin 美嫻 淑慧; Fandango 蕙玲 玲玲; Sevillanas 雅玲 小葳; Alegrias 珮霞; 4:00 Intermission; 4:15 LIVE: Tangos 美儀 欣萍 櫻芬; Guajirs 頌瑾 瑞霜 庭郡; Tientos 幼玲 郁珊; Guajiras 旻宜 倩佩; Tangos 佩玲 玉葉 ; Gantina 馨茹 潔婷; Solea 純純.

In the evening, we had dinner at 大隠酒食小飲私廚 James Kitchen, a Taiwanese style Izakaya on Yun-kang Street. It was located in a secluded area, but I didn't have any difficulties finding it. I was the first one to arrive. After I was guided up to the attic of tatami, I took out the case of reading glasses in my bag. It was empty inside. I couldn't recall when I left my reading glasses, maybe at the Falla Arts Center. Without glasses, I couldn't read, of course. As I was not used to sitting seiza on tatami for a long time, so I got up to stretch with a solo flamenco dance.

When Japanese Toastmasters arrived from their trip taking Mau-kung gondora, the boisterous nomikai began. James Kitchen offered a array of delicious appetizers for starters. We drank merrily without reservation. It must have been more than a dozen bottles of Taiwanese beer in total. I never missed the drinking party with Japanese Toastmasters, because it was simply joyful to drink with Japanese Marathon runners of energy and spirit. Let's toast for the wonderful year of 2011! Kanbai!

In 2012, Toastmaster Watanabe Yoshihito agrees to lead another group of marathon runners to my flamenco dance performance at Falla Arts Center and have dinner at my brother's place. In return, I shall get up early to run a 3 kilos marathon, and to lead a group of cheerleaders to stand by the street to cheer up the marathon runner Toastmasters from Japan! Banbare!

2011/12/17

Division H X’mas Party

What would have been a better thing to do on a chilly winter night than perform a Russian Dance? If you picture us running here and there, jumping ups and downs with a full house of Toastmasters and friends, plus four full tables of pizza, fried chicken, fresh tropical fruits, wine, vodka, beverage by the fireplace, we had it all at Division H X'mas Party Saturday evening.

Division H Governor Assam Chan hosted the X'mas Party at his newly bought grand and luxuious Southern California Mansion in Chu-wei. His lovely better half Wini greeted all participants warmly. She walked around to take good care of Toastmasters and friends with her 9 month pregnancy. Assam and Wini's first child will be born before the Chinese New Year. Before the party intermission, Wini lead Grand's Russian Dance Troupe to the dance room of three mirror walls to have our dress rehearsal of Kalinka for the last time. We felt grateful to Wini and we were ready to break our leg.

President Gina kept us waiting at MRT Chu-wei station in the cold wind for more than 30 minutes because she had to fetch Grand's new club banner. Being a group of 11, including 8 Kalinka dancers, Gina, Roy, Joel, Grand placed No.2 in terms of the total participants, next to Sunrise Toastmasters Club's big crowd of 30 participants. Seven Toastmasters Clubs in Division H participated in the X'mas Party, including Formosa, YWCA, Sunrise, Sunshine, Motorola, LV, Grand. Grand was the only club with a banner at the party! Our club banner with the new Toastmasters logo meant the Toastmasters in a new era!

The cheerful and joyful X'mas party was full of laughter and prizes. The show time featured musical instrument playing, including keyboard, cello, harmonica, guitar, ukelele. After a group of kids performed modern jazz dance, Grand brought the party to a new height with our colorful and exotic Kalinka Russian Dance. We won a super big round of applause from the floor! President Gina was pround of her Russian costumes design. Roy was amazed at our outstanding performance. Joel stood behind us hanging Grand's club banner on his neck.

After the party, Wini saw us off at the gate. Erin, Joel, Victor, Sharen, Brian and I hung around at Mos Burger on our way to Chu-wei MRT station for the 2nd party. We chatted until 10:30PM. It was windy and chilly in Tamsui Area, but we felt warm among the big Toastmasters family members.

Year End Concert

I got up early to have my hair curled at a beauty parlor in the neighborhood this morning for two big events, the year end concert of classic Chinese songs at Fu-der Nursing Home in the afternoon, and Division H Xmas Party in Tam-shui in the evening.

The year end concert was a warm up concert for the coming New Year concert at the Cardinal Tien Hospital in January. I arrived at Fu-der Nursing Home at 1:30PM to meet up with singers from Wen-san Communicty College for the first time, and to work with the sound track system at the nursing home, and to go through the details of the concert program with the helping assistants.

It turned out to be a successful concert for a group of 20 plus in-patients at the nursing home, young and old, men and women. A few patients sang loudly along with us at the mix and match chamber and karaoke concert. I saw tears in the eyes of the patients listening to the classic Chinese songs at the nursing home. I saw their lonely hearts at the nursing home.

2011/12/14

Toastmasters Learning Styles

I'm curious about people, their mindsets and their behaviors. Everyday I enjoy observing people around me. The Toastmasters provides a great arena for me to observe enthusiastic people with different learning styles.

We were a group of eight Toastmasters of Grand Toastmasters Club. We met to rehearse the Russian Folk Dance Kalinka this evening. When Toastmaster Piao Piao arrived at the Exit 5 of MRT CKS station, she immediatly took out a pad to jot down the position of the group dance at different time slots. She must be a visual learner.

Eight of us were rehearsing at Exit 5 for one hour, till the MRT officer asked us to move. We found a nice place near the theater cafe' to continue our dance. It was a wonderful memory in the rainy winter of 2011, running here and there, jumping ups and downs outside of the National Theater. After our lengthy rehearsal for 3 hours, Toastmaster Victor took out his i-phone 4S to record the dance. Victor might also be a visual learner.

People learn in many ways, seeing, hearing, and experiencing things first hand. Some people remember best materials they've seen. Some remember things they've heard. Others remember things they've experienced.

Visual learners are those who learn through seeing things. Visual aids improve the ability to recall and retain information more completely. Auditory learners are those who learn best through hearing things. Kinesthetic learners are those who learn through experiencing/doing things.

I think I'm more of an auditory learner than a kinesthetic learner. Taking singing for example, I can remember the lyrics easily when I hum along with the melody in the air or in my ears. I remember the dance steps when I know the melody. I learn a foreign language by reading out loud. When the sound is on, my mind is on. I'm on the learning track!

Knowing what types learners we are help us improve our learning. No matter what types we are, life is about having fun. When people have fun, people learn. After a fun rehearsal this evening, I believe Grand Russian Dance will be the most exciting and entertaining program at Division H Christmas Party Saturday evening, December 17th. We shall bring a lot of joy and fun to Toastmasters and friends, and to our selves, too.

2011/12/12

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do. --Apple's "Think Different" commercial, 1997

Who is reading Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson? I bet there are millions of them in the world. President Gina Cheng of Grand Toastmaster Club has a copy in English on her shelf. President Shen, the tenant of my penthouse, has a copy in Chinese on the dinner table.

Like most people, I was curious about Steve Jobs who connected creativity with technology, who changed the world with his innovation, character, leadership, values. President Gina lent me her copy of Steve Jobs Thursday evening, December 7th. I leafed through the thick book of 630 pages during the weekend. I really admired Steve's courage to challenge, to lead, to be different. I believe Steve is working hard on innovating the Heaven with his creative and artistic genes right now.

Everyone has a reason to read Steve Jobs. President Gina bought her copy, she must be interested in the leadership of a CEO of the richest company in the world. President Shen bought his copy, he must be interested in the knowhows to get rich as he is a Taiwanese businessman flying back and forth between Taipei and Shanghai.

I read the book because I want to know how a giant was born, was brought up. I was interested in the natures and nutures of humanity. I read the book between lines to find out Steve's interpretation of staying hungry, staying foolish.

Being born in the same year as Steve Jobs, I have so much to learn to stay hungry, stay foolish. I'm lucky I'm in good health and I have a foolish and hungry journey in front of me.

2011/12/11

Summer Shorts of Tellus Theater

What an adventure I made this evening! I finally made it to Toastmaster Bill Wan's show at Somebody Cafe' in Xi-men District. To my surprise, my brother Jimmy accepted my invitation to go along. Jimmy never attends any social functions with me. I guess Jimmy and Bill must be connected in some way. Bill was invited to Jimmy's place for dinner for a couple of times when Bill was D67 Chorus member two years ago.

The stage on the 3rd floor of Somebody Cafe' was cozy and modish. The French chanson was played in the air when Jimmy and I walked up the stairs. Bill and other actors and actresses were busy putting on make-ups and costumes. I saw Bill behind a dark curtain. I saw many familiar Toastmasters.

Summer Shorts was directed by Daniel Ingi Petursson, Head of Taipei's first and only English speaking theater company--Tellus Theater, formerly known as Thalie Theater. Daniel was trained in theater in Paris at the Ecole Jacques Lecoq and at the Ecole Philippe Gaulier. Tellus Theater is a group composed of amateur performers trained in Petursson's acting workshops, and wish to share their passion of the theater.

At the beginning of the Summer Shorts, Jimmy and I sat on a double sofa at a corner. Then I moved to the front row facing the stage, sitting next to two ladies Toastmasters from Taipei Metro and PMI Toastmasters Clubs. The small theater was full of Toastmasters atmosphere, it was friendly, it was experimental, it was impromptu, it was spontaneous. The actors on stage reached out to the audience on the floor in the middle of the show without being separated by an invisible fourth wall.

Summer shorts were a series of short and humorous skits to depict the anxiety and emotions of young people facing the ruthless competition and indifference in the stressful modern society. I liked the poem recital at the very beginning, I liked Bill's monologue of a desperate actor talking on the cellphone day and night waiting for an audition, I also liked the skit of love and hatred between Medea and Jason.

After the show, Bill asked me if I would consider joining Tellus Theater. It was a tempting invitation for me to know more about myself through acting, interacting, reacting. It was a proactive way for me to become a reader, a writer, a playwright. Maybe it's time I learned communication skills outside of the Toastmasters.

On the way home, Jimmy invited me to have snack at Jingmei Night Market. Jimmy told me he enjoyed the Summer Shorts. He wanted to invite Bill to his place for dinner on X'mas Day to know more about the expressive art therapy. I was happy for Jimmy to venture out of his comfort zone. I want to thank Bill for giving Jimmy and me an relaxing and inspiring Sunday evening!

2011/12/10

Golden Ladies Dinner Gathering in December

I'd like to start with a confession of mine in 2011. I know I'm not young, I mean my body. Everyday I look at the mirror in the morning, I see a face full of wrinkles and dullness. I want to do something fast and quick, to let a plastic surgeon bring back my youth, even it's superficially and artificially. Anyway, beauty is only skin deep.

Lydia hosted a sumptuous dinner party for Golden Ladies at New Southeast Seafood Restaurant this evening. It was one of the best banquets I had in year 2011. From the fresh and living creatures in the aquarium, creative and artistic chefs in the kitchen, to the ambience and atmosphere, it was the restaurant of choice for good Taiwanese seafood in Taipei.

At dinner, Toastmaster Pamela Yang reflected upon her recent solitary trip to the Great Wall in China on her birthday. She talked about a precious birthday gift she received from her niece. It was an empty book for the keeper to write down three good things everyday. In response to Pamela's story, Toastmaster Harry Fang encouraged us to greet people by asking what good news to share today!

Back to my confession, I found myself impotent in front of a table full of the mouth-watering dishes. Every dish brought an esctasy. Every dish aroused a climax. After three dishes, I was overwhelmed and exhausted. Eating is more demanding than making love. Oh, my God! Am I getting old? Which doctor can I go to?

Harry and Lydia were sweet and kind to invite all golden ladies for a 2nd round at Abby Cafe' where I recited "Les Feuilles Mortes" by Yves Montand. Abby cafe' was at the corner of Heping West Road and Nantsan Street. It was the first time I visited the warm and cozy coffeehouse even though I went past the place at least once a week. I like the interior decoration with the exciting and intriguing fresco. At Abby, I sang a lot, I danced a lot, I forgot how many glasses of red wine I drank. I was high!

I hit the sack the moment I got home. In my dream, I turned into a woman of burning desires and fervent passions. I could eat, sing, and dance the way I want. Brindisi!


Oh! je voudrais,
Je voudrais tant que tu te souviennes,
Des jours heureux où nous étions amis.
En ce temps-là la vie était plus belle,
Et le soleil plus brûlant qu'aujourd'hui.
Les feuilles mortes se ramassent à la pelle.
Tu vois, je n'ai pas les oublié...
Les feuilles mortes se ramassent à la pelle,
Les souvenirs et les regrets aussi

Et le vent du nord les emporte
Dans la nuit froide de l'oubli.
Tu vois, je n'ai pas les oublié
La chanson que tu me chantais.

C'est une chanson qui nous ressemble.
Toi, tu m'aimais et je t'aimais
Et nous vivions tous les deux ensemble,
Toi qui m'aimais, moi qui t'aimais.
Mais la vie sépare ceux qui s'aiment,
Tout doucement, sans faire de bruit
Et la mer efface sur le sable
Les pas des amants désunis.


English Translation by Maëlstrom

Oh! I would like
I would like you so much to remember
The joyful days when we were friends.
At that time, life was more beautiful
And the sun burned more than it does today.
Fallen leaves can be picked up by the shovelful.
You see, I have not forgotten...
Fallen leaves can be picked up by the shovelful,
So can memories and regrets.
And the north wind takes them
Into the cold night of oblivion.
You see, I have not forgotten
The song you used to sing me.

This song is like us.
You used to love me and I used to love you
And we used to live together,
You loving me, me loving you.
But life separates lovers,
Pretty slowly, noiselessly,
And the sea erases on the sand
The separated lovers' footprints.

2011/12/07

A moment of significance—President Anxiety Syndrome

Grand had the first club meeting at the new meeting venue this evening. President Gina found the new venue two months ago, with a good location near MRT station and a reasonable rent. We moved because we wanted to contain the room rental expenditure. We moved with an aim to recruit more new members. It was a big move for Grand, we changed the meeting venue, we changed the meeting time, from Thursday evenings from 1975 to Wednesday evenings from 2011!

After the afternoon dance practice of Mambo 5 with golden ladies at Lydia's mansion, I arrived at the new meeting venue 45 minutes early this evening for three reasons, to help arrange the room layout, to rehearse the group Russian dance to be performed at Division H X'mas Party, and to get ready for my prepared speech on President Anxiety Syndrome (PAS). It was a special memorable day today, because we received a new club banner with a new Toastmasters logo.

As a prepared speaker, I was excited to deliver my advanced speech, Project 4 the Coach of Interpersonal Communication manual. In order to have a successful and meaningful roleplay with President Gina Cheng to share with her what I learned when I was the President of Grand Toastmasters Club, I went through my old Toastmasters photoalbum two decades ago.

Leafing throught the thick Toastmasters photoalbum in the past week, I realized I had PAS when I was the club president 1993-1994. But, it was also a moment of significance, to Grand and to me. Looking back, I was grateful what Grand Toastmasters Club did for me and I was pround what I did for Grand Toastmasters Club.

I made Grand the richest Toastmasters club in Taiwan, because I had a good treasurer. We held biweekly meetings at the meeting room of Taiwan Pharmaceutical Industry Association for free when I was the Secretary General for three years. We had the highest membership record of 50 members. We invited keynote speakers to our seasonal dinner gatherings at 5 stars hotels.

Two decades later, the Toastmasters becomes bigger and stronger. Among 13,000 Toastmasters clubs in the global network, many club presidents are striving to make their clubs strong and healthy. Every president is eager to make club members enjoy the club meetings, so that club members can hone the communication and leadership skills in a friendly and supportive environment.

President Gina had the PAS the moment she took the post. She woke up in the middle to the night worrying about the assignment takers wouldn't show up at the meeting at the last minute. She planned various activities and events to boost up the membership and worried about the low attendance rate. She turned into an instant dress maker to prepare our Russian dance costumes! Toastmasters are invincible. We excel at what we do when we are prompted to venture out of our comfort zones.

In five months of her presidency, I saw the guantum leap Gina made for Grand and for herself. In the next seven months, I believe Gina will continue to wow us by how much she grows in Toastmasters and what a legacy she leaves for Grand Toastmasters Club members to cherish for a long time.

2011/12/04

Japanese Festival in Taiwan 2011

Japanese are grateful people. After the 311 earthquake, every Japanese I met in Taipei thanked Taiwan for being a generous country to donate over 20 billion Japanese yen to the victims in Japan. Taiwan and Japan are neighbors. Neighbors come to the rescue faster than the relatives at far in the global village.

The Annual Japanese Festival in Taiwan takes place in December at the Shingkong Mitsukoshi Hsin-yi Plaza. The 9th Japanese Festival attracted more than 26 teams of 296 performers from all over Japan Saturday and Sunday.

Among all exciting groups of the Japanese Festival 2011, I like Wase Glee the most. They were a group of two dozen male singers from Waseda University. The Wase Glee was formed in 1907 to sing Waseda school songs. The male-only chorus in white jackets and bow neckties demonstrated the power and vitality of Japanese youth. I was lucky to be all ears to their beautiful voices on their first concert tour in Taiwan.

The Japanese Dance Group Sobu-Ryu (日本舞踴創舞流)--The Seijo International Japanese Dance Group(成城國際舞踴団) wowed the Taiwanese audience. Vice Leader Sobu Kichinojo was patient and gentle in guiding the elementary school kids to perform traditional Japanese dance on stage. I saw the performance of the Master Sobu Kichinojo at a closer distance. The Seijo Dance Group came to Taiwan for the first time. I was lucky to see the early training of Japanese dancers at young age.

Hiroyuki Kurosawa 黑澤博幸, Soul & Beat Unit Ten-chi-jin, won a big round of applause from the audience after his performance of Tsugaru-Shamisen (津軽三味線). Kurosawa san is from Aomori prefecture, the epicenture of the 311 earthquake. He expressed his appreciation for Taiwanese people for the immediate response to rescue to rebuild Japan from the unfortunate diaster in March.

The Kurashiki Fashion College Fashion Show was eyes opening. Within 20 minutes, I saw more than 100 designer made outfits from Avant-garde to traditionals. I particularly love students' creative designs with Denim. It was the first time I knew that Kurashiki was the birthplace of Japanese denim.

I look forward to the Japanese Festival in Taiwan 2012 in December and I shall catch up the Hula dance performance I missed this year!

2011/12/03

"Kalinka" (Russian: Калинка)

Be Russia the biggest country in the world (Russia: 17,075,200 km2; Canada: 9,984,670 km2; United States: 9,631,418 km2; China: 9,596,960 km2; Brazil: 8,511,965 km2), I've never beeen there. I don't know if I'll have the opportunity to visit Russia or to study the Russian language in my life.

The first time I thought of learning the Russian language, it was when I accompanied Government officials to deliver the medical aids (worth of US$ 15,000,000) on a charter China Airline Cargo to Kiev when I was the Secretary General of Taiwan Pharmaceutical Industry Association in April 1992. In year 2004 and year 2010, when I visited Mongolia as a Toastmaster (I brought along the banner of Grand Toastmasters Club), I thought about learning the Cyrillic script of the Mongolian and Russian language. When President Gina Cheng of Grand Toastmasters Club decided to perform a group Russian dance at Division H X'mas Party, I thought about learning the Russian language for the third time.

President Gina Cheng went to Russia in June with a tour group managed by Roy. After her trip back to Taipei, Gina shouldered her responsility as the club president and recruited Roy as a new member. Being an experienced tour guide to Russia and Europe, Roy knows a lot about Russia. He collects a couple of Russian dancers costumes. Upon his suggestion, Grand came up the idea to perform a group Russian Dance at Division H X'mas Party. I took charge to choreograph a simple and joyful group Russian dance Kalinka for Granders.

President Gina invited Grand's Russian dancers to her cozy home for a potluck hotpot gathering this afternoon. I was the first one to arrive to see a full table of sewing materials Gina lay on the table to work on the Russian dance costumes. While waiting for other dancers to show up, we discussed about the preparation for the coming first meeting of Grand Toastmasters Club at the new meeting venue in December.

The potluck hotpot was rich and yummy! Gina prepared a hotpot of lamb chops and frozen bean curds. I brought along a well-cooked pork stomach and vegetables. Sharon brought fish and meat balls. May brought a box of Mister Donut. Brian brought a cake. After a sumptous lunch, we brainstormed the Russian dance steps together for two hours at Gina's playroom in her building. It felt good to sweat a lot imagining ourselves running around on the playground covered with heavy snow in Moscow! Erin joined us after her guitar class at 5PM.

Part I (slow-fast-slow-fast-slow)
Male Dancers 2 x 8 beats
Female Dancers 2 x 8 beats
Couple Dance holding arms 2 x 8 beats
Two circles (Male dancers inner circle, Female Dancers outer circle) 2 x 8 beats
Couple Dance holding hands 4 x 8 beats
Two lines (Male dancers front line facing back, Female Dancers back line facing the audience) 4 x 8 beats
Two Groups of four Holding Hands 2 x 8 beats
Group Circling 4 x 8 beats
Tunneling 4 x 8 beats
Pose 1 x 8 beats

Part II (slow-fast-fast-fast-fast)
Facing the audience 1 x 8 beats
Line Crossing 2 x 8 beats
Male Dancers Cross legs jumps 4 x 8 beats
Male Dancers Holding Up Female Dancers 2 x 8 beats
Ending 4 x 8 beats

If possible, all dancers can sing along the pretty song Kalinka in two parts in Russian.
Little snowberry, snowberry, snowberry of mine!
Little raspberry in the garden, my little raspberry!

Ah, under the pine, the green one,
Lay me down to sleep,
Ah, rock-a-baby,
Lay me down to sleep.

Little snowberry, snowberry, snowberry of mine!
Little raspberry in the garden, my little raspberry!

Ah, little pine, little green one,
Don't rustle above me,
Ah, rock-a-baby,
Don't rustle above me.

Little snowberry, snowberry, snowberry of mine!
Little raspberry in the garden, my little raspberry!

Ah, you beauty, pretty maiden,
Take a fancy to me,
Ah, rock-a-baby,
Take a fancy to me.

Little snowberry, snowberry, snowberry of mine!
Little raspberry in the garden, my little raspberry!

PS: I must thank President Gina for her enthusiasm to bring up a mission impossible--the performance of Grand Russian Dance at Division H X'mas Party! After spending hours and hours choreographing Kalinka Dance, I realize that I don't have to go to Russia to know Russia. In the meantime, I can't wait to see Russia with my own eyes and to dance Kalinka with a bunch of Russian kids on the playground covered with snow in Moscow!

2011/11/17

Joint Meeting of Grand & Excellence TMCs

It was Grand Toastmasters Club's last beaujolais evening (the annual beaujolais evening falls on the third Thursday in November). From December, Grand will hold the biweekly meeting on the first and third Wednesdays at Chung-cheng Community Center.

The joint meeting of Grand and Excellence TMCs was significant (same meeting venue, different time slots, the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays for Excellence, the 1st and 3rd Thursdays for Grand) for two club members to bond a new tie and to say farewell. Every Toastmaster member toasted to one another with two bottles of beaujolais Nouveau 2011.

2011/11/15

Our Lives are defined by the Legacy we Leave

Toastmaster Mark Hunter made a strong impression on the full house of Toastmasters when he maneuvered his wheelchair to the auditorium on the 9th floor of McKay Hospital. When he gave us his business card, his smile radiated. The front side of the card stated the name with a photo, the other side was A Sink Full of Green Tomatoes--the title of the champion speech of Mark Hunter in 2009.

From an elementary school principal in Australia to the world champion of public speaking in Toastmasters, how did Mark make it? Mark told us that the journey to the world champion of public speaking was not easy and smooth, but it was an achievable goal for him. He wanted to be the world champion, he was on stage several times, he never gave up his goal in Toastmasters. He wrote his champion speech in 2003, he massaged the words day in and day out, till the day he claimed the trophy in 2009.

Sitting on the wheelchair, Mark was persuvasive with the hand gestures. Using his right hand to show love, his left hand to show skills, he created a miracle in front of him. At school, he taught the children to create miracles with love and skills. In Toastmasters, he demostrated the synergy of love and skills to spark out the miracle. He was happy that he could fly come talk to the Toastmasters in District 67. We were happy and honored to have him among us this evening.

I'm interested in public speaking. Every year, I look forward to participating in speech contests at the district level. I have faith in me. If I can make a little progress every year, I shall stand on the podium of annual convention to deliver one of my most inspiring speeches one day.

2011/11/12

Division H X'mas Party Preparatory Meeting

It's the 146th birthday of Dr. Sun Yat-sen today. I got up early to join a group of 1500 people to sing "National Anthem 國歌", "Our National Father 我們國父", "Plum Blossom 梅花", "Ode of the Republic of China 中華民國頌", to show our respect and love to our national father. President Ma Ying-jeou also joined the 1000 people singing event to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Repulic of China.

In the afternoon, Hsin-tien Women's Chorus of 27 members sang a Sichuan folk song "Hooray, the Sun Rises" on stage, among 46 choruses from all over the island. It was a meaningful gathering for singers to exchange ideas and to share joy in choral music.

After the concert, I saw the commemoration exhibition of ROC's 100th anniversary and watched the changing of guards in front of Dr. Sun Yat-sen's statue. I waited in line to receive a golden pin of our national father with our national flag. It was a precious gift to remind me of the singing event today.

After having a cup of afternoon coffee with Hsin-tien Women Chorus members, I rushed to Division H X'mas Party preparatory meeting at President Gina's place. Gina prepared a full table of food, including beef noodles as the main dish and Chinese style coleslaw as the side dish. Before dinner, Carol taught Brian how to brew freshly made coffee with her coffee brewing devises and porcelain coffee set. Erin helped Gina make the bubbled milk. I enjoyed two big cups of coffee, Kenya straight and TAS blended.

In the evening, Gina gave a comprehensive presentation with more than 200 slides about her recent tour in Russia. Roy, the tour manager, brought two Russian dancers outfits for Erin and me to try on. We watched the DVD of folk dance show at Nikolayevsky Palace in Saint Petersburg for two hours. I am responsible to choreograph a few Russian dancing steps for Toastmasters to have fun at Division H X'mas Party Saturday evening, December 17th. I wish many Toastmasters can enjoy the Russian Night produced by Grand Toastmasters Club.

2011/11/11

2011/11/11/11/11

I knew when and where I was at 11:11 this morning. I was at Hsin-tien district office of New Taipei City with my music teacher and a classmate of the singing class of the classic songs in the 20's. We were looking for a venue for our year-end concert!

I knew something nice was about to happen. In the afternoon, I received a check of NT$300 dollars from New Taipei City Government to reimburse the money I paid to retrieve my scooter in the garage Wednesday afternoon, June 1st.

It was a rainy afternoon. When I got off work, I saw a big chalk mark on the wet pavement in front of my pharmacy. My scooter was towed away. I needed to pay NT$900 to get my scooter back.

I was fortunate to get the videoclip of the monitor to prove that my scooter was moved out of the parking block by another motorcyclist. In less than 10 days, I received NT$600 from the vehicle bureau of New Taipei City Government. But, it took more than four month to receive NT$300 from the Police Bureau. Better late than never!

2011/11/10

YSIOA--Shape Sensation

While Toastmaster Lily Lin and I were having a coffee break at 85C after the singing class this afternoon, we were invited to have our bodies measured by a sales lady from Triumph. I was curious about what shape I was, I invited Lily to get on the pink truck of Triumph across the street to have our bodies mesured! I was S, among YSIOA.
YSIOA, the 5 identified body shapes, give recommendation on products for women's problem areas. We learned from a demo by a professional on DIY massgae technique to lift, firm and shape your bust. The commercial of Triumph on TV, touched upon my heart. It's ratio matters, not weight. And I bought three sets of underwear without the second hought.

The reason I was caught by the commercial of Triumph, was "Leo Burnett: Star Reacher" the book I have been reading in the past week. I became interested in commercials around my world.

Without much thinking, I bought three sets of underwear, two of the latest mode, one was a sloggi for traveling teens. I was excited to put on my new underwears during the college class reunion when I ventured down to the Kenting in a week.

2011/11/07

Stereotype--A Golden Lady

The theme of YWCA Toastmasters Club's first meeting in November was stereotype. A week before, Toastmaster of Evening Kendrick Hu asked me about the stereotype that others thought of me, how others perceived me, whether the stereotype was true or not, and why. I responded that the stereotype of me was A GOLDEN LADY! It's true, because I'm over 50's and I have gold mine in me!

Upon the invitation of Toastmaster Alex Huang, Acting VPE, I delivered Project 3 Diffusing Verbal Criticism of the advanced manual--Interpersonal Communication at YWCA TMC this evening. The title of my speech was "Happy Anniversary".

Toastmaster Cheyenne Machtle played the role as my husband whom I left alone home all the time, because of my enthusiasm and engagement in Toastmasters communication and leadership activities. At breakfast one morning, he accused me of forgetting our anniversary and not being able to make it home for the candle light dinner he prepared for me the night before. I tried out five steps to diffuse his anger and criticism by 1. listening, 2. acknowledging, 3. asking questions, 4. paraphrasing, 5. agreeing with the truth. It was a fun and entertaining roleplay without any rehearsal in advance. We won a big laughter from the floor.

During the intermission, I put on the flamenco dress and performed Carmen for three minutes. It was the fourth time I sang "L'amour est un oiseau rebelle" in front of Toastmasters audiences (first time at Grand TMC, second time at Happy TMC, third time at Lydia's 60th birthday party), I could memorize the lyrics in French by heart. This evening, I concentrated more upon vocalization and expressed more of my feelings and emotions. I was pleased with my performance at YWCA this evening.

Dr. Jap, Godfather of YWCA TMC, agreed to be my individual evaluator upon my request. He praised me for being able to explain how to handle verbal criticism with sincerity. He was pleased with the impromptu dialogue of Cheyenne and me in the role play. He recommended that I use a more specific title, such as happy silver or golden anniversary. He also suggested that I cut short of the lengthy opening and I paraphrase the question skillfully.

After arriving home, my husband told me that he didn't know that I wouldn't have dinner with him this evening. I acknowledged his complaint and agreed that it was my fault, even I told him about my weeky itinerary this week before. I apologized for not having written him an email this afternoon, so that he didn't have to wait for me for dinner. I felt good to apply the interpersonal communication skills to diffuse verbal criticism in the real life at home.

2011/11/05

Happy Birthday to Lydia

It was a big day for Lydia. It was a big day for Harry. It was a big day for golden ladies Toastmasters. Our beloved Lydia celebrated her 60th birthday at her mansion this evening.

CARMEN : PRESENTATION
Hugues and Sherry are standing by the door before the performance.
(MC Michelle) 接下來請大家欣賞中華民國演講會友全球首演的歌劇卡門!
Hugues and Sherry walk hand in hand from the gate to stage.
(Sherry) Mesdames, Messieurs, Chers amis,
(Hugues et Sherry) Bon soir!
(Hugues) 各位來賓, 晚安!
(Hugues) Ce soir, Nous sommes tres heureuses de vous presenter des extraits de « Carmen », le célèbre opéra de Bizet.
(Sherry) 今晚很榮幸為大家演唱比才的歌劇卡門, 希望大家喜歡!
(La musique commence) (Hugues) Sherry Li, Carmen, « l'amour est un oiseau rebelle ».
(Sherry chant)
(Sherry) Et maintenant, voici le célèbre air « Toréador, en garde!» Vainqueur reconnus de nombreuses corridas, il veut à présent gagner le cœur de la belle Carmen…
( La musique commence)
(Sherry) 請大家熱烈歡迎戰無不勝,攻無不克的鬥牛士上場! Le Baritone Hugues, Toréador!
(Hugues chant)
(Sherry) Chère Lydia
(Hugues) 親愛的Lydia
(Sherry) Nous somme tous ici, aujourd'hui pour te souhaiter un joyeux anniversaire. Avec meilleurs vœux de bonne santé et de bonheur éternel.
(Hugues) 祝妳永遠青春美麗, 健康快樂, 天天開心!
(Hugues et Sherry) On t'embrasse tous! L'amour pour tous! Joyeux anniversaire! 生日快樂!
(Michelle Liu, MC) Interview in Mandarin, dear Hugues, thank you for the wonderful performance. I don't understand what you sing, but I admire your sexy uniform! Is this your first time to perform in public in Taipei?
(Hugues) 也許是最後一次 !
(Michelle) Dear Sherry, what do you think of singing the famous French Opera Carmen with this handsome Frenchman?
(Sherry) ㄇㄠˋ死了 !
(Michelle) 我也要, Hugues, 下次換我喔!

2011/11/04

喜洋洋中文國際演講會

今晚參加喜洋洋中文國際演講會第324次的例會,除了與我的法文老師 Hugues一起預演卡門外,還有機會演練中文的幽默演講,真是獲益良多。

九月底才應可芸會友之邀到傑人會嘗試中文的幽默演講,今天再度上場,心安不少,感到自己的國語也說得比較流暢。看來以後,我得常到中文會去串門子,與大家一起切磋琢磨口語表達能力,讓自己的母語能更上一層樓!

感謝秀如會長特別準備的生日蛋糕,為十月、十一月及十二月的會友慶生!我四十四年十月九日生,上個月剛滿五十六!很高興能與中文會友一起過生日!

原訂於中場休息時間預演卡門,秀如會長建議我們唱開場,雖然唱的是七零八落,但是有機會能在喜洋洋預演,也為明晚的正式登台暖了身。接著我順勢穿著佛朗明哥的舞衣,演講「老年過動健忘症」,這種機會是千載也難逢。

今晚有機會見識到施新瑠演講「雞同鴨講」,真是讓我刮目相看。新瑠會友曾擔任日本東京演講會的會長,我是日本京都演講會的創會會長,講來我倆也是老朋友了,每次見面,還少不了用日語話家常。

中華民國演講會人才濟濟,英語、國語、台語、日語、西班牙語、德語會,也許有一天可以成立法語演講會,希望會講法語的朋友與我聯絡,我們一起來創個新會,如何?

****老年過動健忘症****

上個月剛滿五十六,不講的話,還真是看不出來呢!一樣妖嬌美麗,人比花還嬌,可是歲月,歲月可是不饒人呀!

人上了年紀,視茫茫、髮蒼蒼,外加上老年痴呆。別說上星期做了什麼,我記不得了,就連上頓飯吃了些什麼,我也得想個老半天。退休後的我可比上班還忙,每天忙著在家裡找眼鏡,廚房沒有、臥室沒有、廁所沒有,一看鏡子,結果腦門上架了三付老花眼鏡!想到一個聰明的辦法解決自己的健忘,把所以該做的事都寫在紙頭上,結果忘了把紙條塞到那裡去了!有時看到年經的帥哥,我也忘了自己有老公。

上星期一,我起了個大早(一看手錶,才六點),今天跟四位黃金女郎一起參觀桃園復興鄉小烏來的空中步道,大夥約好八點整先在火車站集合,不見不散!

我騎上摩托車,興高采烈,好個秋郊的黃道吉日,今天天氣好清爽,陌上野花香!

紅燈右轉,遭了! 路上有警察埋伏!

「駕照、行照拿出來!」

「一定要開單嗎?我才被公司栽員,今天早上的面試就快趕不上了!求求您,行行好,波麗士大人!」

「妳沒看到紅燈?」

「看到了,但我沒看到你們!在演講會看到紅燈,還可以通融三十秒耶。」

「歐巴桑,今天就放妳一馬,為了行車安全,紅燈不可以右轉,小心騎車,眼明手快,別再給警察逮到了!」

「謝謝你,年輕人!我真的看起來那麼老嗎?」一定是我出門前,忘了化妝了!

經過摩斯漢堡,聞到咖啡香,點杯熱咖啡,等熱咖啡的同時,順便上洗手間補妝!

喝完咖啡,精神一振,繼續上路!走在路上,找鑰匙!

糟糕, 我的鑰匙不見了,不在包包裡!該不會放在摩斯漢堡的洗手間吧!三步併兩步,回到摩斯女廁,沒找到。該不會是鑰匙沒抜下來?急忙跑回去看摩托車,鑰匙也沒掛在車上,該不會我把鑰匙跟著咖啡杯丟到垃圾箱了,再回摩斯漢堡翻遍垃圾箱,顧不得自己的貴婦型象了!最後到摩斯漢堡的垃圾箱找到了鑰匙,還找到別人的眼鏡及假牙!

(再看手錶)不得了,己經七點半多了,一路橫衝直撞、闖黃燈、闖紅燈、闖綠燈!喔喔喔,什麼都不怕,喔喔喔,向前行!

準時八點趕到火車站,怎麼沒半個人呢?該不會弄錯集合地點罷!耐著性子,繼續等,到了八點十五分,怎麼還沒人來呢?

打電話給瑪麗,『妳說什麼,明天才去玩,今天是星期一?』生平第一次提早報到,感受到過動兒的興奮。想來也不錯,幫自己白賺了一天耶!

回到家裡,打開電腦,看到瑪麗的電子郵件,恭喜我中標—老年過動健忘症,東西丟三落四,從早天到晚,東一點、西一點,結果一事無成,每天都被時間追著跑!

老公對我的情況大大感到不安,印了一張他的彩色大頭照,註明他的姓名,電話,放在我的皮夾裡,以防萬一我忘了他是誰,我是誰。再三嘀咕我要快找醫生,到了醫院,跟醫生說了我的狀況,醫生二話不說,親切的朝我微笑,要我先繳費,再說。

人過半百,就像半杯水!看我們怎麼看、怎麼想!保持歡喜心接受老年過動健忘症,一笑以置之。只要人生還有挑戰等待我們去面對,我們就勇往直前、全力以赴。

2011/11/03

Grand is Fun!

President Gina Cheng has exerted her every effort to make Grand Toastmasters Club a fun place to learn and to grow for members and guests. She invited her aunt Toastmaster Janice Chang from the US to deliver a keynote speech "A Tiger Mom's Reflection" at Grand Toastmasters Club this evening!

Toastmaster Janice was born in Taiwan in 1949. After she continued her advanced studies in the US, she decided to settle down there. During her forty years in the US, she used to join two Toastmasters clubs, one was a community one, the other was a coporate one. Janice and her husband Ben arrived in Taiwan the night before our club meeting. Janice brought a big bag of assorted chocolate bars to Grand to celebrate the belated Halloween! We all felt her passion to TREAT!

Being one of the early birds, I was lucky to chat with Janice and Ben. With a big chocolate bar in one hand, I savored many assorted Oden (おでん), including radish, konnyaku, squid balls, brocoli, President Gina prepared at her kitchen to welcome the hungry membersd and guests. Oh, I was supposed to be on a diet to lose five kilograms! But, who can resist the temptation of mouth watering food in front of our eyes?

During the intermission, I sang «l’amour est un oiseau rebelle» of the famous French Opera Carmen with a red white polka dot flamenco dress on. It was my first trial to sing and play Carmen in public (or in private, to be exact, because it was in front of my club members). With the encouragement of my members, I felt more confident to venture out of my club to perform on stage!

After 20 minutes intermission, Janice told us her story of living and raising kids in the US. She quoted "Battle Hymn Of The Tiger Mother" by Amy Chua, and shared with us how Tiger Mothers raising children the Chinese way. Amy's story is about a mother, two daughters, Sophia and Louisa. Janice's story is about a daughter Celeste and a son Eric. Both stories are about the academic and musical achievements, and about a bitter clash of cultures, a fleeting taste of glory.

I don't have any children. I can't imagine what I would do if I were a mother. Would I be like Chinese parents to produce math whizzes and music prodigies? Chances are, I would adopt Toastmasters parenting, I set my children free to explore their world on their own, and let the nature take its course. I will be strick about the commitment to do what they like and do it well. That's how my husband and I lead our lives now!

Action speaks louder. I need to read Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother (虎媽的戰歌) by Amy Chua (蔡美兒) to know about the action plans of the Tiger Mothers.

2011/10/29

A Good Show is about to Play

Hugues and I had the second rehearsal of Carmen for two hours this morning. In less than one week, Hugues manifested his determination to perform "Toreador, en garde" to the best of his ability. He remembered the entire lyrics by heart, he sang with power and passion. His debut French opera will wow the full house of guests at Lydia's birthday party Saturday evening, November 5th.

In order to sing along with Hugues to achieve the theatrical effect, I studied "Toreador, en garde" with interest. And it reminded me of "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway in 1926 about the Festival of Fermín in Pamplona to watch the running of the bulls and the bullfights.

Votre toast, je peux vous le rendre, senor, senors, car avec les soldats
Oui, les Toreros, peuvent s'entendre;
Pour plaisirs, pour plaisirs, Ils ont les combats!
Le cirque est plein, c'est jour de fete! Le cirque est plein du haut en bas;
Les spectateurs, perdant la tete, Les spectateurs s'interpellent a grand fracas!

Apostrophes, cris et tapage Pousses jusques a la fureur!
Car c'est la fete du courage! C'est la fete des gens de coeur
Allons! en garde! Allons! Allons! ah!

Toreador, en garde! Toreador, Toreador!
Et songe bien, oui, songe en combattant
Qu'unoeil noir te regarde, Et que l'amour t'attend,

Toreador, L'amour ! L'amour! t'attend!
Et songe bien, oui, songe en combattant
Qu'un oeil noir te regarde,
Et que l'amour t'attend,
Toreador, L'amour t'attend!
L'amourL'amour!
Toreador, Toreador! L'amour! L'amour t'attend!

Toreador Song
Your toast, I can give it to you, Sirs, sirs, for along with the soldiers
Yes, the Toreros, can understand; For pleasures, for pleasures, They have combats!
The arena is full, it is the feast day! The arena is full, from top to bottom;

The spectators are losing their minds, The spectators began a big fracas!
Apostrophes, cries, and uproar grow to a furor!
Because it is a celebration of courage! It is the celebration of people with heart!
Let's go, en guard! Let's go! Let's go! Ah!

Toreador, en guard! Toreador, Toreador! And dream away, yes, dream in combat,
That a black eye is watching you, And that love awaits you,
Toreador, love, love awaits you!

And dream away, yes dream in combat, That a black eye is watching you
And may love await you, Toreador, love, love await you!

Love! Love! Love! Love, Love, Love, Toreador, Toreador, love awaits you!

2011/10/27

Cross Strait Peace Agreement

The cross strait peace agreement proposed by President Ma has been a heated issue recently. As a citizen of Taiwan, I’m obliged to know more about the bilateral talks between Taiwan and China in the past and their impacts to people at both sides of the Taiwan Strait in the future. I was excited to deliver Project 2 speech The Successful Negotiator at Taipei Metro Toastmasters Club Thursday noon, October 27th.

I didn’t know about the Toastmaster Advanced Manual on Interpersonal Communication till I attended Division A Advanced Training Wednesday evening, August 31st. After I listened to Toastmaster Lester Lin's introduction and interpretation of the said manual, I knew at once that it was it. I wanted to finish five projects in year 2011.

For some reason, people fear negotiations almost as much as they fear speaking in public. This probably has to do with a fear of being rejected, or maybe a fear of lawyers. By honing the negotiation skills, we can communicate more effectively, we can influence others, we can improve our ability to speak and listen.

When it comes to negotiation, listening to the verbal and non-verbal communications of other side and understanding the other side is critical to success. By taking the time to prepare before negotiations to understand and to learn the position of the other side can determine the success or failure of the negotiation process. Speaking is the other side of negotiating; it is how we influence others. It's important to remain confident and objective at all times. It is also important to be clear during negotiations.

To create a Win-Win situation for any given negotiation, negotiating is supposed to be a process where both parties make concessions towards each other in order to achieve the goal of obtaining what they desire. It is a give-give situation. When both parties are satisfied of the outcome, knowing that neither has taken advantage of the other, both have benefited from the agreed transaction.

I was happy that Toastmaster Lester Lin agreed to role play with me for 3 to 5 minutes during the second half of my speech. We had a lucky draw before the role play. He was the Chief Negotiator of Taiwan (ROC) and I was the Chief Negotiator of China (PRC). Frankly speaking, I knew little about Taiwan's cross strait policy, except the three NOes — No unification, No independence, and No use of force — the three pillars for Taiwan to maintain the "status quo" across the strait. I knew less about China's cross-strait policy, except the propaganda of "unification". Therefore I didn't play my role to the satisfaction of my evaluator Toastmaster Neal Quentin Stovicek.

Both Neal and Lester have been helpful with Project 2 speech in the past week. Neal and I had an early Tuesday morning meeting over coffee to go through my introductory speech for 4 to 5 minutes. Lester arrived at the meeting venue in advance Thursday to work out the details, not to rehearse (it is not allowed). As for my presentation, my evaluator Neal complimented my hair-do and my outfit. Lester suggested I pace myself under control, make it "plant" during my presentation to be more authoritative as a negotiator. I thank Lester and Neal both from the bottom of my heart.

For the summary of Project 2 speech, I invited President Gina Cheng and President Roger Chen to sign the symbolical cross strait peace agreement on behalf of Grand Toastmasters Club and Taipei Metro Toastmasters CLub. It was one of the most memorable moments in my Toastmasters life.

After the delivery of Project 2 The Successful Negotiator at Taipei Metro Toastmasters Club, I'm more eager to participate in every negotiation opportunity at work and in life, to become a better listener, better speaker, better negotiator, and a better person.

2011/10/23

Signal Flags

There are 3,000 to 6,000 languages in the world, not to mention various codes of signals. When I visited the Evergreen Maritime Museum yesterday morning, I was amazed at the colorful signal flags for the ships to communicate with each other at sea.

The system of international maritime signal flags is one system of flag signals representing individual letters of the alphabet in signals to or from ships. It is a component of the International Code of Signals (INTERCO).

The Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP) is a set of key phrases in the English language, supported by the international community for use at sea and developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). They aim to explain: 1) external communication phrases – ship to ship & ship to shore communication, 2) onboard communication phrases – communication within the ship.

2011/10/22

Divison H Humorous Speech & Evalaution Contests

I was happy, I placed at both Division H Humorous Speech and Evalation Contests Saturday afternoon, October 22nd! I was the first runner-up of evaluation contest and the second runner-up of the humorous speech contest.

A joy shared is a joy doubled. I am grateful to my Toastmasters family members behind me to give me support and encouragement! They are the cheerleader group from Grand Toastmasters Club, President Gina Cheng, Area H1 Governor Erin Ke, and her husband Joel Wright, and two new members Brian Wu and May Huang.

Before the contest, President Gina Cheng arranged a mornig tour to visit the Evergreen Maritime Museum, we followed a veteran tour guide who had worked for the Evergreen as a captain for more than three decades. He told us many stories about life at sea with passion and enthusiasm. He instilled in me a good dose of excitments about public speaking to convey the messages and believes in life at SEA. Upon our request, the knowledgeable and friendly tour guide told a humorous story about the light house. Gina, Erin, May and I burst into a big laughter.

Coincidentally, there is an article "survival at sea" by paul Sterman in Toastmaster Magazine October issue, about the police chief Charles Gibson drew strength from self-talk after fishing boat sank. While he was in a bone-chilling situation, the police chief thought at one point: Boy, this is going to make a great Toastmasters speech.

After the buffet lunch at the Cafe' Hatsu at the Everygreen Maritime Museum, I was ready to take the stage at the Division H humorous speech and evaluation contests.

Being a little nervous, I went to my toilet before my turn. But I couldn't find my way back. I heard people calling my name at far, and I tried to answer them in the labyrinth of the basement. Fortunately, I made it in time and I took the advantage of my being lost in my speech of my aging experience. I won a full house of laughter.

After the contest, Gina, Erin, Joel, May and I had a cheerful and joyful gathering at the Subway Cafe' for a couple of hours to discuss about the coming Division H Christmas Party in December. Wow, year 2011 is about to come to an end. I must rush to realize the 2011 new year resolutions as soon as possible.

One Day in My Life
Sherry Li, ATM-B
First Runner-up of Humorous Speech Contest
Division H, District 67

I just turned 56, Yes, I know I look younger. But, aging .....

Aging is irreversible, inevitable, and obvious, gray hair, reading glasses, and dementia. I forgot what I did yesterday, I forgot what I did one hour ago. At home, I search for reading glasses for hours only to find them on my forehead. At work, I write things down on a piece of paper, but I forgot where I put the paper. I even forgot I am married when I am with handsome men.

Last Monday I woke up early. I was excited about the outing with four lady friends to visit the skywalk in Taoyuan. We agreed to meet at Taipei Train Station at 8, be there or be square. Being an early bird, I got into my car and drove happily!

When I turned right at the red light, I was caught by two policemen ambushed behind a tree!

"Driver's license, please!"
"Do I have to get a ticket? Please I just got fired and I'm late for my job interview!"

"Haven't you seen the red light?"
"I saw the red light, but I didn't see you!"
"In toastmasters, when we see the red light, we have thirty seconds leeway.」

"Okay, Obasan, we will let you go this time, but please drive carefully and stop at any red light!"

"Yes, young man, thank you." Do I look old? I must have forgotten to put on the make-up!

When I passed the Mos Burger, I stopped for a cup of coffee. While I waited for my coffee, I went to the lady's room to put on the make up.

After the morning coffee, I felt recharged. I walked to my car.

"Oh my god, where is my car key? Not in my hand bag, maybe I left it in the lady's room," I rushed back to the lady's room of the Mos Burger, I couldn't find my key.

"Maybe I left the key in my car," I rushed back to the parking lot, nope, not in my car, either.

"Did I throw it away with my coffee cup at the Mos Burger?" I dig the entire trash bag, I found my key.

What, seven thirty! I must rush, I ran the yellow lights, ran the red lights, ran the green lights, arrived at Taipei Train Station at 8. There was nobody? How come? Did I mess up the gathering place? Where could it be? I waited, I waited, I waited. It was 8:15, nobody showed up?

I called Mary.

"Hello, Mary, are you still at home? Aren't we supposed to go to the skywalk today?"
"Sherry, is that you (yawning)? But we have the outing tomorrow. Today is Monday!"

What? What happened to me? But think twice, isn't it wonderful to gain an extra day in life? By the time I got home, it was 9. I checked emails. There was one from Mary, saying that I might have AAADD--Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.

My husband was concerned about my losing attention of him. He gave me a big photo of him to put in my wallet. He urged me to see a doctor. After I told the doctor about my symptom. I can't remember where I put my car key. I forgot if I answered a letter. I forgot why I was here and there. The doctor gave me a big smile and told me to pay him in advance.

Life is a journey. Everyday we learn new tricks. Everyday we face challenges. I'm 56 with gray hair, poor eyesight, hard hearing and AAADD. I cherish everyday to be inspired and to inspire people, and to bring laugher to people around me! Contest Chair

2011/10/10

ROC 100 Celebration Party

On the eve of ROC 100, Grand toastmasters Club members held a celebration party at my brother Jimmy's place. Among 8 party goers, four were Grand's ladies presidents, three past presidents and one incumbent president. Yvan invited her mother and her brother to join our gathering. Yvan's mother is also called Sherry, 11 years senior to me.

It was an entertaining and educational celebration party, featuring eating, drinking, laughing, and a workshop on i-phone and i-pod. Yvan just bought an i-pod for Sherry Senior. And Sherry Senior was eager to learn all functions of the portable Apple. On the new i-pod, we watched the inspiring commencement speech Apple Founder Steve Jobs delivered to the graduates at Standford University in 2005.

It was after Area H1 humorous speech and evaluation contests when I decided to give a celebration party the following day (also my birthday) for my winning of the first runner up at both contests. I was eager for the input from Grand's members how I can excel on stage at Division H humorous speech and evalation contests two weeks later.

I was extremely happy that Yvan's brother Richard came to the party. Richard suffered a severe hemorrhage in his brain when exercising in his office in April 2010. With the good care of Yvan's family, Richard is standing up again, actively participating in the community courses in his neighborhood accompanied by Yuvan's mother. Because of the damage of the prefrontal cortex, Richard has poor short term memory and relies heavily on his mother.

Sherry Senior told us that she led a more meaningful life after the accident of her son. She was more active in learning new tricks each day for her son, her daughter, and herself. I was so much inspired by her spirit to live her life fully and to face her destiny positively. Sherry Senior was pround to tell us that Richard was good at music. Richard has a good memory of melodies and lyrics. When Richard sang two songs in Taiwanese on i-pod, I was overwhelmed at the power of music.

In every corner of ROC, there are families of victims of major illness/injury. I am also one of the families. When Sherry Senior showed her determination to convert sadness to joy, I saw in her a motto, "if we shed tears when we miss the sun, we also miss the stars." Thank you, Sherry!

After the ROC 100 celebration party, I rewrote my humorous speech.

****** Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder ******

I just turned 56 this month (hand gestures of five and six), Yes, I know I look younger. But, aging .....

Aging is irreversible, inevitable, and obvious, gray hair, reading glasses, and dementia. I forgot what I did yesterday, I forgot what I did one hour ago. At home, I search for the reading glasses for hours only to find them on my head. At work, I write things down on a piece of paper, but I forgot where I put the paper. I even forgot I am married when I am with handsome men.

Last Monday I woke up early. I was excited about the outing with four lady friends to visit the skywalk in Taoyuan. We agreed to meet at Taipei Train Station at 8, be there or be square. (look at the watch), "I am an early bird," (Put on Helmet, Hop on scooter, speed up! Bu bu bu)

Red light, Right turn, oh, two policemen ambushed behind a big tree!

"Driver's license, please!"
"Do I have to get a ticket? Please I just got fired and I'm late for my job interview!"

"Haven't you seen the red light?"
"I saw the red light, but I didn't see you!"

"In toastmasters, when we see the red light, we have thirty seconds leeway. Toastmasters is blablabla communication, blablabla leadership, ...."
"Okay, okay, Obasan, we will let you go this time, but please drive carefully and stop at any red light!"
"Yes, young man, thank you very much. Toastmasters is good for you!"

When I passed the Mos Burger, I smelled the good coffee. Yes, I have time for a cup of coffee. While I waited for my coffee, I went to the lady's room to put on the make up.

After a good cup of morning coffee, I felt recharged.

"It's good to be an early bird. I have a big day in front of me," I thought.

"Oh my god, where is my scooter key? Not in my hand bag, not in my jacket, maybe I left it in the lady’s room," I rushed back to the lady's room, I couldn't find it.

"Maybe I left the key in the trunk of my scooter," I rushed out to check the trunk, nope, not there, either.

"Did I throw it away with my coffee cup at the Mos Burger?" I dig the entire trash bag, I found my key.

What, seven thirty, I hopped on my scooter again, ran the yellow lights, ran the red lights, ran the green lights, arrived at Taipei Train Station at 8. There was nobody? How come? Did I mess up the gathering place? Where could it be? I waited, I waited, I waited. It was 8:15, nobody showed up?

I called Mary.

"Hello, Mary, are you still at home? Aren’t we supposed to go to the skywalk today?"
"Sherry, is that you (yawning)? But we have the outing tomorrow. Today is Monday!"

What happened to me? Why me? But think twice, isn't it wonderful to gain an extra day in life? By the time I got home, it was 9. I checked emails. There was one from Mary, saying that I might have AAADD--Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.

When I posted my AAADD status on Facebook, I received 20 responses, all from senior Toastmasters, comforting me with their similar conditions. Oh, I was not alone. We can charter an AAADD toastmasters club. Members will forget the nervousness, forget the stage fright, forget to show up.

Steve Jobs passed away this month at age of 56 (hand gestures of five and six). His commencement speech to the graduates at Stanford University in 2005 was inspiring. He urged the students to live everyday as it was the last in our life.

I'm 56 with gray hair, poor eyesight, hard hearing and AAADD. As I live one day, I shall cherish it as the last day in my life, to join the speech contest to inspire Toastmasters, and to bring laugher to people around me. Contest Chair!

2011/10/08

Area H1 Humorous Speech & Evaluation Contests

Being funny is not easy. For the past month, I've been working hard on my humorous speech for the contest this afternoon. I hope I can be funnier each day, I hope I can bring more laughter to people around me.

I was the first runner up for Area H1 Humorous Speech and Evaluation contests 2011. I was excited with another chance to hone my public speaking skills at Division H Humorous Speech and Evaluation Contests Saturday afternoon, October 22nd!
****** One Day in My Life ******

I am 55, going on 56 tomorrow! Yes, I know I look younger. That's what I wish to hear from you. Aging is irreversible, gray hair, reading glasses, and dementia. I forgot what I did yesterday. I forgot what I did one hour ago. I forgot I am married. I forgot why I am here.

After I get retired, I become busier in life. At home, I search for the reading glasses for hours only to find them on my head. I look for the house key for hours only to find them in the grocery bag in the refrigerator. I write everything down on a piece of paper, but I forgot where I put the paper.

Last Monday morning, I was excited about the outing with four lady friends to visit the skywalk in Taoyuan. We agreed t meet at Taipei Train Station at 8. I woke up at six o'clock. (look at the watch), "I am an early bird, I can take it easy," (Hop on scooter, speed up! Bu bu bu)

Red light, Right turn, oh, two policemen ambushed behind a big tree!

"Driver's license, please!"
"Do I have to get a ticket? Please I just got fired and I'm late for my job interview!"

"Haven't you seen the red light?"
"I saw the red light, but I didn't see you!"

"In toastmasters, when we see the red light, we have thirty seconds leeway, before the bell rings."
"Okay, we will let you go this time, but please drive carefully and stop at any red light!"
"Yes, SIR, thank you very much."

I am a Toastmaster. I am a communicator. I got myself free of the hook and saved NT$1800, wow, more than enough for Toastmasters semi-annual fee!

When I passed the Mos Burger, I smelled the good coffee. I am an early bird. Yes, I have time for a cup of coffee. While I waited for my coffee, I went to the lady's room to put on the make up.

After a good cup of morning coffee, I went back on the road again, Oh my god, where is my scooter key? Not in my hand bag, not in my jacket, maybe I left it in the lady’s room. I rushed back to the lady's room, I couldn't find it. Maybe I left the key in the trunk of my scooter. I checked the trunk, nope, not there, either. Did I throw it away with my coffee cup at the Mos Burger? I dig the entire trash bag, I couldn't find it. Just about I decided to give up, the lady employee at Mos Burger showed the key I left at the counter.

What, seven thirty, I hopped on my scooter again, ran the yellow lights, ran the red lights, ran the green lights to Taipei Train Station. There was nobody? How come? Did I mess up the gathering place? Where could it be? I waited, I waited, I waited. It was over 8, nobody showed up?

I called Mary.

"Hello, Mary, are you still in bed? Aren’t we supposed to go to the skywalk today?"
"Sherry, is that you? But we have the outing tomorrow. Today is Monday!"

What? After all these hustles and bustles, why me? I am a Toastmaster. I must think positively. Isn't it wonderful to gain an extra day in life? By the time I got home, it was only 9. I checked my emails. There was one from Mary, saying that I just had AAADD, triple A and double D. It is not an alcoholic organization, it is not a drink either. It's Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder. What a day in my life, a series of problems, a series of experiences, a series of discoveries! I found the topic for my humorous speech.

Tomorrow is my birthday. I have three wishes, forget about the past, I can't change it. Forget about the future, I can't predict it. Remember the present, you give me today for being here to laugh with me. Contest Chair!ing

2011/10/06

Remember and Mourn Steve Jobs

I have neither an i-phone nor an i-pod in hand (I love to have them, but they are just too expensive), I admire Steve Jobs, his spirit, his enthusiasm, and his public speaking skills. The commencement speech delivered to to the graduates of Stanford University in 2005 was inspiring. He talked about getting fired from Apple in 1985, life & death.

On October 5, 2011, Apple posted an obituary:
"Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple."

Bill Gates released a statement saying, "I'm truly saddened to learn of Steve Jobs' death. Melinda and I extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends, and to everyone Steve has touched through his work. Steve and I first met nearly 30 years ago, and have been colleagues, competitors and friends over the course of more than half our lives. The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come. For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it's been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely."

Clicking on the website of Apple in Taiwan, there is a huge photo of Steve Jobs (1955-2011). A giant has left us for good!

2011/10/05

Grand Humorous Speech and Evaluation Contests

I won both in-house humorous speech and evaluation contests at Grand Toastmasters Club this evening. For the humorous speech contest, there were only two contestants, Incumbent Presient Gina Cheng and Me. For the evaluation contest, there were five contestants, Tina Liang, Victor Chu, Jimmy Wu, Jimmy Chang, and me. The test speaker is Nailing Liu, she delivered a humorous speech to compare top model Lin Chi-ling and me. It was entertaining and inspiring.

****** I Believe I can Fly ******

Fly, fly, fly, I need the wind beneath my wings.(bang, jump from a chair)!I believe I can fly. And I got shot by FBI. That was my previous bird life!

Last Monday, early in the morning, (look at the watch), it was six o'clock. I was an early bird! Worms everywhere, mmm, mmm, yummy! Early birds got worms who stayed up late and got drunk! I felt dizzy~~

I was excited about the outing with four lady friends to visit the skywalk in Taoyuan at 8. "I am an early bird, I can take it easy," I thought to myself. (Hop on scooter, speed up! Bu bu bu)

Red light, Right turn, oh my god, it was too late when I saw two policemen ambushed behind a big tree!

"Driver's license, please!"
"Do I have to get a ticket? Please I just got fired and I'm late for my job interview!"

"Haven't you seen the red light?"
"I saw the red light, but I didn't see you!"

While I showed the policemen my license, I made a protest, "In toastmasters, when we see the red light, we have thirty seconds leeway."
"Okay, we will let you go this time, but please drive carefully and stop at any red light!"
"Yes, SIR, thank you very much."

Being an old Toastmaster bird, I used the advanced manual--interpersonal communication with success, I got myself free of the hook and saved NT$1800, wow! Am I not a good negotiator?

When I passed the Mos Burger, I smelled the good coffee. I really needed a cup coffee to wake me up after eating so many drunk worms. While I waited for my coffee, I took time to powder myself in the lady room.

What a good refreshing morning coffee break! It's so nice to be an early bird! I can enjoy the splendid morning hours.

Back on the road again, Oh my god, where is my scooter key? Not in my bag, not in the truck, not in my pocket, where can it be? Maybe I left it in the toilette. I couldn't find it. Maybe I threw it away with my coffee cup. I dig the entire trash bag, I found a pair of reading glasses, a set of false teeth, and my scooter key. It's unbelievable, so many alzheimer birds flock together.

(look at watch) What, seven thirty, (bu~bu~bu), I speeded up all the way, ran yellow lights, ran red lights, ran green lights, (oh, oh, oh, move forward)!

There was nobody? How come? Did I mess up the gathering place? It was over 8, not even half a bird showed up?

I called Mary. "What? We have an outing tomorrow. Today is Monday!" If I could play the angry bird now, I could retrieve thousands of eggs stolen by evil green pigs. But think twice, isn't it wonderful to gain an extra day in life?

When I was a little girl, I loved bird watching. My father gave me a book to paint the birds. I didn't know how. I waited, waited, waited until one day my father told me to take the first step to draw the first bird.

"Everything starts from zero," he said.

I took his advise and I drew my first bird, and second, and third, one bird at a time. One day, to my surprise, I saw a whole garden in front of my very eyes. From then on, I did things with the bird story in mind. I believe in me. I believe I can fly. I believe I can do it!

Fly, fly, fly, fly high to see the whole garden. YES, believe in ourselves! Believe we can can fly. Watch out FBI! Everyday is an extra day in our life, everyday is a garden in our eyes!

2011/10/04

Habanera from Bizet Carmen

I saw Bizert's Carmen at Opera National de Paris in Bastille in July 1993. After I left the post as the secretary geneneral of Taiwan Pharmaceutical Industry Association in April 1993, I gave myself a present--a vacation in Europe. Where in Europe? Of course, it was none other than France. I studied French diligently at home for three months before I embarked upon my journey to France.

I joined a three months language tour in France, one month in Paris, one month in chambery, and one month in Cannes. In the morning, I studied the French langauge at school. I visited the museums in the afternoon, and I frequented the bars at night. La vie en France was exhausting, but fulfilling. France had so much to offer, and I had it all!

Bizert's Carmen in Paris in 1993 was splendid. I bought the book of Carmen, opera-comique en quatre actes as a souvenir. It rested on my shelf ever after. I would have never thought that one day I would be reading it again after 18 years.

It all started when Hugues agreed to join the dinner party at Jimmy's place last week. In order to impress my golden ladies Toastmasters friends, I borrowed five Basic French textbooks and numerous attached CDs from Taipei City Library. I crammed as much as I could and I did my best to recap what was left in my memory of those happy days in France.

At my birthday party, I spoke less than a dozen French words. Hugues gave me a birthday surprise by agreeing to perform Carmen with me at Lydia's 60th birtday party in November. It's not only a challenge to my French proficiency, but it also is a giant leap in my acquisition of the French language and my appreication of French arts, music, and theater.

Why French in the first place? If not destiny, what could it be? New Orleans was my first foreign city where I was a graduate student at Lousiana Satate University Medical Center in 1979. When I first studied French in New Orelans, I didn't know what the future had in store. It took me three decades to bring together a few piece of puzzles in my life.

French Text of the Habanera

L'amour est un oiseau rebelle
Que nul ne peut apprivoiser,
Et c'est bien in vain qu'on l'appelle
S'il lui convient de refuser.

Rien n'y fait, menace ou prière.
L'un parle bien, l'autre se tait.
Et c'est l'autre que je préfère.
Il n'a rien dit mais il me plait.

L'amour! L'amour! L'amour! L'amour!

L'amour est enfant de Bohême,
Il n'a jamais jamais connu de loi.
Si tu ne m'aimes pas, je t'aime.
Si je t'aime, prends garde à toi!

Si tu ne m'aimes pas, si tu ne m'aimes pas, je t'aime,
Mais si je t'aime, si je t'aime, prends garde à toi!

L'oiseau que tu croyais surprendere
Battit de l'aile et s'envola.
L'amour est loin, tu peux l'attendre.
Tu ne l'attends puis, il est là.

Tout autour de toi, vite vite,
Il vient, s'en va, puis il revient.
Tu crois le tenir, il t'evite.
Tu crois l'eviter, il te tient.

L'amour! L'amour! L'amour! L'amour!

L'amour est enfant de Bohême,
Il n'a jamais jamais connu de loi.
Si tu ne m'aimes pas, je t'aime.
Si je t'aime, prends garde à toi!

Si tu ne m'aimes pas, si tu ne m'aimes pas, je t'aime,
Mais si je t'aime, si je t'aime, prends garde à toi!

English Translation of Habanera

Love is a rebellious bird
that nobody can tame,
and you call him quite in vain
if it suits him not to come.

Nothing helps, neither threat nor prayer.
One man talks well, the other's mum;
it's the other one that I prefer.
He's silent but I like his looks.

Love! Love! Love! Love!

Love is a gypsy's child,
it has never, ever, known a law;
love me not, then I love you;
if I love you, you'd best beware! etc.

The bird you thought you had caught
beat its wings and flew away ...
love stays away, you wait and wait;
when least expected, there it is!

All around you, swift, so swift,
it comes, it goes, and then returns ...
you think you hold it fast, it flees
you think you're free, it holds you fast.

Love! Love! Love! Love!

Love is a gypsy's child,
it has never, ever, known a law;
love me not, then I love you;
if I love you, you'd best beware!

Carmen [GeLan / Grace Chang 1960]
Carmen [A-Mei 2008]

愛情不過是一種普通的玩意兒 一點也不稀奇
男人不過是一件消遣的東西 有什麼了不起

愛情不過是一種普通的玩意兒 一點也不稀奇
男人不過是一件消遣的東西 有什麼了不起

什麼叫情 什麼叫意 還不是大家自己騙自己
什麼叫痴 什麼叫迷 簡直是男的女的在做戲

是男人我都喜歡 不管窮富和高低
是男人我都拋棄 不怕你再有魔力

愛情不過是一種普通的玩意兒 一點也不稀奇
男人不過是一件消遣的東西 有什麼了不起

愛情不過是一種普通的玩意兒 一點也不稀奇
男人不過是一件消遣的東西 有什麼了不起

L'Amour L'Amour L'Amour L'Amour

什麼叫情 什麼叫意 還不是大家自己騙自己
什麼叫痴 什麼叫迷 簡直是男的女的在做戲

是男人我都喜歡 不管窮富和高低
是男人我都拋棄 不怕你再有魔力

什麼叫情 什麼叫意 還不是大家自己騙自己
什麼叫痴 什麼叫迷 簡直是男的女的在做戲

你要是愛上了我 你就自己找晦氣
我要是愛上了你 你就死在我手裡

預辦希臘遊輪登船

 昨天老公幫忙升級手機,下載軟體,預先辦理希臘跳島遊輪的登船手績!