Reflecting Upon A Time

This time of year is always very busy and even sometimes crazy. There is the hustle and bustle of shoppers, family in town and personally for me a large desire to reflect on this year and to prepare my mind for the next! With only a few days left in 2016, there seems to still be so much that I would like to do. My list of goals may not have been completed fully but I accept that since that's the beauty of creating challenges and goals for myself; it doesn't have to be perfect.

This year of 2016 has had so many emotions and trials that in the end it has really taught me a lot about life, myself and what really matters. This year there were many moments of solitude, soul searching, and learning about myself on a whole new level that wasn't familiar to me before. I think that's something that is normal as you go through your 20's, most likely one of if not the hardest time in your life. There is so much time for self- discovery during these years that is so very needed, yet painful and even lonely at times.

While I was in Rio this Summer, there were many hard moments that I experienced, internally. There were also really nice and enjoyable times, but a lot of them were also more internal. My last day in Rio, I had the hotel room to myself since my roommate had an earlier flight. I just enjoyed soaking everything in, and looking out the window and taking some alone time to myself before my long flights ahead.

If I could pick a month that stands out to me this year, it would most likely be August. There was so much variety and new experiences that collided with one another, challenging, exciting, inspiring, and fear paved the way. The month started with going to a coffee shop with my dearest and inspiring sister, and getting more into my Arabic studies. Learning more about this interesting and exotic language keeps motivating and challenging me to advance my knowledge in this Semitic language.

Close to the middle of August, I was lucky enough and able to go to San Salvador, El Salvador for my sweet sister and brother in law's wedding. I will never forget that day and I don't even think the details will fade my memory. The experience and feeling of being there was something incredible and easy to recreate in memory and feeling but hard to explain in words. The week after the wedding followed a spark in my mind, a necessity to create a blog, something to look forward to and write and share about my interest and passions. This also happened to be one of my hardest weeks of the year- full of anxiety and fear that led my mind and actions. The end of August only got better, and writing on Plum Tree began to become a regular thing, and the last rays of Summer were in due season as Autumn would soon be taking its course.

To be honest, each season this year was very hard and had its moments of pain, but I found that this pain only brought me to know and understand myself better and with this understanding came more appreciation and awareness of  the goodness and beauty around me. I don't have to even look very far to find a glimmer of it. The pain and the emotion throughout these four seasons helped with this beauty, and realizing that all emotion is beautiful.

I think there is still so much more to say about this year, and how 'new' and 'unpredictable' were the words that highlighted this year. But I think I will save it for another post, and leave my reflections and thoughts for another time:) Cheers to this wonderful, long yet short, interesting and surprising year of 2016!! Looking forward to all that's ahead...

Favorite Foreign Words

I've been meaning to pick and write about my favorite words in the languages that I have learned. I would call myself someone who likes to and quickly jumps around from various languages, desiring and seeking inspiration along the way. I will go in order from the language that I've been studying the longest to the one that is the most recent.

The language that I've been studying the longest is Chinese (Mandarin). Winter reminds me of studying this language interest of mine, since I started learning in Winter of 2014. The often cold and dreariness of the Winter weather can get me in the mood to study something inspiring such as a language, and Chinese has been that for me. A word in Chinese which I have easily remembered since the start of learning is 东莞周大 which means California State University East Bay. I've always remembered this, and maybe also because it has to do with how personal my school has become for me. I like to say this word, I think it gives me comfort and I'm proud to say it, knowing that it belongs to me. 

After a year of studying Chinese, I dived into Russian. I liked the sound of it and still do. I think it's a beautiful language, one of the top spoken slavic languages. Unlike Chinese, Russian has an alphabet, yet some look like English letters and others sound like them, and still others look and sound nothing like English. This excited me, and I thought the letters of the alphabet looked cool and exotic. It's been a while since I've studied this language thoroughly and diligently but I know there's still an interest hidden somewhere, and will come out every now and then. The word that I really like to say, and like it's meaning is пожалуйста. This word simply means please or you're welcome. This is one of the words in Russian that I have remembered. It is a very useful phrase but also I really like the way it sounds, it's almost as if it rolls off of the tongue, so gently and elegantly. 

About a year ago, my interest for Arabic took off. I soon became interested in this part of the world and this almost scary and daunting looking language. Almost all of the letters connect, and it looks so fluid and flowy. It took some time to get used to writing from write to left, and knowing all of these letters and how to write them. There are a lot of gutteral and airy sounds in this difficult language but it makes the challenge even more present. One of my favorite words in Arabic is صباح الخير, which means good morning. It's such a simple word but this could be the first word you say to somebody and yet it's so important. I like this word becasue of that, and also because of the way it sounds, rolling off the tongue, and with the back of your throat also having a role. 

The most recent language that I've been studying is Hindi, as of early Fall. I enjoy learning this language, it's so different but I find myself immersed in it every time I study it. I want to create goals for myself with this language, since there are so many things to learn and to keep learning and challenging myself is always something good. The word that I really like in Hindi is कोई बात नहीं, which means it's alright or no problem. I feel that I say this word a lot in English anyway and it's a useful word. Soon I will make flashcards for Hindi and will need to start memoriszing more words and phrases. Happy language studies!

Welcome to the World of Baking

Baking has been on my thoughts recently. With a new season of the the Great American Baking Show, my Mom baking Christmas cookies and seeing more and more ideas on what to bake during the holidays in magazines such as Bon Appetit and Living; I seem to grow closer and closer to the mysterious and colorful world of baking.

I remember when my Grandpa was still alive, or Bebop as we would call him, he asked me what kind of cooking I liked to do. I was only in High School at the time and wasn't familar with much in the kitchen. I would even go further and say that my heart wasn't there, yet nor my knowledge. I was really only interested in eating what was made in the kitchen, for eating sake. When Bebop asked me this, I wasn't sure what to reply, and knew that he was quite the cook and really enjoyed cooking and eating expensive and high quality food. Then and still now, I like to eat sweets and desserts; I'm a sweet tooth by nature. So my reply was desserts, although I never really delved into baking then either. From his bookshelf, he pulled out a cookbook that was inspired and influenced by a restaurant. I had never heard of it, and thanked him yet wasn't sure how I would use it. To this day, my Mom still has this cookbook, since I gave it to her and she was familar of it from her childhood.

When I think back to this moment, I wish I could talk about cooking and baking with him, now that I've become more and more interested in it, as well as comfortable. The kitchen is no longer a foreign  place, but one that stirs up inspiration and creativity, using my whole being- my mind, atttention, imagination and all of my senses to make it right.

The idea of baking perhaps seems harder or even more delicate compared with cooking. Cooking is tough and straight to the chase, whereas baking can be dainty and precise, rich and sweet all in one. This is something that is new to me, but I want to give it a try! My goal before 2016 is over: to bake three things. They will most likely be holiday/Christmas inspired. I have three weeks, lets see what I bake!

The Piece of the Pie

I do not do well with uniforms, so I've learned. The realization that putting together an outfit all on my own, with my innovative and artsy mind to help, is what lifts up my mood and helps create a world full of ideas and inspiration to reign in.

One of my first posts on Plum Tree http://plummtree.blogspot.com/2016/08/i-remember.html had to do with a job of mine that I soon discovered I did not like, mainly becasue it was not a fit for me in the slightest. Some days, I find myself reflecting on this particluar time in my life, this season and job where finding what I needed to thrive was somewhere in the dark, and needed to be found and revitalized again. This job, among many customer service type jobs had a uniform- it's own particular and strict uniform guidelines, in order to look and play the part. It's true, I was playing a role, all the while not feeling like myself in the process, yet felt like how all eyes percieved me to be.

My creative, self expression was out the door, and I had to literally leave it there once I came into this noisy, intimadating and unsure environment that I called work. Day in and day out, my mind and attitude about this place began to spiral, not to mention my well- being and confidence. The connection that I wanted to create with this small stucture of a place, it's inviting demeanor and sense of hospitality left a different impression than ever before, since I was slowly but swiftly discovering what it's like to be behind the scenes, to play the part and get paid to act it for those 6 hours, and to see the outside world taking it all in, appreciating every motion, smell and tired smile.

Seeing all of my clothes, accesories and everything that could make me feel more alive, just as simple as wearing my own clothes while not working, felt like a breath of fresh air. I no longer felt like a number, an identical among the coworkers, but like my good ol' self again. Once I decided to leave this job, there was no turning back. I began to heal the things that made me feel like not enough or underestimated. These toxic thoughts affected me, yet they soon began to disappear as my wardrobe was in use again, and no longer having to rush off to a crowded, noisy place, wondering if I'll remember how to pin this, and tuck in that and say the right things and not forgetting to smile at the exact moments. Flexibility is a quality of mine, but it didn't serve me much use in this environment where unpredicability is the name of the game.

Art, stlye, fashion, these all give me the inspiration I need to pull through the day, and to discover a side of myself that I was unaware of. Last night, I helped pick out my sister's clothes for her workday. the next day. These random, and ordinary times where I like and decide to help her out and find options- perhaps some that were new and never seen or discovered before and make it look like a whole new creation, just by shopping in her closet. Mixing and matching, and finding the right patterns, colors and textures all make me feel and be inspired. I find that it's a little different when you do this for someone else than yourself, since it's more like an act of charity, and making it easier for them, such as my sister who doesn't always enjoy the process of finding a new outfit for the next day.

I've learned and expereinced how it is to not have the piece of pie, and how much different it can make with that extra piece in the picture. I didn't realize how important this slice was until it was taken away. Hello 100% pie, hello inspiration!

November Reflections

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, for many reasons. It is a time for reflection, to give thanks to God and to others and a day to enjoy family, right before the rush of the holidays come into view. I think it's also a nice time to reflect on this year alone, and all that there is to be thankful for. I have fond memories of past Thanksgivings, getting together with family and having lots of people over at the house. But this year will be a little bit different. My sister and her husband are hosting at their place, and it will be a smaller and more intimate celebration and feast. Personally, that is more of my style. It can be easier to reflect and voice what and who you're thankful for. I remember last year, with all of the people we had- equal to three different tables, we had namecards and a question per card to make it easier for conversation. I remember my question was about cooking memoirs and why I like to read them so much. Some things haven't changed. Ha

This year, my goal for Fall was to contribute something for Thanksgiving dinner. I will be cooking an appetizer, Quiche. I think quiche is always great for almost any occassion, and a nice way to start out a hearty and delicious meal. I feel that this Thanksgiving has a different feel to it, perhaps a more reflective and melancholy tone, due to the happenings and challenges of this year. I think trials and challenges are another thing to be thankful for this year, a blessing in diguise.

Last year's dinner table. Elisabeth and I were conversing in a few languages at once - Italian, Chinese, Russian and Spanish. We should recreate it again soon!:)

I'm looking forward to putting my quiche together, reading a good book (getting closer to my goal for this Autumn), and going on a nice, Fall walk, and later sharing a nice and warm meal with the people I love most. In a way, it's weird to think that another Thanksgiving is here, and another liturgical year ending, and a new one soon beginning. The feeling in the air is slowly changing, a brisk, chilly air is coming in, and all things Fall are becoming more of the past. Winter and all things Happy Holidays and Seasons Greetings (which I particulary am not a fan of) are part of the hustle and bustle of the holiday cheer, and all that glitters. I'm just trying to enjoy the Thanksgiving season, and take it all in- the memories, the food, the company and the love. Happy Thanksgiving!

Anthropologie and Anthropology

This is my first time taking Anthropology. I wasn't even sure what it was about, and would consider myself someone who probably wouldn't be very interested in the subject either until this class. Anthropology of the Middle East. Like I mentioned in a post written a while ago, the Middle East interests me and with any region or country in the world, there is so much to learn about. I think that's what makes me excited and inspired to keep learning more. I would say Arabic is still an underlying and behind the scenes type of interest, but I know that Chinese and Hindi are more in the picture, and are the main actors on the stage- at least for now ;)

For this Anthro class, I've really enjoyed my Professor's lectures. Not only has it helped me learn in this particular field, but I've also come to understand more of this culture, the dominant religion in the region- Islam, as well as among other customs. My mind has been opened, and I alsways feel inspired after leaving this class, even with a smile that I recieved a good, hard laugh after another one of my Professor's humorous jokes. Although this class and the quarter aren't over yet, I know that I will remember this particular class for a while and how much I enjoyed it, aiting for it after my 4 hour breaks, ready to listen to an exciting lecture!

Anthropologie is a clothing store that I've been to a few times. I can recall visitng this store last November, on a rainy day in a fancy part of a city and feeling the warmth of inspiration and creativity around me, soaking me up and taking my mind to a different place. Some things are just better on a rainy day, like the library, a cafe, and anthropologie:).

The displays in this store are always fun to look at, with green soda cans hanging by the window- (with the backdrop of the pounding rain outside, so cool!), or a strew of paintbrushes hanging upsidedown in the middle part of the ceiling, capturing the eyes of all the new customers. Just like my Anthropology class, I feel that I also learn  while in this creative and inticing store. I learn about myself, and what I need and what I crave at times, and even how I recieve and regain my energy. The feeling of possibility, even randomness, and eclectic taste are all wrapped up in this store, and making it special and exciting each time.

My sister used to work for Anthropologie- kept the associate's handbook, and had the perk of a discount!

I hope to go back to this neat store soon, especially on a chilly Fall day. There are some other stores and places that give me this special feel and enjoyment. Maybe I'll write about them sometime, and also find some new places in the mean time:)

Making Kafta For A Not So Formal Goodbye

I've finally made time to make a recipe from one of the nice and invititng cookbooks from the library. The cookbooks section is one of my favorites, so many ideas and inspiration that it makes me excited looking at all of the options. This time I picked a recipe from a Middle Eastern Cookbook.

This cookbook is interesting to look at and seeing all of the possibilities. I decided to make a similar dish to what I made before, Kafta but a different version than before. I wanted to make a nice dish for my sister's last night, since she moved out today with her husband to a place not too faraway, which is good. :) It will be a good deal different without her here everyday, I've gained so much and we've had so much amazing and enjoyable times these past 5 years especially. Life is truly a journey, and I would say an unpredictable one, so many twists and turns, times where it feels like a big, long tunnel and others when it feels like it's a sunny day all day. I've seen all of these avenues, and although have expereinced them from time to time, not as powerful as my sister has. Those 5 years have been mighty, meaningful and full of discovery. I had my close sister by my side, while she was figuring everything out while I was by her. Our best support system that didn't stop, but only grew and grew made our friendship and bond stronger and closer than ever. I realized more and more that sisters are a blessing but the ones who become really good friends are an extra blessing. What a blessing she has been in my life- in my young adult expereince, college days and in creating new ideas and hobbies. 

So many memories that at times feel like a blur, yet at other times  I can remember every word, occurence and detail in a given moment, I think that's what can make it hard, remembering almost everything and focusing too much on the past. I look at the past more than looking forward to the future, but I think that it's important to do both. These days wont be easy, nor these months but it's going to make me stronger. I know I am ready for this, but sometimes saying a not so formal goodbye until later can be difficult and emotional just as much as a formal one. But as soul sisters, I don't think many things will change, and I need to keep looking toward the future even though it can feel  foreign to me, but it's also exciting!

Now for the recipe...

This recipe is fun to make, you get to use your hands and mash all of the ingredients together- it's easier that way. The aroma is pretty stronger with the spices involved, but people will compliment you and you will shortly have their mouth watering. It's an overall easy recipe, it just takes sometime to put all together and cook- that takes the longest. I didn't put potatos in my dish, since it probvably would have taken twice as long, but I'm sure it would have tasted nice with the addition of them. I will keep this one in my cookbook archives since it will be a keeper! Until next time...

Creating Inspiration

This time of year always comes with inspiration-seeking, a dive for interesting books,a love for fall fashion, and always feeling ready to pack my bags for a day at a cafe, or talk a walk wherever the red, orange and semi-green leaves take me! Fall gives me plenty to do and think about, which makes life that much more interesting.

A year ago during this time I was thinking about traveling to Taiwan for study abroad. In the end, it didn't feel right or work out which was meant to be, and am grateful for all that did happen. Fall comes with reflection and contemplation, it can help slow down time and to really focus on the present moment.

Now here is some inspiration!

Yayy for Plaid

Love them!

Love their makeup

My kinda thing

One of my favorites:)

Words Are Clearer in Autumn

Brick wall at school

I like to think. And I usually think about a lot of things. My mind seems to wander to different places and spaces. I like to find inspiration in wherever I am and to cultivate more goals, ideas and creative thoughts along the way. :)

Yesterday while at school I was looking up a polyglot that I enjoy listening to. If you don't know, a polyglot is someone who can speak more than 5 languages fluently. I feel that most polyglots can exceed this defintion, including the one I was researching more about, his name is Matthew by the way. I believe he can speak 8 or 9 fluently and a couple others with few mistakes. He is also continuing to learn more. I can relate to him because although I say I am studying a language, it doesn't take long before I am studying at least 1 or 2 languages on the side! But it's nice to know that our brains do have the capacity to learn many things, including languages. I need to stay challenged and inspired, and learning a language, or 2 makes me feel accomplished in these areas.  I enjoy reading about him and his brother's adventures and journeys in the foreign langiage world. (He has an identical twin brother). I also enjoy stealing some quotes and becoming motivated and inspired all over again! Here is a link to learn more about Matthew Youlden, and to hear him speak some languages!
https://www.babbel.com/en/magazine/language-chamaleon-one

Twin brothers learning Turkish in a week! Crazy and cool!

Language challenge! Speaking at least 5 languages in one conversation.

Another thing I was thinking about, at least in the last couple of days was about my brother and his words of wisdom to me. It's weird looking back now because I understood what he meant now, looking back. I wrote him an email about 2 years ago, updating him on what was happening in my life and all that was new, which was plenty. A new school, new classes, new quarter, new people, and a new postion in student government, which I had just joined. Everything felt so awkward and knowing my place in it was very difficult and strange. He replied with his nice and soothing words as usual, and told me that he remembers when he was at that stage in his life, and that all new things take time to get used to, yet to enjoy them. He said that it takes about 2 years to get adjusted to something, such as a school campus or something else. I enjoyed reading his email, especially knowing that he was miles and miles away, somewhere in South America on his solo bike tour (which I think he should write a book about!) But his words also put a sigh in my breath, knowing how long it would intially take to actually feel comfortable and relaxed. And realizing how far away that truly was and felt. Now I am at that place, where two years ago has somewhat flown by, yet also had its own pace and journey with it. I wonder what I will be thinking in another 2 years time? What will be new, and discomforting, awkward and even frustrating? How much we learn in a day, yet how long it can take to see the results of a lived and fulfilled life.

Remembering a Jewel

Yesterday was the anniversary of my Grandma's death. I remember her not through her words, her smell or even her laugh, but her jewelry. I later found out that she also liked big statemtent jewelry, knowing that I too connect with this exotic and fun look that she was able to pull off as well. As a young girl I didn't notice it as much, and big jewerly hadn't always been my thing until a couple of years ago. I love statement jewerly and am a sucker for buying a good amount for a cheap price at consienment stores. They're also the best because no one else has this kind of jewerly, it truly feels like you are buying one of a kind. My Grandma was one of a kind, and I wear her pieces of jewelry a lot in memory of her and the fact that I get to express myself through her dazzled jewels.

She loved owls. I keep this little guy on my desk;)

I know that my Grandma and I were a lot different. She was a drama queen and I'm a subtle princess; she was a worry wort and I'm as cool as a cucumber; and she was a lipstick wearing, stylish extravert, and I'm a loud minded, creative introvert. I only called her Grandma, nothing else. I feel that there wasn't anything else to say. No Grams, G, or Grammy. But she still had the sweet voice and touch like all Grandmas do. She had the stubborn streak that seemed to be passed down onto my family, and a shade of it was left over for me. I remember she was really into sports and sports teams, the way my Mom is passionate about it now, always reading the newspaper and keeping on top of the latest events. I also remember her champagne taste, and her love of pristine designs, mouth watering food and the freedom to travel. How much I have learned and realized about myself in the process after these years. We are  almost exactly opposite that it's almost funny thinking about. But I wouldn't be here without her, she is part of my family, my heritage and my story. And though my memoires of her aren't super sharp and detailed or warm and glowing, I still know that she holds a special place in my heart, her belongings help me keep a part of her with me. May you rest in peace Grandma.

The beautiful sunset. My favorite time of day, I had to capture it. I'm sure Grandma would love it too!

105 days of Summer

A qiuck shot while walking to Santa Cruz beach. Love those flowers, and the radiant sunshine!

Berkely wall art

A yellow building in Gloria, Rio

Summer is coming to a close, and it's always bittersweet looking back on it. I've counted the days off of required reading, studying for tests and waking up and getting dressed on time for a full day, or rather, rushing to get out of the door. But those days have been behind me for a while, though they are on the horizo to be here soon once again, very soon. 105 days. One hundred and five days of Summer. It feels like a long time, and granted it was. I feel that I soaked up every day, as best as I could. Although Fall is my favorite season, I think Summer is my favorite time of year. I wanted to reflect on this Summer of 2016, of all that happened and that I wanted to accomplsih and do. Overall, I feel pretty proud of myself and glad I could squeeze some things in last minute.

Remenbering the sacred days of June feels like a long time ago, the beginning and onset of Summer, and looking back on all that happened. It started out with my trip to Rio de Janerio, Brazil. My first trip to South America, and better yet, my first trip out of the country! What a great expereince for two long but short weeks, with classmates and peers. I would say the theme of the trip was self discovery and interpersonal reflections, sometimes happening in my hotel room, sometimes while riding the metro, or even while eating a delicious Brazilian meal and people watching on the streets. I felt I learned so much about myself in a crash course style. My 24th birthday was celebrated during the trip, embracing a new age and new people around me. It was a personal birthday, another one with out close family members, or even well known and kinder spirited friends, but it was still special, in its own way I guess. Sometimes birthdays are a nice and perfect time for reflection, and I feel I got a good amount of that.

Some summers, such as this one had simple moments that had great value and that were precious to me. Day trips, eating out, good and quality time spent with sisters and my mom, but also a balance of business and schedules but also close to more than enough of free time and leisure, making lists of ideas, thoughts, reflections, goals, and reading like the book worm I am. I guess all of the things introverts like to do:). Anyone out there agree with me?

Not just being able to go abroad to Rio, but also to be able to go to my sister's wedding, in San Salvador, El Salvador in mid August felt like a dream. A place I had heard about a good amount and now I finally could experince it myself, and be that loving support for my sister and brother-in-law. To see the different yet beautiful world of El Salvador, to take in the humidity, the loud thunder and huge raindrops and more than delicious food that even still makes my mouth water. Paposas, can't get enough of them! And to celebrate the happiness of my close friend and sister, and to see her marry the love of her life. I don't speak Spanish but I could still take everything in just as well, enjoying the moment.

How much I love them, and love this pic!

I think some great goals that I had for myself this summer included become a literacy volunteer at the library, which I have already done training for and will soon help an adult with reading and writing! Another goal of mine was to finish 12 books! This kind of seemed like a lofty goal at first but then a feasible challenge that was more enjoyable than daunting. I did finish 12 books, and am excited to share them with you soon! A place I wanted go to was also crossed off the list, going to a cafe in Berkeley. Of course, I would be happy with any cafe in Berkeley, but I decided to go to not just any cafe, but one that had special memories to it, like going back in time and remembering them all again. Cafe Roma is the name, and I had fond times with other liked minded girls, and being able to spend some time in Berkeley made me miss those days, going on 4 years ago. Being able to experince the creative urbaness and chaotic artistry of this city was a nice change. I like cafes since they bring that creative energy back to life and also can slow down time although time seems to go by pretty quickly also. 

Some other pictures that I think highlights this summer, going to Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, bookstores, the library, cafes (not sure how many times Starbucks was used this summer), long runs and walks and taking in all my surrondings and the nice cool summer air with the glowing orange sunset and bright, dancing moon smiling back at me, reading on the front porch with the majestic dusk sky stealing my attention from the pages of my book to its beauty. Sleeping in and late night reads, calming me and putting me into a deep sleep. Studying Chinese. Studying Arabic, but also wondering about other languages too, and perhaps being interested in too many things at once?!! Finding books at the library too easily and clothes at conseinment stores too quickly. Walks and bike rides at Sycamore Grove. Having good discussions with good people and thankful for them. Having a powerful and real yearning to meet good friends and to make the most of Autumn and this time of year. Getting more and more into cooking and trying out new and exotic dishes. Finding new songs that inspire me and bring me back to good moments every time and re- listening to already known ones. Taking a dance exercise class, and wanting to try to fit into my schedule again, though it seems unlikely. Re- learning how to sew with my mom, and enjoying the process. Tutoring my students and enjoying every minute, and also grateful that I have this opportunity to teach them and help them not just with Enlgish but a lot more. Trying a fig and a moon cake for the first time. The moon cake is in honor of the Chinese celebration of Mid- Autumn Festival. And also starting this blog, Plum Tree. So glad I did!

Half Moon Bay

A full moon! Happy Mid- Autumn Festival

The nice view from one of my student's window

An outfit I seemed to wear a few days in a row this summer! Ha

A nice lunch with my Mom, quality time can never seem to add up to enough!

Overall, I feel very grateful for this summer of 2016! So much has happened, been learned, accomplished and enjoyed, Memories, memories, good good memories. As my Uncle would say, "This is good, this is very good." And so it is.