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.

October Has Come

October is here, finally. I think October is one of my favorite months of the year. It's the true Autumn month and makes me feel warm inside. It's also the time where I can dig out my scarves, boots and nice warm sweaters. October is also considered Mary's month, which is another reason for having a strong connection with the 10th month of the year. I wanted to write about some of my favorite Mary Apparations, which are the appearances of Mary through out the world. I think it would also be good if I could learn some more about each of them as well. :)

Our Lady of China

I find this devotion and apparation of Mary to be very personal and special to me. China has a long history, and part of it being related to the Catholic Church and the politics involved with that. Also, something I should learn more about. Learning Chinese has been part of me for a while now, and I feel that I have a strong connection with it, so Our Lady of China is one of my favorites.












Our Lady of Kibeho

I have heard a good amount about Our Lady of Kibeho, and there is even a book about it that I have started reading a while back and still want to continue reading! From what I know, it's a pretty amazing story and her appearance in Rwanda is not forgotten.












Our Lady of Vailankanni/Our Lady of Good Health

I wanted to research if there ever was an apparation of Mary in India. I know that India does have Catholicism, yet hadn't heard about an appearance of Mary. I would like to learn more about this devotion and appearance of Mary, I only read a little. But since I am pursuing the Hindi language, I feel that it would also be important as well as special to know about.










Our Lady of Lourdes

I have not had the privedlge yet of seeing this amazing holy site, but learning the story as a young girl has helped me have a stronger devotion to this apparation, and has become one of my favorites as well.

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Our Lady of Guadalupe is a very famous apparation of Mary, and I think it's one of my favorites. I see it everywhere, since it's quite popular. I really love the story as well. I have an image in my room, and it was the church where my sister and her husband got married in El Salvador. So personally, it's one of the most special of all.:)

Our Lady of Fatima

I also grew up with learning about the story behind this apparation, and would also call it a favorite of mine. Our Lady of Fatima had such a powerful impact in our world, and I only want to grow deeper in this beautiful and strong appearance of Mary.

Our Lady of Czestochowa

I want to have a stronger devotion to Our Lady of Czestochowa, and I was going to go to Poland this past summer for World Youth Day, but as life always seems to surprise you, Brazil made it's way into the picture instead. The Black Madonna is also another term for this apparation. Although I didn't get to go there, I still would like to read more about it, as well as the affects on Poland.

I think that covers my most favorite apparations of Mary. Of course, there are more that I did not mention that are also recognized. I hope to gaina stronger devotion to Mary espcecially during this beautiful month of October!

Indian Recipe and Autumn List

I wanted to share most of my Autumn List on here as well as a new Indian dish I made. The main dish was called Murgh Tamatari and the side dish I made was called Kele ka Raita. Basically chicken, with some nice spices, and tomatoes, in order to have a nice and tasty sauce to go with the chicken. It took me about an hour and a half in all, mostly for the chicken to cook fully since that takes time. As for the Kele ka Raita, it's a nice yogurt dish, with bananas and a few spices. As my sister put it, it tastes better than it looks. To put you at ease, it doesn't look too exotic and foreign, so nothing to be afraid of.

As for my Autumn List, some things include going to Starbucks and Barnes and Noble more often. It's always nice to go to bookstores and coffee shops during this time of year. I also love to see the colors change during Autumn, and love taking pictures of the changing colors of leaves and the trees. I want to get into baking! I do have some recipes that I want to try out, just need to make some extra time and inspiration for that. That's what goas are for I guess. I want to learn how to code, like mentioned in a previous post, or any kind of tech/computer lingo would be nice. Dress up for Halloween this year. Sometimes I get kind of lazy and unmotivated, but it's nice to get into the spirit and do something different for a change. Learn Hindi. I want to finish at least 8 books this Fall season, and the nice thing is that I know finding a book to read is never hard for me. I want to contribute something to Thanksgiving this year, whether that be rolls, Pumpkin Pie or a nice side dish. I think it would also be good to make a 2-3 year plan for myself, all the things I want to do and accomplish in that amount of time, and also something cool to look back on as well! So there were a few of my goals for this Autumn. I'm excited to see how much I can accomplsih in these few months!

Enjoying the nice grass on campus!

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!

School days, B&N nights, and a new language

On my last night of summer I went to Barnes &Noble. Something about going there at night opens up my mind more to the books and materials around me. I feel more inspired for some reason, maybe because I consider myself a night owl. Also, on a week night there are less people, so it's easier to browse and hear the calm, laid back music better. I wanted this post to also be about my Autumn list, a bucket/goals lists this Fall. I havven't fully finished my thoughts on that one, and want to make it good and meaningful, not rushed or forced, since you can always tell when something is rushed or forced. But, I will say that the two things that I did at B&N that night will most likely be on my Autumn list:)

This item will not just be on my to do list for this season of everything pumpkin, plaid and fall sweaters;I also put it on my 24 list that has to do with accomplishing 24 things in my 24th year, so technically I have another 9 months to go if all else fails. So obviously, it must be something important or should I say daring and maybe even an ounce of extremeness. This goal of mine is to learn how to code. Yes, I know, coding. I would not consider myself a sciency, mathematics, computer geek person, or even someone who considers themselves good at it, but I feel that it wold be useful to learn, even just a little. But like I said, I am always up for a good chanlleng and feel that I am determined to get down at least the basics, the jargon and the language. I'm aiming at learning Java or Javascript.

 So that night, I found the technology section and started reading a few compiter sciency books about Java. There was one in partciular that I found to be interesting, engaging and even should I say enjoyable to read? Unheard of, but I admit it to be true. I think this is a good challenge for my artsy, wavy, colorful mind.

The other thing that will most likely be on this Autumn list, that I just made up only a few days ago, is something that I also looked around for at B&N, but was dissappointed to find out that they don't carry any, at least none that I saw. But thank goodness for libraries because I checked out a book on it today! By this point, you're probably anxious to know what this second thing might be, Well, this goes back to my wavy mind, going all over the place at times. So here it goes.. I want to learn Hindi. Yes, the Hindi language. I am interested in knowing how to speak, read, write, the whole shabang. I have been thinking about learning this language for sometime. I guess not a lot,a lot of time if you were to count, but a good enough amount of time for me. I researched to find that Hindi is the 4th most spoken language in the world. I also researched to find that in my language binder, (where I keep all of my foreign language materials), I wrote a list back in 2014 regarding languages I would like to learn some day. I think it is far too long looking back now, but still thought it was interesting seeing again. As you can see, I did put Hindi on the list. :)

 Language is my passion, and Chinese has been on my learning plate for a good amount of time, almost three years. Of course I wont give it up for good, but feel that I am itching for more, to learn more in something else. I have had a good amount of Indian friends throughout my schooling, more than Chinese. I feel that there is a lot of relevance in learning a language such as Hindi. I don't think it's going to be easy, I'm not doing it because of that. If it was, I don't think it would be very interesting for me. I want to be able to watch more bollywood films, dive more into the culture, the food, the music which I really like. To understand things more from that side of the world. I feel that it's so important as a citizen of this country to understand and seek various perspectives. When you learn a language, you can reach so many more people, who either have that same interest or know it themselves. I want to be where that action is at.


So, as I was saying that I couldn't find any Hindi language books becasue there were none, I came across a book that I remember seeing in Anthropologie about a year ago. The book is called Lost in Translation, the point being that some words in various languages aren't always easy to translate. I thought it was super cute the first time I saw it, and wanted to capture some of my favorite words and explanations ones here.

I found this book to be enjoyable as well as very interesting, and even though I couldn't find my Hindi book, I was still inspired by this one. :) Now that school has officially started, and the first being probably the worst and craziest day for parking (I couldn't find anything, zero), luckily a familar face saved the day and showed me a place near campus that worked for a while. The onset of new classes, knowledge, people, expereinces, endevours, schedules and interets is well underway. I had a full day at school, but got to end it with a nice, end of evening glow, just barely missing the final touches of a rich, majestic sunset, 

First day of school!

The workload is well underway, but I feel that my mind, my pen and my feet can all keep up with it in the end. I guess I better enjoy every last minute of it, whether it's reading about globalization, briskly walking with many things and books in my tired hands, but with a prance in my feet and a tune in my ears to let me know that everything is going to be okay, or going to Starbucks and being admist the student life, soaking and drinking in the warm latte that was afforadable only this time and to not get too used to it. Another year. Another journey. Here we go.

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.