我一星期有四個清晨學太極、一晚要上聖經班、一晚要小組，
與"貓貓"共渡了一個星期，每天都匆匆忙忙帶牠返工放工，
順道讓牠來個「方便」，怕牠忍「便」忍得太久有礙健康，
每天得弄早晚餐給牠，一個連自己教懶煮懶食的人 ，
竟也烚起雞腿青菜來，又到鄰家取拿飯，這些住家飯餸，
只是for"貓貓"享用，我嗎？一個臨時狗奴才吧了！
"貓貓"很黏人，跟牠在店裡，有時也會跟牠玩一陣，
我不時跟牠說︰「奴才在！」"貓貓"總露出奇怪的樣子，
不知這個傻人說什麼……
牠愛反轉身子讓"奴才"為牠按摩，為牠按完後我愛伸出手掌，
跟牠說︰「貓貓，按摩費$200，唔該！」
牠又是一副闊佬懶理的樣子，總之，
牠有牠享受，我有我亂嗡。
還好，"貓貓"很乖，不會亂叫，也不會隨處方便，
只要早晚兩三次讓牠cat walk就可以了，
"貓貓"散步時常不肯行，我對著這一隻狗狗，
嘴裡嚷著”貓貓”，路人有時會望望”貓貓”再望望我，
我覺得自己有點像思覺失調。
其實，我倒覺是"貓貓"walk a person……
好了，星期日，放完狗，要返教會了，得閒再寫。
2009年6月27日 星期六
2009年6月22日 星期一
得到一些東西？
熟客vw剛來過，她是一個愛狗之人，
甫進門見到"貓貓"，大感意外，
"貓貓"最高興，毫不客氣地反轉身讓人為牠按摩。
vw早前跟我提過欲辭退現有工作，自行創業，
並詢問我的意見；她見我今天在書棧，特來分享近況，
最近她租了新office，準備大展拳腳，
更高興地告訴我上星期辦的講座很成功，為她打下強心針。
原來，她的新office就在書棧附近，已經在裝修中，
她希望做到像書棧自然而舒服的氛圍，
她說︰「有一次本來很不開心，但上來跟你閒談，
離開時心情已經大不同，我希望人客也能在我的地方，
得到一些東西，離開時都比來時開心滿足的……」
我聽著vw的分享，心想，我這個差不多小姐，
只是率性而為，很多東西壓根兒就沒有想過，
即使有，也沒有這麼通透和仔細吧！
經vw一說，我似有所悟，又似有所得；
反過來說，她的來訪也令我得到一些東西。
甫進門見到"貓貓"，大感意外，
"貓貓"最高興，毫不客氣地反轉身讓人為牠按摩。
vw早前跟我提過欲辭退現有工作，自行創業，
並詢問我的意見；她見我今天在書棧，特來分享近況，
最近她租了新office，準備大展拳腳，
更高興地告訴我上星期辦的講座很成功，為她打下強心針。
原來，她的新office就在書棧附近，已經在裝修中，
她希望做到像書棧自然而舒服的氛圍，
她說︰「有一次本來很不開心，但上來跟你閒談，
離開時心情已經大不同，我希望人客也能在我的地方，
得到一些東西，離開時都比來時開心滿足的……」
我聽著vw的分享，心想，我這個差不多小姐，
只是率性而為，很多東西壓根兒就沒有想過，
即使有，也沒有這麼通透和仔細吧！
經vw一說，我似有所悟，又似有所得；
反過來說，她的來訪也令我得到一些東西。
2009年6月21日 星期日
公關小姐"貓貓"駕到
朋友angel要去兩個星期的b. trip，昨晚帶狗狗"貓貓"來寄居，在家裡弄至零晨，我一向甚少開冷氣，
以致家中的冷氣不是壞了，就是遙控不見了，
怕"貓貓"熱，鄰家的小妹妹margaret要求讓"貓貓"在她家裡過夜，
我答允了，明早就讓牠在書棧做公關小姐吧。
今早如常耍太極，耍完後再到margaret家接"貓貓"，
可能陌生地方吧，margaret說"貓貓"不肯睡，
我抱著"貓貓"回到書棧，牠愛接近人，
我走到那裡，牠也愛跟在那裡，
最後，牠竟捨棄清涼的平台，陪我在電腦旁拍拍打打，
躺在我的腳下，一動也不動，顯然是睡著了！
我喜歡…我感激…
寫完心意箱，還是覺得有未盡的說話……
經營書棧三年，感受很深刻，也很幸福，
說真的，這幾年因書棧而結緣甚或結成深交的，
好像比過往還要多，我雖然愛交朋友，
但一向行事比較低調，開放的書棧反而成為朋友趨來的地方。
我喜歡見到他們在這裡很享受很放鬆的樣子，
我喜歡他們跟我談生活、談書、談時事，
我喜歡收到他們的電郵，跟他們談近況，
我喜歡他們的善良，互相搭訕的親切，
我喜歡……
我感激他們的關愛，送來靚湯和甜品，
我感激即使他們不在香港，也不時送上祝福，
我感激他們默默的支持，不計較的付出，
我感激他們的慷慨，老讓我先看完書再買／拿書走，
我感激……
我喜歡這樣的和諧，也感激他們讓我享受到這樣的和諧，
是他們，助我建立我的理想邦，我的人間天堂。
經營書棧三年，感受很深刻，也很幸福，
說真的，這幾年因書棧而結緣甚或結成深交的，
好像比過往還要多，我雖然愛交朋友，
但一向行事比較低調，開放的書棧反而成為朋友趨來的地方。
我喜歡見到他們在這裡很享受很放鬆的樣子，
我喜歡他們跟我談生活、談書、談時事，
我喜歡收到他們的電郵，跟他們談近況，
我喜歡他們的善良，互相搭訕的親切，
我喜歡……
我感激他們的關愛，送來靚湯和甜品，
我感激即使他們不在香港，也不時送上祝福，
我感激他們默默的支持，不計較的付出，
我感激他們的慷慨，老讓我先看完書再買／拿書走，
我感激……
我喜歡這樣的和諧，也感激他們讓我享受到這樣的和諧，
是他們，助我建立我的理想邦，我的人間天堂。
心意箱
有位人客初次到訪，她在書棧停駐了二三小時，
原來是同行，她說︰「這裡感覺很舒服，
從未遇上這樣的書店……」由此，開始了我們的對話。
她既是同行，當然也知道做書的困難，
便問︰「你提供這樣一個舒適的地方讓人休息、讀書，
別人就不用買書了，哪你怎麼辦……」
我說︰「其實，單是看別人讀書已是一種享受，
當然顧客也要愛惜圖書，不能弄壞啦！
至於購買與否，隨心而已，這我可不能操控；
不過，到這裡的人客，大都很有良心，
看書之餘，也會買書，又或讓我代為訂書，
彼此的交流多，似朋友遠遠多於一般交易買賣的關係。」
她建議︰「這裡有種天堂feel，你既慷慨提供這個地方讓人休息，
其實，你大可以設一個心意箱，讓人家支持你的營運，
我相信很多人家裡未必有空間擺書，但又愛在書店hea，
他們反而很願意支持你，很想表示心意呢……」
我說︰「你不是第一個有這樣的建議，但我就是不想，
事實上，也曾經有人客說"入股"或幫忙交租，我卻從不接受。」
我想︰除了自己的驕傲外，更大的原因是，
書店所呈現的形式是一門生意(即使我的營運哲學不像經營生意)，
若放著一個類似奉獻的心意箱，要求別人幫忙經營，
是一個很不好的榜樣，更何況社會上有千百樣人，
愛佔別人便宜也不少呢，人人如此行，社會還得了！
何況這裡孩子多，我可不希望孩子不知就裡，
以為可以不勞而獲，以別人的幫忙為理所當然。
我覺得每個人都要對自己所做的負責，自己的選擇就要自己承擔，
別人幫助你，你可以心存感激，但斷不能視之為必然，
更不要讓自己成為其他人的絆腳石。
其實，別人對我的心意，即使沒有心意箱，
我也清楚不過，不用心意箱去量化或形象化，
這樣的添加物，在我而言，反而有種自我膨漲的感覺。
很對不起，提出這些建議的朋友們，我明白也感激你們的好意，
但即使再加思量，我還是無法接受，請恕我stubborn吧！
原來是同行，她說︰「這裡感覺很舒服，
從未遇上這樣的書店……」由此，開始了我們的對話。
她既是同行，當然也知道做書的困難，
便問︰「你提供這樣一個舒適的地方讓人休息、讀書，
別人就不用買書了，哪你怎麼辦……」
我說︰「其實，單是看別人讀書已是一種享受，
當然顧客也要愛惜圖書，不能弄壞啦！
至於購買與否，隨心而已，這我可不能操控；
不過，到這裡的人客，大都很有良心，
看書之餘，也會買書，又或讓我代為訂書，
彼此的交流多，似朋友遠遠多於一般交易買賣的關係。」
她建議︰「這裡有種天堂feel，你既慷慨提供這個地方讓人休息，
其實，你大可以設一個心意箱，讓人家支持你的營運，
我相信很多人家裡未必有空間擺書，但又愛在書店hea，
他們反而很願意支持你，很想表示心意呢……」
我說︰「你不是第一個有這樣的建議，但我就是不想，
事實上，也曾經有人客說"入股"或幫忙交租，我卻從不接受。」
我想︰除了自己的驕傲外，更大的原因是，
書店所呈現的形式是一門生意(即使我的營運哲學不像經營生意)，
若放著一個類似奉獻的心意箱，要求別人幫忙經營，
是一個很不好的榜樣，更何況社會上有千百樣人，
愛佔別人便宜也不少呢，人人如此行，社會還得了！
何況這裡孩子多，我可不希望孩子不知就裡，
以為可以不勞而獲，以別人的幫忙為理所當然。
我覺得每個人都要對自己所做的負責，自己的選擇就要自己承擔，
別人幫助你，你可以心存感激，但斷不能視之為必然，
更不要讓自己成為其他人的絆腳石。
其實，別人對我的心意，即使沒有心意箱，
我也清楚不過，不用心意箱去量化或形象化，
這樣的添加物，在我而言，反而有種自我膨漲的感覺。
很對不起，提出這些建議的朋友們，我明白也感激你們的好意，
但即使再加思量，我還是無法接受，請恕我stubborn吧！
2009年6月20日 星期六
Good Luck
昨天收到蘋果的電郵，托我訂「當幸運來敲門Good Luck」，
Good luck，趕得及今午連同其他圖書一併送來書棧。
我翻看送來的書，除了「改革歷程」之外，
其他的都沒有看過，見下午店裡無人，又沒有班開，
想到明天就會交付此書給蘋果，心癢難當，
就給自己「今個星期六當短週」的藉口，
偷雞一口氣看完這本簡單的小書，好滿足！
其實，之前書棧也賣過這本書（英文版），
也想過拿來讀讀，只是書債太多了，我讀英文又較慢，
所以，見到有中文版在手，就不想再錯失這個機會吧了。
這本書的故事簡單，卻一次過滿足了幾個願望，
一是賺到書讀，二是故事簡單但又頗有意思，
三是最近代人搜集一些有關花草的故事，
而這個故事剛巧正是說兩個尋找幸運四葉草的騎士。
Good Luck!?
Good luck，趕得及今午連同其他圖書一併送來書棧。
我翻看送來的書，除了「改革歷程」之外，
其他的都沒有看過，見下午店裡無人，又沒有班開，
想到明天就會交付此書給蘋果，心癢難當，
就給自己「今個星期六當短週」的藉口，
偷雞一口氣看完這本簡單的小書，好滿足！
其實，之前書棧也賣過這本書（英文版），
也想過拿來讀讀，只是書債太多了，我讀英文又較慢，
所以，見到有中文版在手，就不想再錯失這個機會吧了。
這本書的故事簡單，卻一次過滿足了幾個願望，
一是賺到書讀，二是故事簡單但又頗有意思，
三是最近代人搜集一些有關花草的故事，
而這個故事剛巧正是說兩個尋找幸運四葉草的騎士。
Good Luck!?
2009年6月16日 星期二
正生
最近正生書院擬遷往梅窩，從新聞所見，
居民反應異常激烈，不惜出口傷人，
他們聲言其子女要外出讀中學，認為政府該為其子女在梅窩設中學，
更不應將potential的「校址」拱手相讓予正生書院，
有些家長甚至激動得哭鬧和叫囂。
看著默默淌淚的正生學生和那些亢奮的居民，
還有正生校長的沉著和堅持以及那些口口聲聲稱為自己孩子的家長，
心裡既難過，也心痛；想必正生的一眾師生更是難受。
欣賞正生的學生，在鏡頭裡，他們的勇敢沉著；
欣賞正生的校長老師有heart，他們放下身段，一直堅持和忍耐，
為的就是幫助這些邊緣的孩子重建自尊，重拾生命。
怎麼可以如此踐踏一群願意改過的孩子，不給他們機會呢？
怎麼可以將自身利益抬高至極點，無視自己也是一個社會公民？
怎麼那些居民不想想自己的態度，自己為下一代奠下什麼榜樣？
他們這種表現，真的對自己的孩子好嗎？
我相信不是所有梅窩居民都是自私和橫蠻的，
只是，在一片喧鬧聲中，
一些平和中肯甚或有建設性的意見會被掩沒，
更何況不反對並不代表有motivation或勇氣說公道話……
冀望社會多一點包容和愛，少一點自私和歧見，
唯有這樣，我們的社會，我們的孩子，
才有希望，才有明天。
居民反應異常激烈，不惜出口傷人，
他們聲言其子女要外出讀中學，認為政府該為其子女在梅窩設中學，
更不應將potential的「校址」拱手相讓予正生書院，
有些家長甚至激動得哭鬧和叫囂。
看著默默淌淚的正生學生和那些亢奮的居民，
還有正生校長的沉著和堅持以及那些口口聲聲稱為自己孩子的家長，
心裡既難過，也心痛；想必正生的一眾師生更是難受。
欣賞正生的學生，在鏡頭裡，他們的勇敢沉著；
欣賞正生的校長老師有heart，他們放下身段，一直堅持和忍耐，
為的就是幫助這些邊緣的孩子重建自尊，重拾生命。
怎麼可以如此踐踏一群願意改過的孩子，不給他們機會呢？
怎麼可以將自身利益抬高至極點，無視自己也是一個社會公民？
怎麼那些居民不想想自己的態度，自己為下一代奠下什麼榜樣？
他們這種表現，真的對自己的孩子好嗎？
我相信不是所有梅窩居民都是自私和橫蠻的，
只是，在一片喧鬧聲中，
一些平和中肯甚或有建設性的意見會被掩沒，
更何況不反對並不代表有motivation或勇氣說公道話……
冀望社會多一點包容和愛，少一點自私和歧見，
唯有這樣，我們的社會，我們的孩子，
才有希望，才有明天。
2009年6月10日 星期三
公義vs恩典慈愛
昨晚，書棧有小組聚會，不知怎的，
想起大衛的故事(撒下：23:13-17)，
大衛在事件的處理上很特別，很意想不到，
是一個令我很觸動的故事。
期間，有姊妹分享她最近遇到一些令她及其他b/s難過的事，
由於看法不同，處理有異，繼而聯想到「公義」和「恩典」的問題。
我帶著這個問題回到家裡，
我想︰公義和恩典之間並非一定互相排斥，這讓我想起挪亞。
在挪亞的年代，人甚敗壞，神非常難過，於是要以洪水覆滅大地；
在當時，唯獨挪亞是義人，神吩咐挪亞做方舟，要拯救挪亞一家，
連用料呎寸(肘)門窗位置也說得清清楚楚，讓挪亞慢慢去做。
洪水不是一下子就降臨，挪亞建方舟經年，
其他人也見到挪亞做方舟，暗示神有足夠的時間讓人去回轉，
只可惜，人沒有……到最後，神以洪水覆滅大地。
事件並沒有這樣完結，細觀整個過程，神很細心，
教挪亞建方舟、預備足夠食物，滿有慈愛和體恤；
當洪水來到，神叫挪亞一家帶各生物入方舟，
聖經多次說(大概)--挪亞就照神的吩咐行。
如是者挪亞等在方舟逗留了一年，出方舟後，
神以虹為記，應許再不以洪水覆滅世界，這是神的恩典。
(就如聖經所言，忘了出自那卷︰昨宵雖有哭泣，明晨定必歡呼!)
初信時聽挪亞的故事，我覺得神有點「殘忍」，
但漸漸地，我開始理解，人的敗壞才是導致滅亡的原因，
不是神「殘忍」，以致將公義駕馭於恩典慈愛之上；
神救挪亞一家，留下對對活口，
在神裡面(包括實行的方式)，公義和恩典是互融的。
神的本質就是公義，就是慈愛。
我想，人既沒有跟神討價還價的權利，
也不知道挪亞有沒有跟神說過什麼(聖經並沒有記載)；
但神已經拯救了挪亞一家，又承諾不再以洪水滅大地，
祂為什麼還要刻意以虹為記？難道是因為怕自己忘記承諾？
當然非也！這道虹是讓人記念，記念祂的恩典，
也提醒人不要犯惡，是恩上再添加的恩情。
話說回來，就姊妹所遇的事件，又或在處理問題時，
我覺得公義和恩典是可以並存，
當然，當中也不乏很多令人矛盾甚或看似對立的地方。
神不是做木偶，用複製的模式做人，要人一模一樣，
即使同是基督徒，各人的性格不同，想法未必一樣，
側重點和選擇也因而有異；但「君子和而不同」，
最重要的，是我們同在神裡面。
當公義和恩典似是相抗衡之際，
我們可以因應思想的差異而有不同的取向，
但卻更需要尊重和不要因而結怨。
我想︰我們要檢視的，是自己心裡真實的動機和態度，
是抱著自私、仇恨怨懟和報復心理？
抑或是積極面對冀望回到和諧和公義？
住在我們心裡的神知道我們的心思意念，
我們騙得了別人(甚或自己)，卻騙不了神！
我相信，這就是神要我們在生活上學習和理解的功課之一。
想起大衛的故事(撒下：23:13-17)，
大衛在事件的處理上很特別，很意想不到，
是一個令我很觸動的故事。
期間，有姊妹分享她最近遇到一些令她及其他b/s難過的事，
由於看法不同，處理有異，繼而聯想到「公義」和「恩典」的問題。
我帶著這個問題回到家裡，
我想︰公義和恩典之間並非一定互相排斥，這讓我想起挪亞。
在挪亞的年代，人甚敗壞，神非常難過，於是要以洪水覆滅大地；
在當時，唯獨挪亞是義人，神吩咐挪亞做方舟，要拯救挪亞一家，
連用料呎寸(肘)門窗位置也說得清清楚楚，讓挪亞慢慢去做。
洪水不是一下子就降臨，挪亞建方舟經年，
其他人也見到挪亞做方舟，暗示神有足夠的時間讓人去回轉，
只可惜，人沒有……到最後，神以洪水覆滅大地。
事件並沒有這樣完結，細觀整個過程，神很細心，
教挪亞建方舟、預備足夠食物，滿有慈愛和體恤；
當洪水來到，神叫挪亞一家帶各生物入方舟，
聖經多次說(大概)--挪亞就照神的吩咐行。
如是者挪亞等在方舟逗留了一年，出方舟後，
神以虹為記，應許再不以洪水覆滅世界，這是神的恩典。
(就如聖經所言，忘了出自那卷︰昨宵雖有哭泣，明晨定必歡呼!)
初信時聽挪亞的故事，我覺得神有點「殘忍」，
但漸漸地，我開始理解，人的敗壞才是導致滅亡的原因，
不是神「殘忍」，以致將公義駕馭於恩典慈愛之上；
神救挪亞一家，留下對對活口，
在神裡面(包括實行的方式)，公義和恩典是互融的。
神的本質就是公義，就是慈愛。
我想，人既沒有跟神討價還價的權利，
也不知道挪亞有沒有跟神說過什麼(聖經並沒有記載)；
但神已經拯救了挪亞一家，又承諾不再以洪水滅大地，
祂為什麼還要刻意以虹為記？難道是因為怕自己忘記承諾？
當然非也！這道虹是讓人記念，記念祂的恩典，
也提醒人不要犯惡，是恩上再添加的恩情。
話說回來，就姊妹所遇的事件，又或在處理問題時，
我覺得公義和恩典是可以並存，
當然，當中也不乏很多令人矛盾甚或看似對立的地方。
神不是做木偶，用複製的模式做人，要人一模一樣，
即使同是基督徒，各人的性格不同，想法未必一樣，
側重點和選擇也因而有異；但「君子和而不同」，
最重要的，是我們同在神裡面。
當公義和恩典似是相抗衡之際，
我們可以因應思想的差異而有不同的取向，
但卻更需要尊重和不要因而結怨。
我想︰我們要檢視的，是自己心裡真實的動機和態度，
是抱著自私、仇恨怨懟和報復心理？
抑或是積極面對冀望回到和諧和公義？
住在我們心裡的神知道我們的心思意念，
我們騙得了別人(甚或自己)，卻騙不了神！
我相信，這就是神要我們在生活上學習和理解的功課之一。
愛屋及烏
LW是一間中學的圖書館主任，幾年前在學校書展跟她認識，
跟她的交往和相處，大有君子之交之感，
近一兩年跟她越加熟稔，早前她就說要介紹朋友我識，
所說的竟然是「世外高人」，莞爾！
上星期，她代同事們向我訂購了一批「改革歷程」，
她細心的說會自行駕車來取，著我不用安排送貨，
（她老是擔心我要用額外的運輸費，著我開她學校單可以用環保紙）
今午她帶同她的女兒、姪女和兩位工人姐姐前來，
更帶來新鮮出爐的蛋tart一同分享，她知道書棧今晚有小組聚會，
竟也額外預備多一盒蛋tart給我的b/s，怎麼說呢？
我倆是朋友，她對我好我明白，當然也心存感激，
但對我的朋友們，她根本素未謀面，竟也為他們付上心意，
我想︰這就是愛屋及「烏」（一切related)吧！
跟她的交往和相處，大有君子之交之感，
近一兩年跟她越加熟稔，早前她就說要介紹朋友我識，
所說的竟然是「世外高人」，莞爾！
上星期，她代同事們向我訂購了一批「改革歷程」，
她細心的說會自行駕車來取，著我不用安排送貨，
（她老是擔心我要用額外的運輸費，著我開她學校單可以用環保紙）
今午她帶同她的女兒、姪女和兩位工人姐姐前來，
更帶來新鮮出爐的蛋tart一同分享，她知道書棧今晚有小組聚會，
竟也額外預備多一盒蛋tart給我的b/s，怎麼說呢？
我倆是朋友，她對我好我明白，當然也心存感激，
但對我的朋友們，她根本素未謀面，竟也為他們付上心意，
我想︰這就是愛屋及「烏」（一切related)吧！
2009年6月8日 星期一
poor maths！?
最近城中姓梁女星為李小超一索得男，老爺子高興之餘，
傳媒大事報道，什麼飛上枝頭呀、踏上豪門路呀……
總之，就係好啦！幸福啦！唔使做啦！唔使憂啦！
從報章上看到這一家三口(算一家嗎？)的相片，覺得很奇怪，
新任爸爸抱著孩子坐，剛產完的媽媽反而站著趨前，
雖然都是臉露微笑，但給我的感覺是︰
男的愛子不惜婦，一副大爺樣！
怎麼城中人都以 有錢=幸福？嫁入豪門=女兒家的夢想？
怎麼這條equation無考慮人品、愛、性格、家的元素？
這條equation，恕我數學差，我計極都計唔到！
傳媒大事報道，什麼飛上枝頭呀、踏上豪門路呀……
總之，就係好啦！幸福啦！唔使做啦！唔使憂啦！
從報章上看到這一家三口(算一家嗎？)的相片，覺得很奇怪，
新任爸爸抱著孩子坐，剛產完的媽媽反而站著趨前，
雖然都是臉露微笑，但給我的感覺是︰
男的愛子不惜婦，一副大爺樣！
怎麼城中人都以 有錢=幸福？嫁入豪門=女兒家的夢想？
怎麼這條equation無考慮人品、愛、性格、家的元素？
這條equation，恕我數學差，我計極都計唔到！
2009年6月7日 星期日
"Exchange Diaries"
Stephen is one of my customers. He seldom visits My Book Cottage. But everytime we meet in street, we normally have a feeling of "miss you". I would like to use the word "we" because I do think that he also has such feeling.
He writes me emails from time to time, just like kind of habit. 2 years ago, well before I started writting blogs, he emailed me his blog and encouraged me to write my blog too.
Today, I rec'd his email again. I suddenly have a feeling that it seems like "Exchanging Diaries".
It's very interesting feeling. I would like to catch such feeling and record here so that I won't miss it even when my computer collapse some day (Actually, I missed many emails with friends whenever my computer gets mad!). Touch wood!
***************
From: Stephen Austin
Send: Sunday, May 31, 2009 9:25 AM
To: Hilda
Subject: Sunday
Hi Hilda,
It was a good Sunday morning. I forced myself to get up early and put the washing on the roof. Then I went for an hour-long run. It felt very good and prepared me well for the rest of the day. I'm quite busy on Sunday mornings as I have lessons and I have a few things planned for this afternoon.
I hope the week passed as pleasantly for you as it did for me. I guess you might have done a book fair or two; and for the rest of the time you were happily staying at your nice cottage. I reorganised a few priorities and now I’m nearly back on track concerning my own projects. I had been doing some voluntary work, and I had to admit that this had been taking up too much of my own time. It was an uncomfortable choice. There really is no limit to the amount of voluntary work you can do. It would be easy to spend all of your free time doing it; that’s how much the world needs it. But then, you also need to balance this with your own needs.
I had some ideas some kids’ stories this week, and soon I must write them up. Some people might have the wrong impression that just because kids’ stories use simpler language, the ideas there can be not so good. This is not true. Whenever I try out one of my stories on a kid, and I know that the story isn’t up to standard, you can see it from the kid’s reaction.
It rained and was rather cooler than usual for the Dragon Boat races. We had them on TV during the day off. It was part of the atmosphere of the day; rather like watching a reporter in a raincoat from the promenade of Tsim Sha Tsui during a typhoon, telling us that it’s raining heavily and that there’s strong wind.
This afternoon I plan to go to Victoria Park. There are two fourth of June rallies each year. One of them is the Sunday before the anniversary with a demonstration and march to the government buildings, and then a candlelight vigil on the day of the fourth. I hope to get some interesting photographs.
I hope you have a lovely Sunday.
*********************
From: Hilda
Sent: Sunday, May 31, 2009 4:53 PM
To: Stephen Austin
Subject: Re: Sunday
Hi Stephen,
Thanks for your email.
I enjoy Sundays. I enjoy walking to church, meeting the lovely kids, greeting my b/s...... and enjoy the family time at night.
Yesterday, there was a film-sharing section in My Book Cottage. We had totally 5 persons here together sharing the film "Pursuit of Happiness". From my own perspective, I suppose, living in the REAL MOMENTS is the origin of happiness. Too much "looking-back" or "looking-forward" makes one overlook the "present". Past gathers the knowledge & experience. It's the steps for onward going. Future gives us motivation & hope. They both are "good". Present allows us taste directly. That's "good good".
Actually, I am not that busy in these few months. I practise Tai Chi several times a week. Since it's close to summer holiday, I won't have many book fairs in these few months. There's nothing to be rush but to plan and to prepare. You know, I always tie-up by the trivial things here in the cottage, even there's no book fair at all.
At present, I am planning for some summer courses for children, though I'm not sure if they will succeed. Just try, no big deal. And I want to re-schedule the story-telling section during summer holiday. I will try to invite some voluntary storytellers. Actually, I only have all those in my mind, not implement yet.
I visited Yuen Long last Thursday and did a bit hiking. I love the village atomosphere and the natural fresh air at the hill. Have you visited Yuen Long before? I suggest you take some time visiting there. Some photos attached.
Yes, 64 is approaching. It always be a sensitive and unforgottenable figure to many Chinese. There're too many hidden wounds and contradictory feelings in Chinese hearts. Me too, whenever think about the scene (appeared in TV) 20 years ago, I can't help dwelling in it, though the feeling is not as strong as before. I started reading "Prisoner of the State" today. I hope I can find some more info to fill up the missing lines in history, though I don't think I can have a full picture ever.
................
Cheers,
Hilda
*****************************
From: Stephen Austin
Sent: Sunday, June 07, 2009 9:38 AM
To: Hilda
Subject: Re: Sunday
Hi Hilda,
It's Sunday again and a good time to write to you. Hope that this Sunday is as nice as all your other ones. This Sunday is a really sunny one with the temperature going up to about 31ºC. If you're going hiking again be sure to drink lots. I'm sure I don't need to tell you this. It was really hot during my run this morning.
I've read quite a lot about the pursuit of happiness, and a lot of philosophy and popular self-help literature deal with it. I could not agree more with your conclusions and your own perspective. People who do not have the insight that you have, that is they cling too much to the past with things you can't change or yearn after the mere material things in the future, are the ones whom happiness often eludes.
You treat the past as an education and a source of knowledge. With the right mindfulness and reasonable expectations the future gives us hope. But enjoying the savouring the present is the greatest source of contentment at the moment, which is why I'm quite happy writing this, knowing that you'll read it soon. A perfect moment.
You caught some nice moments during your hike to Yeun Long. The photos are nice. You caught some nice pussy cats and some plants. Some photos of you would be good, too. I have visited Yeun Long, but not had the pleasure of walking around the hills.
............
Catch you later,Stephen.
From: Hilda
Sent: Sunday, June 07, 2009 4:13
PMTo: Stephen AustinSubject:
RE: Sunday
Thanks, Stephen.
I enjoy reading your email, maybe somewhat like you're happy writing it.
Yesterday, I had dinner with two of my ex-classmates in university. We had really good time, sharing our existing jobs,difficulties, plans, and so on.We share our happiness and difficulties with care and support (though mainly mentally, not physically). I am happy that we have long-lasting and sincere friendship.
Yes. It's really so hot today. I woke up quite early in the morning as I had a meeting and then to teach the Sunday School today. And now, I am back to my little cottage, going to read "Prisoner of the State" again (I haven't finished it yet ma).
I think maybe I go out rather early in the morning to practice Tai Chi therefore we can seldom meet each other.
......
Cheers,Hilda
He writes me emails from time to time, just like kind of habit. 2 years ago, well before I started writting blogs, he emailed me his blog and encouraged me to write my blog too.
Today, I rec'd his email again. I suddenly have a feeling that it seems like "Exchanging Diaries".
It's very interesting feeling. I would like to catch such feeling and record here so that I won't miss it even when my computer collapse some day (Actually, I missed many emails with friends whenever my computer gets mad!). Touch wood!
***************
From: Stephen Austin
Send: Sunday, May 31, 2009 9:25 AM
To: Hilda
Subject: Sunday
Hi Hilda,
It was a good Sunday morning. I forced myself to get up early and put the washing on the roof. Then I went for an hour-long run. It felt very good and prepared me well for the rest of the day. I'm quite busy on Sunday mornings as I have lessons and I have a few things planned for this afternoon.
I hope the week passed as pleasantly for you as it did for me. I guess you might have done a book fair or two; and for the rest of the time you were happily staying at your nice cottage. I reorganised a few priorities and now I’m nearly back on track concerning my own projects. I had been doing some voluntary work, and I had to admit that this had been taking up too much of my own time. It was an uncomfortable choice. There really is no limit to the amount of voluntary work you can do. It would be easy to spend all of your free time doing it; that’s how much the world needs it. But then, you also need to balance this with your own needs.
I had some ideas some kids’ stories this week, and soon I must write them up. Some people might have the wrong impression that just because kids’ stories use simpler language, the ideas there can be not so good. This is not true. Whenever I try out one of my stories on a kid, and I know that the story isn’t up to standard, you can see it from the kid’s reaction.
It rained and was rather cooler than usual for the Dragon Boat races. We had them on TV during the day off. It was part of the atmosphere of the day; rather like watching a reporter in a raincoat from the promenade of Tsim Sha Tsui during a typhoon, telling us that it’s raining heavily and that there’s strong wind.
This afternoon I plan to go to Victoria Park. There are two fourth of June rallies each year. One of them is the Sunday before the anniversary with a demonstration and march to the government buildings, and then a candlelight vigil on the day of the fourth. I hope to get some interesting photographs.
I hope you have a lovely Sunday.
*********************
From: Hilda
Sent: Sunday, May 31, 2009 4:53 PM
To: Stephen Austin
Subject: Re: Sunday
Hi Stephen,
Thanks for your email.
I enjoy Sundays. I enjoy walking to church, meeting the lovely kids, greeting my b/s...... and enjoy the family time at night.
Yesterday, there was a film-sharing section in My Book Cottage. We had totally 5 persons here together sharing the film "Pursuit of Happiness". From my own perspective, I suppose, living in the REAL MOMENTS is the origin of happiness. Too much "looking-back" or "looking-forward" makes one overlook the "present". Past gathers the knowledge & experience. It's the steps for onward going. Future gives us motivation & hope. They both are "good". Present allows us taste directly. That's "good good".
Actually, I am not that busy in these few months. I practise Tai Chi several times a week. Since it's close to summer holiday, I won't have many book fairs in these few months. There's nothing to be rush but to plan and to prepare. You know, I always tie-up by the trivial things here in the cottage, even there's no book fair at all.
At present, I am planning for some summer courses for children, though I'm not sure if they will succeed. Just try, no big deal. And I want to re-schedule the story-telling section during summer holiday. I will try to invite some voluntary storytellers. Actually, I only have all those in my mind, not implement yet.
I visited Yuen Long last Thursday and did a bit hiking. I love the village atomosphere and the natural fresh air at the hill. Have you visited Yuen Long before? I suggest you take some time visiting there. Some photos attached.
Yes, 64 is approaching. It always be a sensitive and unforgottenable figure to many Chinese. There're too many hidden wounds and contradictory feelings in Chinese hearts. Me too, whenever think about the scene (appeared in TV) 20 years ago, I can't help dwelling in it, though the feeling is not as strong as before. I started reading "Prisoner of the State" today. I hope I can find some more info to fill up the missing lines in history, though I don't think I can have a full picture ever.
................
Cheers,
Hilda
*****************************
From: Stephen Austin
Sent: Sunday, June 07, 2009 9:38 AM
To: Hilda
Subject: Re: Sunday
Hi Hilda,
It's Sunday again and a good time to write to you. Hope that this Sunday is as nice as all your other ones. This Sunday is a really sunny one with the temperature going up to about 31ºC. If you're going hiking again be sure to drink lots. I'm sure I don't need to tell you this. It was really hot during my run this morning.
I've read quite a lot about the pursuit of happiness, and a lot of philosophy and popular self-help literature deal with it. I could not agree more with your conclusions and your own perspective. People who do not have the insight that you have, that is they cling too much to the past with things you can't change or yearn after the mere material things in the future, are the ones whom happiness often eludes.
You treat the past as an education and a source of knowledge. With the right mindfulness and reasonable expectations the future gives us hope. But enjoying the savouring the present is the greatest source of contentment at the moment, which is why I'm quite happy writing this, knowing that you'll read it soon. A perfect moment.
You caught some nice moments during your hike to Yeun Long. The photos are nice. You caught some nice pussy cats and some plants. Some photos of you would be good, too. I have visited Yeun Long, but not had the pleasure of walking around the hills.
............
Catch you later,Stephen.
From: Hilda
Sent: Sunday, June 07, 2009 4:13
PMTo: Stephen AustinSubject:
RE: Sunday
Thanks, Stephen.
I enjoy reading your email, maybe somewhat like you're happy writing it.
Yesterday, I had dinner with two of my ex-classmates in university. We had really good time, sharing our existing jobs,difficulties, plans, and so on.We share our happiness and difficulties with care and support (though mainly mentally, not physically). I am happy that we have long-lasting and sincere friendship.
Yes. It's really so hot today. I woke up quite early in the morning as I had a meeting and then to teach the Sunday School today. And now, I am back to my little cottage, going to read "Prisoner of the State" again (I haven't finished it yet ma).
I think maybe I go out rather early in the morning to practice Tai Chi therefore we can seldom meet each other.
......
Cheers,Hilda
2009年6月4日 星期四
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