Busy January

January was the busiest month since I returned to HK.  On top of school and an extra AutoCAD course on the side, I took up my first freelance project.  I don’t really mind being busy, for it keeps me productive, but whether it’s meaningful is another question.

Hopefully, I’ll have more time in February to pursue some of my personal endeavors…

Fotanian Open Studios 2010

Fotanian Open Studios 2010The dark streets, the industrial buildings, and the smell of machinery gave me a bit of a Déjà Vu this afternoon when I was aimlessly visiting the different open studios of Fotanian.  I remember when I was young, my parents would occasionally bring me to their industrial flats because there was no one to look after me.  I would sit there in the office quietly playing with all the different strange stationery while my parents toil through sweats to make a living.  Once in a while, I would go down the corridor to play Chinese chess with a friend, a friend whom I still see quite often after all these years.

Seeing these familiar industrial flats being transformed into artists’ studios was quite an intriguing experience.  I think it would be nice to have a little place there to experiment and explore art sloppily without worrying about cleaning up.  But until I get a more stable income flow, I’ll probably just stick with my little lair at home for now.

Moving On From….. the Copenhagen UN Climate Summit

BYOB 2009 VenueIt was freezing cold at the BYOB forum on Sat. evening, I was shivering while listening to the panels discuss issues about climate change.  What stirred me most was the way one of the panels reacted to a question from the floor.  I can sense his passion and love of nature.  Yes, how can we humans be so arrogant as to think we can easily temper the global climate with our little geo-engineering tricks?!

Reminiscence

Reminiscence – recall to mind of a long-forgotten experience or fact.

A wedding last night turned out to be somewhat of a reunion for me and my old UW housemates.  We were leisurely playing “Big 2” when we suddenly started talking about the good old days when time still seemed plenty.  We could easily spend hours in the residence’s cafeteria playing and eating poutine and philly-steaks.  Last night, despite the difference in setting and the passing of time, I could still sense the same laughter, optimism, and chemistry among us.  How I wish these happy times can come more often!

We went to karaoke for the after-wedding party.  I came home late.  My mom stayed up despite me telling her that I would be returning late.  I got a good scold during dinner tonight, and I exchanged some arguments but stopped quickly when I realized there was no use.

Table Inside Karaoke Room

New Year 2009

New Year’s Resolution

Every year I make my New Year’s Resolution, but they’re usually broken in less than a month’s time.  I am resolute that I keep my New Year’s Resolution this year!

Here’s my New Year’s Resolution for 2010:

  1. Finish reading The Message
  2. Complete the online drawing lessons
  3. Start a company and earn a positive net income
  4. Communicate better and argue less with my parents
  5. Volunteer at least once
  6. Enter at least one design competition
  7. Able to drive on my own
  8. Rid of my bad habit
  9. Read at least 24 books
  10. Keep all my New Year’s Resolution for 2010!

I pray that God would give me the wisdom and strength to keep all my resolutions.  I shall revisit and be reminded of these resolutions every month…

New Year Card 2009

Blessings

Before making my new year’s resolution, I should first count the abundant blessings I received.  I’m thankful for:

  • A loving family who is patient with me despite my occasional bad attitude
  • Good friends who I can talk to and seek help
  • A healthy body to work and play
  • Freedom to pursue what my heart desires
  • The gift of life to experience what God has set forth for me

Thank you God for everything that you have given me!  Let me use what I have to do good and not bad, and to live a life that is worthy or Your praise.

Guangdong, China

My Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing day this year were spent on a tour to Guangzhou with my family.  It must have been at least a few years since I’ve stayed in China for that long, it was a rather stimulating experience.  Despite being warned previously, I didn’t expect the air quality could be that bad in China, and the indoor air wasn’t of any relief either because of the proliferating smokers.  I was really feeling unwell towards the end and couldn’t spare any time to return home, and that’s when I first realized my place in HK has become my home after returning from Toronto 4 months ago.

The whole experience would be completely negative if not for my nephews and niece, they were full of energy and laughter throughout the entire trip.

Sketch Inside a Chinese Garden

Merry Christmas 2009!

It’s been a long while since I’ve done any cartooning…  I sometimes wonder how Christmas became so consumeristic over the years.  Have we ever tried stepping back and ponder about how the holiday originated?  I think my ever curious nephews and niece have much influence on the idea of this cartoon! =)

Since I’ll be away from HK for the next few days, I’ll say “Merry (early) Christmas!!” to all my dear friends here now.

Christmas Card 2009

Malcolm Wells

I like reading about the life and work of artists, especially those with a sense of humor.  Malcolm Wells (a.k.a Mac Wells) is one of those rare few I truly admire.  I love his style of writing – personal, honest, truthful, with plenty of humor/sarcasm and to-the-point cartoons/illustrations.  It was only by luck that I stumbled upon such a rare jewel.  After reading 3 of his books, I’m pretty much convinced that the only way to go is down!  Oh, did I not mention what Mr. Mac does?  He’s an architect who advocates earth-sheltered houses – a gentle type of architecture that may stand in harmony with nature.

R.I.P.  Mr. Malcolm Wells.

Some of Malcolm Wells' books

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