Lunar 3

Today is mid-autumn festival in the Chinese culture, sorta like the equivalent of Thanksgiving, when families get together and celebrate kinship. Tonight the moon is supposed to be the sharpest and roundest in the entire year, symbolizing perfect (re)union.

I catch a glimpse of the moon tonight, peeking back from behind a treetop silhouette. A famous ancient poem comes to mind - my loose translation will put me to shame:

The moon rises above the tips of willow branches
An after-dusk date made

Alas, 'tis after dusk. There shalt be no date. No family, either. And, saddest, but saddest of all, no mooncake.

Stupidest Occupational Hazard

Multiple paper cuts on the job... NOT self-inflicted

Quote 56

Together they stand on the hill,
telling each other
Stories and feeling the
Warmth of the sun on their backs.
And that, my friends,
is how it is
with
Love.

- A Lovely Love Story, Edward Monkton

Peregrination 4

This afternoon i walked to the Borders 0.79 mile from my house. That's right. Walked. It felt like such a quest even though it was only two sets of traffic lights away.

On the way there i watched clouds reflected in puddles with fallen leaves afloat. The sight filled me with joy. I could not recall the last time i derived joy from a puddle.

Whether we drive or take public transportation, everyday we transport ourselves from one enclosed space to another. There is something about being out in the open that makes us feel connected... makes us feel alive.

On the way home the sun finally peeked through fluffy cumuli that resembled a quilt (the cliché is there for a reason.) I felt so fortunate to have such beauty befall me, to feel my heart pumping in my chest, and to be carrying home books i gladly purchased off the bargain racks.

Golden

This morning, pulling out of the driveway, the rising sun illuminated this single tree across the street, creating the most amazing glow and leafy silhouette. I was so engrossed i almost drove blindly into traffic.

Later in the day, as i was on my break, caressing the bottom of my mug, peering outside, i spotted this one lone tree across street with the most gorgeous patch of fiery red. However many times i witness fall foliage, the sight takes my breath away.

Conclusion: For happiness, no matter the brevity, look across the street.

Before sunset, i noticed fall colors around my apartment. All of a sudden i was grateful autumn was here. I was not forlorn for the end of summer any more.

Acceptance. What a beautiful thing.

Selective

This morning i couldn't decide which lipstick would go with my dusty pink sweater. (I know, i can be such a girl at times.) My trusty glittery rose would certainly do, but i wouldn't wear my weekend shade to work. (That's right. There are categories.)

I dug deep into my stash (i used to be obsessed with makeup) and found this tube called Merlot.

Eureka! Who wouldn't want wine on their lips all day? Yum!

Dream 2

A middle-aged woman is on the roof of a masonry building, out on the ledge, holding on pensively. Her red matte jersey dress waves in the light breeze like the American flag, gentle and proud.

I can tell she's determined to jump. I want to tell someone. I think i should scream. But a part of me wants to see her step off.

She's about to turn my way and notice i'm watching and not doing a thing. So i scamper down the hallway to the other side of the building so i'll be behind her.

I'm holding my breath... She does it! With one swift, liberating leap.

I feel like a bad person for about 5 seconds. Then i realize: She is i.