Weekly Photo Challenge – Angular

This weeks Weekly Photo Challenge is Angular. This is the only photo I could come up to show a different angle. Enjoy!

Weekly Photo Challenge: Achievement – The Not So Easy 24 Form Tai Chi

The first time I saw the elderly people exercising in the park I wondered what form of exercise they were doing. It looked interesting and easy to do. Hmm I thought, I could do that too. At the time I didn’t realize that Tai Chi is a form of martial arts exercise combined with breathing techniques, meditation, and controlled slow movements. Tai Chi looks easy but it’s not. Every step is intentional with a count of 4-7 seconds each.

When I first expressed interest to Kevin (Tai Chi Master) he was only too eager and willing to teach me all about Tai Chi. He indicated it would take approximately 3 months of concentrated time to learn 24 steps. Because exercise is no fun all alone, I invited and had my friends Brandy and Linda learn right along with me. Boy, we were in for quite a surprise as Tai Chi is not easy at all.

After weeks of practice and exercise, Kevin informed us that we would perform what we had learned in front of a graduating class. Oh dear, I thought, I’m going to fall on my face and how will I keep from smiling (I’m always smiling, can’t help it). The other ladies were catching on pretty quick, I felt I was still going left when they were going right. During the training my name got worn out quite a bit with no Maria, other side Maria, slow down Maria, too fast Maria, Kevin didn’t realize he was very close to getting smacked! Ha!

The following chart shows what our forms should have looked like. My steps were nothing like the picture shows. In the end, we got through it with a little soreness, lots of laughter, and great fun!

I didn’t run a marathon like Michelle witnessed in New York City; but, for me this was a great achievement which falls into this weeks category. This week the Weekly Photo Challenge is Achievement. I hope you enjoy our video!

Chart credit to: bluesparrowtcc.wordpress.com

I would love to hear about something you have done that makes you feel accomplished. Enjoy!

 

 

Gardens Everywhere – China

There is so much to appreciate here in China. My list is long and full of gratitude and appreciation. Today, I’d like to share just a few shots of small gardens. Gardens, no big deal right? But, these gardens are unique in that they are not in someone’s backyard, front yard, or even in containers. These gardens are planted by the locals in open spaces or public spaces.

This garden is right next to the street. We have never seen someone disturb the gardens.

A garden along the canal that runs behind the apartment complex where I live. I love the look of the garden vs a grassy area.

Some of the trees were transplanted to this area. The grass had become a little overgrown before the locals started using the grounds for a vegetable garden.

As strange as this may seem, I find these gardens full of inspiration. The local people take the time to clear the land, prepare the soil, sow the seeds, and then they get to reap the harvest. 

Then we have the homeowner that has a small space behind the house or next to it. I’m not saying that every single person uses open spaces for gardening; but, there is a large percentage of people who utilize every area with soil for gardening.

This garden is located behind someone’s home.

On a hot summer day, Mike was able to visit with this older gentleman who was lovingly tying his plants up.

The locals are proud of the gardens and some can be found selling their vegetables on the side of the street near the open market.

Right now I’m really encouraged and inspired by John and the folks at  Food Is Free project in Austin, Texas. I’m so inspired that I would like to do something like this in Wabash, Indiana. What about you, what do you think of small gardens? Do you have a garden?

I’m so in love with life!

Maria

What’s Up Duck?

A beautiful display of duck. I personally do not like duck but this photo made my mouth water. Enjoy!

Friday’s Random Photos – China

I’ve decided to do a Friday’s Random Photos category where I can share a few snapshots that don’t fit into a blog post for that week. I’ve discovered I have a ton of snapshots in my archives that would be fun to share outside of a wordy post. Hope you enjoy!

Monica was petting this bunny until the sales lady motioned with her hands that she could eat it. Poor Monica immediately put the bunny back with disgust. This is the daughter that doesn’t eat much meat.

The steamed buns are delicious! Our favorite kind are the pork filled buns.

Durian fruit – we could smell the fruit a block away (slight exaggeration). What does it smell like? Imagine the smell of a couple of dirty shoes/socks stuck in a bag. Now pretend you are opening the bag and vapors of the nasty smelling odor slowly oozing out… yup, it smells like that.

Street fruit vendor – he carries the fruit baskets from a long bamboo yoke.

E. Nanjing Watchdog Weather Station. These are new and can be found on Pedestrian Street, E. Nanjing Rd. Interesting