Lantern Festival has come and gone. And as it marked the end of two weeks of sleepless nights, I have to admit I’m glad. The city was strangely quiet during the holidays. Most people had either left to visit family or must have been sleeping the days away after late night firework shows.
I enjoyed New Year’s Eve and the grand finale. Lantern Festival! I love watching the little ones, holding a glowing lantern in one hand and grasping their parent’s hand with the other. This year, Brian wasn’t home for the Lantern Festive, so instead of going out, the kids and I pulled pillows and blankets onto our long, enclosed balcony and I read to them in between burst of fireworks. Then sometime after midnight, we all crawled into bed, in the two bedrooms that don’t have windows facing the street, and tried to get some sleep.
My kids were way too tired to do any school work, since the fireworks started almost every night just as they were about to go to sleep. I gave them some time off and filled the extra hours creating some artwork.
Here’s a fun drawing I did of a festive little scene near our home. The Chinese lanterns are gone now, so I’m glad I captured it.
Charity I am so glad that you got a chance to do some drawing. Did I tell you that Grandma R. is starting to do sketching now? I remember when she copied some from a magazine when I was a kid … and now she is taking it up as a hobby. I remember visiting you when the lanterns were still up and then not finding the landmarks the next time I went back to the stationary “mall” … lol.
It’s great to hear that my Grandma is pursuing her aspirations. I am encouraged by her optimism and am challenged too!
Hi, I am amazed at the way you so positively adapt and then interestingly report so we can picture your life in China. Also, these conditions would require getting along as you huddle in the cold. I can recall my bedroom upstairs in Sask. during coldest winter months and frost so thick on the windows I couldn’t even see out. You all will have wonderful memories for a lifetime. Enjoy the spring flowers as we are here along with rain/sunshine. Don always reminded me that without the rain there would be no forests and for 37 yrs he worked at McDonald Cedar in Fort Langley,which is no more! Stay well and I enjoy your letters, the drawings and so it puts you back in my thoughts etc. love you, Marianne
The winters here often make me wonder what life was once like in Canada. It doesn’t get nearly as cold here but without heating indoors, the winters are a challenge. I enjoyed the insight into your winters growing up. Thanks for sharing, Marianne, and thanks for your thoughtful comments.