Tuesday, September 19, 2017

29 years...

It just occurred to me that today, 9/19/2017, is my 29-year anniversary of being in this country.  I could not believe I was able to find the email below from 10 years ago... Time really flies!!

Looking back on the 29 years, I am not only thankful for the "opportunities" I've had in this country, but also truly grateful for life -- for everything I have experienced and everyone I have met along the way.

Thank you for being such good friends for so many years; thank you for teaching me to cherish every moment in life; and thank you for taking this amazing journey with me!  




From: Pei Tang <tang_pei@yahoo.com>
To: Pei Tang <tang_pei@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 18, 2007 7:21 PM
Subject: 19 years...
 


It was 19 years ago, on 9/19/88, I arrived in this country and started my life in America.  It's been a great experience.  Looking back, I am grateful for all the opportunities I have had over the past 19 years.  I am particularly thankful for all the help and support I received from my graduate school professor, Dr. Edwin Thomas, during the early and most difficult days of my long journey in America.

The following is an interview Michelle did for school when she was only 10.  I can say that it still accurately reflects my believe today.  

By Michelle Zhang
2/25/2001 

For this report, I interviewed my mother who immigrated to this country from China.  She, like most other immigrants, came here for more opportunities to be successful in her career.  She also wanted to provide a better life for her future children.  

She came here in 1988 as a graduate student.  Right before the trip to America, she was a graduate student in Beijing.  Her life was not as bad as some immigrants because she knew some English.  In her high school in China, she was taught the American Language.  She was a little scared of her new life she'd have to start.  She didn't know anyone and only had $45.  After the first few weeks, she came to realize that people here were open and friendly.    

Fortunately, she did not experience any racism and prejudice.  She made many American friends at her job and they all respect her a great deal.  She says she likes America because you have all kinds of opportunities, and if you work hard, you are sure to succeed.

Monday, September 11, 2017

The Art of Stillness

In the world of chaos, it's hard to find a little corner where the water is calm and leaves are still... However, it's the chaotic times when we truly need to find stillness in our hearts!

Willow Springs, IL
September 10, 2017

The 3rd photo is the reflection in the water -- that's how clear and calm the water was, just like a mirror!



Friday, September 1, 2017

The Great 2017 Solar Eclipse (2)

The solar eclipse frenzy continues...

Here is the time-lapse video I made from the 174 photos I took during the 175-minute solar eclipse.  I should have taken more photos so the quality of the video can be better.  But oh well, it captures the gist of the entire eclipse...  The dark moment in the middle of the video is during the totality.


Thank goodness for the upcoming LONG weekend -- I am going to shut down my phone along with all the social media craziness!!  Shut DOWN everything!!!

Enjoy your LONG weekend in whatever way your heart desires!