tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55476308005365658102024-03-13T15:39:16.816-05:00foreign born, art lover, avid readerForeign born...art lover...avid readerLoretta Yinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750458413624111508noreply@blogger.comBlogger225125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5547630800536565810.post-18317198327200257812024-01-26T11:58:00.000-06:002024-01-26T11:58:01.187-06:00e-Book<p> What do you know? The E-book is available.</p>Loretta Yinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750458413624111508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5547630800536565810.post-85957969573986541192024-01-25T11:10:00.000-06:002024-01-25T11:10:03.859-06:00A Published Author<p>The Revised version of my book is finally published. It is not perfect, but much, much better than the first one. The ink is much darker and the size of the words is more to my liking. The format is now acceptable. I am also working on the eBook.</p><p>Time to work on the second.</p><p>I turned 95 two days ago. I don't have the luxury to dilly-dally. Do I?</p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Loretta Yinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750458413624111508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5547630800536565810.post-20426377881865829452023-12-22T08:36:00.004-06:002024-01-26T12:01:20.995-06:00THE BOOK<p> Finally!</p><p>My book, "NOT THREE, NOT FOUR - a memoir of an immigrant", is being published, by Amazon.</p><p>Alas, I had no idea how very complicated self-publishing is.</p><p>My first printing turned out to be far less than satisfactory, to say the least. I am happy with the cover to a certain extent, but I was disappointed with the layout in many ways. </p><p>First of all, I did not know that I had to set the shade of the lightness or the darkness of the print. </p><p>Then, I did not know that the margins that shows on what I typed on the computer do not look the same when it is printed as a book. There is a lot of Math involved.</p><p>As a matter of fact, a million "things" are involved.</p><p>HELP!</p><p>My computer Whiz of a son-in-law and my grand-daughter are giving me a Big Hand. We will have Remedies!</p><p>Bear with me.</p><p>The second print is on its way. </p>Loretta Yinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750458413624111508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5547630800536565810.post-55104601177317246352023-09-01T07:10:00.005-05:002023-09-22T13:03:54.354-05:00THE ALBUM III<p> <br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The Asian Paintings expert came with the young man.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He looked more like a by-gone hippie than a representative of the Auction House. "D'ont judge the book by its cover. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Keep an open mind," </span><span style="font-size: medium;">I said to myself</span><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">He seemed excited, and promised to market The Album in Asia and so on. We eventually agreed on the terms of the sale and signed a contract. He kept saying, "Isn't it exciting?" Then, he and the young man left with my Album.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">So I waited patiently. Weeks went by. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">A beautiful catalogue came in the mail. My Album of paintings was featured in the catalogue. It looked quite impressive. I was pleased.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The Auction Day finally came. I watched the Auction online for hours. Unfortunately, The Album did not sell.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The Expert asked me to give him some time so he could try to sell the Album after the Auction. So I said, "Okey."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Days went by. No news.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">More time went by. I called and asked him to return my Album to me. And I have not gotten it back yet. Do I need a lawyer?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">After many requests from me and my daughter, the Asian art expert finally said that he would have someone hand-deliver the Album back to me. So far, I have not gotten the Album back yet. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">So much for the Saga of The Album.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I guess Grand-grand pa did not want the Album to go back to the Far East.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Stay-tuned.</span></p>Loretta Yinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750458413624111508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5547630800536565810.post-16001960619845192672023-04-07T17:06:00.005-05:002023-08-30T19:45:13.790-05:00AT THE CONSERVATORY<p><span style="font-size: large;">In the meantime, at the Conservatory where I live, life goes on as usual, after a fashion.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We have had many changes - staff members came and went. Residents moved away or passed away. Life, however, goes on.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Since I came here, we have had no few than five Directors, numerous different housekeepers, many different maintenance crew, four or five chefs (including a super-duper soup chef whom we all loved).</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We survived the covid academic, and had covid cases every now and then, for a while. We are okey now. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The weather had been strange, too. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now, we are in the south, right? </span><span style="font-size: large;">We did not have extreme cold weather in the former years. No frozen pipes to worry about. No busting-pipes either. But now, we certainly do. Freeze, severe thunderstorms,</span><span style="font-size: large;"> tornados even . . .</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">However, the salespeople have been doing a good job in securing new residents. The only big difference is that it seems a lot of the new residents need much more care, health wise. There are more walkers and more motorized carts (some of their owners don't seem to realize that the speed limit is not the same in the hallways as on the highways.)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I am not kidding you. One of the residents was ran over by one of those carts a few months ago. Her leg has not been the same since.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I think I am here to stay for a while. It is much too much trouble moving. Right?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I am of the opinion, Life is what you make of it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Make your surroundings as pleasant as possible. It is up to you. You are in charge, We are not prisoners. Unless you allow us to be.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p>Loretta Yinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750458413624111508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5547630800536565810.post-64526061362060604442023-04-07T16:26:00.001-05:002023-04-07T17:16:36.528-05:00THE ALBUM II<p><span style="font-size: large;">The phone rang on the other end of the line.</span></p><p> <span style="font-size: large;">After a few rings, a lady's voice came on.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I introduced myself and told her that I saw the ad, and I have something that might be of interest to her. I described the paintings to her and so on.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">She said, "Take pictures, and send them to me."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I went on to say that I thought the paintings were quite old and beautiul . . .</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">She said, "Take picures."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I started to tell her what I could translate from the writings . . </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">She said, "Take pictures."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I said that she might like to see them . . .</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">She said, "Take pictures."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So I said, "Okay."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now, I am not a photographer, but I do take pictures with my cell-phone. So, I set the paintings down on a white background and start "shooting". The light was not too great. The pictures did not turn out to be what I liked. I, however, sent them to her - via my phone.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I told my daughter, Melinda, about it. She thought my pictures were not good enough, and took it upon herself to take pictures of the paintings with her better phone. We bother agreed that the lady needs to see the paintings in person.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I guess our "nagging" kind of got to her, and to pacify us, she agreed to send someone to my apartment a few days later.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In the meantime, my other daughter, told me that the film covering the camera-eye of my phone, which I have had for a few years, had not been taken off. The film was old and wrinkled. She did not understand that I could have been taking pictures with the wrinkled film cover on the camera-eye all these years. Well, what do you expect from this 94-year-old ??? There were NO instructions . . .</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"Any how" (as they say in the South), a nice tall and lanky young man came to my apartment, a few days later. He introduced himself to me, and handed me a business card. He said very little, but he did TAKE PICTURES. One after the other, together with my amateur translations of whatever I could made of the calligraphy.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I showed him some other paintings and he dully took pictures of all of them. Then he left.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Loretta Yinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750458413624111508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5547630800536565810.post-1781801115841228582023-03-23T11:23:00.002-05:002023-03-24T11:07:50.149-05:00SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE - DECLUTER<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Have I not been telling my contemporaries about simplifying our lives at our age? Yet, I am guilty of "hoarding" myself.</span><span> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Although I have a two-bedroom apartment, with two fairly good-sized closets, and a small closet in the hallway to boot. I have enough "stuff" to fill all three closets. And the cabinets . . .</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It is time to do something about all the "stuff" sitting there.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Even if I live to be a hundred-and-ten, do I really, really need some of the "stuff"?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I have clothing that are several decades old and not been worn for more than a decade or so; things that I bought years ago that I thought I needed; art supplies to last me for another lifetime; table linens that have not seen the daylight since I moved here . . . </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Time to declutter, to simplify, and to let go.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And yet, I am making "stuff" everyday. I paint, I make "things" . . .</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">What to do? What to do?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I finally decided to brace myself and go through my "things".</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Didn't I advice others to - </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Give it away,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Throw it out.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> or, Sell it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So I should take my own advice.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Loretta Yinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750458413624111508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5547630800536565810.post-8122972775410585362023-03-23T10:34:00.001-05:002023-03-23T10:38:51.308-05:00THE ALBUM<p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It has been more than three years since my cancer surgery. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I am doing as well as can be expected, I suppose. Though everyone kept saying that I was doing wonderfully. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I am deformed. I cannot seem to gain any weight. I have trouble eating . . .</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">On the other hand, </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I am alive. I can get around on my own, with the help of a walker, if I have to walk far. I have my pains and aches, my allergy, and a few other little problems. I, sometime, have small memory lapses - not too major. I make little notes to remind myself of anything that I needed to remember,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">On the plus side, I can still read without wearing glasses. I can still paint. I can still do a little jewelry-making. And play some card games with my friends at the Conservatory.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Where I live, there are a number of people who have far more serious health issues than this 94-year old woman.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So, I said to myself, "Stop feeling sorry for yourself and start living."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Cleaning out the closets is one of the things that I needed to do. So here goes - get rid of the stuff and clothes that I have not used for the last few years . . . I do hang on to most of my artworks, done by me or by someone-else. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There were some of the things I have forgotten that I had . . .</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Then, one day, I saw an Ad in the paper - a fairly large colored one - with a green jade bottle perched on a teak stand, a white jade bowl, resembling a flower, a tall cloisonne enamel vase, all sitting on a rosewood? table, against a painting of branches of red persimmon fruits. The large dark-green leaves made the fruits redder even.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"Bring your Chinese Art to us</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> We'll sell it to the world"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Call . . . </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I thought to myself, may be the third time is charm.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I have some nice Chinese paintings and some objects of art. Amongst them, an album of 8 Chinese ink paintings on gold paper, done a long time ago.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The first time, many years ago, I wrote to a famous auction house, offering the album of paintings to sell. They never answered my letter.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The second time, my second daughter and her patient husband took me and the Album to the Antique Road Show in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The specialist looked at it, and said that it may be worth three or four thousand dollars. I disagreed. The paintings were exquisite and I liked them. Besides, they were close to 300-year-old. I can read the Chinese wording, names and dates and the stories told. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So, the album went into the closet and then it came with me to the senior-living place when I moved here over six-years ago. It stayed in the closet all this time. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Since the children did not want it, may be I should sell it. Let someone else enjoy it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Is it time to sell it?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I waited and pondered the thought for a few days. Then I picked up the phone and called the number in the ad.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Loretta Yinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750458413624111508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5547630800536565810.post-16447649519318601222022-02-03T11:43:00.002-06:002022-02-03T11:45:41.478-06:00IT'S SNOWING!<p><span style="font-size: large;">It is really snowing here in Plano, Texas,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The first real snow that I have seen since I came to the Conservatory in 2017. And it is beautiful!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Large flakes are falling continuously. The snow has covered the red-tiled rooftops and the ground now. There are icicles on the bare branches of those towering and graceful oaks and maples. At a distance, the line between the neighboring rooftops and the sky blurred. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There is no sign of traffic. No city noise. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The Texans are not used to Snow. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Last year we had the First Big Freeze - power lines were down, electricity was off for days, then, we lost water . . . For more than eleven days, the city suffered. There were damages to city and personal properties. There were also loss of lives. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So far this has not been the case this year.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The snow is still falling steadily. And it is Beautiful!</span></p>Loretta Yinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750458413624111508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5547630800536565810.post-11490417597300899312021-09-05T17:50:00.064-05:002021-09-14T17:58:03.376-05:00Is It Me Or This Old Computer?<p><span style="font-size: large;">I am old and so is this computer. For sometime now, this old computer has been given me more trouble than I can imagine. Is it time to put it out to pasture? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I am old-fashioned. If I have had something for a while, I tend to hold on to it, like an old friend. And this old computer and I have gone through a lot together. I started writing my blog on it since the beginning - since 2014.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>I may keep it for a while yet. </span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">After much deliberating, I decided I do need a new computer.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So my daughter and my son-in-law took me to Costco. I ended np with a slick-looking up-to-date computer and a printer. Now I am in business. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I have no more excuse for not writing, do I? </span></p>Loretta Yinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750458413624111508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5547630800536565810.post-42813372418977735532021-09-05T17:50:00.000-05:002021-09-05T17:50:12.354-05:00Tip-Toe to Normalcy<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It has been quite a year (a year and a
half, to be exact), hasn't it? Both in the world and personally, for me. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Covid19 hit us and then the surreal
political situation. The discovery of vaccine helped, but we are not out of the
woods yet. Why some people are against the vaccine is beyond my comprehension.
So is the wide belief of misinformation. Are we losing our senses, or what?</span></span></p><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> On top of it all, we had a Deep Freeze
in Texas this past winter. We lost power, we lost water, we lost lives . . . </span></span></p><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Yesterday, I tried to resume writing.
After I finished the article, I could not work the publish button. Then, the
whole thing disappeared. I could not find it . Then my mobile phone told me
that it would not let me make a phone call - it was blocked. By whom? I did not
block it. Today, I got one of those "Hi, Grandma" calls - the kind of
scheme for distorting and extracting money out of seniors. I wonder if someone
is selling lists of senors living in Senior-living places. Hey, we are old, but
we are not dumb.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> In the meantime, at the Conservatory,
we are trying to go back to "normal". The dining room is partially
open, "Happy Hours" resumed (three times a week instead of six times
a week). Personally, I do not think we should be serving that much drinks to
the residents. Are most of us on a lot of medication or other?</span></span></p><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Now, Masks-wearing is not mandatory
for those of us, residents, who are fully vaccinated. But then, how do we know
who is and who is not fully vaccinated, since that information is somewhat a
secret. The staff here, the care-givers, and visitors (those who are not fully
vaccinated) are supposed to wear masks . . .And, since more than half of the
population is not vaccinated, virus is raging in some states.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> We are tiptoeing towards normalcy,
whatever normalcy means.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></p>
<p></p>Loretta Yinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750458413624111508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5547630800536565810.post-14869135436424191532020-12-08T19:46:00.005-06:002023-03-23T15:31:48.330-05:00Never Too Old Too Learn<p><span style="font-size: large;">With this Virus pendemic, I am more or less Home bound most of the time. I live on the fourth floor and I do go downstairs to get my two meals from the Dining Room every day, or most every day. And I may go for a walk or two around the common areas - we have a lot of long hallways decorated with artworks and some antiques. It is not unpleasant. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The residents are not encouraged to congregate. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Wear a Mask and Keep Your Distance from the others.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A few days ago, I went into the little library to find some books to read. I found an Atlas. It is not of present day, but it is not too out-of-date either. I immediately took it back to my apartment to browse. Now you know, now-a-days, most everyone gets his or her information on everything from the internet. But holding a book in my hands is My cup-of-tea. And this is a BOOK! So I took it.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">You may already know that I was not a fan of History or Geography in my younger days. Since I am much older now, and I finally realized that History is just stories of mankind and geography is about the places where we live. I changed my mind. I am actually pretty interested in Both History and Geography. I am very glad that I was fortunate enough to have traveled to quite a few places in the past. I wish that I had done more even.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Well, after browsing over the Atlas, I discovered how ignorant that I had been.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Did you know that we have 188 Countries in this world? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I did not.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Did you know that We are not the wealthiest country in the World - as far as average per cap ta income is concerned. We rank No.6. Luxembourg, Liechienstein, Switzerland, Norway and Japan are ahead of us. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I certainly did not know that. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A Big Wake-up call! I have two Degrees from two Universities and I am quite ignorant! Now, I have a lot of time on may hands I need to learn more. It is never too late to learn. </span><br /></p>Loretta Yinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750458413624111508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5547630800536565810.post-5042123216318867212020-11-07T13:24:00.007-06:002023-03-23T15:33:02.815-05:00A NEW LIFE<p><span style="font-size: large;">At ten-thirty this morning, we got a new life line for our Democracy. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Our nightmare for the last four years will soon be at its end. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I celebrate this moment for my children, for my grandchildren, and for my country</span>.</p>Loretta Yinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750458413624111508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5547630800536565810.post-61450383401964713942020-09-02T15:41:00.005-05:002023-03-23T15:33:45.304-05:00CANCER SURVIVOR<p><span style="font-size: large;">It has been over six months since my surgery. I am, at the moment, cancer free and taking no medication. I am a cancer survivor. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">All things considered, I am doing well. My maxillary prosthesis is in place, my energy level is up, I am eating more of my "soft diet", and I am not in pain. On top of all, since the Coronavirus is still raging around here, we, at the Conservatory, are required to wear masks. A good disguise for my lopsided and puffy face.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Dining at the Conservatory is partially restored. Residents could make reservation for dining in the dining room. Masks are required and 'social distancing' is to be maintained. Unless the two of you are a Couple, you dine alone. Therefore, we find mostly "one lone diner at one table." Most of us still use the Takeout service. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We have some activities planned, to make us feel better, I suppose. But life is not the same as before. How long this is to last, we don't know.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The country is still in a turmoil. Virus is raging in many places. Unrest dominants daily. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">What happens in November for the people is anybody's guess. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Life goes on . . . . <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /></p>Loretta Yinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750458413624111508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5547630800536565810.post-63411325051423220732020-08-01T00:08:00.006-05:002023-03-23T15:35:52.551-05:00Putting Humpty Dumty BACK TOGETHER AGAIN<p><span style="font-size: large;">The Virus situation is not letting-up any where I am - in Texas. We are to wear masks and keep social distancing from anyone.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The number of people being sick with the virus keeps going up and the number of death rising.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now, it has been five and half months since my operation. I am finally back in my apartment at the Conservatory.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">T</span><span style="font-size: large;">he doctors and therapists are trying to make me whole. I am supposed to be doing well for someone in my impaired condition.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But it takes a long time to learn to be more or less normal, let alone being whole again.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My oldest daughter said that I needed to be patient, having gone through some very extensive surgery.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am trying, but it is not easy.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I go for therapy to help with lymphedema. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I go for therapy to help strengthen my neck and my limbs.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I go for therapy to help me learn how to swallow.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I go to the orthodontist for my prosthesis . . .</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The sweet dental-specialist did say that the end is in sight. May be I could eat more normally then.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">They are all trying to put this Humpty-Dumpty back together again. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Many of my fellow residents were surprised to see me, upright and walking - even though with the help of a walker, and comment how well I look. True, I had been absent from the Conservatory for several months. I do know that some did not think that I would survive the extensive operation. To tell the truth, I did not either. I did have my skillful and wonderful head/neck specialist-surgeon who gave me back my life. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So here I am. I do need to find some meaning to being here. </span></p>Loretta Yinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750458413624111508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5547630800536565810.post-25951866552411868122020-03-19T19:52:00.001-05:002020-08-07T07:47:19.148-05:00Virus Invasion<span style="font-size: large;">While I am fighting my own personal battle, The Coronavirus invaded the world.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We came to the point of having Shutdowns in States, etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">A worldwide crisis.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Even at the Conservatory, the dining-room is closed. Meals are to be delivered to our apartments. Social activities are curtailed. No visitors are allowed. Only Healthcare provided are allowed to enter. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">How long is this to last. We don't know. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The stock market crashed.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The economy is sliding.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">What next?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">My sweet daughter and her husband decided that it is better for me to move in with them for the time being than to be left at the Conservatory since it was the new ruling that even family members were not welcome for visiting. So, we packed up what I needed for the time being and moved in with them.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I am one of the lucky ones. Many people have lost their jobs, etc. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">What next, indeed.</span>Loretta Yinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750458413624111508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5547630800536565810.post-87444742419689021472020-03-14T19:20:00.004-05:002020-09-02T23:09:32.309-05:00Begining A Journey<span style="font-size: large;">The road to recovery is long and slow. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It has started. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">24 days ago, my wonderful surgeon got rid of my oral cancer after some 7 hours' hard and miraculous work at Methodist Hospital, in Dallas.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For the next two weeks, I breathed and was fed through tubes, etc. I cannot say that I remember much - there were endless nightmarish scenes I remember, of fighting the restrictions the nurses put on me, the many dying scenes (imaginary, as all those at the hospital would say; but, they were real to me.), and countless "baby steps" I took, such as learning to sit up, to stand up, to take a step - one foot before the other - one step at a time . . .</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Eventually, the tubes were gone. I was fed liquids and some purred foods. After being in the hospital ICU, for the most time, I was sent back to my home at the Conservatory - on the 3rd of this month.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now, it has been Ten days after I have been at home.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">True I am well on my way to recovery.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The hole in my neck has finally closed up.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The swelling on my face is much better. I still look like the Phantom though.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I can walk without help.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I can feed myself, after a fashion. No solids for a while yet.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Great improvement. I am trying to do word-puzzle everyday.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My Speech therapist is teaching me how to use my tongue. Saying certain alphabets are trying to me. I keep trying.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My energy level is rising, slowly and surely.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It is so good to talk to you.</span>Loretta Yinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750458413624111508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5547630800536565810.post-36965439994628434622020-03-03T21:20:00.003-06:002020-09-02T23:10:20.886-05:00Cancer Surgery<p><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, I went for the surgery. I had a wonderful, masterful surgeon. He cut me up and put me back together. I look a fretful sight, but they said that I will heal and be "normal-looking" more or less eventually. (The 'more or less' is my interpretation.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now, I have to learn how to eat, how to speak, etc. It is a long haul, I am sure. But I am here. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I will relay to you some of my experiences as a patient in the hospital - I thought that I died five times and came back and so on. I also did some awesome imaginary paintings, made some wonderful music, so on ... Will tell. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Good to be with the world again. </span></p>Loretta Yinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750458413624111508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5547630800536565810.post-62545883202113129802020-01-28T16:41:00.003-06:002023-09-22T07:36:24.271-05:00Random Thoughts<span style="font-size: large;">Anything we fully do is a lone journey.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">When you go over your work, be a Samarain - a great warrior with the courage to cut out anything that is not relevant. Don't be sentimental.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Our rooms are indications of our state of mind. A little apparent disorder is an indication of the fertility of the mind and someone who is actively creative.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We are the sum of our experiences. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In search to belong. A long identity crisis.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Absorb what is useful,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Reject what is useless,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Make life your own.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Cut out paper clutter -</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">File it,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Forward it,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Fix it, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Fill it,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Forget about it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Only keep what you love.</span>Loretta Yinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750458413624111508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5547630800536565810.post-80094166436978824872020-01-28T11:17:00.002-06:002020-08-01T00:14:12.800-05:00The Dammit Doll II<span style="font-size: large;">I can use the Dammit Doll myself.</span>Loretta Yinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750458413624111508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5547630800536565810.post-47802027609905196312020-01-28T11:11:00.002-06:002023-09-22T07:38:33.892-05:00Tha Dammit Doll<span style="font-size: large;">It all started when I was having lunch with one of the residents. She has cancer and was having a bad day. I said to her that I had just the thing for her. I will make her a Dammit Doll. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Some years ago, when I belonged to an Art club in Ada, Oklahoma, and we were having a Christmas Party. One of the members made a bunch of clothes dolls for everyone at the Party - A Dammit Doll for each of us. She said that when things did not go well for us, we should get hold of the doll and slam it and swear. A great stress relief Tool!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So I made the lady a clothe doll with button-eyes and yarn-hair. I thought my doll had character, and she did, too.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Soon, I made several of them and gave them away, asking the recipients to make a donation for our Annual Employee Holiday Fund. We are nor permitted to give tips to our employees. So once a year, we collected money from the residents and distributed to all those who serve us all year long. We have the front desk helpers, the behind the desk helpers, the drivers, the housekeepers, the maintenance people, the kitchen staff, the dining room staff, and so on. All 50+ of them.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">People started asking for the Dolls. One day, someone I hardly knew, asked me to make her 8 dolls. I looked at her and thought, What Nerve!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">She said that she would pay for them. I thought Why Not. It pays for my expenses. So it started. Pretty soon, more people were asking me to make some dolls as presents to their grand-children, for their friends, and so on. I ended up giving a bunch of them away and sold quite a few. People were also giving me scarps of materials and unused buttons and so on.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The dolls brought smiles to many and laughters to some.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When I gave some dolls to those who have issues with their health or feeling sorry for themselves at times, thinking that their families abandoned them, real or imaginary . . .</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">That made me feel good.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So it went on with the Dammit Dall saga. </span>Loretta Yinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750458413624111508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5547630800536565810.post-10587960675400864252020-01-24T22:41:00.007-06:002023-03-23T15:43:13.345-05:00ANOTHER YEAR<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Well, here I
am - into the fourth year of my life at the Conservatory.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have not
changed too much – except being another year older, not nearly as healthy as
when I first came here (not doing too badly for an almost 91-year-old though),
and a bit more impatient with life at times.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">However,
much has happened at the Conservatory. We have had two new Directors, three new
Chefs (one only lasted a week), two new Maintenance-directors, and A Very Large
Stone Fireplace in the courtyard, with all the trimmings. Now, I ask you, why
do we need a fireplace in the courtyard? We are in Texas! Most of the time the
temperature is such, we need the AC more than Heating. Aw, such is Life. There
are many things that we have no explanations for. True?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now, don’t
get me wrong, the Conservatory, as far as being a facility goes, is not too
bad. We are being fed and being taking care of by an Army of Staff – all 50+ of
them. Aside from our Executive Director, we have a business manager, a group of
front-desk workers and behind the scene workers. Not to mention the Kitchen and
dining-room staff and servers, the maintenance staff, the gardeners, the
sometime painters (wall-painters, that is), and so on. No Security persons,
though. An oversight??? But then, it is definitely not easy to take care of
some two hundred old and stubborn, very opinionated, and grouchy people. Don’t
you agree?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Life is not
too bad really? Life is what you make it, after all. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I try to
keep busy – lest I fall asleep in front of the TV. I paint a little, I read, I
tend to my plants, I play Games several times a week with my new friends, etc.
And believe it or not, I have been making Dammit Dolls for the last few months
– mostly for people who live or work here. It is a stress release tool. When It
brought some smiles to some who live here, it made me happy...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All my three
daughters, and their spouses, are well. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Cynthia, my
optometrist, retired this year, and her husband, Steve, the attorney, will retire
soon. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cynthia’s daughter, Natalie (my
delightful grand-daughter) is now in Seattle, WA. Melinda and Mark take time out
of their busy life to take care of me, here in TX.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cissy and Rick (the physical therapist) are
super-busy with work and raising two teen-agers, my grand-children, Boone, and
Edie.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Wishing you
Happy 2020 and a less Crazy Year on the political scene, my old and new friends.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">From Loretta</span></div>
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<![endif]-->Loretta Yinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750458413624111508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5547630800536565810.post-261382250999054752019-05-04T10:36:00.001-05:002020-08-07T07:56:51.261-05:00My Battle With Modern Technology<span style="font-size: large;">Give me a challenge and tell me that I could not do it, I will prove you wrong, even if it kills me! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Call me a stubborn old woman!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Except when it comes to modern technology. I surrender to:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Computers</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Notebooks</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> i-Pads</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> i-pods </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">May be even i-phones.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Give me back my Pen and Pad! (Pad of paper, I mean.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I do enjoy being able to obtain information on the Net. I can find out the facts and correct my faulty memories on most any given topics. I can find out how I can go from Point A to Point B. I can gather information on most any subjects that I wish to learn.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hooray for the Internet!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And I am awed as to what Power the Net has - it is allowing me to share My stories with you. Especially with those of you some thousands of miles away from me. All with a click of the Key. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But, it also leaves it wide open to anyone in the world who wishes to invade my "domain." </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"The Big Brother is watching you." Remember "1984"? The book by Orwell.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It is here in this 21st century. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It has also enabled unscrupulous people to gather, and sometimes alter, and spread false information about us. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And we are helpless and not able to defend ourselves. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So my advice to all is: Be mindful of what you say and wish for! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You don't know who is listening! </span>Loretta Yinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750458413624111508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5547630800536565810.post-15345865655477666082019-01-30T11:03:00.000-06:002020-08-07T07:58:02.421-05:00A New Year<span style="font-size: large;">I cannot tell you how my "time" went. I have been living at the Conservatory for a little over two years now. But-</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have neglected to keep up with my writing. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have somewhat neglected to do some real painting.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You see, I have being piddling - doing little watercolor cards at the kitchen counter. Watercolor is cleaner and far less toxic than oil, and painting little watercolors takes little effort or thought. A cop out, I know. I make birthday cards and send them to selected "neighbors." They love the cards and praise me. Hence, I paint more little cards. What a "circle of events."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And, I have spent a lot of time watching News on television. What happens in the country worries me a lot. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What is happening?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Throughout my ninety years, I had seen a lot, lived through a lot... </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am not afraid of change, but I am afraid of "unreasonableness" and "madness." </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I, like many, have "blinders" over my eyes, live on.<br /> </span>Loretta Yinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750458413624111508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5547630800536565810.post-36171445551547016472019-01-30T10:48:00.001-06:002023-03-23T15:47:00.497-05:00ON TURNING NINTY<span style="font-size: large;">Last Wednesday, I turned 90.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Among my ancestors, only my paternal grandmother lived past 90. I believe she was 94 or 95 when she passed away.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Grandmother refused to leave China when my family fled from the Communist invasion and went to Hong Kong in 1949. She and her second-daughter, my single aunt, lived together. For almost thirty years, she lived under the terror and suffering from the new government. I vaguely remember stories about how she was made to live in only one part of her three story home, having to allow others to take over her other parts of the house. And, how, during the young Red Army "madness", she lost everything. The story was that somehow they found out about her diamonds hidden under the floor boards and confiscated them, among other things. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">My mother said, since my father's mother would not move to Hong Kong with us, she could not take her mother, my long-widowed maternal grandmother, to Hong Kong with us. Her logic, certainly not mine. If only I had any say-so in those days. I would have at lease made some "noise." Grandma went to live with one of her brothers-in-law and passed away a few years later.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And here I am, ninety-years-old, living comfortably in a nice two-bedroom apartment, in a modern and fast-growing part of Texas. I have a view of the most wonderful sunsets a lot of the times. I am well-fed and well-cared of. I am surrounded by some good friends and caring staff. I am well-loved by my children and their spouses, and by my grand-children. What is more - I can still walk without a cane. My middle daughter, Melinda, gave me a plaque that says, "Age is like a hat. It's all in how you wear it, Honey."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My cup runneth over.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">My only worry is the "craziness" in the country.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I am not a praying type, but for the sake of our children and grand-children, I am praying that "This will pass."</span><br />
<br />Loretta Yinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17750458413624111508noreply@blogger.com0