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Showing posts from May, 2026

Heart Garden

   A song goes, "You have a garden in your heart, blooming profusely, yet no one discovers it." I feel these two lines are philosophical, but even more like lines of poetry.   They possess all the attributes of poetry: beauty, a touch of melancholy, and a hazy longing. They also possess philosophical depth, evoking a deep sense of identification and resonance.   In everyone's heart, there is a hidden garden. It needs external care and nourishment, sunshine and rain. It is a lush, vibrant life, yet also a fragile, unpredictable existence. You cannot describe how enduring and fragrant its aroma is; only in the passionate collision of hearts will you realize its beauty and magnificence.   When you end the hustle and bustle of the day and return to the depths of your inner garden, you will find it like a loyal friend, never betraying you, appearing by your side at the right time. It also possesses extraordinary patience, listening attentively to your whispers, and answering y...

The best of you, the best of me, and the best of us.

 Often, people who were once inseparable, whether close friends of the opposite sex, confidants, or even bickering sisters, may drift apart due to unpleasant memories or become strangers for various reasons. But none of that matters. What matters is that when you were closest to each other, you treated each other with your truest hearts and cherished the relationship. You sincerely accompanied each other on a journey, creating unique and irreplaceable beautiful memories. However, we all understand that no one can stay with anyone forever. We will all eventually leave someone behind or be left behind , then pick ourselves up and continue our journey alone, making new friends and companions along the way , and walking hand in hand on the next leg of the journey. But I hope that after experiencing so many long journeys, after appreciating so many beautiful landscapes, and after meeting so many new friends and companions, we will still clearly remember the most beautiful memories they ...

Clover

   A cool windowsill, bright sunshine, fresh air, and meticulous care are undoubtedly what flowers yearn for most. And so, a clover was growing vigorously, and during these days I began to love it.   This pot of clover grew very lushly, each stem growing individually, unlike other flowers where the stems are connected. But because the roots were intertwined, it was able to produce pink flowers. Each clover stem had three leaves at the tip, and the small pink petals had five petals each. The stems varied in height, with the middle higher and the sides lower, forming a hemisphere of clover. Combined with the pink flowers, it looked exceptionally lovely, and I instantly fell in love with it.   Perhaps you don't know where this flower came from; my teacher brought it to me in fifth grade, and I loved it at first sight, so I took meticulous care of it. Every day I watered it with my leftover water. Seeing the other flowers, like jealous young girls, vying for my favor, I felt a strange ...

The joy of stealing time

   My favorite line from the Tang Dynasty poet Li She's poem "Inscribed on the Wall of Helin Temple" is the second half: "Passing by a bamboo grove, I met a monk and chatted; stealing half a day of leisure from this busy life." The poet, taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the world, climbed a mountain and unintentionally chatted for a long time with a high-ranking monk. He found a rare moment of peace amidst the troubles of the world, something that made him very proud! Therefore, the poet used the word "steal," which I think is brilliantly chosen. It doesn't mean stealing someone else's belongings in the ordinary sense, nor does it harm anyone's interests. The poet simply secretly enjoyed a moment of leisure that others cannot.   I believe stolen time is the most comfortable, and I also have a habit of stealing time. I am a sensitive person, and I usually open my eyes at five o'clock in the morning. At that time, the sky is j...

Walking in the rain

   A sudden downpour caught me completely off guard, blocking my way.   I was walking along when I felt raindrops slide down my face. Before I could even process what was happening, the raindrops began to fall heavily on me, gathering on my face. It was raining! My clothes gradually darkened, as if they had been re-soaked. Looking around, some people were shielding their heads with their hands to protect their hair. Others were running, racing against the rain to find shelter, their speed undeniably impressive. For a moment, the pedestrians were in a state of panic, each trying to react to this sudden gift from heaven.   I, however, remained unmoved, continuing to walk slowly, as if strolling through a market, leisurely and carefree. The rain first hit my head, soaking my hair before streaming down my cheeks, the flow gradually quickening. As I walked, some rain streaked across my face, while others slanted towards my clothes. The raindrops surrounded me from all sides, landing on ...

Above the dark clouds lies a clear sky; cherish every moment of inspiration.

 The recent pressure of work seems to have turned everyone into emotional madness. One second it's bright sunshine, the next it's a sudden downturn and a dark cloud due to workload demands. I'm truly grateful to you all for your support and help. When I encountered various unpleasant little incidents at work, you were there to cheer me up, guide me, encourage me, and comfort me. Without you, my sometimes depressed mood wouldn't have cleared up so quickly, because only you understand these feelings. Without you, I might not have been able to persevere under so much pressure. But when many people talk about our work, they always think our jobs are easy and comfortable. Little do they know that our huge monthly workload requires a strong heart to survive ; otherwise, we can easily become depressed. Although I'm not strong enough to be unaffected by anyone or anything , I've definitely grown compared to my past self. As Sister Lei once said , "Most of the time,...

I am in the book, I am in the world.

   Recently, I saw a WeChat article titled "Reading Can Not Only Heal, But Also Cause Depression," citing the example of Feng Xiaoqing's death from depression after reading *The Peony Pavilion* as evidence, highlighting the importance of choosing books carefully. I grieve for every lost soul in this world, but to give up certain books to escape a dark mood would be going too far.   Empathy is an innate psychological state in everyone. To feel melancholy because of a book is like feeling down because of gloomy weather, sad because of a stray cat, or yearning because of the heroine's silhouette. Because the atmosphere in the book is like that—a heavy twilight, wispy clouds—empathy only arises when you dare to enter the book's world. If I were to appreciate a play, I would rather be an invisible person on stage, running alongside the actors, than sit in the audience nodding elegantly.   Lately, I've been reading mostly depressing books: from Ryūichi Murakami'...

The lotus pond has clear water

   The ancient city boasts a lotus pond, just a stone's throw from the bustling Yuhua Road, easily accessible. Within the garden lies a ten-acre lotus pond, with Kunlang Garden to the southwest. A massive Taihu rock, riddled with holes, stands before the moon gate, backed by a clump of bamboo. The south-facing house features a three-sided corridor, with a small, elegant, and tranquil courtyard paved with bluestone, free from traffic and noise. Every morning, a group of elderly people, bathed in the morning sun, hold long brushes, their ink flowing from the lotus pond, their characters imbued with the fragrance of red lotus blossoms. They find joy in writing calligraphy on the ground, appearing almost like immortals.   This is truly—a harmonious blend of regular, cursive, official, and running scripts, dragons soaring and phoenixes dancing. They refine and polish their skills, achieving the strength and elegance of Yan Zhenqing and Liu Gongquan. They compose Tang and Song poems, Han...

Lu Yao, Ordinary World

Lu Yao: Everyone has a period of awakening, but the timing of that awakening determines one's destiny.1. Life cannot wait for others to arrange it; one must strive and fight for it oneself. Regardless of whether the result is joy or sorrow, one can find solace in knowing that one has not lived in vain. With this understanding, you will cherish life and not be cynical; at the same time, it will instill a powerful inner strength within you. —Lu Yao, *Ordinary World* 2. Money is certainly important, I know that; I suffer for money every day! But I also feel that there should be something else in this life… —Lu Yao, *Ordinary World* 3. I believe that everyone has a period of awakening, but the timing of that awakening determines one's destiny. —Lu Yao, *Ordinary World* 4. In this world, not everything reasonable and beautiful can exist or be realized according to one's wishes. —Lu Yao, *Ordinary World* 5. How much helplessness and regret, what sorrow and grief, is there in life...

The distant sounds of strings and drums

   In my old home in Boye village, there's a huge stone mortar in the center of the village, its concave hole smooth and round. The elders say it was used by a waterwheel to drive a wooden mallet to pound flour. The innocent children loved to lie on the mortar listening to storytellers sing Xihe Dagu (a type of storytelling performance).   The evening breeze carried the clearly audible crackling sounds, filled the air with the unique fragrance of green plants, and the crops were growing wildly. After finishing their work in the fields, the men bickered as they returned to the village, while the women turned to their own vegetable gardens to pick some vegetables to cook. Every family ate the same meal: yam noodles. The noodle press in the gate creaked and groaned as the women, carrying earthenware basins, lined up to have their noodles pressed, chattering about everyday matters, while the children urged them on.   Before the pale yellow moon had even climbed above the treetops, the ...

Solo travel

   With the help of high-speed rail, solo travel became much smoother. Buying tickets online and paying by card made me feel quite trendy. The bullet train, the elevated highways, and the grand and magnificent stations—these external factors ultimately overcame the constraints of the ticket price, allowing me to pack my bags and set off.   My body hadn't moved, but my heart had already traveled far. As the train sped forward, my mind soared. When I brought my gaze back, the scene before me felt like a dream. A beam of morning light shone through the window, shimmering with golden light, and the music inside the train seemed to come alive, playing cheerful tunes. People took out their phones and cameras, eagerly capturing this beautiful moment. The train sped forward, 250, 280, 285—the numbers on the display screen in the middle of the carriage constantly refreshed, while the scenery outside the window flashed by like a movie, flowing past like clouds.   The journey itself is a proc...

Memories... of people I may never see again.

   A while ago, after class, as I was leaving the computer lab to go back to the classroom, it started to rain. Everyone around me was holding books over their heads and running back to the classroom quickly. But I didn't do that. Maybe I like the feeling of being in the rain, or maybe it's because I hate the way my books get wrinkled from the rain. I walked back step by step. Suddenly, I heard some cheers. I looked up and saw a couple. The boy was using his books to shield the girl's head. I was instantly filled with envy, and it reminded me of you.   I thought of times when I had people who cared for me, people who listened to my complaints about my daily troubles, and people who sang for me. Maybe it wasn't their choice, and even though they didn't sing well, I would still listen to them over and over again with a smile.   This time last year, I was still very happy. Although I was ostracized by my classmates because of the teacher's favoritism, I still recei...

Safety and Responsibility

  Today is the third day of our rural social practice activity, and many tasks are progressing smoothly. This morning, I participated in the security team's work, patrolling the campus as a security guard. During the patrol, I fully understood the hard work of the security team—although it was just patrolling the campus, and sometimes even sitting down, there were few shields near the school gate, so even sitting, the security team had to work under the scorching sun. To prevent strangers from entering the campus and to ensure the children's safety, the security team members spend half the day every day facing the school gate, and sometimes they are so worried that they dare not even go to the restroom, keeping a constant eye on the gate. This deep-seated concern is unprecedented, but it also fully demonstrates that we have truly taken on our responsibilities as junior teachers. In the afternoon,  I assisted with the lessons taught by the junior teachers of the third and fourth...

Ocarina

   The sound of the ocarina is unique: high-pitched, light, and resonant.   It naturally evokes images of boundless bamboo forests and waves surging in the wind. The sound of the ocarina is like a flock of white birds rapidly swirling, rising, falling, and soaring above the undulating green waves…   I first heard the sound of an ocarina in a small alley called Jinli in Sichuan. This pedestrian street, paved with bluestone slabs, is actually a bustling place. The wooden buildings on both sides of the alley retain their original floral windows, and red lanterns hang high. Tourists throng the winding alley, and the stream murmurs. The shops, lined up one after another, sell clothing, jade, ornaments, antiques, musical instruments, and all kinds of Sichuan snacks. If you get tired, you can sit and rest on the stone benches under the plane trees by the roadside.   Perhaps due to my childhood love and sensitivity to music, my hearing caught a beautiful melody amidst the bustling city. Al...

Flowers bloom throughout summer

   While the vibrant blooms of spring are certainly delightful, I prefer the passionate intensity of summer flowers.   Reading Tagore's *Stray Birds*, the line "Life is as brilliant as summer flowers" immediately comes to mind, conjuring images of vast fields of sunflowers. I firmly believe that the "summer flower" in the poem must be the sunflower. It's like a radiant smile, blooming on the face of summer. No other flower can so bravely follow the sun's direction, its fragrance and brilliance lasting an entire season.   In my childhood memories, every summer, sunflowers flourished in our small courtyard, their golden petals gleaming. They would always appear unexpectedly, proudly unfurling their petals at the tips of their branches. They weren't delicate flowers, easily withered by wind or rain. They grew wildly under the scorching summer sun, quickly reaching a height I could only look up to. Their stems and flower heads grew increasingly robust an...

Rapeseed flowers and birds

   Here a patch, there a patch, patch after patch of golden rapeseed flowers divide the village into springtime landscapes, creating a vast sea of ​​flowers. Together with the gradually greening trees, or plants still on their way to green or other colors, they seem to be competing. These plants are holding a sports meet. The rapeseed flowers are the square formation.   I watch this sports meet every year. Like ice, as it moves, it merges with water; the warmest place is its lowest point, and spring is also its lowest point. Like some deciduous trees, in this season, they first show hints of green or brown, the green gradually increasing, then red flowers appear, changing their withered state. Like the crowd of visitors, even my clothes have to change.   Rapeseed flowers are a regular part of my family's grain crop. They are the earliest blooming grain flower. They are the harbinger of spring among grain crops. My uncles and aunts, the elders and folks of the village, are the ones ...

Seeking poetry and distant places

  This is a friend of mine, specifically a fellow writer.  That day, he sent me this message on WeChat: "The new rice has arrived! I'm free now. Come over sometime, let's taste the new rice, have a few drinks, and chat." He included a photo of plump, translucent grains of rice cascading down the hillside. In the setting sun, glistening beads of sweat glistened on his joyful face.   He's a farmer, a farmer who loves writing poetry. He runs his own small newspaper called "Poetry," published weekly, and has already published over 300 issues. His payment for my writing is probably unique in the country: three jin (approximately 1.5 kg) of rice; all from his own farm, absolutely organic and pollution-free.   After a long day of running around, I finally had two or three days of free time, so I quickly called him to tell him my plans. He happily agreed.   Around noon, I arrived at Shangnan Station. He was waiting for me in his car outside. I got into the car, ...

Should I stick with this job?

  Should I stick with this job?  I've asked myself this question countless times. The hesitation in my heart, coupled with the constant changes in reality, makes this question bravely surface again and again, only to end without a clear answer.   Every day I take three buses, involving two transfers, spending an hour and a half. I've been doing this for five years, yet my monthly salary is only around three thousand… If you tell any person these numbers, their answer will definitely be, "Quit! It's pointless, it has no future."   Yet I continue…   It's not that I'm so reluctant to give up this job; it's that I can't muster the courage to take that step.   I always have too many concerns: an incomplete family, low education, no current skills, low self-esteem, etc.   I love writing, so I pin my hopes on it, but laziness is my downfall. Time has passed, and my writing dreams have come true countless times, yet I remain stuck at the same point.   I k...

Actually, I'm very tired.

  No one in this world understands me.  Actually, I'm very tired.   Actually, no one has ever understood me. I'm used to pretending to be strong, used to facing everything alone…   I don't know what I really want.   Sometimes,   I can talk happily with everyone, I can be very unrestrained;   but no one knows that it's just a disguise, a very deliberate disguise.   I thought I could make myself very happy,   but I can't find the source of happiness.   I'm not used to telling others about my problems, because everyone has their own life, their own pain.   Actually, I cherish the people around me, but the pressure of life makes me good at forgetting, forgetting all those memories   . I thought forgetting could make me happy…   but I only feel more lonely…   The night deepens, the air around me is cold…   I sit alone in the car, staring blankly at the sky…   I don't even know what I'm thinking…   reminiscing about the past, that's all.   Actually, I also...

Sit down under the tree and rest your feet

   Have you ever noticed the Chinese characters for "rest" (休)? These two characters are quite interesting. I interpret "休" as someone sitting under a tree taking a break, and "息" as the freedom and ease of mind after resting.   On the long journey of life, we suddenly see a tree by the roadside. This tree is like a rest stop, a place for us to rest. So, we stop our hurried steps, sit under the tree, completely relax, and recuperate our weary bodies and minds.   Sitting under the tree, all burdens are left behind, and we simply enjoy the tranquility of the moment. Gazing into the distance, the vast earth stretches out to the horizon; the white clouds in the blue sky are ever-changing, telling colorful stories; sunlight filters through the leaves, dancing delicately; birds sing overhead, their melodious songs filling the air; the lush green grass carpets our feet, understandingly easing our fatigue… Everything is so relaxed, pleasant, and carefree.   Sittin...

It's time for the leaves to fall again.

  My workplace is a small courtyard with several sycamore trees. Every late autumn, their large leaves fall to the ground. Others might think they're unsanitary and need to be swept away, but I have a special feeling for them because I spent my childhood winters surrounded by fallen leaves.  I remember when I was little, my family was very poor. We couldn't afford coal, and we didn't have enough firewood. In winter, we relied on the fallen leaves that nature provided for cooking and heating. Fallen leaves were excellent firewood; as my mother said, they burned well. So every autumn, just as dawn was breaking, my brother, sister, and I would be woken up by our mother to grab rakes and gather leaves. I would follow behind them, dozing off as we went. When we reached our chosen spot, we'd find someone had already gone ahead, piling up the leaves, and I would often trip over them. We had to find other places with lots of leaves and no one else around. By the time we'd ...

Focus is the happiness of ordinary people.

    I didn't write anything today. I'm gradually rediscovering my initial passion: reading, analyzing, and finding great satisfaction in appreciating a book. I support original works and strive to be an ordinary reader. I'm contentedly writing page after page about the plot structure, story, characters, and narrative, wanting to know how the author handled so many issues. I'm starting to learn to focus on my work, and these moments make me feel so happy. It seems I've neglected many good books in the past.       Twenty long years—perhaps my whole life will be spent writing. I think I should have a place of my own, a place to rest when I'm tired. The outside world is wonderful, but it's also full of helplessness. Focus is the only way I can feel happiness. I will write novels freely, and I will also practice deliberately; I enjoy both.    Besides studying writing, I have few other forms of entertainment. I enjoy analyzing little by little, keeping a record in...

If you don't like it, don't force it.

   A month ago, I received pre-exam training at school. During the school's job fair, I also took the opportunity to apply for jobs.   Based on my major and my curiosity, I submitted several resumes, including two to hospitals, one to a fitness center, one to a pharmacy, and one to a biotechnology company (selling medical devices).   That afternoon, two interviews were scheduled for the same time. After careful consideration, I chose the more challenging job. They were hiring 15 people, and about 40 students from our school were competing for the position. After initial and follow-up interviews, I and twelve other students were selected. We signed a 6-in-55 internship contract with the recruiting company, and were expected to start work two weeks after the exam. I also gained a general understanding of the company through the recruiting manager's PowerPoint presentation, but I wasn't very clear about the nature of my job, only knowing that it involved selling products.   Tw...

Watching the sunrise at the beach

   A few days ago, I went to Nandaihe for a short stay. Before leaving, I planned to go to the beach every morning to watch the sunrise.   Because it's very close to the beach, I got up very early every day to go. For several days in a row, the sky was overcast, and by the time the sun finally peeked out, it was already high overhead, which was quite disappointing.   On the last night, it even rained heavily, making it seem like there was no hope. But I still held onto a sliver of hope and stubbornly set my alarm for 4:50. When I woke up and opened the curtains, the rain had stopped. I quickly got ready and rushed out the door.   Although it wasn't fully light yet, the sky was already showing a bright blue, which boosted my confidence, and I quickened my pace, hoping that my efforts would be rewarded.   I was worried that I would be late, but thankfully, the sun hadn't risen yet. The sea was still vast and magnificent, but it was very different from the previous days. The o...

My Refined Life

   Having lived a life of tranquility and contentment since birth, I have never harbored any improper desires, thus enjoying a life   of serene elegance, like a gentle breeze and a bright moon. Only those without improper desires can have a life of elegance, their hearts purified into crystal-clear jade. For   over 30 years, I worked without ever taking advantage of others. After retiring, I maintain a peaceful mind, staying at home, cooking, washing clothes, doing housework, caring for my elders, enjoying my grandchildren, and politely declining all kinds of gatherings and banquets. I prepare all my meals myself, simple and plain, keeping me away from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar, and maintaining good physical and mental health. I never go to the hair salon for perms or hair treatments; I cut my own hair. I don't buy expensive clothes from high-end boutiques; I tailor and sew my own clothes. My homemade garments are breathable and comfortable.   In m...

Competition second, friendship first.

   The sports meet at Shangrong Primary School began. Considering the hot weather and safety factors, the Qihang Social Practice Team organized numerous events, including the 100-meter obstacle course, rope skipping, book-balancing walk, and "Quick Gunner," with a points system. Students enthusiastically participated, with most taking on multiple events.   The "Quick Gunner" event involved using chopsticks to transfer glass marbles from one bowl to another two meters away. Many students were eager to try and lined up. The first student to try dropped the marbles before even reaching the bowl, but after a few tries, they gradually got used to it and their speed increased. Students nearby cheered them on, shouting, "Stay calm, don't panic!" and "Wow! Great job! Nine marbles!" Transferring the marbles to another bowl seemed simple, but it was actually quite difficult. The marbles were round and slippery, making them difficult to pick up, let alo...

Colorful Wishes

   Today we gave our students a unique nature lesson, teaching them how to make eco-bottles from recycled glass bottles and colorful leaf postcards. The students were incredibly enthusiastic about hands-on activities, happily using the materials they had prepared. Children's creativity always exceeds your imagination; their little hands created many tiny worlds. A small eco-bottle revealed many different and wonderful worlds; leaves, adorned with colorful paints, created a vibrant world of leaves. In this lesson, we not only allowed students to experience nature but also encouraged them to create their own colorful worlds. These works genuinely expressed their pure and transparent feelings, bringing us joy as well. Every child is a very talented artist! We hope that through these nature lessons, they can better perceive nature, learn to use their hands and minds, and continuously explore their potential. Of course, they also gave us many unexpected rewards.

Pay attention to traditional festivals and rediscover cultural memories.

   Nowadays, children know less and less about traditional festivals. They rarely pay attention to the origins and customs of these festivals. Addressing this cultural deficiency where children equate holidays with play, we conducted a cultural exploration class titled "Let's Talk About the Spring Festival." The class unfolded around six topics, progressing step by step, primarily giving students the opportunity to speak. Upon hearing about the Spring Festival, they all seemed familiar with it and eagerly shared their thoughts, such as what they like to do during the festival, what they like to eat, and why the Spring Festival exists. When the teacher asked them about their New Year's wishes, most students answered, "I hope my family is healthy and happy," while others said, "I hope my parents have a lot of money so they can spend more time with me." From their words, we can see that they are all very sensible and filial. When the teacher told them...

The smile in the morning light was not radiant.

   The warm morning light shone on the playground, and a new day began. After the downpour, walking on the playground felt comfortable, like bathing in a spring breeze; we felt refreshed and invigorated – a truly precious morning.   This weather was perfect for today's physical education class, as our "Fun Sports Meet" included basketball-related events, so we decided to start by teaching the students how to dribble. We learned from the students that most weren't interested in basketball, but this didn't diminish our enthusiasm for teaching. If we could let them experience the charm of basketball through games, perhaps they would gradually come to like it. Despite our limited space, how could that dampen the students' enthusiasm for PE? They ran around, their bright smiles shining, their spirited figures like untamed horses galloping across the plains. However, things didn't go so smoothly; halfway through the class, a light drizzle began to fall. Since we...

twinkling stars

   Today is the third day of my trip to the countryside. I wonder how you've been lately. Have you been enjoying teaching those children, or perhaps you're overwhelmed with work, or maybe you're missing your friends?   Standing under the banyan tree by the school path, the evening breeze is blowing intermittently, and the leaves are slowly falling. I think of your flowing hair, swaying in the wind, so free and unrestrained.   Suddenly, I miss you so much. Where are you? Gazing at the starry sky, without the clouds obstructing the view, it's breathtakingly beautiful. Have you been admiring that patch of starry sky these past few days, finding the Summer Triangle? I wonder if the stars you see hold a trace of my thoughts.   What is longing? Simple words can't easily express it. It's a feeling that even while eating, I think about whether you've eaten, whether you're full, or whether you're happy or confused, and your image flashes through my mind. Some...

Life goes on, so does exercise.

    The red flag fluttered high, the sun shone brightly, today is a good day. Due to yesterday's weather, our fun sports meet had to be postponed to today. At the sports meet, we further experienced the students' "enthusiasm." While our referees were explaining the rules of the "ping-pong relay race," they were so "serious" playing with the sports equipment that they were completely unaware of our presence. When it came time for the competition, both teams committed various fouls, so we had to stop the game, explain the rules again, and then continue. Fortunately, they all enthusiastically participated in various events, which made our sports meet so lively. However, I noticed their strong self-control; even with such generous rewards and such a simple competition as "basketball masters," they weren't very interested. Only our staff in charge of the basketball event were present, alone on the court, feeling rather lonely.