To see Post on Kite Festival, and history...

Please scroll down to May 18th posting. More photos and short history on the origins and evolution of kites.

Just Posted on Kite Festival in Italy. [It came out on Sat. May 18th]

You might be interested to read this as it gives a brief outline of the history of kite making in China, dating back to 2800 years ago. Yet one more reason to be proud of our Chinese heritage. I meant to add at the end that I had succumbed to the temptation to buy some kites for my grandchildren. Here is a photo of the stand where I spent over an hour acquiring 5 kites! All together they are somewhat overwhelming. Individually quite lovely, even though they aren't silk, alas.

Huge Congratulations to Ming!

Dear Ming,
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences, from the moment you opened your acceptance letter to graduation day itself. So much packed into four years and all of it has obviously contributed to giving you not only an excellent education, but a new sense of self, maturity, drive, and deep sense of accomplishment.
Cherish the friendships you made during those formative years and try to stay in touch with those closest to you. It is so heartwarming to keep nurturing the meaningful relationships so that when you reach your sixties and seventies, the bonds are tighter than ever, the love and support unconditional.

We are all so very proud of you! Love and hugs,
Mei-Mei

Graduating from UVM: A Moment To Cherish

Graduation, Hooray! 

Hello all,

There was a previous post about my graduating two days ago, which by the way I appreciate. Thank you for acknowledging that. What an experience, specifically the undergraduate one. I feel like it's been one insane roller coaster ride, with high and low points to be had. The numerous classes I took, the late nights trying to finish projects, and the wonderful talks I had with friends and professors. I'd like to delve a little into my four years studying at the University of Vermont. I'll rewind to the day I received my acceptance letter in the mail, and the first thought that came to mind. I had been receiving letters, steadily, some saying I wasn't accepted, others giving me scholarships, and a few that created other confusions. However, on this day, I returned from school, and was home alone. I ran to the front door and quickly picked up the mail. I remember seeing the University of Vermont's envelope, and thinking, this must be the "special acceptance" envelope given its size. I carefully opened it, and scanned for the words, "Congratulations" and knew right then and there that I'd been accepted. I couldn't believe it, since over the years I'd been told it was a difficult school to be accepted into, and I was welcomed instead. I wanted to, and always have this drive to let others know, that just because a few people say they couldn't imagine me getting into something like the University of Vermont, that I wanted to say to myself, "Yes, I can, and I did." It's not always easy to let others know in a way that's affective that all the hard work does pay off in the end. It's this idea around having faith in something that's unknown, that scares people, I believe. I may be off, but I think that whenever faith wavers, it's not necessarily a bad thing, it's just what is, is. I think the existence of this experience, shows each and everyone of us, we've potential to do the best we can with what we have at that given moment, and know that in the end we learn. Most importantly whatever we take away from our experiences where ever we may be, will provide growth, inspiration and wonder. That's something I could come away from during my undergraduate experience. Even through moments of discouragement I was forced to say to myself, "I can do it, and I will do it." 

Back to the story. I can remember the last few weeks of high school was filled with last minute projects, events to attend, of course graduation. Unfortunately it was held inside because of a late storm that wouldn't cease by the time the program began. I can say that my high school experiences, helped me navigate during my time in college. I'm grateful to the people I interacted with during those years, and even to this day still stay in contact. It's a wonderful feeling to know that even if you've moved on physically from one place to the next, those who take the time to stay in contact still have not forgotten who you are, and were. 

In any case, when I received that acceptance letter from the University of Vermont, it was a whirlwind of more invitations to this event and that in the upcoming months. I was certainly looking forward to a change in environment, socially and physically. I didn't know the Burlington area too well, besides the family trips we took to swim at Lake Champlain when I was young. I was anxious to be out in the college world and explore what was beyond the little bubble I was raised in. In the later months, I was invited to join this multicultural group at the University of Vermont, and from that point forward my experiences of the university life was changed, and for good reasons too! I was a bit apprehensive to join, however I realized, with time I'd be able to see members of this group, known as the ALANA Student Center, (Asian, Latino/a, African, Native American) (ASC for short), also including bi/multiracial students/staff etc. as family. I had heard from many that this place was known as the "home away from home." and I very much felt that way. The facility itself was very comfortable, furnished well, a nice kitchen, and even a computer lab, to do work in a quieter environment. The staff was always there to support students, any way that they could. One of the invitations I received shortly after high school ended, to apply to their scholarship program, which allowed First Years to experience one month of "college" courses, have a job, and enjoy it with other selected students. I was very excited to join, however when I was denied, I was a bit disappointed. My family was more so, so we worked hard to make sure I would get into the program, but we still had no luck. In any case, I wasn't fazed too much, because I was also looking at other summer programs, and I was able to find one, through Student Life. It's called TREK, and it's a one week experience either being in their wilderness or volunteer programs. I chose the volunteer program, right in Burlington, and I'm glad I attended, because it allowed me to meet other First Years, before the big day, the first day of college. So much of my experiences through Student Life has allowed me to grow and become a better person. It's been a journey worth taking, that's for sure. Obviously I've so much I want to talk about, so I'll try and stay on track.

Basically all that I'm saying is, my four years at the University of Vermont has given me an abundant amount of valuable lessons I will take with me for the future. I will add more, but probably in another post.....

To jump to four years, onto the day of graduation, I recall the weeks before this, and how anxious I was to graduate from college. Rather, worry that I wouldn't finish the necessary projects, but in the end I got them in one by one, and completed my exams as well. I'm glad I had the people whom I cared for to support me in my years as an undergraduate. I know this is just a chapter of my life that I have to leave, however whenever I've a moment of discouragement I can think back to the good times at the University of Vermont, and say, everything's going to be alright in the end. 

I will have many more posts to post, but I think this one will do. By the way, these are my school colors, gold and green in case you're wondering.


For those who are about to graduate, or are going through other transformations in life, and struggling to adjust, don't forget to think back to the good times as a way to provide self care. All the best, and I'll have more posts in the future, for sure. 

Much love, Ming 

First Day of TREK (Volunteer program,  Summer 2009)

Representing China
我爱中国

我的中文老师: My Chinese Teacher and I

I also wanted to add a link from the Commencement Speech, by the famous Jazz musician, Wynton Marsalis who spoke so eloquently. Enjoy and have a great rest of the week, happy summer!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=JIYKfyDVzxg

Transformative Parenting Course on Everyday Feminism

This is an amazing course! One week left to enroll at reduced price, one additional week at full price.
Do check it out. Click on link for full information. As a parent of two adult children, Mei-Ling and Derek,  I wish that this guidance had been available to me at the time they were small! It is gratifying that Derek, now 35, is very much involved in Everyday Feminism, founded by his wife, Sandra, in offering new perspectives on parenting.  Immensely useful for parents, no matter what the age of their child/children, and anyone wishing to improve/transform the parent/child relationship. Hope you sign up!

Love, Mei-Mei

http://everydayfeminism.com/transformativeparenting/

The Transformative Parenting Course

In this 4-month online course, you’ll go through a self-discovery process and learn concrete skills in order to consistently parent from your values.

This parenting course is unlike any other you’ll find. While most parenting guides focus on making the child do what the parent wants, this course instead focuses on who we’re being with our kids and what we’re modeling for them.

This innovative approach to parenting shows up in 5 main ways:

1. Parent from the Inside Out: Instead of focusing on children’s behavior, you’ll examine what’s behind your default behavior and discover your inner authentic parent.
2. Use Conflict as Opportunities for Connection: Instead of using disciplining tools, you’ll learn to use relational tools to help you to find win-win solutions.
3. Share Power With, Not Over: Instead of getting your kids to behave through exerting power over them, you’ll share power with them so your kids feel heard and empowered to develop their own solutions.
4. Take the Long View of Parenting: Instead of just focusing on controlling children’s behavior in the now, you’ll focus on modeling feminist ideals of equality, self-love, and social justice for our kids to learn.
5. Discover Your Own Way: Parenting isn’t one-size-fits all. It’s a relationship between two unique, different people whose needs and feelings deserve to be acknowledged in the parenting approach.

The fact is parenting is an amazing opportunity for personal growth. By focusing on your internal needs as a parent you will grow as a person – into your true, authentic self.

Through your own transformation:

• Your relationships with your kids, partner, and even peers will start to change too.
• You will develop a confidence that only comes from knowing your inner voice’s truth and blocking out negative messages of self-doubt.
• You’ll learn to enjoy parenting and stop the stressful power struggles that make parenting difficult and tiring.
• Your kids will flourish with the new confidence you’ll be placing on their abilities to live peacefully in a family.
• Your kids will become empowered when you focus on sharing “power with” rather than having “power over” them.
• You’ll enjoy your kids more!

To develop your authentic parenting voice, you’ll learn how to:

• Identify the core values your want to model for and pass on to your children
• Understand your default parenting approach and how to use it to your advantage
• Know what “misbehavior” is and what is really behind how we all act
• Ways to communicate with your kids effectively, especially when they’re upset
• Get back on track when you’re derailed from your parenting path
• Hit the pause button when you feel yourself being triggered

Transformative Parenting combines positive parenting, nonviolent communication, and developmental psychology to create a parenting strategy that works today and for the long-term betterment of you and your child.

Happy Graduation to Ming in the USA!

Dear Ming,

Happy Graduation today!  Looking forward to hearing about your summer adventures.

Love from Jennifer and your One World friends

A Kite Festival

Another special outing, this time to Castiglion Fiorentino for the annual international kite festival. In all the years I have lived in Lucignano, I had never heard about the kite festival that takes place at the end of April. Kite makers and performers come from all over Europe to show off their latest designs and compete in an international arena.

I was staggered by the sheer number of participants, the intricate kites that sometimes required weeks to perfect. All colors, shapes, and themes- faces, animals [bats, birds, fish, butterflies, cartoon characters, boats, abstract constructions. Paper kites, silk ones, plastic kites, with long tails or none at all, box kites,

Seagull

Unfortunately, due to the lack of strong winds, the most impressive kites remained on the ground. It would have been magical to see the skies populated with so many captivating "creatures' that move so gracefully and respond almost as if they were animated, to a slight tug, reeling out of string, or a mere exclamation from the ground. Even the smaller kites were beautiful to behold as they bucked, bobbed and twisted high above. When the wind seem to drop, everyone would hold their breath, willing the kites to stay afloat. I marveled at the expertise of some of the operators, and delighted in their all consuming passion.

Needless to say, kites were invented in China, approximately 2,800 years ago! They were made from silk and bamboo. I am going to quote from a website and give the link for those interested in learning more:
http://www.my-best-kite.com/history-of-kites.html

"The History Of Kites

Between 1000 BC and 0 BC

Somewhere between 770 BC and 221 BC large wooden kites called muyuan were invented for military purposes. This period actually contained 2 separate periods of Chinese history, the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC - 476 BC) and the following Warring States Period (475-221 BC). Kites were seen as technology, and it seems the first ones were invented in the province of Shandong.

There is a record of a certain master of joinery named Mu Zi who developed a man-lifting kite over a period of 3 years. It was called the Wooden-Black-Eard-Kite. At least one more kite of this design was made in later years, by other craftsmen.

There is a record of further development of these kites during the Chu-Han War of 203-202 BC. Besides spying on enemy positions, kites were sometimes used to deliver urgent messages.

The History Of Kites
Between 1 AD and 1000 AD

The first century AD contained the prosperous Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). During this time all kinds of people discovered the simple enjoyment of kite flying. The traditional bamboo and paper, or bamboo and silk style of kite had its origin way back here.

Later in the history of kites in China, people came up with more designs and new ideas, such as the musical kite. There's a record of a palace worker in the 900s AD who fixed bamboo pipes to a kite. When flown, the pipes would make a sound in the wind, like the zheng, a stringed instrument. Ever since then, the word for kite in Chinese has been fengzheng.

Maybe there were some simple kites flown by ordinary people in this period. However, the 900s are known for the introduction of silk-covered kites with beautiful and detailed hand-painted designs. These kites also carried many ornate accessories such as streamers and ribbons. So much went into these kites that it's likely they were only made and used by the royalty and aristocracy of the time. In a word, these kites were expensive.

The History Of Kites
Between 1000 AD and 2000 AD

The history of kites after 1000 AD saw them becoming more popular in all levels of Chinese society. If you couldn't afford silk, you could always use paper! Some time after this, kite flying became a seasonal activity. Most flying was done during and after Chinese New Year and through to March or April. For some areas of China, the winds were better for kite flying at these times.

Finally, there sprung up a belief that kite flying was good for your health. This was around the time of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Other somewhat superstitious ideas were around at this time too. For example, letting go of the kite string might get rid of back luck or illness as the kite drifted away. On the other hand, picking up a kite lost by someone else would bring bad luck!

By the late 1900s, the Chinese had organized large kite flying festivals where the whole range of kites were on show. The keenest kite makers would show off their best kites. Just like other kite festivals around the world.

It's hard to beat large Chinese Dragon kites for sheer spectacle! One of these was over 300 meters (1000 feet) long and won first place in an International Kite Festival* held in Italy. The same kite can still be seen in the Weifang Kite Museum.

*The very same one I attended but a few years ago. 

I recommend a fascinating story called "The Kite Rider," by Geraldine McCaughrean (2001), set in 13th century China. Full of drama, suspense, tragedy and triumph, good versus evil, greed and sacrifice, it tells the exhilarating adventure of a young boy of 12, Haoyou,  against the historical and cultural background of the times.  

That night, I had an enthralling dream, that I was flying over vast tracts of the Tuscan countryside, light as a feather, soaring above the trees, dipping down [but not falling!] to get a closer look at an eye-catching flower. When I woke up, I was convinced that were I to try hard enough, I would be able to replicate in real life, my night time escapade. I think that the desire to fly on one's own power is inherent in all mortals. Luckily, we have our imagination which can overcome all barriers and set us free.

With much love,

Mei-Mei

Homesick - "Contents of Mom" & the Missing/Disappearing Home...

(photo of my lifetime hometown, Laguna Beach, California

 from Wikimedia Commons)

Dear One Worlders,

Sorry I haven't been posting much of late.  I've been feeling terribly homesick.  As many of you know, my lifetime home (adoptive "ancestral home," as my friend Angela Gee calls it) in Laguna Beach (Orange County, California) "went missing" when I was out of the country (it was unexpectedly sold in 3 days and no one told me it was even going to be on the market!).  Even though it was sold with the best of intentions, it is traumatic when your home suddenly disappears (deja-vu, and a bit like my biological family disappearing).

This month (May) marks the two year anniversary of being separated from my home (the remaining contents of my adoptive mom and family history).

Thank you so much for your support as I have been going through the normal ups and downs of homesickness and working to rebuild the "home"-slash-foundation of my life.

Thanks especially to my British mum, Teresa, and to my American mom, Jackie, and to my American 'big sister' Dr. Jeni, for their love and support.  You are my inspiration.

Much Love,
Jennifer

A Special Village, Bettolle

Sorry for the delay! Not having internet makes life a tad difficult. All that has changed as of today! What a miracle. Am giving you the link to a series of photos I took on my way to Bettolle, a small village that however has a very large pharmacy [with huge selection of gluten free and lactose free products], and, I discovered, a very special feature. Murals painted by a local artist on houses throughout the village.

https://plus.google.com/photos/102282600477557764605/albums/5873479540255088081?authkey=CLChnPG-tdK9WA

As I meandered from one little street to the next, I gasped with pleasure as I came upon one captivating scene after another. The artist has done a masterful job of embellishing otherwise neutral walls with delightful architectural additions, trees, flowers and two/four footed creatures.

When I came home, I crawled under the bower of wisteria, almost deafened by the huge bees who kept dive bombing the flowers, never colliding with each other or coming close to me. It felt like fairy land, a place I would have loved as a child because it was so private and intimate.

I can't believe that tomorrow is my last day in Tuscany. How I shall miss the breathtaking landscapes, the wonderful sheep and goat cheeses, and the bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Wish I could stay on for another two months!

Love to all,
Mei-Mei

PS. Just copy link and put in browser to see whole album.

"Message from an Unknown Adoptee"

CCI is proud to present our newest collaborative project: "Message from an Unknown Adoptee". Click on the image below for more details.

**The submission deadline has been extended to June 25th, 2013 **

Love, 

CCI 

An-Ya and Her Diary Reader & Parent Guide

An-Ya and Her Diary: Reader and Parent Guide


Book Description


Publication Date: April 5, 2013


An-Ya and Her Diary: Reader & Parent Guide is a ground breaking collaborative work and the first of its kind to be published under the An-Ya Project. Inside you will find the wisdom and artistry of professional adoptees who discuss all aspects of the novel An-Ya and Her Diary. Included are lessons on how to lead an adoption discussion, how a parent can use the novel to emotionally guide their child through the book, as well as writers who eloquently express their own complex journeys as adoptees.



Readers will also find: the 'Reflections' of young adoptees and their siblings and an in-depth interview with the author of An-Ya and Her Diary conducted by co-founders of the CAL One World Chinese Adoptee Program.



Contributors Include:

Sabrina Orlins

Phoebe Peachment

Stephanie Kripa Cooper-Lewter, Ph.D., L.M.S.W.

Lee Herrick

Amanda H.L. Transue-Woolston, BSW

Jennifer Bao Yu "Precious Jade" Jue-Steuck

Susan Branco Alvarado, MA Ed, LPC

Matthew Salesses





--

Proceeds Benefit Love Without Boundaries: Unity Fund

Day by Day Transformations as Spring Reawakens the countryside in Tuscany

Quince flowers

Every day I try to go for a long walk, just for the joy of seeing the change in color and height of grasses or winter wheat covering the vast fields, the appearance of the first poppies, broom, and in my own garden, the explosion of life from seemingly dead limbs.

dozens of bees keep bombing the blooms

peony and two camelias

all wild flowers picked yesterday

a glimpse of one of my many lilac bushes

a very special mozzarella, huge!

one of the sweetest and most tasty tomatoes ever eaten

wild flowers in an open field

Will be heading to Rome next week to visit friends and taste city life for a few days. Would really prefer to stay put in the country but am sure that I will return full of amazing images and new memories.

Love to All!

Mei-Mei

To Access Photos

Just copy ULR into your browser and then click. Photos ought to pop up! Enjoy. Summer has receded for the moment. It is actually cold again! Yet the lawn is baked and as hard as cement after only three days of sunshine. Crazy- like what the Italian government is going through in an attempt to elect a President of the Republic acceptable to all major parties. Heads have been rolling at an amazing rate. Who will be next?!

Mei-Mei

More photos of Tuscany

Am giving you links to view some other photos. I went swimming in the lake yesterday and am headed back there in 15 minutes! Also there are new updates for Everyday Feminism.

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/#inbox/13e1efd14ff1844b

I have decided to prolong my stay by 9 days. Can't tear myself away!

Market day in Sinalunga. A small town near Lucignano. Bought tons of vegetables and fruit and flowers!

https://plus.google.com/photos/102282600477557764605/albums/5868260189708550849?authkey=CL3lqoGLitDqFw

Photos of the house, countryside, lake etc.

https://plus.google.com/photos/102282600477557764605/albums/5868266596692621265?authkey=CIOIw5z57J2hCg

If anyone is interested in staying in this lovely place, please check out:

vrbo.com/251766

You can check out rates and availability [calendar]. Just email me at
akmellerman@gmail.com

Love to all One Worlders. Wish I could bring you here to share the beauty of Tuscany and the Italian food and culture.

Mei-Mei

Castle of friends where I go to do internet!

New Four-Month Long Course on Transformative Parenting on Everyday Feminism? Up to you!

Check out Everyday Feminism on Facebook for potential new online course on parenting:

Calling all parents and caregivers! Everyday Feminism is thinking of offering a course called "Transformative Parenting: Finding Your Authentic Parenting Voice."

This 4-month online course will help you unpack and let go of the parenting "should's" you've been taught and discover your own intentional parenting approach grounded in your values and feminist ideals of respect, equality, and social justice.

But we won't offer it unless lots of you want it! So let us know by:

1) LIKE this post.

2) Complete this SURVEY to give your input at:http://everydayfeminism.com/courses/transformative-parenting-survey/

BONUS: If you complete the survey, you get a discount on the course as our thank you.

Thanks for your feedback!

https://www.facebook.com/everydayfeminism

Spring Comes to Tuscany

Wild anenomies

During the tragic events of April 15th in Boston, when the world came to a halt and watched with horror as the magnitude of the explosions became apparent, I too was glued to my tiny television. News  spreads instantaneously today, so I actually learned of the catastrophe within 5 minutes, and a full hour before my daughter who lives close to Boston. We are still stunned and numb.

I only have a few minutes of internet access so, on a different note, I am sharing some photos from Tuscany. When I arrived on April 8th the weather was colder than in MA! Downpours night and day;  the house was damp and freezing. Then, a miracle occurred and we suddenly slipped into summer! Flowers burst into bloom, the grass grew 6 inches in just two days, and it is so HOT outside that I have shed jackets, sweaters, boots, socks and am now in a Tshirt and sandals. I hope to go swimming as soon as the lake water warms up a tad.

Spring always brings a feeling of rebirth, of possibility, and hope. An immense surge of energy dispels any lingering sense of winter torpor, and one is off and running with renewed resolve to accomplish projects that have simmered for months. I hope that everyone is experiencing the same excitement and purposefulness!

Love to all from Tuscany, the land of my childhood, and infinite memories of my beloved Maman who moved from Florence to the countryside in 1970. I feel her presence all around me. I almost expect her to suddenly take me into her arms and hug me fiercely as she whispered, "I love you more than tongue can tell."

Mei-Mei

San Francisco Hong Kong Adoptee Reunion

A Hong Kong Adoptee Reunion will be held in the San Francisco, California area the weekend of Oct 12 and 13, 2013. Please contact us at info@fanlingbabies.com to learn more and reserve a seat. Space is limited.

Chinese Adoptee Identity Study

My name is Sophia Gonfiotti- Mattingly and I am the mother of an adopted daughter from China. I am also a doctoral student in the School of Education at the University of California – Davis. I am currently working on a pilot study for my dissertation investigating the cultural and ethnic self-identity development of transnationally adopted Chinese females.  The current body of research consists primarily of literature focused on parent reporting about the identity of their school- aged adopted Chinese daughters. It is my aim to add the unique voice of the late adolescent adopted daughters to the current body of scholarly work.

Although I am mostly a qualitative ethnographic researcher and I normally conduct my research via personal interview and field observation etc… As the subject matter of this study is very personal and concerning an experience that although my life is touched every day by transnational adoption, is not my story. I have created a brief survey which will hopefully help me learn if I am asking the right questions and to ensure that I am addressing the issues most important to the transnationally adopted daughters of China.

This pilot study survey has been approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and is open to any transnationally adopted Chinese female age 18 and over. Your participation in the survey is completely voluntary and would be appreciated. Additionally, your willingness to pass the survey link on to friends or relatives who fit the study profile or posting the survey link to your blog etc... would also be greatly appreciated.  If you will be forwarding or posting this link, please feel free to include the contents of this post. All survey responses are anonymous and no identifying information will be collected.  

Thank you,

Sophia Gonfiotti-Mattingly

Survey link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1rjLZCmiwQfDRIF1N4L7v7rNosZtfxI0CADgUf3TOWVw/viewform

Monday Musings: Going Home

Dear One Worlders, Friends & Family,

 Greetings from San Diego, California...

 ...where I was lucky enough to visit my Dad, cousins,
friends, and some sea friends (including this seagull)
 for 4 glorious days in January.

 It had been almost a year since last I was in the USA!

Sometimes it's nice to go home to

run along the beach trails, sunbathe and

listen to the ocean.

Happy Easter!
Thinking of you and sending love.

"BLOOM YOUR BEST"

~Much Love From Jennifer Bao Yu "Precious Jade" Jue-Steuck~

Native Province: Taipei & Jiangsu (mainland China) Hometown: Laguna Beach (OC), California Arrived in the USA: Dec 1979 / Jan 1980 Education: NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Harvard & UC Berkeley Generation: G2, “A Global Generation” Proud Big Sister of:Chris (from Seoul, South Korea) Why This "ONE WORLD" Blog: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller

Gish Jen: Tiger Writing, Art, Culture, and the Interdependent Self

Gish Jen

Last week I had the great pleasure of attending a presentation by well known writer, Gish Jen, at the Harvard Bookstore, one of my favorite haunts in Cambridge. Facing an expectant audience, packed into the cramped premises reserved for the Author Series, Gish stepped up to the podium, her face partially obscured by the microphone, due to her small stature. Her very first words, accompanied by a gentle laugh, immediately captivated us all.  She comes across as vibrant, entertaining, brilliant and reflective. Exuding positive energy and ease, she connects effortlessly with her public addressing with a light touch combined with perfect mastery of her arguments,  complex issues, and in this case the tension she has felt as a writer between East and West, or, as she puts it, "the struggle between Emerson and Confucius".

She began by speaking not about her own book, Tiger Writing, but her father's memoir, penned at the age of 86. Even she seemed surprised that he didn't mention his own birth until page 8, choosing instead to contextualize his story by situating it within the Jen ancestral history that goes back 4000 years.

The novel, Gish posits, is "fundamentally a Western form that values originality, authenticity and the truth of individual experience. By contrast the Eastern narrative emphasizes morality, continuity, the every day, the recurrent." In simple terms, Western culture favors the individualistic, unique experiences, the "independent self" and its manifestation through telling, be it in words, art, or music. Eastern culture, on the other hand,  honors "the collectivist self, the interdependent self, other-centeredness."

I was fascinated by the manner in which Gish articulated and illustrated the differences between the two cultures both visually using a rich variety of slides, and through multiple narrative examples. Listening to her,  a veil I had never consciously acknowledged, seem to lift, offering me unexpected clarity and understanding.
Raised from birth in exclusively Western cultures, here in the United States and in Europe, I now realize that my mother who was half Chinese and half Danish but grew up in China until age 11, had always held a different perspective on life, people, and relationships. She was in many ways a visionary who focused on the larger picture, a citizen of the world whose openness and receptivity included family, community, and culture in the widest sense. Thought I was adopted and an only child, my mother surrounded me with siblings, whether by running a summer camp for the arts and drama for five years, or educating groups of children who lived with us in Italy and whose ages kept pace with mine until I left for college in Switzerland. My mind is in a whirl as I mentally relive the experiences of my childhood and adolescence, and re-evaluate more recent impressions and discoveries made during my multiple trips to China, in search of my cultural and family heritage ... A  new beginning in the offing!

I invite you to listen to Gish Jen reading from the first pages of her book. I hope  that you will consider purchasing her book and that it will have a transformative effect or at least cause you to reflect and come to a better understanding of our common culture of origin.

http://www.theworld.org/2013/03/gish-jen-tiger-writing/

With much love,
Mei-Mei