Another year goes by....

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I SAY LETS CELEBRATE AND BE THANKFUL FOR EACH GIFT OF THE DAY!!!

Who says birthdays are to be passed over as if the years will no longer accumulate??? This was a wonderful celebration of the end of my 46th year and beginning of another year of challenges and growth. I began the day at the Temple of Heaven joining the morning tai chi exercises with around 20 other Chinese people. Part of their daily ritual, but for me a special energizing treat! Seeing the Chinese people enjoying community with one another - something they do EVERY day - was a highlight of the trip. People retire at the age of around 55 here, and since the enactment of the “2 child policy”, they often don’t have the child care duties for grandchildren that they once had. Local “elderly” meet each day at the ground around the Temple of Heaven to sing in groups of 20-50, play cards, nimbly plop around the hackeysack in groups of 4-8, knit, and even practice the art of ice calligraphy on the tiled grounds using long sponge brushes dipped in water. Through this you can see the joy on their faces. These people do not have many material possessions - often living in unheated, small rooms; however, they are seemingly content with their lives and enjoy each day. After touring, enjoying a very spicy lunch at a local Sichuan restaurant (at least we didn’t order the fried fish lips or the pigeon stew with caterpillar fungi), and flying back to Shanghai, I finished this fun day eating chocolate cake (what else??? From a local bakery) and dancing The Chicken Dance with the kids accompanied by my very cool Hallmark music birthday card from my sister, Sandy. Ahhhh, perfect beginning and perfect ending.

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Photos

Morning Exercises
Tai Chi outside of the Temple of Heaven was relaxing and energizing at the same time. The people smiled at me and went on about their routine with smooth graceful movements.

Ice calligraphy
"Welcome to the Temple of Heaven my American friends". A smile and a quick stroke of the water dipped sponge brush against the pavement warmly connects us as the message instantly freezes on the ground and in our hearts.

Temple of Heaven
A China landmark. Originally built in 1420 - without nails! - emperors came here to worship God and pray for good harvests.