Tragedy back home

photo from WDBJ7

I have been meaning to sit and write since we returned safely to Shanghai.  After and fun-filled summer visiting my home, family and friends we came back to our 'home' in China and successfully started a new school year.  I do want to let you know how the transition went and all the fun things we've been doing BUT there is something else that is on my mind this morning.

People often ask what the differences are between living in the US and living in China.  One little thing I told people this summer is that I can't watch my fun t.v shows or reality t.v.  Instead, I watch a lot of CNN and I take great pride that I know more about the world around me.  I learn about ISIS, migrants crossing into Europe as they flee their home country for safety,  watch wonderful shows on Africa and another about China.  NEVER, and I do mean NEVER, did I think I would see my hometown of Roanoke, Virginia on the news while living here in Shanghai.

I am just so saddened and, quite frankly, angry with the news of a reporter and cameraman being shot and killed on live television. My Facebook feed is filled with friends and teachers from my hometown and high school in Salem telling us what a  wonderful person Adam Ward was.  My home is in tears tonight, but I know they will pull together and stay strong for one another.  That's the kind of place I come from.  The community will rally around the families of Alison Parker and Adam Ward and be there for the friends and colleagues of these two individuals.

I believe we all find ourselves asking way too often, "what is the world coming to?'.  Do you agree?

I feel certain that soon there will be discussions on gun control and probably mental illness.  I really don't care about people's personal beliefs on these subjects at this very given moment.  IT NEEDS TO STOP!!  Whatever you believe I think we can all agree that people need to stop shooting others - end of subject.  We all need to feel safe again as we head to the mall, to the movies, to school, and while we do our jobs.

Last spring (as I was watching CNN) my Ayi Lily sadly asked me, "Why do you all (Americans) shoot people in your country?".   Now, obviously, that was a huge generalization, but that is how Lily saw it that day and she recounted other incidents that she's seen on the news over the past few years coming out of our beautiful, wonderful country.   My only answer I could give her was, "I don't know, Lily".  Sad, very sad...

Here is a link to a site that shows Alison and Adam's smiling faces.  I'm sure this is how they would want to be remembered.
http://www.wdbj7.com/news/local/34927838?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_WDBJ7

Chinese Weddings

Wedding Season has arrived.  One of my favorite times of year and I have to say Brides and Grooms here in China do it up right!  We were fortunate enough to attend a wedding here at the beginning of the month.  Our driver, Mr. Neil, married his beautiful bride, Liu Mao Xing.  We had an absolute blast celebrating with his family and friends.  I personally loved all the local cuisine we were treated to and everyone made us feel so very welcome.

The wedding itself was a bit different than what we see in the US.  For instance, it's a loud exciting time as the bride and groom enter the room.  They exchange quick vows and exit.  The guests begin to eat and then the happy couple shows up again to give 'Thanksgiving' to their family and friends.  Once again, they exit only to return some time later to toast each guest before we leave. Though different, I found common ground with all these people who I did not know and who I could not communicate with through language (my Chinese is terrible), but we all came together for LOVE.  We met some very interesting people and shared a ton of laughs.  I think, by far, this was one of my most favorite memories I've made this first year here.

Here in Shanghai it seems to be a custom to have photos taken before the wedding and then those photos are shown throughout the evening at the actual event.  Lately, it's been fun to see brides around the city getting their portraits taken (usually around the Bund area - a beautiful spot for pictures).  Many are in white wedding dresses, but I especially love seeing them in their bright, Chinese red ensembles.  Below are a few photos that Mr. Neil was nice enough to share with me.  Simply Beautiful!
(Mr. Neil shared these photos with me, so I do not have the photographer's name to give credit.  Will find out soon...)

Farewells for some....

Niki and Lolly back in January - Sunday Brunch

Today I went to a farewell luncheon for one of my favorite ladies here in Shanghai.  Niki and I were introduced on Facebook by mutual friends in Charlottesville & Roanoke.  One of these friends said we would for sure have a blast in Shanghai together and I can honestly say we have done our part to have the MOST fun in this fabulous city!

Saying goodbye is difficult when living the expat life.  I've heard about it, but haven't thought too much about it until now.  People come and go constantly.  I knew we'd meet people from all over the world and from all walks of life, but I really didn't expect to make such meaningful relationships.  Niki has become one of those special friends to me.  Thank the Lord that she, too, is from the great Commonwealth of Virginia and I know our paths will always cross, and so our fun will continue - I'm sure of that!

Shanghai will not be the same next fall.  Who will be up for trying great restaurants or braving the markets with me?  We were good shopping buddies.  Who will I laugh with when I  have utter failures at having something made or getting my hair color all kinds of wrong?  Who will I turn to for advice or suggestions and I know I"m getting the most down to earth HONEST answer?   No one can certainly take her place, but I feel certain someone new will arrive and I look forward to showing how great this city is as Niki showed me.  We didn't let things get us down and that is what I will pass onto the next lady that joins our circle.  Niki always has a smile on her face and she's ready for a good time on life's journey.  I'll certainly be thinking of that next fall when we begin again.

Good God - I make it sound like she died!  She's only going to be in VA (and you know I'm a bit jealous about anybody going home to those beautiful mountains).  Richmond gals get their fabulous friend back and I know they are over the moon with excitement.  My head is already swirling with thoughts of stays at the Jefferson Hotel and maybe a brunch at Can Can.

We dined at Villa Le Bec today to start sending her off in grand Shanghai tai-tai fashion - a fancy luncheon, of course!

New Year, New 'Do

Happy Year of the Goat/Lamb!!  We are gearing up for our first Chinese New Year or Spring Festival as they like to call it here.  On Saturday we head out to Phuket, Thailand for our getaway.  I, for one, cannot wait as I've been here for 6 months without leaving the city.  I'm ready to break out!  I heard on the news it is the largest migration of people on the earth.  Good luck to us getting to our destination!

Lily, my trusty ayi, came in last week with the most darling new hair cut.  As I was gushing over it she explained to me that during CNY many Chinese women get a new 'do to celebrate the season.  This is also the time of year they buy new clothes, shoes, and items for the home.  Well, when in Rome...

I'm also ready to hand out the hongbao (red envelopes with money).  Oliver and Ben are especially excited.  They received their first this past weekend from our sweet friend, Fiona. Read more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_envelope

Our neighborhood and all of Shanghai is decked out in red and gold lanterns, and silk spring blossoms.  Such a beautiful, festive time of year and I've truly taken to it!  HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Bangs for CNY!

Add caption

Have it Made!

choosing fabrics

love these - they make great gifts

YIKES!  Today's air quality index was around 250.  The sun tried to peek out, but the smog/pollution was just not going to let that happen.  It's just not safe to be out and about in air like that so I did what any sane woman would do and headed out to the fake market.   Guess what?  I was there yesterday, too.  I think one should make a couple of trips in order to make the right choices.  You can get pretty excited down there and just go mad crazy bargaining and spending your money.

The school where we send the boys, Concordia, is having a gala in March.  Quite a few of us ventured into the market yesterday to find dresses to be made.  Some were successful, some were not, and some of us still are waiting to see where we fall on the success scale.  I was looking for a cute ball skirt to pair with a great tee or white blouse.  (my post-prego body is just not ready for new, fancy dresses)  I found something and my fingers are crossed that it works.  I saw the bottom of a dress and asked the tailor if they could just make it a long skirt for me.  He said, 'ok', but they always say, 'ok'.  We shall see.....


After seeing some fabrics and styles yesterday I pulled some of my favorite dresses out of my closet and took them back to have them copied.  I can't make it to J. McClaughlin or DVF here in Shanghai, so why not have something similar made at a fabulous price??!  My sweet ayi, Lily, gave me a price I should ask for and I was able to get them to agree to it.  YAY!  Next week I will let you know how they turn out.

Also, wanted to post some fun pictures of the past weekend.  My neighbors organized a progressive dinner and our house was #4 of the evening.  I served up a delicious beef tenderloin and Lily made spring rolls (she doesn't like to call them egg rolls - i do :) and bacon-wrapped green beans.  My darling friend, Laurie, and I donned our Chinese best and I think we looked quite lovely.

If all goes well my skirt will look something like this but longer.

Progressive Dinner Party fun!

Lily and I have a great time in the kitchen learning new things from our different cultures.  We share a ton of laughs especially over my Mandarin language skills.  She was caterer extraordinaire on Saturday night!

LUNCH-N-LADIES

Happy Weekend!  Friday lunch with the 'Lunch-n-Ladies' in Shanghai started off with fun drinks at Chelsea and Co - great bistro on Yue Yang Rd.  Thanks to Karyn Brusate for organizing a fantastic friday get-together.

BLOOM

Enjoying a lazy Sunday morning after a fun-filled weekend.   The air quality is so-so at 142 (that's absolutely not great in the US, but I'll take anything under 200 here in China).  It's a cloudy day, so I'm enjoying a little green tea and the Australian Open.

I started off the weekend at one of the most colorful spots in Pudong - the flower market.  I know most people like to go to Hongqiao, but I haven't ventured that far to see all the beautiful blooms at this point.  That would be about 45 minutes away from what I hear.  Will make it there one day.  Brought home some beautiful spring flowers to brighten up our rental and I'm especially excited about the cherry blossom branches I bought.  I'm hoping the buds bloom, but if not I'll just put fun red tassels on the branches in celebration of the Chinese New Year coming in February.

The other reason I like the flower market in Pudong is because of the children's market on the 3rd floor.  I usually call it the Baby Market, but Corley says it sounds like they sell babies, which, of course, they do not.  I do find the softest, cutest little pajamas for Lolly there, and they have a huge selection of toys and other baby needs.  BUT, my favorite most favorite part is the baby bathing room!  I cannot bring myself to take pictures as I don't think the parents would appreciate it, but it truly is the sweetest thing.  There are about 10-15 tubs in this big room and nurses showing new moms how to bathe their babies.  There are also small little pools (bigger tubs) where babies are floating around with those circular tubes around their necks.  Nothing will bring a smile faster to your face than to see these sweet, darling little Chinese babies having the time of their little lives in the pool!  One day I may just have to bite the bullet and stick Lolly in there with them.  That, will for sure be a picture moment.

Corley and I have started taking date nights on Saturdays.  Our ayi, Lily, works every saturday from 3-10:00, so we head out.  Last night, we walked across the street and had dinner at a little Italian spot called Cameo.  Good staff and always fun!  As we walked home we had a favorite spotting and got our cameras out in time.  You see these bikes all the time around the city, but so far we have just not been picture-ready, but last night we were!  This particular person had quite a large load to carry.  I still can't figure out how they do it, but I love watching them go by.

One can find bunnies, turtles, fish, etc at the flower market

gorgeous selection. so hard to choose.  also at the flower market