Sunday, May 5, 2013
Friday, May 3, 2013
BOOKS! (Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman + The Bridegroom)
I started reading at age 3 and ever since then it's been one of my favorite things to do. When I was in elementary school my nickname was "Bookworm" because I always had a book with me; I used to read 3 or 4 books at a time. In fact, I still carry at least 1 book around with me. I'm writing all of this to say that I love books! Here are a couple that I've read recently.
I had planned to read both of these during spring break, one on my way to Arizona and the other on my way back. But I only got through the first one. Since they're both short story collections by Asian writers, I wanted to write about them together, so I waited until I finished the other one. Today I finally did that! Took me long enough.
Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman by Murakami Haruki*
*Murakami is Japanese, in case you didn't know
Murakami can write pretty mind-bending stuff, dealing with common themes like loneliness while weaving in some fantasy and the surreal. I usually appreciate that, but I don't need a brain teaser when I'm only reading short stories. I love his full-length novels, but the short stories in this book were hit or miss for me. Most of them I liked and finished them thinking, I LOVE this story! So good! But some of them I finished and thought Huh? What did I just read?? What was I supposed to get out of that??
My favorite story was "A Shinagawa Monkey". Mysteriously, a woman struggles to remember her name and then she forgets it completely. Turns out a talking monkey stole it! He steals names that he likes, and takes both good and bad memories attached to that name with it.
I thought this story was really clever. As the last story in the book I read it just before I flew back to Michigan, and what a coincidence that I read such a striking story about names just after listening to a sermon about the importance of names (Proverbs 22:1) a few days before!
Favorite quote:
Jin's stories were much easier to read, which made this book easier to get through. Plus, there are only 12 stories (the other book has 24).When reading Murakami's book I always felt like he was testing me, as if each story was a riddle whose real meaning I had to either decipher or let go over my head. Granted, both men are completely different writers, so it isn't fair to compare them based on just one of their works or because they're both Asian. But this book is definitely more what I'd call easy reading. Funny and interesting stories that each have a particular critique of social and political problems in China.
I had planned to read both of these during spring break, one on my way to Arizona and the other on my way back. But I only got through the first one. Since they're both short story collections by Asian writers, I wanted to write about them together, so I waited until I finished the other one. Today I finally did that! Took me long enough.
Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman by Murakami Haruki*
*Murakami is Japanese, in case you didn't know
Murakami can write pretty mind-bending stuff, dealing with common themes like loneliness while weaving in some fantasy and the surreal. I usually appreciate that, but I don't need a brain teaser when I'm only reading short stories. I love his full-length novels, but the short stories in this book were hit or miss for me. Most of them I liked and finished them thinking, I LOVE this story! So good! But some of them I finished and thought Huh? What did I just read?? What was I supposed to get out of that?? My favorite story was "A Shinagawa Monkey". Mysteriously, a woman struggles to remember her name and then she forgets it completely. Turns out a talking monkey stole it! He steals names that he likes, and takes both good and bad memories attached to that name with it.
I thought this story was really clever. As the last story in the book I read it just before I flew back to Michigan, and what a coincidence that I read such a striking story about names just after listening to a sermon about the importance of names (Proverbs 22:1) a few days before!
Favorite quote:
"Once you make up your mind to get rid of something, there's very little you can't discard. No─not very little. Once you put your mind to it, there's nothing you can't get rid of. And once you start tossing things out, you find yourself wanting to get rid of everything. It's as if you'd gambled away almost all your money and decided, What the hell, I'll bet what's left. Too much trouble to cling to the rest" (from "Man-Eating Cats", p. 121)
The Bridegroom by Ha Jin*
*Jin is Chinese, in case you didn't know
Jin's stories were much easier to read, which made this book easier to get through. Plus, there are only 12 stories (the other book has 24).When reading Murakami's book I always felt like he was testing me, as if each story was a riddle whose real meaning I had to either decipher or let go over my head. Granted, both men are completely different writers, so it isn't fair to compare them based on just one of their works or because they're both Asian. But this book is definitely more what I'd call easy reading. Funny and interesting stories that each have a particular critique of social and political problems in China.
My favorite was "Broken". Apparently in China being "broken" is a euphemism for losing your virginity, similar to how we Americans refer to someone getting their cherry "popped". I had always figured since China's government seems to be very conservative and takes a rigid attitude toward sex and public discussions of it, Chinese people must be the same way. So it was really shocking to read about this story's characters talking about sex bluntly and engaging in sexual activities in a secret yet bold manner. I learned so much through this story. Like did you know having an affair is illegal in China? And did you know that if a man seduces a woman and they both get in trouble for the act, she's the slut and not him? Well maybe you did know that. It seems to be the rule everywhere. Anyway Ha Jin is aware of this hypocrisy and the lack of support women have for embracing their sexuality, and he addresses this issue in a blunt, amusing, yet saddening way.
Favorite quote:
"You let a devil into your house, he'll get into your bed" (from "After Cowboy Chicken Came to Town", p. 185)
I love a good story, and I would recommend both these collections of short ones to anybody!
Something That's Mine
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| Here's a clue about the studio... |
A friend of mine whom I've known since kindergarten and is a yoga instructor recommended this place to me. I've gone to her with yoga-related questions before, and I trust her opinion. But going to a new studio can be scary for a newbie like me. I've been going to the same small, intimate, diverse, and accepting studio for the past 4 months, and now I have to recreate that atmosphere back home, where even fewer people resemble me in size and color. I was excited but oh so nervous!
I'm glad to say that as usual, I had nothing to worry about. It was a little overwhelming because the studio is so HUGE and has so many rooms! But the staff is really nice, the other students are pleasant, and my instructor this evening was beyond wonderful.
However, even if that hadn't been the case, I realized that it doesn't matter where you practice or if the people there with you are snooty. As I was sweating and keeping up with the flow and remembering how amazing my body is, I kept hearing in my head Your practice is yours. You carry it with you, inside of you everywhere you go. I'm good at this and I love it; yoga makes me feel like myself. So I have every right to go wherever it is I decide to practice.
Other than biking and swimming, yoga is the only form of exercise that actually makes me feel good about myself afterward. When I was going to a gym I never felt like I was doing enough. Next time I need to push myself harder. Next time I need to sweat more. But during our class, the instructor Meagan kept talking about finding patience, enjoying the in-between moments, and finding joy in the journey. That's so real. So when I walk into a new studio I don't need to be ashamed or feel like I'm trespassing just because my body's a little wider and softer than everyone else's. For the first time in my life, I feel like I've found something that is mine. Wholly and genuinely, deeply and unchangeably mine. My yoga practice belongs to me. God gave it to me.
So I will practice where I please, thank you very much. And I'm glad I chose this place.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Finals Week Faith (Day 4)
God is good. I'm alive and at home. The weather is beautiful. I'm finally free from this school year and all the negative things that came with it. And 1 month from today I'll be flying to the other side of the planet. God is good. As you can probably tell, I'm back to light today. Haha.
Psalm 36:9 and Songs to make your spirit happy
For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light (NIV)/
For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light (KJV)
I'd planned on only sharing one song a day, but I was feeling so good today. And while I was listening to Lansing's gospel radio station before my exam, these songs came on right after one another and I just got so happy! God was speaking to me through that radio! Now the semester is over and I've made it through finals week. It's time for celebration, and I just have to share these songs with y'all.
William Murphy- "In Your Hands"
"I don't know how I made it here, but I know it was by the grace of God" (That's the line I remember most. The announcer didn't say who sang this song and after hours of searching the internet, I still couldn't find anything. But when I do, this song will be added here as well!)
*UPDATE 9/22/14* That song is R.A. Vernon- "I Made It"
Anthony Brown and Group Therapy- "I Will Be"
Psalm 36:9 and Songs to make your spirit happy
For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light (KJV)
I'd planned on only sharing one song a day, but I was feeling so good today. And while I was listening to Lansing's gospel radio station before my exam, these songs came on right after one another and I just got so happy! God was speaking to me through that radio! Now the semester is over and I've made it through finals week. It's time for celebration, and I just have to share these songs with y'all.
William Murphy- "In Your Hands"
*UPDATE 9/22/14* That song is R.A. Vernon- "I Made It"
J. Moss- "Good Day"
Anthony Brown and Group Therapy- "I Will Be"
I was sitting in my car having a moment when these songs came on. I was overcome by the spirit, and I wasn't expecting that. But once I stepped outside into the sun to go take my exam, I just felt so light and calm and happy. In his light we see light. I saw, I felt, that everything was going to be okay.
This whole Finals Week Faith thing was a good idea, I think. It was a spur of the moment decision and I just figured it'd be something fun and different to do. More than that, however, it really helped me focus and have a positive mindset throughout this week. I hope you were blessed by this short little series as much as I was. I need to do this every semester!
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Young and Dumb
Dude on this bus is planning on proposing to his girlfriend of 10 months. Says he's been thinking about it for the past 5 months already (really??) and his buddies are being complete "yes" men. Nevermind that this is a bad idea. Nevermind that he hasn't even graduated yet. Nevermind that he has his own plans to join the Marines and she has her own plans to move to D.C. Just... nevermind.
Finals Week Faith (Day 3)
Today was my most nerve-wrecking exam period of the week. Even though class usually starts at 10:20am, get there at 7:45am. Turn in your portfolio containing ALL the work you did this semester, including your notes. Turn in the master copy of your group research project. Then do a presentation for that project and get grilled by Professor B, who is never impressed by anything. To be fair, seeing as how we didn't have an actual exam, none of this was unreasonable. It was just a lot to do all at once. But hey, I did and it's behind me, and that's enough. 2 down, 1 to go!
Today I'm switching from light to dark as I talk about enemies. If you couldn't tell by some of my other posts, I've been thinking about enemies and how to deal with them a lot during this year.
Psalm 35:4 and "Ready Aim"
May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay (NIV) /
Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt (KJV)
When reading this verse I thought of "Ready Aim" by Mali Music. To be honest, I wasn't feeling this song when I first heard it. But after listening to it more and reading the lyrics, I realized that this song is beyond relevant to my life right now. In it Mali talks about spiritual warfare, and standing up to the powers that seek to move us away from our purpose and destroy us. These powers are not just obstacles or other people (haters, enemies, snakes, etc.). Sometimes they are thoughts, words, and emotions that we even use against ourselves. Whatever that force is and wherever it's coming from, be aware of it and don't be afraid. Mali's attitude is Fine, have at it. Because in the end, you can't stop me.
Wow. Imagine how powerful we'd be if we were that bold.
Today I'm switching from light to dark as I talk about enemies. If you couldn't tell by some of my other posts, I've been thinking about enemies and how to deal with them a lot during this year.
Psalm 35:4 and "Ready Aim"
May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay (NIV) /
Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt (KJV)
When reading this verse I thought of "Ready Aim" by Mali Music. To be honest, I wasn't feeling this song when I first heard it. But after listening to it more and reading the lyrics, I realized that this song is beyond relevant to my life right now. In it Mali talks about spiritual warfare, and standing up to the powers that seek to move us away from our purpose and destroy us. These powers are not just obstacles or other people (haters, enemies, snakes, etc.). Sometimes they are thoughts, words, and emotions that we even use against ourselves. Whatever that force is and wherever it's coming from, be aware of it and don't be afraid. Mali's attitude is Fine, have at it. Because in the end, you can't stop me.
Wow. Imagine how powerful we'd be if we were that bold.
With that said, bring on Exam #3! I might not care about this class at all and I probably won't remember much of the material after tomorrow. But I have grades to earn and a home to return to, so prepare to be dominated.
Do the Yoga: Just B Yoga
Today I took my last class at Just B Yoga until August. I've been coming here since I took my very first yoga class ever, back on January 11th of this year. In reminiscing on how much this place means to me and what it has done for me this semester, I am reminded of when I first started. People tend to have this conception of yoga as something that only thin white women do. I am a woman of color, and I am definitely not a skinny minnie. So at first I was afraid to try yoga because I assumed it wasn't meant for me. I'm so glad that I faced my fear and came to this place anyway.
Since I'll be travelling and continuing my practice in other places, I want to share the gems I find along the way, starting with Just B. If for whatever reason you are apprehensive or afraid of trying yoga, hopefully this will assure you that there are studios out there that will welcome you.
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Just B Yoga
106 Island Avenue, Lansing, MI
website
facebook
About Just B
Just B Yoga was founded by Belinda Thurston, who owns, operates, and teaches classes at this studio. I don't know the exact year that it started. I do know that Belinda originally began teaching classes here and there like at Shabazz Academy, a local public charter school. She got such a positive response and demand that she opened a studio, and Just B Yoga has been in its current location for about 3 or 4 years. It's small but vibrant, and the atmosphere is very open and laid back. The instructors and students are very kind and tend not to take themselves too seriously. You will especially enjoy this place if you have a good sense of humor and are willing to try something crazy and look crazy while doing it.
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Just B's slogan: "Community Based, Donation Driven"
"Community Based" means that their mission is to make healing arts (yoga, tai chi, mediation, and massages) accessible to everyone. They also want to make sure that Just B is not just a yoga studio but a kind of community center for the Lansing area. This isn't just a business, but a place that belongs to everybody. They run a community garden behind the building, and do a lot of series, workshops, events, and partnerships with other experts and organizations to promote healthy living and body image/self-love. Just B also offers some unique and interesting classes for people who are concerned about fitting in or just want to try something different. There's a free Community Yoga class on Wednesday evenings, a 2eXceL class for big and tall people on Thursday nights, a Hip Hop Power Hour on Friday afternoons, and they just started an LGBTQ Yoga Flow class on Saturday afternoons.
"Donation Driven" means that there are no set fees. The suggested donation is $8, but you can pay more or less than that. Or not at all. But I'd say most people who come here benefit so much from it that they're eager to show their appreciation by paying. And Ma wouldn't abide by me taking advantage of someone's services for free anyway, so I pay too.
I'm really sad to be leaving this safe place with kind people, but I will be back in August! In the meantime, I highly recommend that you check this place out!
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Since I'll be travelling and continuing my practice in other places, I want to share the gems I find along the way, starting with Just B. If for whatever reason you are apprehensive or afraid of trying yoga, hopefully this will assure you that there are studios out there that will welcome you.
.JPG)
Just B Yoga
106 Island Avenue, Lansing, MI
website
About Just B
Just B Yoga was founded by Belinda Thurston, who owns, operates, and teaches classes at this studio. I don't know the exact year that it started. I do know that Belinda originally began teaching classes here and there like at Shabazz Academy, a local public charter school. She got such a positive response and demand that she opened a studio, and Just B Yoga has been in its current location for about 3 or 4 years. It's small but vibrant, and the atmosphere is very open and laid back. The instructors and students are very kind and tend not to take themselves too seriously. You will especially enjoy this place if you have a good sense of humor and are willing to try something crazy and look crazy while doing it.
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| From the side |
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| From the front door |
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| Inside the studio |
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| From the back door |
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Just B's slogan: "Community Based, Donation Driven"
"Community Based" means that their mission is to make healing arts (yoga, tai chi, mediation, and massages) accessible to everyone. They also want to make sure that Just B is not just a yoga studio but a kind of community center for the Lansing area. This isn't just a business, but a place that belongs to everybody. They run a community garden behind the building, and do a lot of series, workshops, events, and partnerships with other experts and organizations to promote healthy living and body image/self-love. Just B also offers some unique and interesting classes for people who are concerned about fitting in or just want to try something different. There's a free Community Yoga class on Wednesday evenings, a 2eXceL class for big and tall people on Thursday nights, a Hip Hop Power Hour on Friday afternoons, and they just started an LGBTQ Yoga Flow class on Saturday afternoons.
"Donation Driven" means that there are no set fees. The suggested donation is $8, but you can pay more or less than that. Or not at all. But I'd say most people who come here benefit so much from it that they're eager to show their appreciation by paying. And Ma wouldn't abide by me taking advantage of someone's services for free anyway, so I pay too.
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| Me and Tara |
I love this place and I'm glad that I started my yoga practice here. I've been taking their softest classes all semester: Yoga Basics (taught by Belinda on Friday mornings) and Yin and Ying Yoga (taught by Tara on Monday evenings). Let me emphasize that "soft" does not always mean "easy". And the Empower Yoga class that I tried today was anything but easy. But I can say that every class I have taken here was rewarding.
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| Belinda and Me |
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