MAGNANIMOUS

LISTEN to the tribute given to Grandpa for his 90th Birthday by Lorraine Kawakami. An insightful glimpse into the Dad and Grandpa we all love! Aloha oe, Grandpa...until we meet again...

AND THE WINNER IS...

Laurel! Picture coming soon as to what you have won! Thanks to those of you who played along...AS this was so much fun for me, I just might have to do it again!

I have finally found the courage to...

...have a blog GIVEAWAY! In honor of my one year blog anniversary, I have decided to be a personal shopper for some lucky reader of my blog. (You all know who you are) All you have to do is leave a comment which should include your favorite colors (both home and personal), your shoe size, and a perfect necklace length! You have until Sunday evening March 15th (because that is when the names will be drawn out of a ???( if I can find one)! The winner will be posted on Monday morning! To inspire you to comment, start thinking about silk pashminas, or mother of pearl 'pearls', a fabulous necklace, a pair of embroidered Thai shoes or perhaps something uniquely jade? How about something for your home? A silk table runner? A Chinese leather box? I do have some ideas, but I would like to know a few details about you before I make the purchase.
The only catch is you will have to wait until March 26th or a little there after to receive it-- because that is when we will arrive in the States. I will either hand deliver it to you or put in the mail ASAP. Of course, I shall post a picture of what was selected before I leave on the 26th. Please leave a comment!

As Promised!

This is just a little recap of Adam and Bri's visit in December...Beginning with them posing in front of the Peninsula Hotel with an amazing Foo Dog...sadly, High Tea was not on the agenda!

This picture was taken in honor of Erin and Kara--as one of their favorite stores in Hong Kong. What is a visit to Hong Kong without a sneak peak inside Shanghai Tang? However, there were no wallets being opened here!
One thing Adam and Bri did that none of the others experienced when they came to Hong Kong, was going to Ocean Park. It was walk down memory lane for me as I had two kids in tow and who were dying to experience every little thing. They simply could not resist a mouth this big!
With a little monkeying around, we were able to snap Bri in the moment!

Of course, not to be left out, Adam insisted on wearing outlandish earmuffs while gazing at the jelly fish!

A funny thing happened while viewing the jelly fish...some were hot!

While some were not! (This was totally an Adam and Bri phenomena. I was just an interested observer!)
Now in this shot, I tried to tell them that they really were not that high in the sky...but they simply wouldn't believe me!

Like her big sister Kara, Bri fell in love with the pandas. THIS was the main reason why we went to Ocean Park. For some strange reason, she was hugging every panda within sight!

Adam discovered if you can't beat'em, join'em! (my first cliche in sooo long!)
Bri talked about their walking up the many, many steps to the Big Buddah! This picture validates their claim!
Here they have just cleared their first 50 or so steps--Look how proud they are!

Now they are off! Where am I you ask? Well, there are only so many times you can climb this monument before it starts to lose it's charm. How many times would that be you ask? Hmmm...one? Besides, look at the photo opportunities that would have been lost...

Now I know that you know that they had a "Happy Feet Massage." You be the judge on how happy they look!

Let Them Eat Cake!

On Friday, I went to the the French Revolutions exhibit with two of my friends. It was a complete history of the many revolutions, beginning with Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette--using some pictorials, some artifacts, but mostly through written dialogues. Although it was not the most dazzling of exhibits...we still managed to spend 3 hours there--discussing, reading and trying to dust off our combined memories of French history! Of course, we ended up having more questions than the exhibit was willing to share...Questions like..."When do you think people started to take baths on a regular basis?" That question was brought on from talking about French perfume and why it was invented! Upon viewing a portrait of Marie Antoinette, we all spouted the infamous "Let them eat cake!" quotation. However, we all know that she really didn't say that! She just lost her head over the 'whole not understanding the state of the French economy'...(do you think that is a simplification of her role in French History?) However, I must admit, she certainly knew how to dress!

When we approached this portrait in the exhibit...we were amazed. This was painted while she was imprisoned. We thought that perhaps her confinement couldn't have been too terrible if she could sit for a portrait!

Of course, I had to see what it might have been like to lose one's head...hence the following photo. (do you think dad is shaking his head at my creative photo shoot?) Oh, what I am willing to do for a blog entry...especially when I have had zero inspiration--but I digress!

While on her way to her execution, she stepped on the foot of her executioner...for which she said, "Pardon me sir, I did not mean it!"

Most of the men responsible for the overthrow of the monarchy, also ended up losing their heads. Apparently, Dr. Guillotine designed his contraption as a more humane way to take off one's head. He and others of the revolution felt that the purpose was to end the life quickly, and not to torture the condemned. Furthermore, it was seen as an expression of equality..all condemned, whether noble or otherwise were treated equally. However, to his dismay, Dr. Guillotine was unhappy that his instrument began to be called by his name!

Of course, we met Voltaire...whose real name was François Marie Arouet. (that was another question we had...why on earth would a mother name a son Marie?) He has inspiring quotes and I suspect that I shall have to read a book about his life! We also met Rousseau...who apparently enjoyed a hatred of Voltaire and he of him! We figured that out when viewing a gilded clock with the two of them raising fists to each other. Here is a response of Voltaire to Rousseau after reading a copy of his "The Social Contract":

"I have received your new book against the human race, and thank you for it. Never was such a cleverness used in the design of making us all stupid. One longs, in reading your book, to walk on all fours. But as I have lost that habit for more than sixty years, I feel unhappily the impossibility of resuming it. Nor can I embark in search of the savages of Canada, because the maladies to which I am condemned render a European surgeon necessary to me; because war is going on in those regions; and because the example of our actions has made the savages nearly as bad as ourselves." Although, when Voltaire died he did say that "I die adoring God, loving my friends, not hating my enemies, and detesting superstition." So perhaps they are now friends...

Then there there is Marat, stabbed to death while in his bath by Charlotte Corday...and, and , well, I could go on and on, but I suppose this is way too much information for all of you...Just know that I love a good story!

Kung Hei Fat Choy!

It is Chinese New Years here in Asia and we have been busily ringing in the "Year of the OX!" It has been a crazy 3 weeks leading up to this momentous day, with the local street markets filled to overflowing with people shopping and preparing for this significant holiday. This holiday is as important for the Chinese like Christmas is to us! A Chinese proverb states that all creations are reborn on New Year’s day, so in actuality, this is a celebration of change ... So out with the old and in with the new!

Here are some things YOU don't want to do on New Years Day...
--Don’t touch your hair--Well, you can touch it, comb it, etc., but you must NOT cut it or wash it! Why? Because you will wash or cut away all of your good fortune!
--Don’t sweep the floor or clean your house. Why? Because all of your good fortune will be swept away! (besides, all of your cleaning was supposed to be done ahead of time!)
--Don't shed any tears! Why? IF you cry on New Years day, you will cry the whole year long! So for heaven sakes to those of you who have children, do NOT scold them on this day!
--Put away that knife! Why? Because knives will cut off your good fortune!
--Do not wear black! Why? Black is a bad omen associated with death and grave misfortune! (However, even though I did wear a black skirt and top, I did have on my lucky red jacket...to counteract the misfortune!

However, on that special day, begin it by greeting everyone with a "Kung Hei Fat Choy" which means "Wishing You Prosperity and Wealth".
--Give two lee see’s to each child or single adult. Why Two?? Because happiness (double happiness) always comes in two’s, and it is VERY bad luck to just give one. This is your way of passing good luck to the next generation. (a lee see or 'Lucky Money Envelope' is a red envelope with brand new money inside.)

--Wear brand new clothes! Preferably red--because, red of course is a prosperous/lucky color!
--Open every door and window in your home at midnight to make sure the old year gets out!

By Monday, January 26, the throngs of people have disappeared, the street vendors have put away their wares and everyone has gone home to celebrate with their families. The familiar red taxi's that are usually in great abundance on the roads are scarce, and the buses have trimmed their schedules dramatically. This is one of the few times of the year that you could say 'While Hong Kong was sleeping, the Year of the Ox arrived with a BANG! And what a bang it was with a 5 million Hong Kong dollar Fireworks display! There was a total of 23,888 firing shells discharged in a glorious 23 minute extravaganza over Victoria Harbor. The city planned 10 different fireworks scenes, beginning with the lucky number 8! Can you see the #8?

SO what did we do for Chinese New Year? We went to a party at Elder and Sister Watson's home. Elder and Sister Watson had lived full time in Beijing many years ago and love the Chinese New Year celebrations. Now that they are back in China, (Hong Kong) they were excited to have a Chinese New Years party. (Sister Watson and Sister Goo in the kitchen)

We had dinner, and then watched the fabulous 23 minute long fireworks display from their balcony! Of course, it was alittle too smoggy for the fireworks to be fully appreciated, but they were still wonderful to watch! One of the guests for the evening was a new friend of ours, cute little Julian Wan...Adorable!

For your enlightenment, the following were born during "The Year of the..."
Dad, Brett AND Julianne: Were all Born in the Year of the OX!

A keeper of tradition, the Ox maintains a classic and sophisticated style. Iron-willed, they remain true to their beliefs. A strong leader, their hard work and dedication are an inspiration to all. Ox people never stray from their chosen path.

Mom and Erin: Born in the Year of the Rabbit!

Wise & Insightful, Rabbits have a deep understanding of others. Not a risk-taker, they are cautious when making decisions. A protector of diplomacy, they seek compromise to conflicts. Their creativity and style surround them with beauty.

Kara and Ellie--Kindred Spirits that were Born in the Year of the Ram!

Gentle and docile, the Ram is sincere & kind-hearted. A pacifist, they never question authority. Fueled by compassion, they admire all of nature’s beauty. Rams strive to create a secure & tranquil environment. (sweet girls, showing their gentle and docile personalities!)

Briana: Born in The Year of the Boar!

Pure of heart, Boar people are generous and kind. Full of inner strength and courage, they can take on any task. A friend who listens, the Boar is sincere and trustworthy. They are driven by their passion for life.

Adam: Born in The Year of the Monkey!

Clever & quick-witted, Monkeys are successful in every endeavor. Inquisitive, they constantly seek new opportunities & adventure. Their intellect & versatility allow them to adapt to any situation. Their mischievous spirit is entertaining.

Miss Emma: Born in The Year of the "GOLDEN" Dragon--very lucky indeed!

Never cautious, the Dragon is not afraid when faced with a challenge. They will defend and protect any cause close to their heart. Confident and strong, they enter all battles. Dragons are known for their powerful and majestic spirit.

Mr. Ryan: Born in The Year of the Rooster!

Self-reliant and independent, the Rooster is not one to seek counsel. They are confident and aggressive and are most at home in a crowd. A perfectionist, they leave no detail undocumented. Roosters will never abandon their dreams.

So there you have it--The Hong Kong Hallstrom family in all of it's zodiac craziness and charm!
Kung Hei Fat Choy Everyone!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Last night we celebrated the old year 2008 and rang in the new 2009 with our wonderful senior couples, friends and cute Adam and Bri. Here is a little glimpse into our evening...to begin with, "Baby It's Cold Outside!"


AND then there were the games...fabulous and fun...enough to fill the hours from 9 until 11:30 pm. Of course, once again, Adam and Bri rose to the challenge and were victorious...Adam taking first and Bri... not too far behind! Check out Adams form...

Now here is the winning shot for Bri--this was a play off for first in the ring toss...she is so talented that she can twirl and play ping pong at the same time!

I shall give you a few 'glimpses' of Adam and Bri's visit on another post. Enjoy!