I Was in the Sea of Flowers

Unexpectly I am writing one more minutes here before our reading gathering on Saturday, Feb. 14th. It started with a present surprise coming right after I got up.

I didn’t sleep in today though I stayed up late again last night. Thinking that the school opens tomorrow my mind couldn’t rest. I was actually a little bit lost realizing it’s time for me to put school my focus. Though goldies would still hang out from time to time and my life goes on as it should be, I won’t be able to feel carefree with responsibilities on my shoulders. Before I decide what to do first, the phone rang. It was from Virginia! Was she calling to comfort me because I expressed to her last night how sad I was to know that she and Lydia went to YMS yesterday without me for another adventure of appreciating cherry blossoms? Did I sound unreasonable in my mail? I must assure her that I understood perfectly.

Yet, to my surprise, Virginia proposed that if I didn’t have other engagement, she would love to guide me to YMS this afternoon. I couldn’t believe my ears! Really? No kidding? She really means that? Of course I said “Yes! Yes! Definitely!” without hesitation. It was set immediately for the time and place to meet. What an exciting news out of the blue! I hurried to finish some house chores, then prepared for the outing. I was going to see flowers that newly bloomed. A few days ago we were just talking about how wonderful it would be if we could see the flowers blooming when we were hiking on YMS. We meant different flowers on the trail we walked then, not cherry blossoms that I was going to see today. It had been more than fifteen years since I went to YMS to appreciate flowers. What should I bring? Snacks, fruit, and refreshments? What else? Put on my hiking wear from head to toe and get a backpack to show her that I am a good learner. “Everything must be put in the backpack. no more bags, especially hand bags. We need to keep two hands free,” Virginia told us last time. Yet, I hadn’t bought a backpack, could only dig out the impractical souvenir one I got in the T/Ms convention a few years ago.

When I had everything set and placed my hands on the wheels, my heart was singing with joy. Everything was in a perfect control. Hence, when driving into NeiHu to take the straight route into ShiLin, I was so mad at myself that I forgot to change lane in time. I had no alternative but to go through busy DaZi area with numerous traffic lights one after another. I couldn’t let her wait especially when she’d been such a great pal. She would forgive my carelessness and foolishness, but definitely not my unreliability. Yes, I assured her that for our future outings I would even leave home half an hour earlier than my plan. Sweet Virginia bought me a yummy crispy Chinese pancake. My mouth was watering, couldn’t wait to gulp it down. Yet, must keep my good image and focus on driving.

Right after we drove onto the mountain, the cherry blossoms in full bloom along the two sides of the road and hills amazed me. It was just a week before we had an outing here when no flowers were seen. Now, they were everywhere, so enchanting flourishing in pride and glory. The mountain was full of people because it was the last day before schools begin, yet not very crowded as it was a weekday after all. We strolled in YMS park awhile, took some pictures, then went to a private patio for another photo shooting. We didn’t sit down to rest because it was the only way to get more to see. To feast my eyes on the mountain scene, even my favorite snacks couldn’t lure me.

While the sky was still clear and sun was still bright, we headed to the Camellia Exhibition. Gee! I had never know there were so many kinds of Camellia. Big ones and small ones; plain ones and glorious ones; all in different colors. Finally we got to sit down and enjoy the refreshments a little bit. I finally realized Virginia couldn’t care less for snacks while holding a camera in her hand. In the future I may have to get used to carrying less snacks for outing. By the way the coffee served there by coffee machine at NT$20.- only was not bad according to Virgina.

It was 4:30 pm, time to leave. Immediately we hit the road, we were caught in the traffic jam. It was OK, we didn’t have to rush. We had two other things to do before calling it a day. We drove to her parents’ shop in downtown, parked there and went to shop some hair bands/neck warmers because they were truly a good buy with lots of patterns and colors to choose from. Then Virginia brought me to an eater a few steps away to enjoy their tasty noodles plus some side dishes. It was her treat again. What could I say? This outing made my last day of winter vacation so enjoyable and fulfilling. When we arrived at her home and waved goodbye, it was about 7:30 pm. Thank Virginia again for bringing me such a perfect finale of my holidays.

Now I am expecting goldies reading gathering on Saturday, Feb. 14th to come. Speaking of it, I must finish reading the three articles Linda suggested to us:

Page 5: A better " I " contact.
Page 11: Tips from a legendary speechwriter.
Page 24: Humor can help you through.

so that I can offer my sharing in the discussion.

Trini