painting by Nicki Chen
Today I’m doing a guest post on Jocelyn Eikenburg’s blog, Speaking of China. It’s one of my favorite blogs. Most of her articles deal with the here and now: “Giving Gifts to your Chinese Family,” “The Troubling Chinese Mother-in-law Relationship,” “Chinese Men Are Sexy.” She describes Speaking of China as “a blog about love, family and relationships, including Western women and Chinese men in love.”
I’m relatively new to the idea of guest blogging, and if you are too, here’s the idea: You go to Jocelyn’s blog to read my story, and while you’re there, you get to look around. I think you’ll like what you see.
Here’s how my story begins…
My first martial arts movie was The Big Boss starring Bruce Lee. It was 1971. We’d recently moved to the Philippines, and though Bruce Lee was already well known for his role as Kato in The Green Hornet, I’d never heard of him. My taste in movies ran in a different direction. I’d seen every musical that came to the Dream Theater in my hometown: Oklahoma, South Pacific, West Side Story, My Fair Lady, The King and I, The Sound of Music, Mary Poppins, Camelot … I’d seen them all and memorized most of the songs. What did I know about kung fu movies?
To read more, here’s the link.
Fascinating, as usual, Nicki. You’re doing splendid work here, my friend!
Thanks, Gretchen. It helps to have supportive friends.
I am so visiting the blog!1
You had me at “Chinese Men Are Sexy” (Yes, I think I am! LOL!)
A most excellent post! To me, diversity is strength!
“He who is different from me does not impoverish me – he enriches me. Our unity is constituted in something higher than ourselves – in Man… For no man seeks to hear his own echo, or to find his reflection in the glass.”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Nicki, I can’t thank you enough for your guest post! You are an incredible writer and have so many fascinating stories to share. It’s an honor to showcase your writing on my site.
Thank you, Jocelyn. The honor is all mine. Speaking of China is a fantastic site.
Nicki, as I said in the comment I left on your guest post, I always enjoy reading your posts! I find them very relatable and interesting! My husband and I always say we enjoy the best of both worlds. We just took our Christmas decorations down and we are now preparing for the Lunar New Year celebrations – the perfect example of east and west joining forces :)!! Do you do anything to celebrate Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year is usually pretty quiet around here. I do have cards and red envelopes for my grandchildren. The older ones are studying Mandarin in high school and college, so their Chinese classes will have parties.
Good post, Nicki. Love the photo of you in your dancing shoes & the one with your husband. You’ve led an interesting life.
Thanks, Nancy. Interesting is good.