SHELLS WORLD

2008.8.8

2008-08-10T19:28:00.009+08:00

火树银花不夜天 - Let the game begin! Fire and Ice 29 footsteps - 29th Olympic Game in Beijing Welcome friends from around the world A new chapter for China Yao Ming and the little boy, who still bear the scar from his heroic act during the Sichuan earthquake, are the present and future of China.

One World 同一个世界 One Dream 同一个梦想

风云决 p^_^q

2008-08-03T15:47:00.004+08:00

This is the summer all the Storm Rider fans have been waiting for - the long anticipated animated movie is finally out!!! Here is the link to the original Chinese comics http://www.comicsworld.com/b3.htm

And yet, there is no place like Hangzhou

2008-08-03T15:42:00.005+08:00

台北印象

2008-08-03T15:06:00.007+08:00

My first trip to Taipei is lovely. Despite the typhoon, I had a great time. The people are so friendly, the food is exquisite. Unlike Shanghai and Hong Kong with all the high rises, Taipei reminds me of LA with blue sky, more relaxed. Guess what I really need is a vacation… View of the famous Taipei 101 from the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

Lung Shan Temple - Built in 1738, is one of the most attended temples in Taipei Hsing Tien Temple - Another popular Daoism temple in Taipei. A curious bichon

苏州拙政园

2008-08-03T14:56:00.009+08:00

I went to Suzhou in May for wedding dress hunting with few friends from the States, after the bride-to-be almost broke into tears when she had no luck finding it in Shanghai. It was quite an experience. And the best part is not just my friend were able to find her dream dress for less than $150, but we were able to spend couple hours at the famous Zhuo-Zheng Yuan (Humble Administrator's Garden ).

Suzhou is a city on the lower reaches of the Yangtze River and on the shores of Lake Taihu in the province of Jiangsu , China . The city is renowned for its beautiful stone bridges, pagodas , and meticulously designed gardens . Since the Song Dynasty (960 -1279 ), Suzhou has been an important center for China's silk industry, as well as a metropolis of commerce on the south-eastern coast of China.

Many of the famous private gardens were constructed by the gentry of the Ming and Qing dynasties。In 1997 and 2000, the classical gardens in Suzhou were added to the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites . It is possible to make a virtual tour at the UNESCO site in panorama through the wonderful Classical Gardens of Suzhou http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/813 .

南海普陀山的清明秀色

2008-04-07T19:13:00.007+08:00

Putuo Mountain, one of the Zhoushan Islands, is about 100 miles off the eastern coast of Hangzhou Bay in Zhejiang Province. It is one of the four Buddhist shrines in China, covering an area of 12.5 square kilometers. Its main peak, the Peak of Buddhist Top, is 300 meters above sea level. Putuo Mountain is known for its exquisite landscape and famous both at home and abroad, especially among Southeast Asian countries. It is not only a sacred place of Buddhism -- "Buddhist Land of South Sea", but also an ideal summer resort. It has a mild climate, intriguing surroundings and unique scenery. The three famous temples are Puji Temple, Fayu Temple and Huiji Temple, which are the three largest ones among the 20-odd existing well-preserved temples nationwide.

Buddhism on Putuo Mountain started at the end of Tang Dynasty, with all the temples and nunneries mainly dedicated to Bodhisattva Guanyin (also know as the Mercy Bodhisattva). The architectural style of the temples and nunneries on Putuo Mountain is a typical model of Qing Dynasty.

A Spring to Remember

2008-03-03T21:34:00.012+08:00

Barely standing

“Look at me!”

“What’s out there?”

Hesitation before the first flight

Safe landing

Double success – destination garage top

Final rest with Ma

New hideout

“I am the king of the world!”

“Catch me if you can!”

I love animals, especially birds. When a pair of mourning doves nested in the backyard of my old house, it was the best thing and a wonderful spring to remember!!!

The Good Old Times

2008-03-03T21:03:00.009+08:00

Ensenada, Mexico with my best friend (in the middle) from San Diego for the lobster feast - definitly worth the drive in an Echo :D

At Shawnee's Wedding: the cutest couple in the world - should see the cake top, and I got a mini me before I relocated. YEAH!!!

Team lunch at everyone's favorite - Cheesecake Factory. By the way, it wasn't my margarita... or was it? I seemed SO happy (hahaha...)

My very first Lakers Game, in the Staple Center VIP room, the best pay off of staying late at work... Now I REALLY miss LA and friends back in the States ><...

Lantern Festival in Yuyuan, Shanghai

2008-02-25T11:59:00.008+08:00

The 15th day of the 1st lunar month is the Chinese Lantern Festival because the first lunar month is called yuan-month and in the ancient times people called night Xiao. The 15th day is the first night to see a full moon. So the day is also called Yuan Xiao Festival in China. According to the Chinese tradition, at the very beginning of a new year, when there is a bright full moon hanging in the sky, there should be thousands of colorful lanterns hung out for people to appreciate. At this time, people will try to solve the puzzles on the lanterns and eat yuanxiao (glutinous rice ball) and get all their families united in the joyful atmosphere.

The Lantern Festival is also known as the Little New Year since it marks the end of the series of celebrations starting from the Chinese New Year (February 7 to 21 for 2008).

Machu Picchu, Peru last September

2008-02-19T19:04:00.004+08:00

It takes about 4 hours by train from Cuzco to Machu Picchu along Urubamba River. I skipped the Sacred Valley portion, which I took by car the day before. Some people would hike 4 days through the Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu, something I may consider next time to show my respect to the ancient civilization. I spend 2 days in Machu Picchu, and the weather was excellent after heavy rain earlier. We even spotted a pair of rabbit came out of their hidings to enjoy the sunshine.

Amazon Expedition – The Cabin

2008-02-19T18:56:00.003+08:00

The Bedroom with big "window"

The Bathroom with full view of the nature :D

Only one word for it - COOL... until the bats attack during middle of the night T_T...

Amazon Expedition – Lakeside Morning

2008-02-19T18:51:00.006+08:00

Our tour guide and my lunch – fried rice in environmental friendly packaging p^_^q!

Amazon Expedition – Macaws

2008-02-19T18:47:00.003+08:00

The tiny dots from far in case your were wondering...

Amazon Expedition – Tarantula

2008-02-19T18:39:00.005+08:00

Woooooo...

Now, I present you: Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh

2008-02-18T17:48:00.008+08:00

Ta Phrom as featured in the movie Tomb Raider

Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Monkey at Angkor Wat

Ancient Sculpture at Angkor Wat

Royal Temple in Phnom Penh

Cat at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh

Tropical blossom during Chinese New Year in Cambodia

2008-02-18T16:49:00.008+08:00

Finally some color and OH… the sunshine…reminds me so much of LA. Well, any place that does not require 3 layers of cloth reminds of LA ><

瑞雪兆丰年

2008-02-18T14:51:00.005+08:00

Second snow storm in Shanghai right before Chinese New Year. As the old Chinese saying: heavy snow foretells a prospect new year. Best wishes to everyone ^_*!

Year of the Mouse

2008-02-18T14:41:00.002+08:00

My souvenir from Hong Kong Disneyland visit in January. A simple Mickey ring by Chow Sang Sang pictured with a fallen flower on a wood bench.

Beijing National Opera House during Xmas

2008-02-18T14:33:00.003+08:00

…aka the Egg, while the Beijing Olympic National Stadium is known as the Nest. I drove by the Nest, but was too far from the construction to take a good picture to share with everyone. But feel free to check out the website. It is pretty cool!

The famous West Lake, Hangzhou, in early December

2008-02-18T14:21:00.004+08:00

It is often agreed that the view is better on a raining day than a sunny day, but best after heavy snow. However, I can spend all day along the lakeside anytime with a cup of Longjing tea. There is more beauty has to be felt than seen.

2007-05-03T11:36:00.000+08:00

I was reading the Ns time of my favorite Storm Riders Volume One Collection, and want to share 2 of my favorite cover art by Ma Wing Shing.

Feng

Yun

2007-05-01T10:57:00.000+08:00

I was playing with Photoshop, and really liked how these turned out… very different from the original images… especially the black white half… the dark side of me :D

2007-05-01T10:46:00.000+08:00

Cannot believe that it has been over 4 months since I last updated my blog. On the other hand, I have not been able to take anytime off till recently. I was in Florida last week and had the opportunity to explore Miami Beach and enjoy sightseeing of the lives of the Richs and Famous (beach front apartment that started at $6 million… a definite career motivator)

Night at Miami Beach Ocean Drive, The Place to be… and the Beach Paradise Hotel

Shaq’s Miami Beach Mansion… nice personal touch on the little statue at the yacht docking…

Shaq’s Miami Beach Mansion in a grander view, and of course there is a basketball court!

It started raining when we had lunch at the Espanola Way. Oh, but it was so romantic and relaxing…

Looking over Fisher Island from the South Pointe Park, reminded me of Monte Carlos. After all, it is one the most expensive communities in the world.

The path from the hotel to the beach, my favorite walk every morning and night.

Sunrise… just breath taking

Someone was making a happy face which really made my day

The magnificent view of Magic Kingdom at Sunset on top of the Contemporary Resort, great food, too!

2006-12-27T04:47:00.000+08:00

Final Project by Illustrator and Photoshop

I always love the ancient world, from antique jewelry to traditional dance, from Forbidden Palace to English Castel. Originally the collection also included a Grecian Gown, which was one of my all time favorite, for its simplicity and comfort. But I was not satisfied with my sketches, and due to limited time, I had to drop it from the collection.

2006-12-27T04:45:00.000+08:00

Mid-term project by Illustrator

2006-12-27T04:27:00.000+08:00

Happy holidays, everyone ^_*! And a GREAT 2007!

Trip to SiChuan Province, China

2006-11-01T08:52:00.000+08:00

ChengDu

Mt. Emei
LeShan Giant Buddha
Giant Panda Research Base - Baby Giant Panda is the cutest thing in the world!

2006-10-03T11:05:00.000+08:00

Two and half hours later, my first fasion CAD and my very own prints, too ^_^!

2006-10-02T05:41:00.000+08:00

I dedicate this entry to Shirleen, who brought the answer to my prayer. I want to wish everyone a early Happy Moon Festival, and may all the wishes that your heart desires come true ^_*!

2006-09-02T06:05:00.000+08:00

Just Arrived from Hong Kong – 3 new toys from the Sh?t Fighter Series to my CiBoys Collection. I am SOOOOOO happy that I got De-Li (Chun-Li)! It was a one in eight shot. From Left to Right: Mystery Mickey from Crazy Cutie, Sh-It from Star Wash and the Sh?t Fighters p^_^q

2006-09-02T06:03:00.001+08:00

Tibet - By a fellow World Traveler and true Artist. I cannot believe that he actually painted a Tibetan restroom, but they were unforgettable, not by sight, but by smell ><

2006-08-23T09:54:00.000+08:00

I was taken by surprise, when I spot a Geisha after the show at Gion (Geisha District). There are very limited number of true Geishas and Maikos (apprentice Geishas) in Japan today. Even in Gion, unless you are invited to their shophouses, it is rare to see a Geisha or Maiko walking on the street. But a lot of young girls like to dress up, and there are places that will loan you the costume, as well as helping you with the make up and hair style. Anyway, I was in a hurry to take the picture, but thought it turned out nice with the dark and blurry look.

2006-08-23T09:48:00.001+08:00

Tokyo – Overlook the city from my hotel at sunset. If look hard enough, Mt. Fuji is hidden in the cloud, wish it was a clear day…

Kyoto – The Golden Pavilion in Kinkakuji Temple, one of the symbols of Kyoto and Japan, for its breath taking beauty. Any picture will be a postcard picture.

Nara – The first capital of Japan before relocated to Kyoto. I had so much fun feeding the deer (shika) in the Toda-ji Temple. They knew as soon as I purchased the cookies and came for a treat ^_^!

Osaka – The Famous Osaka Castle

I had a great time in Japan last September: Overlook the open sea at sunrise while enjoying the hot spring in Hakone resort; Power shopping at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea; Meditating in the beautiful Japanese Gardens and Buddhist Statuaries in Nara and Kyoto. Japan is such a unique combination of East meets West, and the ancient lived side by side with the modern world. Personally, I always draw to the ancient world, therefore, prefer Kyoto over Tokyo. Tokyo is no doubt a modern miracle, and a true fashion capital of the world. But Kyoto was so charming in her own way, after being the Japanese Capital for over 1,000 years, it has so much history and wonderful stories surround it.

2006-07-14T10:35:00.000+08:00

As I going through the pictures from Yunnan and Tibet, I couldn’t help to compare to last years trip to Hunan, Sichuan and Zhejiang Province. Those are some of my favorite pictures, especially helpful on a bad day. So peaceful ^_^…

2006-07-14T10:28:00.000+08:00

Hunan – Zhangjiajie National Park

Sichuan – Jiuzhaigou National Park

Zhejiang – Wuzhen (one of the Chinese Venice Towns)

2006-07-14T10:16:00.000+08:00

I always loved Yunnan Province, which borders Vietnam, Laos and Burma. From Zhao ShaoGuang’s paintings, to JinYong’s martial art novels, there are endless fascinations. After all, Yunnan is a region of culture diversity (with 25 different ethnic minorities), rich heritage and natural wonders. Though I did not get the chance to explore the mysterious Xishuang Bannan Rainforest, nor experience the Water Splashing Festival, I enjoyed the beautiful scenery, colorful crafts and cloth.

2006-07-14T10:12:00.000+08:00

KunMing – Stone Forest

DaLi – Three Pagodas

LiJiang – Old Town and Naxi Group Dance

2006-07-13T11:21:00.000+08:00

I was listening to my favorite Sarah Brightman Album – Harem on the plane from Shangri-la to Lhasa, Tibet. Looking out the window, I felt as what was described in the song What a Wonderful World:
… I see skies of blue, clouds of white
The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night
And I think to myself what a wonderful world

The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people going by
I see friends shaking hands saying how do you do
They’re really saying I love you
… And I think to myself what a wonderful world
Yes I think to myself what a wonderful world

2006-07-13T11:15:00.000+08:00

Lhasa, Tibet – Looking over the city and the magnificent Potala Palace on top of the Jokhang Temple. Believe or not, 15 minutes later, we were caught in a thunder storm while shopping on Barkhor Street. But I had ice cream afterward. Therefore, I was happy ^_*!

Lhasa, Tibet – Debating as part of traditional Buddhism study at the Sera Monastery. What the picture did not show were the tourists around the backyard observing as the debate was going on. Though I could not understand what they were debating, since it was all done in Tibetan, the young monk’s expression cracks me every time I look at it.

Yarlung Zangbo River – We had our first meal in Tibet as lunch picnic along the river bank. Despite the altitude sickness and the smell of yak and sheep dump, what my eyes saw soon took over – my mind was at peace… I finally understood. The mighty mountain stood strong; the river run so still, as if it could hear my thought; the sky is so blue and close, that I could almost touch it; the ever changing clouds, unpredictable as they were fair – I surrendered to its beauty and greatness... I still do.

Yamdruk Tso (the Turquoise Lake) - Noble and impressive, the Tibetan Mastiff is a highly intelligent, independent, strong willed and rather reserved dog. He is aloof and watchful of strangers (as show in the picture ^_^), while extremely protective of his charges and property. Generations of working as a guardian of yak, sheep and, more importantly, women and children, has produced a disposition and temperament of controlled strength, initiative, and fearlessness, tempered with patience, loyalty, and gentleness.

*The picture was taken after I fed at least 5 chicken bones to the dog and paid 5 Yuan to the dog’s owner. Still, it gave me the look: I am watching you… VERY closely. Yet, I felt caution instead of fear, respect instead of discomfort. I was happy to learn, as its proud owner told me later, like Husky (my favorite dog) – a pure Tibetan Mastiff has different eye colors. This one had one brown and one blue.

2006-06-10T07:14:00.000+08:00

My favorite scene from the Lord of the Ring Trilogy is toward the end of the Two Towers when Sam said to Frodo that:

“It’s like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo.
The ones that really mattered.
Full of darkness and danger they were
And sometimes you didn’t want to know the end
Because how could the end be happy
How could the world go back to the way it was
When so much bad had happened
But in the end, it’s only a passing thing
This shadow, even darkness must pass
A new day will come
And when the sun shines, it will shine out the clearer
Those were the stories that stayed with you
That meant something
Even if you were too small to understand why
But I think, Mr. Frodo
I do understand, I know now
Folks in those stories had lots of chances of turning back
Only they didn’t
They kept going because they were holding on to something
… That there’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo
And it’s worth fighting for!”

Meanwhile, I have to go back to the book to find the perfect happily ever after for my favorite couple - Lady Eowyn of Rohan and Lord Faramir of Gondor:

She did not answer, but as he looked at her it seemed to him that something in her softened, as thought a bitter frost were yielding at the first faint presage of Spring. A tear sprang in her eye and fell down her cheek, like a glistening raindrop. Her proud head dropped a little.

… And Faramir said: “Do not scorn pity that is the gift of a gentle heart, Eowyn! But I do not offer you my pity. For you are a lady high and valiant and have yourself won renown that shall not be forgotten; and you are a lady beautiful, I deem, beyond even the words of the Eleven-tongue to tell. And I love you. Once I pitied your sorrow. But now, were you sorrowless, without fear or any lack, were you the blissful Queen of Gondor, still I would love you. Eowyn, do you not love me?”

Then the heart of Eowyn changed, or else at last she understood it. And suddenly her winter passed, and the sun shone on her.

“I stand in Minas Anor, the Tower of the Sun,” she said; “and behold! the Shadow has departed! I will be a shieldmaiden no longer, nor vie with the great Riders, nor take joy only in the songs of slaying. I will be a healer, and love all things that grow and are not barren.” And again she looked at Faramir. “No longer do I desire to be a queen,” she said.

Then Faramir laughed merrily. “That is well,” he said; “for I am not a king. Yet I will wed with the White Lady of Rohan, if it be her will. And if she will, then let us cross the River and in happier days let us dwell in fair Ithilien and there make a garden. All things will grow with joy there, if the White Lady comes.”

… And he took her in his arms and kissed her under the sunlit sky, and he cared not that they stood high upon the walls in the sight of many. And many indeed saw them and the light that shone about them as they came down from the walls and when hand in hand to the House of Healing.

And to the Warden of the House Faramir said: “Here is the Lady Eowyn of Rohan, and now she is healed.”

2006-06-06T11:08:00.000+08:00

Of course, my favorite animal is the wolf, highly intelligent and social animal with a great spirit, which I see as one of the most beautiful creature that ever walked on earth. Sometimes, I wonder if I chose a different path, I would be living in Alaska with a wolf pack, or was it past life…

2006-06-06T10:58:00.001+08:00

To my surprise, I really enjoyed the new thrill ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Expedition Everest to the last detail! Especially I am setting out later this month to Tibet. Growing up in China, I have always been quit reserved toward Tibet, for its harsh landscape and mysterious religion. But after my recent visits to nearby provinces, I began to fall in love with their way of living, especially their strong belief that all lives deserve respect, compassion, and a place in the world.

More than ever, I truly appreciated the beauty Animal Kingdom had showcased and hoped kids young and young at heart would enjoy it. Just such a privilege to be so close to those wonderful creatures. And the Hyacinth Macaw, what a beauty!

2006-06-06T10:21:00.000+08:00

Cannot believe that I would fly in red eye for the Star War Weekend. But like Master Yoda had said: "... do or do not, there is no try." And it was great to see a life-size replica of the X-wing fighter, and sit in the Star Wars Celebrity Talk Show hosted by Warwick Davis. Though I am not a big fan of the new episodes, but Jay Laga'aia was hilarious, and who I am kidding, the guy is damn cute!

2006-05-26T10:09:00.000+08:00

But I had a lot of fun making pillows to co-host a Star Wars party with my friend ^_^!

2006-05-26T10:00:00.000+08:00

There are 7 characters to the Series (from left to right): Dark Vapor, Sh-it, Wash Trooper, Washer Master, WCPO, Soapie and Skywasher. I was kicking myself for only getting one instead of the whole case. Of course, with my luck, I got... Sh-it

2006-05-26T09:26:00.000+08:00

I have been try to get my Blog up since the beginning of the year, finally with my good friend, Shawnee's help, here it is...

Since I am going to WDW for Star Wars Weekend soon, I thought this would be a fun picture to show. This is a Limited Edition Series Red Magic had created for their popular CiBoys collections.