Keepin' it Husky

Daisy Sun June 25, 2014

Iris and I are 7 and a half years apart, halfway across the world from each other, and speak a little less than I'd like…basically further apart than I’d like to be in a few aspects. I was so happy to be able to make it back home for this memorable day with the family. My baby sister who is turning into a lovely lady graduated last week from Bellevue High School, a top 100 ranking school in the US with Washington State's Honor, Honor Role, 6 AP courses, and a 3.9 GPA. Aside from these noteworthy items, some of the most remarkable things about Iris is her good heart, consideration (which may be a bit skewed towards her friends…but what teenager’s isn’t?), ability to learn from where others have made mistakes, and the desire to constantly improve. It's quite remarkable seeing my younger sister pick up the same mannerisms as myself even though we’re apart, and going through stages of life as I did, but one of the best parts is seeing her grow into herself and make decisions to protect herself from the ones that her sister made. If there's something I could give you, it's to realize that frustration is temporary—and difficulties in life make things interesting. I know these things come with time through life, but I just want the best for you ASAP!!! #nagging. Someone during your graduation speech said Life can suck, but it's up to you to make it better, and I want to tell you that that's not true. Life is good, and people like you will make it better naturally with your mindset and hard work. So much pride, respect, and love for you Iris. LASTLY, KEEPIN' IT IN THE FAMILY--GO HUSKIES.

“Nobody can be uncheered with a balloon.”

— ― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Love,
Daze

My Rollie Pollie Lollie

Daisy Sun April 22, 2014

A month ago, my friend and Will's flat mate, Jordan picked up two puppies from the garbage outside, who were freezing to death. The pups were so small, they could each sit in a palm of your hand. To be honest, if it had been me walking by them, I would not have taken them in with me because I wouldn't have wanted the responsibility. I've also got this mentality that things will work themselves out, and to let nature take its course. The plan was to take them in since it was below freezing outside, and then to the shelter within the week. However, the Beijing animal shelter was full, and so I offered to watch them with the thought that they would be easily adopted--being so cute and small it seemed like a no brainer. After two weeks, Lulu was adopted, which was such a relief as having two puppies running around is quite chaotic--not to mention, two cats, two people, PLUS 4 friends living under a roof for a week as well!! T'was quite fun now looking back on it, and quite the experience. Anyway, another week went by and another, and I just couldn't believe that nobody wanted Lola. She was a sweet dog, generally quiet, and well tempered. I am not trying to diagram every interaction we had because I don't think I could describe fairly the bond I developed with her. Yes, I am a cat person, and I love Sir Leopold til death do us part, but more-so I am an animal lover; I love all living things, life and absolutely everything about it. I'm so grateful for having this opportunity to feel what it's like to raise a puppy if only for a month. Lola came into my life, my home unexpectedly, and I grew to love her unexpectedly. We allow ourselves to take in these experiences, and when lucky enough, these feelings stay with us eternally.

Last night, a wonderful young lady took Lola home with her, where she will have a forever best (boy) dog friend. I am so relieved, and so thankful for everyone who helped try to find her a home. Here are some shots from our last weekend with Lola, Foster Papa William & of course the disapproving Sir Leopold :) 'Til we meet again, Lola.

“Sometimes,’ said Pooh, ‘the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”

— ― A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh

Love,
Daze

798 Triple Date

Daisy Sun April 21, 2014

I’ve been in Beijing for over a year, but have yet to post on our rapidly developing art district 798. My first time at 798 was filled with nostalgic feelings of the Seattle Folklife Festivals with the small arts and craft vendors on every corner. But after some time and multiple trips, I’m losing those feelings and growing into new ones— due to the good company I’ve always had and of course to the ever-changing scenery. No more than 20 years ago was the area littered with independent artists renting out studio space. Now, 798’s filled with blossoming studios and corporate event gatherings. I think the a great appeal comes from the gradual shift of the old(er) to the new--contemporary scene moving in, while remnants of the if you will “original individuals’” works still exist if you're trying to find it. As everything else, it’s what you make of it. We look for what we wish to see, but feel what we want to be.

Part Deux of the Seattle to Beijing adventures continue with my lovely friends Nika and Adam while we hit up Beijing’s Art District 798. Thanks Adam for the couple photos. ;)

“If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you.”

— ― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Love,
Daze

Great Wall, Great Friends, Great Weekend

Daisy Sun April 10, 2014

The Great Wall spans for over 13,000 miles, which is roughly 5500 kilometers and also 4 times the width of the United States... HOLY COW. An estimated 2 to 3 million people died building the Great Wall of China over a period of around 300 years (Historians, you can correct me if I'm wrong!)

A couple weekends ago, my friends from back home came to visit in Beijing and we took a gondola up part of the wall, and a toboggan down the other side of it. I've honestly never felt closer to death, and no thanks to Adam shaking the already rickety gondola...Imagine going up a ski lift that creaks, a bar that does not stay in place, and prickly dead trees below you--what looked like to be the valley of death. My initial thought was how painful it'd be to land on the pricklies on my backside...but I suppose if I actually had gone down, I would not have had the luxury of feeling the pricks being dead. Just being realistic..not pessimistic!!

Oh aside from the good company, good weather, and good timing, our first Lady Michelle Obama had also decided to make an appearance that day where we were. Pretty cool as we were able to get in even. though they closed off the portion of the Great Wall to limit visitors for her visit!

Here are some shots, from Seattle to Beijing! This documents the beginning of the week long adventures of Pig 'n Pooh [For those of you who don't know--my best friend Nika goes by Pig and I go by Pooh.]

A special thanks to my good friend, Adam for lugging his large DSLR and lenses, and for letting me get some facetime in my blog! Here's to a great weekend, great company, and the great wall.

Do it right with Asia & Jumping photos yo

“Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.”

— ― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Love,
Daze

25 in Beijing

Daisy Sun March 20, 2014

Hi All!

They say 25 is one of the best years, and I'm feelin' it already! Last week I celebrated my 25th birthday with some of my dearest friends in Beijing. When I came to Beijing over a year ago, I remember feeling a bit sad that I was leaving home right before my 24th birthday. Some good friends I met back then took me out, and while it may have been the smallest birthday gathering I've had, it was also one of the most intimate. This year, on my actual birthday I went out with them again, now who I consider some of my best friends, to see ALVARO perform. It was quite awesome from what I can remember ;) Also, I had the pleasure of having a taste of home as one of my best friends from Seattle is here too--the lovely Miss Kelly Yen.

For the weekend, we headed over to Sanlitun's local bar--The Local to celebrate! It's no secret that Beijing is one of the world's fastest paced cities, and with the hustle and bustle of the days, comes hustle and bustle relationships as well. I've met so many wonderful individuals in just this short year, and I am so grateful for all of those who made it out to my party this year--some living over 2 hours away! I think the best part about birthdays compared to other get-togethers is that they seem a bit more obligatory to attend, which make for wonderful reunions. Here are some shots from my birthday!

Thank you all for the support in moving to Beijing. I can't say it enough and I wouldn't be here without all the love. <3