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Here is a link to my fifth draft of "Hiking with John." I changed the title back as "A Chance Encounter" felt cliched.
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Travelling with my family and friends
Each vacation of Chinese nation day, my husband always arranges a splendid travel and invites another friend family to join the tour to make more pleasure. We visited many beautiful and wonderful places such as San Ya, Wu Zhi Mountain, Wu Lin Mountain, and Jing Gang Mountain. Before the last trip, I asked my husband: “Where are we going to travel this year, and who will go with us?”
“There will be some different from former tours. However, it is a mysterious now. Everything will be in my control. You just follow me and enjoy.” My husband answered.
I always believe in my husband organizing capability, because he is genius in this aspect.
Before we departed, my husband declared: “We will drive to pass and visit many beauty spots of three provinces, He Bei, Shan Xi and Mongolia. Our friend Mr. Xue and his wife will go with us. ” He took out his elaborately prepared material and explained to us about the whole travelling journey, schedule and ordered hotels.
The first station was the Yun Gang Rock Cave. My husband drove on the curved high way with very fast speed. My daughter delightedly said: “I feel I am flying like a happy bird”. We indeed felt as if the car ran in the air. We were attracted by boundless bushes and white poplar trees, which are golden, orange, yellow, grizzly, and the classical fall colors, on both road sides.
After several hours driving, we got to the famous Yun Gang Rock Cave, which was perched in one huge Rock Mountain of Shan Xi Province. Those stone sculptures were chiseled more than 1000 years ago, i.e. Chinese South and North Dynast Time. There were more than 3000 stone sculptures with various sizes and figures. Some sculptures were high up to 10 meters and wide up to 4 meters, but some were small only the same as one person’s fist. The sculptures were vivid and multi-expressions, which seemed pensive, lovely, merciful, generous, severe, ferocious or weird. I really appreciated the ancient people’s genius and diligence from those great stone sculptures.
Finishing visiting the sculptures, we went on to the Mongolia territory. When we arrived at the E Er Duo Si city, it was midnight. It was lucky we easily found the local famous restaurant-Xiao Fei Yang Hot Pot. Because of hunger and tire, we ate at least 10 plates of beef and lamb, and it was very delicious and spice. My daughter said: “My stomach is very full, and it can not fill any more, but my mouth still wants to eat more.” We all laughed at her puerility and loveliness.
The next day, we visited the desert nearby the city. The desert was gigantic and almost bare. Occasionally, we can find sporadic small unnamed grass. The desert shape was like the wave - one layer cascading one layer. When the sun went down slowly and slowly, the sunshine gleamed the whole desert, which seemed to wear a gorgeous garment. It was really a spectacle. We also enjoyed the autumn’s comfortable sunshine.
In the next days, we visited some museums, several temples and understood the local cultures. We all liked this tour.
535 words
An Unforgettable Middle Autumn Festival
Middle Autumn Festival is a very important festival and holiday in China. It is the date 15 August of lunar calendar. In China, we say the date15 of every lunar month, the moon is full. Also, August is in the harvest season, so the Middle Autumn Festival represents bumper harvest and reunion . One of my unforgettable Middle Autumn Festival was 1993, when I was a kid. It was an amazing, happy and exciting day in my life.
In the morning of that day, my father was the first one to get up and sweep the whole yard clean. Then, he went to the town. My mother and my grandma prepared the food and dishes. Moon cake is the representative food at that festival. However, people, in my village, usually steamed shaped moon cake sweet bread instead of moon cake because they did not have money to buy the moon cakes at that period. My grandma steamed many other shapes bread such as apple, pear, pomegranate, chicken, pig, duck and so on. These were offered sacrifices to Gods and ancestors .
That year, my family prepared more food and dishes than before years. I did not know why, but I knew it must something would happen at that day. A little later, my aunt and her children came to my house. That gave me more confidence that a special thing would happen because my aunt usually came on the next day of the festival to visit my grandma. In addition, my dad came back and bought new clothes and shoes for me and asked me to put them on immediately. When I interested in the new clothes, I knew that something would happen to me. I asked my grandma why that day was different from before years’. She whispered to me that my city uncle would come. When I was thinking, my dad asked my grandma, ``Are you ready for the sacred food ``
``Just a moment,`` my grandma said.
A little later, they put all kinds of food in front of the Gods and ancestors’ biers. All the members of my family had to knee down , close eyes and listen to my grandma saying something.
After that, my parent went to the street to welcome my uncle. When they came into my house. I was surprised that my aunt was very beautiful and generous, and my uncle was very handsome. When they sat down and asked ,``Who is May `` I stood up. They told me that they would bring me to go to the city to study since my dad told them that my studying was very good, but my village’s teaching condition was too bad. I liked to go to city, but I hated my parent never told me anything before they decided anything for me. When they were talking about the city’s beauty, good environment, convenient transportation and all kinds of shops, buildings and so on. I forgot my angry and hoped to go to the city as soon as possible.
After the lunch, My parent sent me to go into the car. I saw my mom cried, and I cried. At that moment, I felt that I was sold to them because they did not have a child, and I tried to get out of the car .My aunt made out of my mind and said, `` Don’t cry, you can come back to see your mom every month.`` I stopped crying and smiled to say bye-bye to my family.
The moon of that Middle Autumn Festival was the fullest in my life as my life was changed since that day. I was lucky that I had the opportunity to go to the city to study, and I thanked my uncle very much for their support and education. That day also was the premise that I could come to Canada. I will never forget the Middle Autumn Festival of 1983.
653words
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From Kenny Lee
Holyburn Peak Trail-revision 1
I have been climbed the Holyburn Peak in last Sunday, 17 February 2008. The Holyburn Peak trail is located in the Sypress Bowl Province Park. It was really wonderful sunshiny sunday after week long cloud and raining days. I and my wife select Holyburn Peak because we have been there three times but always it was so foggy or cloudy that we couldn't see it's top scenery.
When we arrive there at 9;30, it was very difficult to find a parking lot because there are hundred cars was parked already. Along the Hollyburn Peak trail there are Hollyburn Ridge cross-country ski route. The parking lot was fulled because there are climber's car added by cross-country skyer's car altogether.
The mountain was covered by snow more than one meter
from the bottom. Many climber weared snowshoe but we didn't.
Fortunately all the climbing route are compacted already by the many previous mountaineer. Due to the nice weather there are
many climber, which was consist of couple, lovers or friends. I
have seen that 20~25 army was training near the trail.
After 20 minutes the trail level reaches the height of the saddle and we can see the views of the Gulf of Georgia and Vancouver Island. As we climbing higher we can see more
further and more widely. The shape of snow on the tree also
changed as we are going higher because snow covered portion of tree are enlarged from 30% to 90%. Whenever we encounter interesting trees with snow my wife says "What a lovely tree. It seems like living animal." In front of good scenery I told to other crimber. "Would you take a picture for us?" Then he also want take his picture with same backgroud. Many times we exchange photo snap with other couples.
After 15 minutes zigzagging, the trail reaches the 1,326 meter top: Holyburn Peak with it's panoramic view. Directly north is Mount Strachan and farther behind The Lions.
In the east we can see Grouse Mountain and many high mountains all around which was covered snow. Top of the Holyburn Mountain has quiet wide place. More than 30 people at the top has a good time to see good scenary of panorama or having their lunch.
First of all we take a picture and preparing lunch. My lunch in the mountain are instant noodle soup. after boiling water and enter two pack of noodles with ingredients then after 4~5 minute more boiling, we can have delicious hot food on the snow. Several small bird want to eat together with us so my wife put some nuddles and beans on her palm easy to pick for bird.
After lunch we are preparing down hill. Because of sliding
on steep slope by the buttocks it takes only one and half hour to the car parking lot. The distance from parking lot and the Holyburn Peak are about 4 km. The trail is quite moderate and it takes four hour walking time. Even though my leg and shoulder has some uneasy or some pain it was really nice day and good exercise for us. I found that climbing snow mountain are two or three times difficult than normal hiking.
The Endless Story
It was July 7th. Hot and sweaty. Four o’clock in the afternoon, the sun was still in the sky high. Grandma asked me to take a shower and wear the clean clothes. Then I stood by to wait for the ritual to start. Grandpa put a table just inside the main door of our house. I helped grandma to organize the stuff on the table.
The first stuff was seven bowls of rice wine chicken soup. The soup was no water added; all was rice wine. It was grandma’s recipe, and it was grandpa’s favorite. When the chicken, ginger, and rice wine were heated, the smell filled the kitchen. It was great. “Can I eat the soup?” I asked grandma. “No, you are too young to drink the soup.” Grandma replied. Then I asked, “When can I drink the soup?” “Not until you grow up.” “Why many things can be done until growing up?” I wondered.
Behind the soup, there were seven herb sticky rice cakes. Each of them looked like a computer mouse, dark green, soft, and a leaf was put under it. It was my favorite. I liked its sweetness, a little chewy, and herb-smell. Beside the cakes, we put a mirror, a small box of white face powder, a small bunch of red round flowers, a ruler, and a pair of scissors. This stuff was prepared for the goddess to make up and dress up herself well. She was the seventh daughter of the Chinese god. Tonight would be her yearly date with her husband.
It was said that the Chinese god had seven daughters. One day they went down to the human world. When they were playing in a river, a cowboy took his old cow’s advice and stole the youngest daughter’s clothes which were put beside the river. Without the clothes, the lady couldn’t fly back to the heaven, so she stayed at the human world and married to the cowboy. But she still missed her families very much. One day, she asked her husband where her clothes were. The cowboy didn’t know her mind, and gave them to her. She put them on, and flied toward to the heaven immediately. Since she had come back, her father forbade her to meet the cowboy again except the day-July 7th. For the rest of the year, the couple had changed into two stars and separated by the Milky Way. So, on July 7th, we prepared the stuff to help her date as well as worshiped her sisters.
After the ritual, I received a necklace which was given to the child who was under twelve years old. It was a coin; a squared hole was dug in the center of it to let a red cotton string go through. I wore it and felt the blessing from the goddess. But I could only wear it for one day, the next day I had to return it to grandma and then wait till the next year to wear it again.
At night, I searched for the stars in the sky. I should see two brighter stars: one was the cowboy, the other was the goddess; The Milky Way was as the bridge. The two stars should stand side by side on the bridge. I asked grandpa, “Where are they?” Grandpa pointed toward the sky and replied, “At the far end.”
At star- twinkling summer night, when I gaze at the sky, the stars shining in the dark velvet, an unknown mystical feeling flowing through my heart and it recalls me the endless story.
A Crystallization of Ancestor’s Love
When I was young, my mother used to make the red millet dumpling for my two younger brothers’ birthday until they were ten years old. It was a kind of tradition that protects the children from the bad ghost in Korea. Of course, nowadays we don’t believe that, but we must not forget the spirit of our ancestor’s love.
The dumpling was like a red small ball covered with red bean powder. It was really sweet and had a special flavor. The texture was little bit sticky and tender. The red millet and red bean symbolized the blood, which kept away uncured plagues or bad accidents.
The method of making the dumpling wasn’t difficult, but many people realized it wasn’t easy to buy the ingredients. Whenever she made it, she woke me up early in the morning. One part of the method needed another hand like a helper. She already prepared all ingredients and appliances: sucked and ground red millet powder, cooked and ground red bean powder, big flat plates, and a strainer.
This is how to make red millets. At first, boil water in a big pot. Meanwhile kneed the millet with hot water, salt, sugar, and make small balls evenly. The balls are put into the boiling water until they are floating completely. Spread the red bean powder on a big plate. Then drain them with the strainer, and rinse quickly with cold water. In order to coat it, pour them the big plate to separate each ball and roll it individually. Every time in this process, my mother urged me, “Hurry up!” Because I didn’t do it quick, the balls stuck together like a lump. Lastly, place the covered ball side by side on another plate. The warm little ball was already in my mouth, before my mother said, “Well done, taste it.”
I can still remember the feeling and texture because the memory of that day sticks in my mind. I want to see my mother and taste her handmade dishes. Even though we talk on the phone frequently, we can’t have a good time facing together. It makes me miss my mother and my childhood.
Having my own son, when he was one hundred days old, I followed my mother’s way to make the dumplings. After that, I did it every birthday for my three boys since 2002.
After my family came to Canada, I didn’t try to make the dumplings. I don’t know why I didn’t do that. Maybe it is difficult to find a convenience store near my house and the ingredients aren’t popular. During the five years of living in Canada, Korean Markets have been changed and we can buy anything, whenever and whatever we want.
Right now my youngest son is fourteen, so all my boys have grown up into adults. It means no more red millet dumplings in my family, but someday I expect to make them for my grandchildren with great fun.
by Jeongsook (498words)
A Lucky Walk
Indeed, there is this job which offers us not only the money but also the extra bonuses: the health it brought, the peaceful moments we had, the irresistible views of Deer Lake that we often appreciated. It is newspaper-delivering. My son, Kevin delivers the local community papers in our neighborhood, with me or my husband, sometimes with our dog-Yogurt.
This is a rain or shine job. Twice a week, it is a 45 minute walk each time to fulfill the task. With 53 papers and flyers in the arms and the cart, Kevin and his father like to compete to reach the next doorstep to show who is the faster one.
It was a foggy late autumn Saturday morning, a quiet unawake yet morning. Yogurt did not come for not involving in the frozen black ice on the sidewalk. Kevin met a big white dog. It was a he, a big pretty Husky. Out of surprise, the dog followed them to every household, he stayed behind Kevin closely. On the first split corner they reached, he stopped, studied, then chose to take Kevin’s trail; letting daddy went to another direction.
Sun peeked thru mist, in the glistening rays the dog came home with Kevin and daddy. Bbefore he stepped on our front porch, Yogurt sensed him. Yogurt guarded, barked loudly, and circled inside the foyer hastily. I went out to meet the huge white dog hesitantly. “Why do you bring a dog home?” I asked. “He just followed us.” Kevin shrugged in reply. With a milk bone in my hand, the sweet giant sat, stared at the treat eagerly. I patted him, praised him. It was quite a moment to have, meeting a totally strange yet gentle dog, like this.
“What should we do with him?” Kevin mentioned. I found there was a dog tag hid under the dog’s neck. It was Burnaby and a number on it only, no telephone number. “We’d better call the SPCA, ask them what to do.” Daddy answered briefly. The lady in the SPCA office instructed us to keep the dog in our premise till someone she sent to pick him up around noon.
We tried carefully to put a twin around his neck, which is for tight up cardboards usually, but it is the only thing that we can find on hand, to have him leashed loosely and comfortably. He was so thirsty he drank a whole bowl of water right after we put it in front of him. He needed our attention desperately, he could not stand we leave him alone in the yard. He howled till any of us showed up in responding. We had to take turn to comfort him to keep him company. We phoned the lady in SPCA again, we assured her that we can bring him safely to the shelter ourselves. The lady in SPCA found out the dog’s name is Lucky and he lives around our block. She arranged to keep Lucky in the shelter till his owner showed up. Waving good bye to him, we contented that Lucky is in the good hand and will be in his own home soon.
Delivering the community papers is quite an experience to us. Not only the pays that come to Kevin twice a month, yet there are always the beautiful changing-in-season views of Deer Lake and some unexpected moment. Such as meeting a big white friendly dog named Lucky like this in an amazing morning.
--by Josephine Chiu (594 words)
My Favorite Routine
Every time I have friends visiting Vancouver, I like to spend the whole day bringing them around. There are so many beautiful places to visit in Vancouver, but I usually have a special routine like taking the sky train, bus, motor-boat, sea bus visiting the Steam Clock, Granville Island, and Lonsdale Quay Market. Every time we have a great day.
First, we would take the sky train to the Waterfront Station. Along the way we would be able to pass by metrotown, the biggest shopping mall in Vancouver. We would also pass by Chinatown, Science World, and the BC Stadium. Upon arriving at the Waterfront Station, we would go through the old railway station building to go to the Gastown to see the famous Steam Clock which is located at the corner of Water and Cambie streets. The clock attracts many people because it lets out steam off its top and whistles every 15 minutes.
After visiting the Steam Clock, we would walk back to the front of old railway station building to take the bus to Granville Island for lunch. There is a famous French restaurant which is located at the entrance of Granville Island. Every Monday they offer a special deal, two people will only pay for the price of one. This is why I often go there on Monday if it is possible. This is a good deal for us. The restaurant is operated by the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts. They have quality services, and the place also has a good view. We have a good time enjoying delicious food.
Having more energy after lunch, we start to ramble into the stores of Granville Island. There are lots of artists stores displaying products like pottery, jewelry, painting, and clothing. Granville Island also has a big area fo kids' shopping. A public market is located near the bank of the river. You can by all sorts of things there like vegetables, fruits, breads, meats, ice cream, seafood, cofee, flowers, and many diferent handicrafts. People buy food at the food court, and can choose to sit indoors or outside to enjoy their lunch.
When we want to take a rest, there are two places where we can listen to singers perform their own songs, and watch shows. When it is a sunny day, I often suggest to my friends to sit outside to feel the sunshine, and buy a ice cream to cool us. Sometimes, I like to close my eyes, and feel the gentle breeze blowing like silk caressing my face. I can also see the boats crossing the river and passing each other. How very reaxing!
usually. I like to suggest to my friends to take the motor-boat back to downtown vancouver. The motor-boat is small, and is painted with rainbow colors on the outside. One boat can take around 10 people. There are 4 lines between Granville Island and downtown Vancouver, so we can see many small and colorful boas crossing the river. When the boat leaves for Yale Town, Which is a part of downtown Vancouver. On our right, we can see many houses beside the river with one or two floor to ceiling windows. On our left, we can see all of the high-rise buildings which are by the riverside. We can see the Burrard Bridege behind us, and sometimes we can also watch the sunset behind the bridge touching down the surface of the river. In front of us, we can see Science World. It is such a nice picture!
When we get off the boat at Yale Town, there are many private yachts on both sides. Previously, Yale Town was a big storage area, but now it has been developed to become a high standard business and residential neighborhood. There are many famous restaurants, stores, and high-rise buildings. Everything is more expensive than other places in Vancouver. Along the way, we can see a portion of the front of old trai, the first train from east to west, which is displayed in a glass case at the Round House Community.
After 30 minutes walking to the Burrard Skytrain Station, we would take the sky train to the Waterfront Station, and transfer to the sea bus to go to the Lonsale Quay Market in North Vancouver. There are three floors in this market. It is a good place for tourists to shop. One of the most important things to do is to taste the seafood on the first floor next to the Flight Center. Another thing to is to view the harbor overlooking downtown Vancouver.
This is what our day of touing Vancouver with my griends would be. Using the different modes of transportation touring around Vancouver is so exciting like riding the sky train, bus, motor-boat, and the seabus which allows us to go to a lot of places and to see lot of things like steam clock, yachts, and even watch sunset. My friends and I always have a lot of fun touring Vancouver, and sharing wonderful memories together.
Ghost Month 3rdrd edtion.
Have you ever seen a ghost in your life? It is said, on July 1, the gate open for all the ghosts to visit the world we lived. Your ancestor’s will come back to your family until July 31 midnight. There are ghosts everywhere during this period. My parents did not allow us to swim in the river even swimming pool during ghost month. The ghosts who died by drown will hide under water and drag your legs. You are not supposed to do any dangerous activities during the lunar July.
There are three “Bye-Bye”s which we worship the gods and ghosts. The July 15th will be the biggest. On July 1, we prepared the meals for the ghosts when they traveled and past our home. On July 31, we also prepared the meals for them to see off all the ghosts. We wish all the bad spirits leave us far… far away.
On July 15, my parent burned incenses and asked for the blessings. My grandma setup a table outside the house. Everyone was called to the table with 3 incenses on both hands. I prayed with the ghosts of our ancestors. “I can get a good mark in all courses”. My grandmother said “we will have a proper year and good luck to all our families.” The table is filled up with dishes, pork, cooked chicken, fish, and fruits. I knew I could enjoy a good meal in my dinner.
The temples will build a platform for all kinds of ceremony. The puppet show is my best favour. It is free for everyone to watch because temple already got a lot of donations. The puppets are made of a piece of palm size clothing made in details to match the characters identity. The wooden painted head is hollow to fit index finger. Some puppet’s heads can flash eyes and move the mouse as if he were talking. The performer who hidden behind a theater which look like a two story mini building with curtain wrapped around use both palms to control the puppets and make conversation with prepared screenplay in his memory. The voices can be men, boys or women or girls but all by only one performer behind the platform. They were two shows every day. The afternoon show played the history with famous heroes. My favour show was a red-faced hero rode on a red-skin horse with a spear-like weapon from “the Romance of the Three Kingdom”. The Kung-Fu fighting show with magic are performed at night time. It is a “Matrix” movie in my childhood. All the puppets talk, chat, walk and suddenly they became alive when I was so absorbed into the show that I forgot to go home.
“It’s late for dinner”
My aunt shouts at me. A voice interrupted my imagination of being a hero doing combat on the show. I was unwillingly to leave my puppet show but I am glad to go home for a big dinner with all the families.
There are other ceremonies and activities held in the "Ghosts Month" but I like the puppet show which brings me the best entertainment of my childhood.
Words count 529.
Giddy Up and Go
“It was one of those days!” The sun was shining and the forecast displayed as a no cloud coverage day, just the sun and weekend to enjoy. The kids were playing outside. You could feel their sunny dispositions as the sun matched the twinkle in their eyes and here their outgoing laughter as they taunted eachother. Every day in July, we would pack what we needed, toys, snacks, sunscreen and bus fare. “Is it beach day?” my daughter would say, her brain traveling faster than her mouth.
I kept my cool, keeping the anticipation of the adventure ahead. “Are we going swimming? Are we mom?Are we?” searching for a clue to where we were going.
I had called the night before, preparing the directions we required to get to our destination. It was going to be a long trip. I decided to think about what we would need for travel: a gameboy, books and our mp3 players. My daughter, I noticed, was giving me a questionable look. “Were not going to the beach today?” she said fustrated. I replied, “We are going some where!”
You see, every summer of every day we would roll on down to the White Pine Beach, so with this on her mind she seemed disappointed. I involved her in the business of making sandwiches and she approached me with an idea. “Are we going to the water slides?” I smiled deep inside hoping she did not decipher why I was smiling. It was difficult to fool my daughter from most things. This I know from the experiance of being her mother. I said to her, “We are going to swim but not in the usual way.” She looked at me funny and said that I did not make any sense. From there we were quiet, to he time we packed our sandwiches, to the time we gather our gear and headed towards the bus. I smiled ambiguously at her. She smiled funny at me. It was as if she was making faces at me.
The bus arrived and we boarded like any other time we boarded. The change went into the change machine, the tickets appeared, and we sat at the back of the bus. My daughter sang traveling songs and told jokes. My daughter is quite the little actress. She seems to arouse smiles and laughter from the people that surround her. “Oh what a cutie!” one lady announced. Another shared a joke with her. Everyone, moslty, left the bus with a good feeling. It was going to be a great summer!
With every stride, bus and skytrain we took ended in someone with a crack in their smile. Thoroughly indulging in the moment we finally arrived. I stepped off the bus and yelled “TADAA!” all she saw were three horses grazing in the pasture.Her eyes widended, her jaw dropped. Without a doubt, she was mad, but did not complain. As we made a trek down a long dirt road, she kicked rocks and turned up her nose at the smell of horse manure. Nothing much was said.
Walking, by this time, with her head down, interrupted by my intentional gasp, her head rose to see a sign reading, “SPLASHDOWN.” Well, just like horses galloping with their saddlebags on, we galloped with our bags to our new summer adventure.
560 Words
The Happy Time Together With Elizabeth
Once I worked for Opportunities For The Disabled Foundation (OFTDF) as a volunteer one or two days a week during October to December in 2006. My partner was a lady who emigrated from Scotland 30 years ago. My job was fundraising at public places for the disabled people. I was happy I can help the people who need help, and I enjoyed the time together with Elizabeth.
October 21st, 2006, our worksite was in the front of Canadian Tire which near Brentwood Town Center. We set a small wood table in front of the door of Canadian Tire. The table was so small that it can be lodged between the porch and parking lot. A donation box what was made of clear plastic, some brochures, and thanking pins were set on the table. Everyone who wants to enter the store could see us. I smiled at any one who passed by the table, and said: “Would you like to help the disabled people?” I have repeated this sentence more than two hundreds times, so I can speak the sentence fluently in 2 seconds to let the passenger can hear the whole sentence before they enter the store or go away. Usually, the person who heard my sentence smiled back to me, then digged out one note or several coins from their pocket, I guide them put the money into the donation box. If his/her donation was more than five dollars, I would riveted a thanking pin to his/her shirt.
Some people who heard my sentence smiled and said: “Sorry, no cash.” Or “No, next time.”
I answered with smile: “ It’s ok. No problem.”
It was a fine day. The sunshine warmed the creatures on the earth, but my riding was under the shadow of a building. The wind blew though my cloths. I shivered as a bee even though I wore a sweater and a thick coat. Elizabeth let me take a break every two hours to enter the store to heat myself. Wa---, it’s really comfortable inside door! Elizabeth has done this job for two years. I wander how she stands it in the snow winter.
During the interval of people passing by, I chatted with Elizabeth. She was very patient at my poor English. She found my pronounce problem with “ir”, “or”, “tr”, “dr”. She pointed the fur tree which beside the parking lot, and let me repeat: “ I saw the first fur tree beside the street this morning.” I repeated and repeated. A man was coming, I smiled at him and said: “ I saw the first fur tree beside the street this morning.” He stopped, smiled, and was confused. Elizabeth told him my pronounce story. He laughed loudly, Elizabeth and me laughed also. What a happy time it is!
I stopped working for OFTDF since January in 2007 for my long trip to China. I can remember every detail about the time together Elizabeth. She always says: “ It is fun and easy.” I miss the fun and easy time.
----Mavis Peng (513 words)---The second draft
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