Good Bye Hong Kong

Today was my last full day in Hong Kong....writing that just made me sad.  It has been a interesting 10 months and I would not change anything - well maybe a few things!  I have met some amazing people who have touched my life, I have hiked all over Hong Kong Island, I haven't driven a car here, it has been all public transportation for this china doll!  I have been immersed into a new culture with interesting traditions.  The open markets and stalls have been an eye full at times not to mention a nose full of smells, most times not pleasant smells either.  I have been touched by the kindness of so many here in Hong Kong, I feel like I am leaving a part of me behind.  I have learned to think global and my vision of the world has enlarged and I am a better person for having had this experience.

So, Thank you Hong Kong - Good Bye for now, but don't worry "I'LL BE BACK.."

Friday HKIS Dragon Ladies, Cecilia, me, Carolina 

Mike always tells me I am "HOT" and "CUTE"  I am going miss his big hug each week.

I learned how to hike in Hong Kong with Nadine, she kept me moving!

Just a few of the people who made a difference in my life.  I will be adding more..

This is the end of my blog, heidi in hong kong, tomorrow you will find me at my new blog site which I have called   Heidi's Heartland ,  heidisheartland.blogspot.com  stop by for a visit and see what is happening in my heartland!

Dominoes

I always have like to play with dominoes.  I remember as a little girl using the dominoes to make patterns on the table or floor - I thought that was what one did with dominoes.  Boy was I surprised to find out it is actually a game.  My favorite thing was to set them up in a line and push the first one and watch all the others fall in rapid succession.

Today I was thinking about how our decisions, actions and reactions create a domino effect in our lives.  For, example today I had planned to get packed to go back to the states, I had my dominoes lined up and ready to execute the "Packing Plan" when I made a decision to pack while watching Sherlock Homes!  What was I thinking - the suitcase lay open and I managed to get some of the gifts that I am taking home with me in one side but then,  I chose to eat a piece of toast and we all know that you cannot pack and eat at the same time so I had to just sit and watch the movie!  I was also baking bread - and because I was watching the movie I forgot about it and it had risen up and over the pan so I had to punch it back down and reshape and now it is 1:00 in the morning and I am waiting for the bread to bake.  So, I am tired, my packing didn't get done, which means I am behind on the "Packing Plan"!  One decision to eat a small piece of toast - created a domino effect!

The domino effect is a part of our human existence and always will be.  We all touch each others lives, sometimes the domino effect is good - like in the movie "Pay it Forward", or when you share a smile.  Other times it can be not so good.  Like, if I wrote something to someone that they didn't understand or say something to someone that was hurtful, the might get upset and make decision based on their emotions; I have just passed the domino effect to someone else.

Our decisions effect others, for good or bad.  On my recent trip to Thailand, the protesters were angry and destroyed buildings and public shopping areas, their decision to act in that way has affected the lives of people they don't even know.  Every decision we make effects something or someone.  I have made my share of decisions that have benefited others for good, but I have also done the opposite.  I hope that in the future I can be wiser and think before I act or react, to use my head and my heart together to make the best decision possible.  I will be turning 50 in a few months it is my wish that I can use the dominoes in my life to make a positive chain reaction in the world, in my neighborhood, with friends and with family.

Bread is done,  my last domino fell and now I am off to bed.

New Man in My LIFE

I have a new man in my life...and I can't wait to hold him!

A few more days and I will be there Austin...

What is Missing

I feel as if I am missing something.  I checked and I have no missing body parts, I wish though I was missing a few more pounds but I physically I seem to be intact.  Yet, I still feel as though something is missing.  Now, for many of you who know me you might disagree with me when I say that my brain is intact and I am mental all there - but I really feel as if I am today.(I know a bit unusual for me)  So what is it that I have missed placed? 


I have my toothbrush and used it, in case you were wondering.  I have both earrings in, and they are matching!  Eye glasses - I have so many pairs of glasses laying around the house and in my purse I could afford to misplace one pair, but I think they are accounted for.  Wallet - check, purse - check, keys - check, Hong Kong ID card - check.....what else could it be...


I just figured it out, it is the SUN.  I didn't get to go hiking or running so didn't feel the warmth.  The clouds were surrounding my apartment today so I didn't see the wonderful SUNLIGHT shining through my windows.  The SUN was missing...I hope that it is not hiding in the morning, I want to go for an early bird run - that is the best time - it is quiet and I have the SUN and the trails all to myself.  It better not RAIN - I only have four more days in Hong Kong - please, please let the SUN SHINE!!

NANA

Today I became a NANA! Welcome to the world Austin Paul Forsberg.  I am so glad that you are here and are healthy with ten fingers and toes!  Your mom tells me you are the most beautiful baby boy EVER.  I wanted to be there when you decided to make your entrance into this world but I need to be here in Hong Kong with your Uncle John.  Don't worry NANA will get there as soon as she can.

Austin, I want you to know that you have the best parents EVER.  They have waited along time for you to come into their lives and be a part of their family.  When I spoke to your father, he said that he was so proud of your mother, she was wonderful during the delivery process. (He wanted to put you in a BYU shirt right away but I think the nurses held him back!)   Your mom just keeps telling me how beautiful you are and how wonderful it is to have you here.  They both love you so very much.  They have a lot to learn as parents so be patient with them.   They might make a few mistakes, I know that I did with your mom from time to time - but she and I are the best of friends and I love her so very much.  You have a lot of family support to help you learn and grow.  The Forsberg family and the Gailey family will do everything they can to help make your life an amazing adventure in learning and achieving. I can't wait to meet and hold you.

Audrey,  I am so very proud of who you are and what you have done today. I know that is was hard and at times difficult but so worth the effort.  You were my first born and that place is reserved for those spirits that can handle raising their parents.  You taught me and I hope in return I taught you a few things.  Audrey, you have blessed my life each day you have been in it, from the moment I found out that I was going to be a mother to this day when you have become a mother.   I love you - and after today you will understand just how much that is.

My life might have it's up and downs, rainy days and well as ones filled with SUN but through it all I realize the wonderful blessing that I have been given.  Life is an amazing teacher. I hope to live long enough to learn to appreciate all the lessons that my life offers me.  But, as for today I am just grateful for being "JUST A NANA" - can't think of a better thing to be.

Lessons Learned from Buddha

While in Asia I have been studying different religions of the countries and find that I can glean a lot of wisdom from many of them.   I have learned some lessons from Buddha here are a few of my favorite teachings... 

“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”

“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.”

“Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.”

“The tongue like a sharp knife... Kills without drawing blood.”

“There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt. Doubt separates people. It is a poison that disintegrates friendships and breaks up pleasant relations. It is a thorn that irritates and hurts; it is a sword that kills.”

“Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity.”

“Virtue is persecuted more by the wicked than it is loved by the good.”

A Visit to Ayutthaya, Thailand

The city of Ayutthaya was founded around 1350.  It became a major power city in the early 15th century.  Western traders arrived in the early 16th century and by the 18th century after years of war decline set in and in 1767 the Burmese destroyed the city and the capital of Thailand.  Today the ruins stand as a reminder of the city's past glory days.

Thailand is going to be an amazing adventure for me.  It will be learning, yet again ,a new culture and history as well as teaching me many things about myself that I haven't yet discovered. 

Welcome John

So now John is thinking that he

 is the coolest kid ever ...

Welcome to the Internatonal School Bangkok

Go Panthers!!

First day of class  August 9th 2010

Class of 2013

The Tale of Two Countries

Dickens famous opening line from A Tale of Two Cities...."It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair..."  So has been my Tale of Two Countries. 

When asked, What has it been like living in Hong Kong?  I usually answer, "it is an amazing experience and I am so blessed to be here." - In truth I should really answer much like Dickens...

"It is the best of times, it is the worst of times, it is a time of wisdom and learning for me, it has been a time of foolishness and mistakes, it has been an epoch time of faith, it has also been a time of incredulity, it has been a season of Light, and at the same time a season of Darkness, it has been my spring of hope while in the winter of despair..."

Living in Hong Kong has been all of those things in the above sentence.  Although I have physically been living in Hong Kong, I left my part of me living in the United States, in the way of Audrey and Toren, David and Mandy, and Laura.  When one is "Just a MOM" it is hard to divide your physical presence between two countries, especially when there is a large body of water in between.  That has to be the worst of times, when a child needs me and I am so very far away - even phone calls have to happen at odd hours to stay connected.  I am enjoying having John all to myself, and we are having the best of times. 

I have learned so much about Asian culture and have become more globally minded.  The wisdom that has been granted me by wonderful new friends has been immeasurable.  Now, this has also been the time that I have made many mistakes and have been foolish in some of my decisions.  Some have been due to the fact that I don't understand all the customs here in Asia while others have been because I have used the advice of those around me instead of my own heart and head.

This has been a epoch time for me to exercise my faith, not only in a spiritual way but also in a very real and personal way.  I have had to learn to believe in myself and to not listen others, but to follow my own personal revelation and intuition.  I have learned to trust myself more, I am a lot smarter then I think I am.  While this has been a great time to grow in faith, it has also been a time of disbelief.  Disbelief in how the "natural man" can take over and push aside all things that are good and decent.  I have seen power, greed and the lack of decency destroy parts of a nation.  It is truly unbelievable what man is capable of doing to man.  I sometimes wonder about the humanity in the world - but then ...

The season of Light comes.  I see people helping other people, not because they have to but because they want to.  They truly desire to be a LIGHT in the life of someone else.  But, as usually as soon as the Light comes out - so must the darkness.  Living in a foreign country is hard work!  You can't communicate, you can't understand, you can't get where you need to get and you can't find some of the simple things that you need.  You have left your family and friends back home, husbands work and travel a tremendous amount and you are alone and lost.  It can become very dark very fast!  Thanks goodness for the Light that others provide for me and thank goodness for the opportunity for when it is their turn for a dark day I can be the Light to help them.  Which is why I love the SUN it has been a constant source of light for me.

To be truthful I have lived through my "winter of despair" only to be followed by my "spring of hope".  Being away from Audrey while she has been pregnant with my first grandchild has been part of my winter - but in a few days spring will be here in the form of baby "Austin" and I will be with her in one week- so there is reason to hope for a brighter tomorrow.  I have worried about David - okay to be honest despair might be a good word to use here too, but then Spring came in the form of Mandy and she has made me hope that all is going to be well with the both of them.  Laura came with me to Hong Kong, we had a fabulous four weeks together last August - but then winter came early as I put my baby girl on a plane to go back to the states and to college.  How I miss her, how John misses her - I hate when winter comes early.  Spring will come a little late this year for her and me, I will not see her until the end of June, but make no mistake it is going to be one of the warmest springs on record, as she is going to go to Thailand for four weeks with me.

So has been my Tale of Two Countries... and to use Dickens famous ending quote..."It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to, than I have ever known." 

Living here in Hong Kong has been a .."far far better thing then I have ever done, I can go and do what ever is asked of me because I know that I am not ever really alone,  and I know where ever I am that day, it will be better then the day before, and the tomorrows that lay ahead will all be better then, I have ever known."

Popcorn Popping

Don't you just love the smell of fresh popcorn?

As the official HKIS Booster Club VP of Spirit activities one of my most important duties is to run the popcorn machine!  I love the smell of fresh popped corn, salted and my personal favorite carmel!  I have been dubbed the popcorn queen by the HKIS Booster Executive board.  I have loved working with these women this past year.  I have learn to jump in with both feet and just volunteer.  It has been one of the highlights of my year hear in Hong Kong. 

Thank you - Lisa N, Lisa P, Anne, Carolina  and to Hongyan and Kathy for helping me with the spirit activities!! 

Where can I get one of these for my home?  I am the popcorn Queen!!   A title that I will forever cherish!

Holding the SUN

I have been reading all the Facebook status' from those living in Washington, all talking about RAIN.  I am getting a little scared, I will be back in Washington next week and I need the SUN.  The SUN has become an important part of my life.  It watches over me on my runs and hikes here on the beautiful Hong Kong trails.  The SUN  brings me warmth when my heart and soul is cold - and sometimes it is bitterly cold here.  The SUN provides light to my days, even on the very darkest of them.   Not sure if I will ever hold the SUN, but it would be nice to always have it with me.  RAIN, RAIN go away... Heidi needs the SUN everyday!

House Hunting Success

After spending a few crazy politically troubled days in Thailand, we did actually manage to find a home, it was the last one we looked at - figures!  It is going to be so different from Hong Kong, it is actually a house and not a highrise apartment.  It actually has a real OVEN - not an easybake one that I am using in Hong Kong.  It has four bedrooms - so come and VISIT! 

 

The outside of our house, Baan Promsook, Nichada Thani, Bangkok  Thailand

I know what you are all thinking it is PINK - well my house in Auburn when we bought it was pink too - maybe it a sign for me, after all I am a breast cancer survivor!  LOL

The kitchen, look a real stove and oven, I can bake more then 6 cookies at a time now.  Not that I will be doing much baking, it was 104 degrees outside the day we signed the house papers! 

 The stairs leading up to the bedrooms, I feel like Scarlet O Hara!

The view from the top of the stairs looking to the front door.  At least the inside of the home isn't pink, like the one in Auburn - all white wall, Ron likes that.  John called them "eggshell white" until I reminded him that all the eggs in Thailand are brown!  LOL

Bedrooms galore, now I just have to buy some beds for my guests! 

This is our street and at the end is a little park area, perfect for my new grandson, Austin Forsberg, of course he has to be born first!

We are looking forward to this new adventure - if you are ever in our neighborhood stop on by for a visit we would love to have you!

Trouble in Thailand

Ron, John and I arrived in Bangkok yesterday, May 19th, with the country still having political problems from the "red" shirt protesters.   The airport was so very quiet and going through immigration was a breeze, no line.  We arrived at the Shangri-La Hotel and we felt like royalty, they had so many people to help us, they escorted us to our rooms -so it was obvious that they had few visitors. The Four Seasons Hotel and the JW Marriott are closed as some others that are in the heart of the city where the protesters are.  About 40 people have been killed since last the start of the protest in March.  Ron and I were here just two weeks ago and the violence has escalated since then.  We feel safe in the hotel.  The Prime Minister issues a curfew last night for 8pm -so we were in "lock down" mode here in the hotel.  It was so weird, all quiet and the streets usually full of friendly Thai people were empty and all the vendors were gone home by 6pm. Some of the rogue protesters started fires in a major shopping centers, a bank and other buildings - I don't think this is really going to help their cause, and most of the Thai's that we talked to are upset with all this political unrest.

On a lighter note:

• I had the best Pad Thai for dinner!
• John doesn't have to take his math entrance test today as the school is closed.
• I get to sit by the pool and relax with the SUN!
• John is using my camera to take pictures - he is pretending to be a photo journalist LOL
• We looked at some homes yesterday and will look at more this afternoon - YUK
• No hiking for me :( so I am hitting the elliptical in the gym - last night I was making the attendants smile, Ron, John and I were the only one's in the gym so I guess I started singing to my IPod -John was mortified, the Thai's just smiled - I am sure they think I am the coolest MOM ever!

The view for our room, looking out over the river to the heart of the city of Bangkok

Scared or Afraid

What is the difference between being scared or and being afraid?  Are they the same thing?  I have thought a lot about this today and have come up with no real answers.  I went to the magic dictionary and the definitions are close:

Scared:   thrown into or being in a state of fear, fright, or panic

Afraid:    filled with fear or apprehension,  filled with concern or regret over an unwanted situation

So with my intended move to Thailand, and the political unrest, should I be scared or afraid?  I am not being thrown into a "state of panic" so by definition I am not scared, but I will be honest and admit that I am "filled with concern and apprehension"  so by definition I am afraid.  Having said that I also have been taught that faith and fear can not co-exist in your mind and heart.  I would like to believe that I am a person of strong faith - and yet there is that apprehension over the unknown.  So is this where one just takes that leap of faith and moves forward with a smile on her face - despite the feelings in her heart.   I can only hope that the political unrest will not cause a dark shadow, and the SUN will shine in Thailand as it has done in Hong Kong and the States.  I am going to move forward with faith, and not be afraid ...while moving to Thailand.

Heidi Marie, Age Six

“To speak truly, few adult persons can see nature. Most persons do not see the sun. At least they have a very superficial seeing. The sun illuminates only the eye of the man, but shines into the eye and heart of the child.” ~ Emerson 

I would like to think that you can see the sun shine in my eyes and heart! I hope I will always see and feel like a child, the world is just so much better when the SUN shines. 

Heidi Marie, age 6

 Lake Grove Elementary, 1st grade

Stair Crazy

So I got up this morning and decided to head out to visit my personal trainer, Mt. Butler! Except I wanted to change up my work out with him so I stated my workout with a nice downhill run of about 2k and then a walk up hill of about 4k, I probably should have stop there but I didn’t! I reached the first step of the 600 stairs straight up to the peak. Mt. Butler was yelling at me to get climbing – so up I went. When I reached the top, he said “You can do that again!” so down I went 600 stairs –and turned right around and went back up them. This time when I reach the peak, the mist and fog was so thick I could only see about 10 feet in any directions. I stretched out and then promptly got up to go back down the 600 steps the problem was that my leg muscles were shaking so bad I almost missed a step and fell! Legs still shaking but feeling energized I started into a slow run down the 4k hill and then enjoyed my nice 2k walk up back up to my apartment. It is a wonderful feeling to have completed my training session with Mt. Butler! I like my personal trainer, Mt. Butler, he is cheap and easy to get to, and I will miss him when I move to Thailand.

Dear Blog

Dear Blog


I find lately that I am writing to you more frequently. I hope that you are not bothered by the increase in the amount of entries. See I have this small problem; I have no one really to talk to about what is happening in my life. It seems like so many people have their own problems, issues and features and life experiences that well I don’t want to encroach on their personal time. Beside no one can really understand the things that I see, feel, or experience. Blog, you on the other hand are completely non judgmental, you don’t really try to solve my problems; you get excited when I am excited and you let me speak my mind. No one understands me like you do!

You might ask about my facebook friends; well to be honest they are one sentence updates – with you it can be a single thought or a lengthy story. You might want to know about my email contacts – yes I have a few of those but it just is not the same. I can add pictures right into you and not as an attachment! Blog, you might ask about my real friends. I have those too, but lately the number seems to be getting smaller. It could be lifestyles, writing styles or even age might be a mitigating factor I am just not quite sure of the reason. In fact just I recently lost one of those friends, it is hard not being able to communicate with them anymore.  Don’t worry about the others in my life,Blog, friends come and go and yet I know that I can always count on you being there. That is what is so great about our relationship. It is like you are me and I am you! (WOW that was a big “IN” sight!- LOL)

Blog, you sometimes read my mind and we seem to understand each other completely. (Of course this might be due to the fact that I am writing the blog.) Nevertheless, Blog, I want you to know how grateful I am that you are there for me. I can come home from a run or hike and tell you all about what I saw, heard and felt. Anytime I need a friend to talk to you are there waiting with a clear and open mind ready to listen (or read) what is ever I am thinking about. Blog, you have become a part of my daily routine and it seems that I am a better person for having you in my life. So, thank you for being there for me. You kind of remind me of another friend I had once – her name was Journal, but she and I never really blended or bonded as you and I have done. I think she intimidated me and I let the relationship fade. I find the ease of your relationship fits into my lifestyle better! So, Blog, I just want to let you know that I appreciate you and enjoy the daily interaction. If there is anything I can do for you please don’t hesitate to ask… I mean write!

Love Heidi

Gwai lo’s in the Clouds

Gwai lo’s in the clouds. That is what they call us “White Westerners here at my apartment complex. Gwai lo, 鬼佬, means "ghost person" in Cantonese, a slang form for white westerner. The Hong Kong Parkview Apartments are situated right on the edge of the Tai Tam county park and therefore on top of the “Mountain”. We usually have cloud cover almost every day. On the days when the humidity is high, it is a gray, foggy, cloudy mist. It reminds me of my hometown of Seattle, the weather that is. Maybe that is why I have loved living here. Just when I think that the day will be gloomy and grey the clouds part and the mist dissipates, then there is the SUN! It breaks though and then all is right with the world.

I LOVE living here. It is one of the places in Hong Kong that you can actually see the stars at night. It is right in the middle of the 50K Hong Kong trail, which I hiked a week ago. I love the fact that I can get up and go hiking every morning – or if I sleep in - every afternoon! These hills and trails have brought me great solace over the past eight months. There are times when I have gone hiking and as I reach the peak I sit and watch the cloud cover move right over me again, but I always know that the SUN is still shining. (Mostly because it is hot and humid) It is quiet in a natural way, cicadas’ make noise, the rain runoff streams make noise as they make their way to the reservoir and the birds talk and sing to each other. It is the kind of music I like to listen to when I have finished my hike. Of all the things that I will miss about Hong Kong, my daily hikes with nature will be at the TOP of my list. For now I enjoy being a “Gwai lo in the clouds” because it means that I am right where I want to be: at home just waiting for the SUN to shine again.

Park View from Jardines Lookout

Looking out from Parkview at our 'CLOUD' cover

"SNAKE"

I believe that I just posted a message a few days ago about things that I HATE- and I HATE SNAKES! I thought was going to get by with out having an encounter with one the the "DEVILS" in Hong Kong.  I have been here since August and have been hiking and trail running all over HK and never so much as glimpse of one... UNTIL TODAY.  It started out as a nice pleasant trail run and at the last minute I decided instead of finishing my trail run I would hike up and over the mountain back to my apartment.  Now, I have hiked the Violet Hill trail many times - and wasn't too worried.  I hike alone all the time on the trails by my house - not actually true I do take the SUN with me - I need to have the light to see the trail and my IPod for noise!  Today was no different, I was hiking up the trail and cleared the top and was on the way down to my apartment when there "IT" was on the path in front of me.......

"IT" is called a Trimeresurus albolabris, or the Bamboo Snake.  I just call it the "DEVIL" !  Here is a bit of snake knowledge for those of you who just love these "Slithery" creatures...
The Bamboo snake is a short stocky snake it has an average length of 50cm and a maximum of 90cm. The snake has a background colour of light green and at the end of the tail is a red streak which makes it distinct from a similar coloured non venomous grass snake. Another distinguishing feature of the snake is its triangular head which is covered in tiny round scales.
This snake is a common snake which can be found almost anywhere in Hong Kong and is often found in gardens. Unlike most snakes when disturbed the bamboo snake will stay motionless relying on its camouflage for protection but will bite if an object comes within striking distance (approximately half the length of its body). This snake is responsible for the majority of venomous snake bites in Hong Kong; fortunately the bite is rarely lethal.

Okay, is something wrong with me - I just think that a venomous snake should not be "COMMON"!

 
I backed up after I spotted the little "DEVIL" on my trail - and waited for it to just get  off the path.  No such luck - it just wasn't my day.  I was so close to home and a nice tall glass of water and a warm shower and the "DEVIL'" was keeping me from finishing my daily nature hike.  So I did what any Snake fearing woman would do - I stared it down!  I wanted it to see that I was meaner and tougher then it was!  But, that didn't work - it may have been that I was standing staring at it from about 15 feet away!  Still - I had my "angry eyes" on that Lucifer Spawn!  Finally, my bravery kicked in and I moved around the outside of the trail to the left of the "BEAST" and with a few quick jumps - to tell you the truth I think I actually flew the 15 feet past the Slimy Slithery Snake! 
 

The final score 1 for Heidi 0 for the Snake!

Emerson and Me

I have been studying some of the great men and women of the early 1800’s. I am fascinated by what they believed in and what motivated them. I have been reading about Ralph Waldo Emerson, a man of great insight and thought.

Some of my favorite ideas and quotes by RW Emerson:

1. “The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it's the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him with his friend.”
2. “None of us will ever accomplish anything excellent or commanding except when he listens to the whisper which is heard by him alone.”
3. “Adopt the pace of nature; her secret is patience.”
4. “Always do what you are afraid to do.”
5. “Real action is in silent moments.”
6. “When it is darkest, men see the stars.”
7. “The greatest homage we can pay to truth is to use it.”
8. One of my all time favorites, which I find to be so true:  “We all boil at different degrees”

New Blog Name

Due to the fact that I am moving to Thailand - I don't think Heidi in Hong Kong will be a good representation of my blog site.  I have come up with a few, but sure could use some a more creative genius to help me have a lasting blog name.  One that will do me justice as well as go down in history for the most amazing blog name.

Heidi's  Habitat  (This makes me sound like a goverment project)
Heidi's Wanderings ( this makes me sound like I am lost)
Heidi's Hogwash ( I have had the Swine Flu think this one is out!)
Heidi's Hodgepodge ( sounds like I am a little mixed up )
Hobnobbing with Heidi (Can you just say snooty!)
Heidi's Harvest ( What happens if I have writers block, then is it Heidi's Famine?)

Okay let's move on to an other letter please...

Solitary Soul - am  I in some kind of self imposed "cell"
Nomad News - lost again?
Maternal Mail - sounds so OLD

See I am in desperate need of help here -
How about.....  Heidi's "Features" - which is a nice way of saying I have issues!   HELP

Two Mother's Days

Since I like even numbers, I think it was great that I got two mother's days, due to the time zone difference!  David called, Audrey called and Laura called and Laura posted a note on her blog for me! I talked to my mom and my dad sent me an email! Plus I got an email from my "adopted" daughter Katrina!  Life doesn't get any better then that.  See things are always better when they come in even numbers!


So does that mean I will get two birthdays, two Christmas', two.....!    Probably not but it is always worth a try!

"JUST A MOM"

As many of you know and some of you may not know,  I love the written word.  I am old fashion and think that thank you notes should be sent in the mail.  I love actual written letters from friends and family more then a phone call, money or gifts.  This year I received an extraordinary note from Ron,  it made me feel like I had actually accomplished something good in my life.  I would like to record it here in my blog...

Mother’s Day 2010
It’s a Mother’s Day morning in Hong Kong. We’re far from home living in a strange land with strange customs, and far from the life we knew for so many years in the Seattle area.  As I reflected on my love for you and of our many experiences, a flood of memories came to mind . . . far more than could be created in this simple walk through memory lane.  Heidi, I love you. You’re the spark in my life, the creator of so much magic and enjoyment, and the glue that holds our family together in a special way.
Creating Memories
Whether it’s with friends in the ward, in the snow above Snoqualmie, in warm Bali water in scuba gear, you make life worth remembering. The thing I appreciate most is that you actually work at creating memories. You think of fun things to do. You invest time, effort,  to create times worth remembering. I’m often caught up with work or concerned in callings. You think ahead to the enjoyment we will have. It has always been that way.
A Mother Like No Other
I look at our beautiful children and marvel at their goodness and their confidence. Then, I reflect on all you did to help them become that way. Although they came to earth as noble spirit children of Heavenly parents, you have lovingly and consistently shaped their lives, built their confidence, provided unending support and created loving relationships that allowed them to blossom and grow.

Audrey was our experimental child. But, you gave her such a wonderful start. Although you had to work in her earliest years, you made sure she was with a loving family with similar values rather than in an institutional day care center. And, as she grew, you never held her back from activities (soccer, softball, snowboarding, and more), but you allowed her the freedom that she loved and used wisely. The confidence in her eyes came from her trust in herself that grew from your loving support.

David is making wise choices that will lead to a very productive life. However, because of his native curiosity, his childhood was filled with temptations, diversions, disappointments and challenges. Your unfailing love for him, your open communication with him, and your openness to receive inspiration helped you wisely guide him to become a wonderful and faithful man. He made better choices because of your loving support.


Laura came to earth with unique gifts and capabilities. She came with tender love, with a disposition to be faithful, and yet with silent determination and commitment that allow her to succeed at most anything she chooses (except sports). But, you gave her opportunities to grow and develop. Whether it was speech, allowing her to go on long trips with a neighbor family, or making sure she had supplies to express her creative spirit, you always gave her chances to grow in confidence and judgment.


John has vast potential. Perhaps that’s why you, John and I live in Asia today. He has a deeply independent mind, but you have won his heart. The Lord trusts you with one of his most valiant sons. John’s trust in you is so deep that he has confidence to share his deepest feelings and concerns. The Lord clearly knew what he was doing….

Thank you for making my life wonderful!!    Ron

After receiving this letter I was amazed at how Ron described my relationship with my children.  Over the years people have asked what is it that I do and I would reply... " I am just a mom."  Well I am very proud to be "JUST A MOM".  I have been the real one to benefit from being a mother,  I have grow and developed in was that I never thought I could.  I have learned patience and understanding.  Learning to love in spite of choices made and always being someone they could trust.  Mistakes have been made, but I am willing to admit them to my kids and to myself. 

Sacrifice brings forth the blessing of heaven and I have 4 of the best blessings

 Audrey, David, Laura and John. 

I love them and I am glad that I am

"JUST A MOM"

Saturaday Shenzhen Shopping

As I am getting ready to move to Thailand I have to get some last minute shopping done in China.  So, I grabbed Ron, John and my friend Denise and off we went Saturday morning to Shenzhen China for some super shopping.  We visited Rosie my tailor, went to "Dragon" to get John's glasses fixed and then off with Wilson to check out his DVD collection!  I have to say I love a good deal and I found plenty.

On your mark get set..... Shop, here are all the people leaving the MTR to the boarder crossing into China!

Denise and I are planning our days strategy on the way to immigration.

John you need to stay with your MOM - it is our Pre-Mother's Day Date!

The GREAT and SPACIOUS Building

This is my wonderful tailor, Rosie, she has made me lots of wonderful clothes and has just finished a Black Chinese dress for me to wear to the HKIS Gala next week.  John loves the Three piece suit she made him.

Ron and John left to go back to Hong Kong, but the day was just getting started for Denise and I.  We took a Taxi to the Dafen oil painting village in Shenzhen China.  Dafen is home to hundreds of art galleries and oil painting companies. People come here to observe how thousands of artists in this "art factory" mass produce original and imitation paintings for sale around the world. Other types of art are also produced here, such as sculptures and calligraphy.

Here Denise is standing in front of one of the colorful buildings. 

One of my favorite streets

This is the framer shop that I visited.  I had brought with me for things that I wanted to frame.  It is pretty interesting pick out frames, mats and glass when not one person speaks English.  We do alot of pointing, nodding and use the calculator.  I ordered and paid for my framing.... I hope all goes well.

I am so pleased with the results they are better then I thought.  I had no idea if the framers understood my instructions - but it looks like they did.  I got all the things framed for less then $50 USD.  That included frame, mats, glass and labor.... I love Dafen Village.

It was close to 5:30 when Denise and I finally left - we could have window shopped some more but knew we had to get home.  It takes about an hour to an hour and a half to get through immigration and back to Hong Kong.  It was a productive day.  Saturday was indeed a SPECIAL day!