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Glass Blowing

A while back, we attended a glass blowing workshop at SiNaCa studios. The staffs  are so friendly and kind, they walked us through the whole process. It was so cool and informative to learn how glass was made, and actually got to experience the whole process.

Glass is made from natural and abundant raw materials, which I am quite sure that our instructors have mentioned several names, but for now, all I remember is sand. Then, it is melt at very high temperature at 2000F to form glass.

The molten glass is rolled on a flat marver to control its shape, then dipped in crushed colored glass, which fuses to the main glass piece almost immediately due to the hot temperature. 

There is a lot of rolling back and for on the marver, I guess to get the desired mixed of color.  To give the glass its final shape and size, it is blown into with a blowpipe, while rotating it on the steel stand at the same time. 

The final step is very cool with a steel tweezers [which I googled, and it is called jacks] The glass can be removed from the blowpipe with one solid tap. I had to tap several times till it works :) 

It is fun to try something and here are our works!

29 Tết

I love celebrating Tết, the atmosphere, the environment, the festivals, the blossom flowers, and the traditions.

Happy Christmas, dear ones!

I felt in love with Christmas in Historic Downtown Grapevine. The whole street turns into a Christmas town, so festive, so warm, and so cheerful.

Just strolling along the street makes me feel so happy. Christmas music, lights, decorations, and even snows. The kids are dancing with the music, sticking their tongue out to catch the snow, they shout in excitement. That is, such a beautiful sight to see.

Some moments drifting in nothingness but music, random pictures I haven’t got to edit. Life slows down, it feels calm and I'm thankful for that.

Sunset

“Mất bao lâu để ta tạm quên u sầu để tim này vơi cơn đau

Và những ký ức mệt nhoài chợt tan vào sớm mai

Cảm ơn người vì luôn cạnh bên sẻ chia buồn vui

Cảm ơn người vì đôi bàn tay không đành buông xuôi

Nước mắt nào rồi cũng sẽ trôi rất nhanh về nơi ấm êm vô cùng”

This moment here, this song is playing, and my mind is drifting into this emptiness. I just went to say the last goodbye to my dear friend. My last time holding his hand, my last time hugging him. The doctor said he is “actively transitioning”. He doesn’t recognize me anymore, neither does he response when I was talking to him, but I still can feel the warmth in his hand and I said my prayers in quietness.

Dia de los Muertos

The centerpiece of the celebration is an altar, or ofrenda. They’re loaded with offerings—water, food, family photos, and a candle. Marigolds are the main flowers used to decorate the altar. Scattered from altar to gravesite, marigold petals guide wandering souls back to their place of rest. The smoke from copal incense, made from tree resin, transmits praise and prayers and purifies the area around the altar.

Papel picado is draped around altars and in the streets, it represents the wind and the fragility of life.

Dia de los Muertos Parade, Downtown Dallas

I love going to festival, it brings so much joy to be able to experience, to see, and to feel other culture, other traditions. 

Day of the Dead festivities unfold in an explosion of color and life-affirming joy. The rituals are rife with symbolic meaning. It is all about love and respect for lost loved ones.  People of all ages, dressed up in fancy suits and dresses; their faces artfully painted to resemble skulls, and, mimicking the Calavera Catrina.

Genesis Guerrero!

Danza Folklorico, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month!

“I started dancing folklorico when I was 6 years old. My parents watched a performance, and they loved it so much and started to enroll me in classes. I’ve been dancing ever since. I feel alive, I feel free, I feel joyous, and I feel proud when I am dancing”

Genesis was my student in Geometry 6years ago. For years, i know how much she loves dancing folklorico, but today I was totally in awe seeing how beautiful she danced.

Much of joy, much of passion, much of pride, much of love, radiant in her face, despite of the heat, the pebble road, the weight of the dress. And, She carries on.

Tyler State Park

Driving on a long stretch of highway, what a relief, to find a gas station.

Thank you All Sup’s