Hello Again, It's Been A While

Since my full-time teaching job began at CYCU, my blogging took a hiatus. And nearly six years later, I am back. I return not because my workload lessened, but because someone recommended that I allow myself a break. Not the summer or winter breaks teaching academics get, more like time for centering and self reflection during the semester. With my next journal article awaiting in my Google Drive, I pause to review the past six years. Some memorable moments include: Working with Wendy in Croan in central France and visiting Oradour-sur-Glane; climbing the Cologne Cathedral tower alone and being in awe of its architectural engineering; Documenta in Kassel and befriending a German family; two trips to Sicily, including climbing Stromboli and Vulcan; and creating stop frame animation with hay bales in Kent, England. Professionally, I published journal articles slowly but surely and co-edited a book (a positive new experience for me), was recognized with an award teaching excellence at my university, and completed my first artist residency at le Hameau de la Brousse, Sers, near the animation heavyweight, Angoulême, France.

Part of Wendy's home in Craon in 2017.

Tile work on Stromboli, 2018.

As I journey through these six years, I continue to stay self-aware. More recently, some clear realization led to a few important life decisions. And these changes meant a more contented state of being. I created more room for healing, for connection to myself and to others, as well as for creativity. Meanwhile, with the COVID-19 pandemic prominent in our daily life (the Omicron variant finally broke out in Taiwan this April), major upcoming events including the Performance Studies International PSi#27 Conference on Hunger and a trip to England, during which I hope to meet old and new friends. In the second half of 2022, I look forward to making and sharing new discoveries within and without. Until next time!