Story about
the painting:
When I was traveling in Italy, I visited
one of the five fishing villages (Cinque Terre) - Monterosso.
The biggest difference between Monterosso and the other
four villages is that it shapes inward, like a baby sleeping
in the mothers embrace.
While I am strolling down the village
enjoying the natural fragrance that filled the air, suddenly,
a delicious aroma caught my attention. I followed the
aroma to a building at the corner of an alley. I peek
through a window and saw an old but energetic man orchestrating
his chefs. By the rhythm of his precise movement and the
fabulous smell, I could tell that he is a master of chefs.
It was not mealtime yet. I walked around and took some
pictures. After awhile I went back to the restaurant and
it was already filled up with people. I spoke with few
waiters and they all told me that the tables are all occupied.
Suddenly, a chubby young chef walked out of the kitchen
and told me a customer just called to postpone his reservation;
therefore, I could use the table upstairs. I remember
him. Earlier when I was peeking through the window, we
greeted each other with a smile.
When I tried their food, the taste
profoundly moved me that I will never forget. A delicious
dish does not require costly ingredients, but the concentration
and abilities of the chefs. When never tasted food is
in front of a person, one will concentrate every bite
and not limit himself. Never miss any chances of tasting
new food because you might find new memories of taste.
In my experience, I have learned not to define any occurrence
before I have participate in it, and even experiences
could not set as definite truths.
A beautiful life begins with the
caring of ones own body. Our body explores every adventure
and experiences every bit of life with us, how can we
not care. In Monterosso, if one wishes to bath, he could
use the bathroom or go into the broad ocean; there won't
be any disturbance. In this small village one does not
need to speed fiercely on the highway, and being in the
seashore is like a transition from a competing field to
a night show. Ones mind needs space, ones living also
require spaces. In Monterosso, one could leave his busy
life and prejudice behind, and it will adjust ones pace
to a natural rhythm. One will learn to embrace nature
and enjoy its beauty. In this village, an array of wine
selections is available. Grapes could be found everywhere,
whether it's dried, fresh, or ripe, tide sways and ebbs,
corals and seaweeds with fishes surrounding it, all the
natural beauties could be seen here. One will find his
connection with nature and appreciates its appearance.
In the painting, vines crawl out
of the cozy wall, light shown through the vintage window,
joyful children, relax seniors, giggling tourists and
the centuries old tree these are all my deepest feelings
of life. A pretty life is like a bottle with spring water,
clear and sparkling. When ones spirits is free up, one
could create and experience the true meaning of life anywhere
and anytime.