Greeting

A New Travel - Shirley's 301st Friendly Greeting, March 31,2011

How are you? Have you had a good time in the week?

Maybe you are surprised to get this letter earlier than usual time, because, I will have a travel to paint from the nature in the Yimeng Mountains in Shandong Province tomorrow morning.

I will be there with more than 30 classmates under the lead and the direction of Professor Li Tieshen and our tutor Mr. Li Gang for 2 weeks.

This is an important part of our Landscape Lesson in CAFA and we are lucky enough to getthe directions of the
these best Chinese professors in this field. Therefore, we have made preparative for it carefully -- Prof. Cui Xiaodong and Prof. Li Tiesheng had had some theory directions last term; this term we have learned to paint from some great artists according to the direction of Mr. Li Gang. Meanwhile, we have bought many tools and rent a long distance travel bus already.

I am not sure whether I can connect Internet there in the deep mountain forests -- it is said it will be a hard time to work and live in a beautiful but very poor place, therefore, I would like to write this letter to you before I start off.

Can you imagine? Monday afternoon, we were lucky enough to attend an International art exhibition in Chinese Ink and Wash -- 88 artists from Japan and China exhibited their art works.

This exhibition was sponsored by Tokyo University of Art and Design and China Central Academy of Fine Arts, Professor Li Geng and Professor Yao Mingjing held the opening ceremony and the forum.

I was excited to see over 160 original works from these great artists, include Mr. Li Keran. So, I saw every painting carefully and I took photo for each painting; meanwhile, I was lucky enough to know some friendly Japanese artists and took some photos with Professor Li and Professor Yao.

Maybe for I have been a senior manager for many years, I do often feel that I have some responsibility to do something for the others naturally.

Tuesday night, a girl classmate who was sick for 2 months came back the campus by the accompanying of her husband from Shangdong Province. After discussing with my classmates in the classroom, I invited all of them and our tutor to have a welcome dinner for the classmate and her husband, with our friendship, sincerity, singing and some delicious food to warm her heart and let her feel to be welcome.

Wednesday morning, I saw a disabled elder who was difficult to stand up from his wheelchair in the campus, I run to him and to look after him until he “go on” his road...

Wednesday night, a daughter of a woman classmate would leave for her institute to prepare her entrance examination of graduated student next year, knowing that she lost the opportunity this year because of her English, specially, I went back home to take a series of English books for her while to buy some fruit for her travel.

Right now -- Thursday afternoon, I have also booked 5 boxes of mineral water and drink for all my classmates' the long distance travel tomorrow.

Even though I am quite busy and I often work until 1:00a.m. or 2:00a.m., when I see the bright smiles on the faces of the people whom I have helped, I do feel happiness in my heart.

With a peaceful heart, be attracted deeply by the landscape painting in Chinese ink and wash, from last weekend until now, I have been working on learning to paint from Mr. Gong Xian, so, with this letter, I would like to show you a part of my works and hope to bring you a smile.