Hello, how are you? Have you had a good weekend?

According to the requirement of the publishing house, since I came back home Dec 30, 2012, I have corrected my writing twice. After my Britain English tutor Mr. Mike Joyce checked it twice, I sent it back to the publishing house on Thursday, Jan 10, 2013.

Then on Friday, Jan 11, I went to Shenzhen Social Insurance Bureau to go through the formality of retirement. When I took my retired card, my feeling was so surprised that I could not believe it was true. Also the clerk who took my photo to make the card for me was surprised that I have retired when I was so young. :- ) Then another clerk told me that I was lucky enough that my pension would be increased by 10% since 2013 according to the new policy of Chinese Government.

With the surprised feeling and a peaceful and relaxed heart, I have involved myself into the new life with painting and music study.

This week, I have painted 2 Chinese Baimiao paintings, two Chinese Gongbi paintings. I have also read more than 100 Song Dynasty’s Gongbi Paintings and much art theory about them.

After learning the basic art lessons in China Central Academy of Fine Arts for 1 year, I was major in Chinese Gongbi paintings for one semester, Chinese Xieyi for 2 semesters, now, before I started the 4th semester, I would like to go back to Chinse Gongbi Painting field to work for a while. So, I have made a study and painting plan already. I will also paint each Chinese Gongbi painting 3 times, one is a pure Baimiao , the other two will be colored.

Meanwhile, I have talked with a leader of the training center at Shenzhen Art School. I will think of going there to have some music lesson before I go back to Beijing.

I wish my music dream will be true in a professional music school some day; while, I want to find a way to reduce the music cost of my apprehensive art project.

The good feeling is that since I came back home and I have had a good condition to play my piano often. I do feel that I will be able to accompany for myself with piano in the near future.

The bad news is that I have been suffering the stomachache since Christmas or earlier time. However, I have not gone to see my doctor yet, I am fearful of having another surgery. :- )

Since I know the ache relates to the emotion, pressure, weather and eating, I guess, along with the new relaxed life at home in the warm South of China, I will be getting better by paying more attention to have more rest and relaxation. Right?

How about you? Do you have anything special to share?
I am just a student on Art of Painting, Music, English and Management, to work on the web site in my free time. I would really like to do a few things with what I have learned to make this little web site to be an Electronic Bridge of Inter-Art & Cross - Culture Exchange, Chinese Language Learning & Friendship Making. To help the others while to improve myself.

I would like to appreciate you for your understanding, directions, supports and help.

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, you are welcome to write to shirley@ebridge.cn or leave your message on Message Board.

Shirley Yiping Zhang
Jan 13, 2013(Beijing Time)