The author reflects on memories of living in Taiwan in 1973 as a young American military wife at Ching Chuan Kang Air Base. Initially unplanned, the project evolved into a collaborative effort with her husband, Jerry, to document their experiences using ChatGPT for organization and historical context. The memories span everyday life and cultural experiences, highlighting the significance of preserving personal history.
The development of a historical persona, such as Li Zhenyan from the Ming dynasty, can hinge on specific details like the use of folding fans, which were imported from Japan. While round fans persisted, the adoption of folding fans became widespread in Ming culture, reflecting evolution in Chinese artistic expression and daily life.
An outing to Omaha’s Asian Market aided in exploring ingredients for a Chinese New Year Revel. Researcher Li Zhenyan and apprentice Tanneke encountered intriguing items like jackfruit and dragon fruit. The visit enhanced their understanding of Chinese cultural history while preparing unique experiences for their upcoming event. Future trips will involve better planning.
The author reflects on downsizing their possessions and the significance of passing on belongings while sharing their stories. Learning from a past experience with their aunt’s estate, they engage family members in choosing items, emphasizing the importance of both the objects and the narratives attached to them. This process feels like editing rather than mere decluttering.
The author reflects on past food safety practices learned while living in Taiwan as an Air Force wife during the 1970s. Facing modern foodborne illness outbreaks, they recall using bleach-water to wash produce, only to realize this method is outdated. The experience highlights the importance of adapting knowledge to current safety standards while valuing past lessons.
The author explains the absence of posts about the SCA due to a significant home remodel, where new flooring has transformed their living space. Amidst sorting through belongings and deciding what to keep, they aim for a Victorian aesthetic with Chinese accents. Current decor resembles “Early American Cardboard Box.”
The author reflects on the parallels between modern junk journaling and historical practices of book ownership in the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Books were cherished, personalized objects filled with meaningful items and notes. This realization transforms junk journals into containers of memory, capturing ordinary lives and creating connections to the past.
The author embarks on a home transformation, replacing old flooring and clearing out long-held furniture to reflect their current interests. This remodeling blends Victorian aesthetics with Ming Chinese accents, showcasing dual passions. Despite the chaos, the project marks a fresh beginning, changing both surroundings and outlook without changing addresses.
The author reflects on the impact of AI on historical research, particularly in reading previously inaccessible old documents. With AI’s ability to transcribe manuscripts quickly, historians may uncover stories of everyday people, enriching our understanding of the past. This technological advancement could signal a golden age for exploring hidden histories.
The day spent with my apprentice was unremarkable yet fulfilling. We downsized my supplies, enjoyed lunch, explored a shop for lace, and visited an antique mall. Both Tanneke and I discovered pieces for our projects. The day reinforced the value of friendship and creativity without the need for new acquisitions, marking a quiet victory.
The author reflects on junk journaling as a way to preserve memories linked to various personal items collected over time. As they remodel their home, they realize the significance of what to keep, paralleling the decisions of historians. Journaling allows for storytelling, creativity, and repurposing items while ensuring memories are cherished without cluttering their space.
There is an old saying: Want to make God laugh? Make plans. I think the universe has been laughing at my Tai Chi teaching plans for the past year. Last November 8th, I completed my training to teach the eight-form Tai Chi for Balance program. I was excited. I had plans. I was going to…
The author reflects on developing a Chinese persona for the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), highlighting past limitations in culture acceptance. With the SCA’s broadened mission, emphasis has shifted from fitting cultures within European frameworks to exploring valuable lessons from diverse global histories, enriching the understanding of the medieval world.
The author reflects on how a simple task, like signing flooring paperwork, led to unexpected distractions involving family memories and discoveries. While searching for a passport, they found photographs and letters that took them through decades of history. They embrace these moments, realizing the joy in uncovering family legacies despite unfinished tasks.
Preparing for Lilies War has become overwhelming due to unexpected life events. Responsibilities include teaching, family graduations, and a surprise birthday party, all while managing home renovations and laundry at a laundromat. Despite the chaos, the author values these busy moments filled with family, teaching, and creative projects.
A month ago my stepdaughter accidentally launched me into another excellent historical rabbit hole. She got me interested in Junk Journaling. With that I of course wondered if anything like it existed in SCA period. I learned the closest thing was medieval commonplace books. And with that I accidentally opened a much bigger “rabbit hole”…
I am deeply aware of how fortunate I’ve been to see so much of the world. Over the years, I’ve traveled through 40 of the 50 United States, 10 Western European countries, and two Asian countries. Some of those trips were quick—tourist snapshots and postcards—but others shaped my life in quieter, longer-lasting ways. I didn’t…
In summer, traditional Chinese practices emphasize gentle cooling for the body rather than extreme measures. At Lilies War, drinks like Chrysanthemum Tea, Barley Tea, and Mint Infusion offer refreshing options to combat heat while promoting balance. These beverages, easy to make and share, enhance comfort during warm days.
To Madam Wang Meizhen, I send you greetings and trust that your household remains in good order and your shelves well supplied. I write to request a careful selection of herbs for a difficult case that has come into my care. The patient is a woman of about thirty years, whose bound feet have become…