When a forty-year-old washing machine fails, it leads to an unexpected adventure. The narrator attempts to tackle laundry at a laundromat, navigating obstacles like sorting wet clothes and dealing with outdated machines. Ultimately, a visit to a modern laundromat restores hope, blending nostalgia with the convenience of contemporary technology.
In a letter, Zhenyan discusses the potent Chinese liquor baijiu, noting its strong effects and cultural significance. She recounts her experience at a dinner where she was encouraged to drink excessively, highlighting baijiu’s ability to reveal true character and facilitate social bonds, while also suggesting moderation is essential.
The post discusses how qigong complements SCA activities and emphasizes utilizing YouTube for learning despite the absence of local masters. It outlines five tips for identifying quality qigong instruction videos, including clarity of posture, breathing cues, pacing, teacher credentials, and production quality, ensuring a safe and effective practice.
The author reflects on a moment captured in a craft store, where they participate in “Junk Journaling” with their stepdaughter. Wearing a sweatshirt from a past Calontir coronation, they find joy in blending their historical interests with modern crafting. This experience highlights the fluidity of identity over decades.
Li Zhenyan apologizes to Little Plum for failing to explain the significance of Shennong, a figure who risked his life tasting plants for knowledge. This story illustrates the balance of curiosity and caution in healing. Li promises to share more about Shennong’s legacy and the lessons learned from his sacrifices.
The author reflects on a journey to find an appropriate robe for their character, Li Zhenyan, a Ming-era healer. Initially drawn to modern styles, they sought something simple and practical. Ultimately, they discovered a dark blue robe that embodies Li’s true essence, emphasizing her experience and presence rather than demanding attention.
Li Zhenyan writes to Madam Wang Meizhen, expressing gratitude for her husband’s herbal offerings and sharing about his youngest sister, Li Shuren, nicknamed Little Plum. He describes her steady temperament and suitability for a potential household placement, seeking Madam Wang’s judgment and insights without pressing for immediate action.
The author is eagerly anticipating the arrival of their apprentice, Tanneke, who will assist in creating garb for their new persona, Li Zhenyan. They plan to take real photographs, moving away from reliance on AI-generated images. The author expresses excitement about bringing their persona to life.
A note on respect, curiosity, and creative tools Over the past months, some readers may have noticed a new interest thread appearing on An Itinerant Scribe. I have been exploring Chinese history, culture, and daily life. This exploration is through the voice of a historical persona. I want to pause for a moment—not to justify…
The author reflects on a memorable New Year’s celebration in Taiwan, emphasizing its authenticity and connection to family traditions. The meal featured unique foods and rituals, like toasting and honoring ancestors, making the experience feel naturally integrated into daily life. It highlighted the significance of community and shared cultural values.
During Calontir’s Coronation, the author was unable to attend due to their stepdaughter’s emergency surgery. They missed witnessing their friend Nikolai receive the prestigious Order of the Pelican, recognizing his decades of service as a herald. Despite not being present, the author feels pride in his achievements and acknowledges the importance of service in the Society.
As the new year approaches, families rush to complete unfinished tasks, creating a lively atmosphere. Zhenyan advises moderation in preparations, emphasizing the importance of self-care over perfection. Debts should be settled and relayed gentle communication to foster harmony. Intentional cleaning leads to mental clarity, setting the stage for a strong start to the year.
The author’s journey of mentorship with Tanneke unexpectedly transformed into a series of casual coffee meetings, referred to as a coffee crawl. Each location chosen symbolized different stages of their relationship, reflecting a blend of professional and personal connection that showcases the evolving nature of mentorship through shared conversations and experiences.
Zhenyan reflects on an encounter with the esteemed playwright, Tang Xianzu, during a visit to Madam Xu. As she treated Madam Xu’s ailments, they discussed the connection between emotions and physical health. Zhenyan realizes the distinct perspectives of men and women regarding feelings and survival, valuing the importance of being heard.
In the reflection on two river cities, Bruges and Luzhou, the author introduces Li Zhenyan, a pragmatic woman of Ming-dynasty China known for her grounding presence and expertise in health and balance. Through her story, the piece explores women’s essential yet often unnoticed contributions to society and community stability.
In a letter to her sister Little Plum, Zhenyan reflects on her life as a healer and widow. She describes her daily routine, emphasizing the blend of healing, organization, and independence. Zhenyan stresses the importance of boundaries and the balance between compassion and practicality, urging her sister to learn similar life skills and resilience.
The author reflects on blogging in 2026, embracing a flexible writing lifestyle from various cozy locations despite the harsh winter. They find inspiration in everyday experiences and changes within themselves, incorporating practices like Qigong to enhance creativity and mindfulness. The blog evolves alongside the writer’s journey, emphasizing connection and anticipation for warmer, joyful times.
The author reflects on a lunch discussion with their grandkids about artificial intelligence, highlighting diverse attitudes towards AI. The grandson embraces its use while the granddaughter rejects it, illustrating a lack of shared understanding. The author proposes “The 3 Checks Rule” to evaluate AI’s output, emphasizing judgment over fear.
“Look before you leap.” — ancient proverb When I was a young adult, I had a dachshund named Liebchen. If you’ve ever lived with a dachshund, you already know at least half this story. Dachshunds like to sleep under the covers, too. Well, I sleep on my stomach, with my feet hanging over the end…
The content explores the practices of smoke cleansing and Qigong, highlighting their shared purpose of energy clearing. Smoke cleansing refreshes the external environment through intentional smoke, while Qigong promotes internal harmony through breath and movement. Together, they align outer and inner worlds, facilitating clarity and balance for both space and self.