View from the Brokeback Mountain - Love is a Force of Nature

brokeback 1, originally uploaded by Yiling Liu.

I went to see this movie the first day when it was released in Taiwan. Before the movie, I have read the book, written by Annie Proulx, in both English and Chinese translation.

The feeling was amazing. I did not feel too touching instantly while I read the book. But the feeling started to ferment after I close the book. Something like small ants crawling along my skin, and further getting into my blood. The pain was just biting out my heart. It was the next day after I finished the book; I was in the office working without my mind but unbearable tears.

Is it so-called the imaged power of Brokeback Mountain?

Then I went to the movie.

I carefully watched and digested each plot in the film, and silently compared the differences between the original and the adapted. Nothing seems too awkward in the film, but Ang Lee made Proulx's work much more presentable, and told the audience what was not released in the book in an untraceable way.

The imaged power came again. I started to weep and eventually cry after walking out of the theater. The night folded in with cold wind, and moonlight was covered with thin clouds. The street was quiet. I was touched by a long-lost love story, not because of the forbidden gay love, but for the dedicated feeling in everyone's heart that somehow never be fulfilled just because of the moral concerns ruled by others.

"This is no one else’s business but ours." Jack said.

However, so many people like to make other's business theirs.

As the subtitle of the movie poster: Love is a Force of Nature.

When it comes from the human nature, from the bottom of the fair heart, how can you ignore it and push it away?

The love between Ennis and Jack was long folded in the shirts, which was hung in Jack's closet but found by Ennis, and the memory of sweetness were left forever in the Brokeback Mountain.

I don't think this movie was intended to initiate some issues to discuss, however, it does awake the social conscious to some extend.

For those who have not seen this movie, I do like recommending give it a try. You don't have to bow for the gay love, but the scene of nature and the true voice from the bottom of the heart will eventually embrace you.

That's what Annie Proulx wrote about the frontier life of cowboy, that's how Ang Lee made it in front of our eyes.

Himeji Castle, as stong as our friendship

Himeji Castle, originally uploaded by Yiling Liu.

I spent the Christmas in Japan with my friends, Miyo and Liza. We met in Bloomingtion, Indiana, when we went to the Master program of IU Law School in 1997-1998.

It was a great reunion after almost 8 years.

Time flew, and people changed.

Our dreams did not fulfill as we wished.

However, the pure and true friendship among us is always as green as the tip of pine tree.

We went to Himeji Castle on the Christmas' Eve. It is the biggest Castle in Japan and recognized as the world historical heritage. It carries the astonished beauty, no wonder it survives from bombing of the US army in the WWII.

Just like our friendship.

After those ups and downs passing by, we still survive and live the best out of our lives.

Wish my friends be strong and be happy as we always were in the IU year.

May you a Happy New Year!!

The End of 2005, for peace

Frankenmuth, Michigan, originally uploaded by Yiling Liu.

The Thanksgiving is coming.
Soon the Christmas.
This year is going to wrap up with all happiness and sadness, whether you like it or not.
Let's enjoy the most peaceful time of this year and wish a new 2006.
Everything is going to be better.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Merry Christmas!!

Bed time reading...

Bed time reading, originally uploaded by Yiling Liu.

It becomes a ritual before going to bed. The books are decked up on the night stand, and I simply pick up one of them.
Sometimes, I read novels; sometimes short story or essays. Since the reading itself has been broke up into pieces, I might not remember the chapter that I read last time. This recalling process brings me more flavor while continue reading.
Yes, one fine day should always wrap up with a few pages of words.
Then a good sleep and sweet dream.

Lights

lamp, originally uploaded by Yiling Liu.

Nara, Japan.

My friends - Fumiko & Sakiko

It was about 10 years ago, we first met in the summer school in Cambridge, England. Although we spoke poor English, our friendship grew as blooming flowers within 4 weeks. Two years later, Fumiko and Sakiko came to Taiwan visiting me.

We wrote to each other a lot thereafter, however, we kinda lost in touch after graduated from college. Fumiko went to graduate school in Japan. Sakiko went to Okinawa for a job. I flew to the US for continued law education.

The year of 2004, when I was cleaning my room, I found the old letters that Fumiko and Sakiko sent to me. It reminded me the good youth that we had shared together. As appreciated the friendship, I tried to send Christmas cards, even though I was not sure if the addresses were still active.

The miracles were just happened! First I got the email from Fumiko, gladly told me that she's coming to Taiwan for a tour. We met and got to chat in a little nice chocolate shop. She's married to Hisashi, her co-worker, a nice young man. Per her information, I knew that Sakiko got married too, and now Mrs. Sasahara. And I got response from Sakiko via email as well. Thanks to the Japanese postal services, and their parents still live in the same places. So we could get in touch after so many years apart.


Therefore, I planned my trip to Japan for the very first time visiting my long-time friends.

After 10 year's rolling, we finally see each other again!

Stars Falling Off...

Stars Falling Off..., originally uploaded by Yiling Liu.

Starry starry night...

This quiet neighbothood used to be the gold mining town. After all glory had gone, it is now only companied by the street lights and soundless sky.

The Earl

The Earl, originally uploaded by Yiling Liu.

Ingredients :
7 oz. Earl Grey tea, freshly brewed
3/4 oz. Cointreau®
1 squeeze Lemon juice
3/4 oz. Vanilla syrup

Preparation :
Pour the tea, Cointreau®, lemon juice and vanilla syrup all together.