Bushes A'Plenty

All decked out with pants, a light jacket, and a liberal dose of mosquito spray, my parents and I headed out into their woods to pick wild blackberries. Wild turkeys and a variety of birds serenaded us as we walked to our intended destination. Scattered throughout the woods were patches of the berries, just waiting to be picked by the brave. Just beyond the tangle of grapevines, sharp thorns of the canes, and swarms of menacing mosquitoes and horseflies were bunches of the sweet berries. Even with the extra bonus obstacles of stinging thistles, sticktite weeds, and burdocks, we weren't deterred. Our reward: enough wild blackberries for a dessert and plenty more for eating fresh. 

Tweet

The Sun Sets in the East

The apartment is as bare as it was when I arrived. My belongings are in the suitcases, ready for tomorrow's long journey back to Wisconsin. After four years in Korea and sixteen years overseas, it's time to say goodbye. Lots of hugs, some tears, and plenty of dinner gatherings have taken place these last few weeks. Packers have quickly wrapped up and boxed the many mementos I have carefully collected during my many travels to over 32 countries.  The numerous to-do lists have been completed and the art room is all tidy, ready for the next art teacher to inspire creative minds at SFS. 

The last sunset I will see at SFS has come and gone. This beautiful campus has been such an inspiration for so many photos, transformed in the change of seasons. I will forever cherish the memories that I have of the splendid people and places at SFS, Seoul, and South Korea. I hope to return someday. For now, the sun has set in the East of my world.

Tweet

Bongwonsa Through the Seasons

One of the advantages about living vs. just traveling to a place is that you have the opportunity to revisit places. This is especially advantageous when a location experiences distinct seasons. Posted are a few photos I've taken of Bongwonsa Buddhist temple in Seoul, located near my school. Which is your favorite season?

Tweet

Summer Pink Blossoms of Seoul

 Even though it is late summer in Seoul, I long for colorful blooms. Located on the grounds of Yonsei University, these pink blossoms at least partially satisfied me. Such a contrast from the brilliant green of the well-manicured bushes.

Tweet

Mugunghwa - the Hardiness of the Koreans

During the heat and humidity of summer, the blooms of the Hibiscus known as Mugunghwa, or the Rose of Sharon, quietly adorn Korea. The ancient Chinese nicknamed Korea as "the land of the gentlemen where Mugunghwa blooms." Considering the number of times that Korea has resiliently stood against various invasions and hardships, it is fitting that Korea has chosen the Mugunghwa  - a hardy plant whose flowers withstand even transplanting or cuttings for floral arrangements - for its national flower. It symbolizes the country's wish for national development and prosperity.

In addition to dotting the lands of Korea, the Mugunghwa can be found in China, Japan, and northern India.

Tweet

Early Morning in Wisconsin - Last Walk

This morning was my last walk before I head back to India. Low fog hugged the valleys of the rolling hills and enveloped the marsh below. Golden sun filtered its way through the weeds, warming the delicate white lace. Heavy dew clung to the grasses and clover. Mosquitoes were everywhere. Erect ears stood at attention, the deer in the field staring at me. Rabbits scurried to the safety of the weeds. Cranes flapped their large wings over the cattails of the marsh. Silence, except for the calls of nature. 

Soon I will be back in Chennai, with its symphony of horns, plethora of people, and carpet of concrete. The delicate white lacy flowers will be traded for garlands of strung jasmine petals. Forests of tree make way for apartment buildings placed closely together. The myriad colors of the wildflowers will be replaced by the flowing rainbows of saris and salwars....

Tweet

Wild Bee Balms

A fun thing about walking along rural WI roads in summer is to observe the changes in its wildflowers. This past week, my mother and I found these purplish flowers which we noted looked quite a bit like my mom's red bee balms. Looking on this website, we found that it indeed was a wild bee balm, otherwise known as a wild bergamot. 

Tweet

The Chicory - more than a pretty flower

Along with the Queen Anne's Lace flowers lining the roadsides here in Wisconsin, the periwinkle-colored chicory flower is a perennial favorite. Originally brought from Europe, this plant thrives very well in the Wisconsin climate.

While the flowers make a pretty addition to a wild bouquet, the chicory plant has other uses. The cultivated form is grown for their leaves or for roots, and are used as a coffee substitute (historically used in prisons) and additive. Its leaves can also be used as part of a salad - although its taste is rather bitter. Ironically, the root is used as a sweetener. In  Germany, it historically was used to treat common ailments, including gallstones, sinus problems, cuts, and bruises. Its dietary fiber can also be used to assist in the treatment of diabetes and constipation. Increasingly, it is being seen as viable grazing food, particularly for sheep and dairy cattle.

Tweet

Lacy Umbrella

On such a beautiful clear summer morning, the sunlight filtered through this Queen Anne's Lace umbrella-like flower. 

Tweet

Lady on Lace

July in Wisconsin brings Queen Anne's Lace wildflowers to the countryside. I love the delicateness of this white flower. With equal delicacy, this monarch butterfly fluttered and landed ever so briefly on one lace. 

Tweet

Beach Bovines

Summertime by the beach is a favorite pastime world-wide. Although you won't find any bikini-clad sun-worshippers at the Ideal Beach south of Chennai, you may happen upon some others sporting a rather tan complexion. 

Tweet