Author Archives: Stephy Liu

I am an avid adventurer, explorer, traveler, storyteller, writer, artist, podcaster, photographer and foodie. Adventures are how you learn about yourself and the world. I was like a pure kid, exploring and absorbing things, using my vision to unfold and wander into the unknown in this magical world. Adventure is out there ! Let's expand our worlds and feelings! Follow me !

Living on the land: New Mexico Architectural Artistry Captured

I have a deep interest in exploring architectural pursuits. 

My keen eyes and lens have captured Northern New Mexico buildings, art, tradition, modernism as well as photography itself. New Mexico architecture pays homage to its rich soulful cultural history by integrating classic adobe brick building styles with Spanish and Native American-influenced architectural styles. The thick walls offer tales of centuries past, providing both sanctuary from the desert’s extremities and a tangible connection to history. The profoundly artistic expression invited me to pause and admire the timeless architectural artistry of a home that is cradled by the land. 

Cherished 1610 chapel of San Miguel: Adobe architecture

In the Barrio de Analco Historic District of Santa Fe lies the preserved adobe architecture, the San Miguel Mission, framed as the oldest church in the continental United States. The earliest documentation of the church was in 1628, however oral history holds that it was built around 1610 and has been rebuilt and restored several times over the past 400 years. It is constructed from adobe, with a single rectangular nave and a trapezoidal apse. The church faces west and has central bell tower with a single small window and a larger open void directly above the main entrance. I was impressed by the valued structures of centuries of mudding have added mass to the walls, which were thick when the building was originally constructed, and of sunbaked earthen bricks on stone, expressing its rich history and timely preservation, restoration and maintenance. 

I glimpsed this 400 years old mission, where every material plays an important role. 

Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe: Gothic Revival style

I took a glimpse of the Gothic Revival-style cathedral that was built with an impressive blend of French and Southwestern influences. Even though I did not witness its miraculous helix-shaped spiral staircase inside, the history and construction of the Loretto Chapel were considered miraculous by the Sisters of Loretto. In 1873, Jean Baptiste Lamy brought architect Antoine Mouly and his son, Projectus Mouly, from Paris, France to Santa Fe, to work on the St. Francis Cathedral project, completing it with spires, buttresses and stained glass windows imported from France over the Old Santa Fe Trail. The Chapel was completed in 1878 and has since seen many additions and renovations such as the introduction of the Stations of the Cross, the Gothic altar and the frescos during the 1890s. 

This Gothic structure shows the aesthetics of early French immigrants to Santa Fe, who brought Parisian architecture to New Mexico. 

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi: Romanesque Revival Style

I observed each detail of Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in downtown Santa Fe twice. It was built by Archbishop Jean Baptiste Lamy between 1869 and 1888 on the site of an older adobe church. It was designed in the Romanesque Revival style, influenced by French-born Archbishop, and in contrast to the surrounding adobe structures, features characteristic round arches separated by Corinthian columns and truncated square towers, along with a large rose window in front. The lateral nave windows imported from France featuring the twelve apostles are highly detailed and ornate. Built of yellow limestone bricks, it blends in with the sand and dirt of the surrounding landscape. I also noticed the small dove window and more stunning stained glass are featured throughout the cathedral. 

I carefully appreciated its design in the Santa Fe evening. 
 

El Santuario de Chimayo: Spanish Colonial architecture

The transition from Pueblo architecture to Spanish Colonial architecture maintains the essential elements of the adobe’s massive minimalist walls and restrained window and door openings. I witnessed the historical El Santuario de Chimayo on the High Road to Taos. Nicknamed “the Lourdes of North America”, the famed monument to an annual pilgrimage site that was first used by Tewa people for its healing powers, was built in Chimayo in 1813. It features a walled courtyard, two charmingly askew pointed towers, wooden doors and a metal pitched roof. The interior is a colorful mixture of Spanish and Indian decorations and styles. The nave of the church is decorated with original astonishing examples of 19th century Hispanic religious folk art. The discarded canes, wheelchairs, braces hanging from the walls, are all proof of the miracles of El Santuario; the other small prayer room leads to a place called el pocito, which contains a small pit filled with the “holy dirt” that has been known to heal. The silence came to mind naturally. 

A timeless ode to Spanish Colonial architecture. 

I realize New Mexico architecture is inhabited by the land rather than simply built atop it, reflecting the diverse cultures that left their influences on the region. Spiritual seekers of all kinds, disillusioned with the material world and looking for something else, come here and find freedom to be authentic. It pulls you into the land of enchantment, compelling you to stay until its intensity sends some packing, fleeing from the brightly polished mirror of self-reflection that is its surface, back on the journey of life somewhere else. 

An ode to the classic doorways in Santa Fe 

As a tradition, chile ristras adorn the doors, balcony, on patios and in portals all over New Mexico, bring health and good fortunate, and is also a symbol of welcoming. I walked to Canyon Road in Santa Fe with curiosity, a half-mile ramble packed with art galleries in historic adobe residence, my eyes always capturing those charming and characterful doors which have rich history and wondrous stories behind them. 

It demonstrates many of the influences of Spanish architecture with the interior courtyard, rustic door and detailing. 

I breathed in the high desert air and took in the fantastic light, with color and brightness around every corner: some unique doors to the fine art galleries, some doors to the spiritual, some wooden doors formed under rounded archways usher me into the gardens, some hanging with ristras, some with a hand-shaped doorknocker. 

The long bench along with doorway and window creates a delicate, timeless destination that would stand out for its unique take on Southwest style. 

It is a place to live in where life is everywhere. I was touched by a vast array of elements and that is what has put it on the map as a thriving art. 

A long ristra tucked on the door. 
I enjoyed seeing the shadow play, echoing stories of time. 
The red stripe on the head sculpture that echoes a painted red window frame. 
Turquoise is a large part of the state’s history, the blue is a classic Santa Fe color scheme. 
My lens was fixed on this unique door without a house. 

Besides adobe, rubble-stone masonry was utilized to monumental effect by Ancestral Puebloan builders at sites such as Chaco Canyon. The rustic rubble masonry vernacular style is also common in Norther New Mexico, especially in utility buildings such as barns and stables. 

A reflection of vibrant and eclectic taste: Maximalism

I was deeply attracted by the design aesthetic of the Inn of the Five Graces, nestled beside the oldest house and oldest church in the U.S., references to the past or the building’s heritage are hinted at, reflecting eclectic taste. Whilst indisputably au courant, this place harks back to the past in respect of artistry and an inherent appreciation of noble materials, warm adobe earthen hues, a stone exterior, rich textiles, and well-appointed furnishing, all brought together by a quietly confident color palette of rich, enveloping design artistry.

The extraordinary artistic experience awakens my imagination.  

Step through its door, its sumptuous interiors transport me from the Southwest to Central Asia immediately. Designers Ira and Sylvia Seret create a truly seamless aesthetic experience and beyond: millions of tiles made of broken pottery pieces from India, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Mexico are intricately assembled to form colorful murals throughout the bathrooms. The room features handwoven Kazak rugs, antique Tibetan cabinets, plush Kazak armchairs, ikat needlepoint tapestries and a historic river rock kiva fireplace, each theme design to inspire creative passion. Time stands still. 

Inspired by nature and using semi-precious stone, ancient marvel remnants, and Mexican ceramics, these intricate mosaics that adorn the space are “Seret aesthetic”. 
It showcases Maximalism, an artistic expression in an otherwise disciplined design statement. 
I appreciate the creativity that went into each mosaic. 
In every corner and nook, unique objects offer countless stories for those curious enough to explore. 

Earthships: An innovative way to thrive in harmony with the Earth 

An Earthship, which Lonely Planet describes as “equal parts Gaudi masterpiece and Dr. Seuss whimsy”, offers accommodations that are completely off-grid. Built from recycled materials, the home is powered by solar panels, rain and snow-collecting cisterns and a greenhouse for self-sufficiency. It is a style of architecture developed in the late 20th century to early 21st century by architect Michael Reynolds. 

Breaking free from the ordinary, one Earthship at a time. 
 

I stayed in an Earthship at Tres Piedras, New Mexico. It was like stepping into a new world, a completely different cool experience, and it changed my mind of how people can live on the planet. The structure effortlessly blends into nature with its generous expansive windows on the southside, provides sunlight for the indoor greenhouse, a testament to sustainable living, allowing nature to become part of the environment. Rainwater and melted snow are caught on the roof, filtered, and then piped to the skinks and a solar-heated shower. Gray water from the shower and sinks hydrates greenhouse plants and then is used to flush the toilet, while sewage is treated and waters an outdoor planter. I learned how the entire system worked, I was drawn to the concept of off-grid living and its practical, Zen-like ambience inside. 

I loved how the windows were angled in such a way that allowed sunlight to stream into the greenhouse to sustain the plants. 
The home’s ambient temperature is regulated by the building’s thermal wrap and passive solar design, as well as natural ventilation throughout.
I was addicted to this beautiful natural blemish on the ground, like a lighting, touching the deepest part of a heart. 

Engaging in the Earthship is a transformative experience. I learned to open and close skylines, it was so fun, also to take brief showers and shut off the faucet while doing dishes. I woke up in an Earthship when it was freezing temperature outside the next morning, but it was warm and comfortable enough to get “lost” in the plants blossoming again. 

I was in a nature, also in a home. 

I left Earthship’s community with inspiration for my future imaginary home. 

Through my lens I captured the essence of New Mexican buildings art in its dramatic juxtaposition of home and majestic mountain, earth, culture, art, history, faith and indigo sky.  It was like time travel, my heart sang, the magical light, the thick-walled adobe, the open skies, ancient songs and dance, and the unique architecture behind it spoke to my heart in the most powerful way. New Mexico is an eclectic mix of artistry and imagination. 

After a bit of architectural artistry captures, heart-filling consideration, I define it all comes down to this: living on the land, a value precious to all New Mexicans. 

The conversation within art 

“I had to create an equivalent for what I felt about what I was looking at – not copy it.”- Georgia O’Keeffe

I personally believe the best way to appreciate art is to visit ateliers/studios, creatively inspiring me to start a recent New Mexico journey. In art history, Georgia O’Keeffe is one of the most significant Modernist artists in the United States, and one of its most celebrated icons, best known for her large format paintings of natural subjects, especially flowers and bones, and for her depictions of New York City skyscrapers and architectural and landscape forms unique to northern New Mexico. I visited Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe and witnessed her paintings and a significant archive of documents and photographs relating to her life and times, opening a wonderful “conversation” with her naturally. 

I saw the world with O’Keeffe! 

My eyes were fixed on a nature portrayal of an enlarged purple-lavender color dropping flower leaning towards the painting’s center, a sloping darker arch is slightly obscuring a similarly styled petunia. I looked closer, the subtle shades of lavender, inter-mixed with the tones of the lily-pad leaf, accentuate the maturing petunia buds on the painting’s lower-left part. My lens zooms in closer again, I could capture their frills and fleshy folds, the smallest pistils so clearly. I was transported to a natural scene, abounded in stillness and calmness. 

She depicted their natural beauty in her familiar, close-up style, painting their textures, symmetry and delicate structures in vivid detail. “Petunia No.2(1924)”.

We shared deep interest in the design of nature. I continued to “walk” in nature and take time to carefully observe each detail of natural objects – flowers, trees, leaves, water, clouds, feathers, shells, from stripes, color, shade, texture to pattern. 

The flower was a tool through which O’Keeffe could explore varying language of abstraction and representation. “Pink Ornamental Banana, 1939”. 
I was like a tree, rooted in painting, also in the nature. “Gerald’s Tree I, 1937”.
She never ceases to amaze me with her life’s work. 
“Dark and Lavender Leaves,1931”.

O’Keeffe worked mostly in charcoal, using expressive and vibrant hues that presents its artistic expression. Another painting, Anything, 1916, caught my attention, through unique framing, magnification and simplification with a new perspective, three conical green trees rise from the base of the work and extend into the central and left portions of the pieces. In the center of the painting, a rounded tree with a yellowish center emerges above the green trees. The color against the evening sky, stretching out from the tree oscillate with movement and vitality, making the object alive and unfold the meaning of life. 

She embodied her artistic skill, but her intrinsic understanding of the beauty nature possess. 

The silent artistic language built a deep and thoughtful connection between us. We kept “communicating” in the room, I found some similarities with her, our passion and spirit of independence and adventurous, making a long journey alone, we observe and immerse ourselves outside and surrounding, return home with souvenirs – an experience or inspiration as a reference record in the books. 

Maybe that was me, in another life! 

We just choose our own unique vision for ourselves, as an independent thinker, with our own aesthetic! 

I saw myself from her. 
The iconic photographs taken of O’Keeffe by her husband, Alfred Stieglitz. 

My artistic journey continued, heading to Abiquiu, to O’Keeffe’s Home and Studio, venturing a bit further afield, learning more about her. I did only one hike on this adventure –- Plaza Blanca, marveling at the massive rock towers composed of volcanic debris deposited over centuries. O’Keeffe referred it as “The White Place” due to the pastel white and grey sandstone, made even more dramatic offset against crystal clear, cobalt blue New Mexico skies. Just like her, to be hunting for something of myself out there, the wind blew, the sun was strong, I was surrounded and embraced by almost alien spires which deeply inspired me. My mind was totally freedom in the immense high desert horizons.  

In “The White Place”, she selected a view that emphasizes a deep cleft in the formation.
I hiked far out of discovering what unknown lay ahead. 

O’Keeffe lived her aesthetic. Her home and studio reflected a blend of Native American and Spanish Colonial building styles, with its natural light, open layout, midcentury modern furnishing, decorated with rocks and bones from her collection, showcased regional architectural features dating back centuries and into traditional adobe treatments.

I was fascinated by a different kind of color from anything I’d ever seen. 

I “walked” into her each room, from the garden, the salita (the room behind the famous black patio door where she prepared her canvases), sitting room, dining room, laundry room, to her bedroom and closet, got a glimpse of her way of living. 

I loved to see the ladders in NM, evoking the way into their world. The kitten always followed us. 
Hello, O’cat ! I followed his/her adventure too. 

She created timeless and restful spaces with her heart, that was from a real artist. She took the surrounding natural geography into account and reflected on their unique setting. She used shades of local earth to complement the surrounding nature-earth tones of sand, black, browns and beige, completed with a mud plaster floor, rough-hewn beams, and rich textures. 

In the dining room, traditional touches abound, including the original rafters, a mud plaster floor and a Navajo rug. I noticed a Noguchi lamp hangs above the table, as a contrast.
I enjoyed looking out the window: surmounted only by latillas, the roofless room provides a perfect backdrop to O’Keeffe’s sculpture, Abstraction, 1946, imbued with balance and harmony.   
“Abstraction, 1946” embraces her fascination with sinuous shapes, continuity, and organic forms. It reminds me of a seashell or wind. What do you see in this piece? 
A large window, with its abundant light and sweeping views of the Chama River Valley, became the inspiration for much of O’Keeffe’s greatest work. 
O’Keeffe purchased the hand of Buddha from her Thailand travel in 1959, and it now is mounted in her bedroom in Abiquiu. 
 

In her design vision, I sense that art doesn’t have to be purchased from a gallery. Sometimes, masterpieces are made merely by keeping our eyes open to the sculpture that surrounds us and relating to the natural world with a well-deserved awe. Please give every little detail a space that foster inspiration, contemplation and artistic innovation. 

A ram’s skull is placed atop a log, a simple yet powerful pairing that somehow recalls both O’Keeffe’s southwest-inspired canvases and the kind of classical sculpture we might see in other places.
The zaguan’s eclectic décor includes a massive rack of elk antlers, an emerald-toned Mexican lebrillo, and a selection of rocks from her extensive collection. 
Something is in the air! 

“Everyone interprets art based on their own experiences. People see what they see, and I am always encouraging people to look more deeply into each piece to find their own story”. – Artist Hebe Garcia 

On this adventure, I visited artist Hebe Garcia’s studio. Even though we met each other for the first time, it felt like an old friend naturally, as she stood there to wait for me. Garcia and her husband, both originally from Puerto Rico, moved to Abiquiu in 2015, now live on a seemingly endless mesa above Abiquiu, with expansive views from the Pedernal to Taos Mountain and on up to Colorado. “Just happened at the right time,” she said.  

For a glimpse of the artist Garcia’s creative process. 

She specializes in figurative painting and ceramic sculpture, with narratives that weave mythology, feminism, culture, and history in a way that is both gentle and strong, deep and soulful. “I was born and grew up in mostly females’ family, I have three older sisters, and I have two daughters, and granddaughter as well.” Beautiful family photos hang on walls in the studio, the strong family connection is heartfelt. 

A group of four women represents herself and three sisters. 

An impressive painting drew me in, a beautiful female figure with rich texture and seriality and vivid blue-purple colors integrated on panel, like a confident lady walking under the sky, I took a glimpse to see her inner world with curiosity. Garcia explained, “There is one man hidden standing next to her in the painting”, she showed the outline of that hidden man to me, “it’s the secret of this painting”. I replied, that is strength and love reflecting an independent woman on her path. 

“And you will always be with me.” Do you see the hidden man? 

I also noticed her artworks are full of bird elements, “The birds that I saw are always rooted in my memories, and life. I embody it into the creation. I found myself using the ravens and their feathers as a symbol of my thoughts and memories,” she explained. 

The artwork unfolds her memories in varying direction. 

I saw the “evolution” of females from the painting “Dreaming of past lives”, external and internal, fills with different experiences that shape her perspective and path, a symbol of newfound sense of freedom, independence and strength to keep forward in the female growth journey.

Dream within a dream.

Each sculpture piece is made using slabs and coils of mid-fire red sculptural clay with engobe, oxide, glaze and some with gold luster, the artistic expression speaks volumes in its subtle way: it displays different facial expression, the loudest with their own narratives I could hear. A lively golden sun reflects on an innocent child’s face and eyes, the flowers are on the head, the ladybugs on the nose, drawing on memory to capture moments of celebration, joy and a meaningful bond. Garcia said the inspiration comes from her memory of her daughter’s face and those pollinators from her garden. 

She told me an interesting story. 
Her pieces hang here and there, seemingly in dialogue with one another, also with audience. I “talked” with each one, to discover their emotions, desires and fantasies. 

“Your eyes and minds are open,” she continued, “You are seeing the things, but you’re not just seeing the things you are in. My mind keeps working on other things, you’re seeing where you are going, and you are in another place”. I replied, same, that is creativity and juxtaposition. We connected and smiled at the same time. 

I captured her “Viajeros”(Travelers) series, reflecting our human journey naturally. We are all traveling through life, by self-discovery and searching for betterment, we are always curious to see where our journeys take us, like “Viajeros”, always ready for their new journeys and adventures, of course, new homes.

The tiny homes evoked my emotional instinct, it is about the hope, love, renewal, security. 
We had a profound conversation, exchanged the views of life, culture, family, adventure and art. 

We always have lots of conversations in life, with ourselves or others, with voices or without words. Perhaps the art and soul are holding it all together for us, speak of stories untold waiting to be drawn out by the innermost fancy of the observer, it is the relationship I find interesting and soulful. For a glimpse inside artists’ ever-curious minds, reveals evocative points of connection and dialogue; the artworks, even silence, but are the loudest and most powerful of our heart. I am fortunate enough to have both meaningful conversations with art and artist! 

The Land

The journey is the destination. – Dan Eldon

I first visited Northern New Mexico in 2018 and witnessed the “Land of Enchantment”. The scenic beauty and creatures, adobe houses, rich culture, Native Americans tribes, fantastic art and vibrant color palette always lies within my mind. The art, design and architecture called to my spirit to return to the area again in 2024, to re-explore and re-experience with a grown perspective and artistic sensibility. I did not plan and expect to experience a wild adventure for this trip, only to focus on art instead, but the journey took me to a new destination beyond itself. 

I go to see the world, to see if I am at the right place. 

In the middle of this trip, my car crossed the jaw-dropping Rio Grande Gorge Bridge on U.S Highway, on the way to Canones, NM, to an Airbnb home, which rests in a stunning private valley called The Land, 43-acres with a creek, a barn and five homes, each stylishly and thoughtfully designed with art pieces by owner and filmmaker Jonathan Olinger and his sweetheart, Maya Savage (an artist, too). I chose to stay in the Epic Sky Home which nestles at the top of The Land, and was deeply attracted to its unique design, eco-centric focus, along with a panoramic view of Georgia O’Keeffe mountain. 

As always, I read the host’s message to learn about the property before I departed. I did not do a lot of research and preparation like my other adventures; I thought it was just an Airbnb. I knew it was in a rural area, especially in New Mexico there is adequate isolation, so I screenshot the directions provided by the host and kept open the address in Google Maps during the trip, as I had no cell reception. 

I met some new friends on the journey.  

My car crossed extraordinary Abiquiu Lake, the light freezing rains dropped in a grey cloudy sky, then I left the main road and transitioned to a dirt road down the hill, kept going over the yellow cattle guard, and crossed the small narrow bridge. I was in The Land. 

It was isolated. Something is going to happen, unexpectedly.

I continued to follow the signs for “Panorama Home,” but a thrilling adventure awaited me: there were two different roads at the intersection, without any signs. I had to decide which direction up to the top. The curved road was small enough for only one car. I felt so scared, severe weather was moving through the area, the snow fell and was getting heavier, increasing the risk of getting stuck on the dirt road. My car was not a 4-wheel drive vehicle, and under the severe weather situation, things were out of my control. My mind was blank entirely, and I felt helpless. 

I tried to calm myself and observed the road carefully, seeing that that small road amongst the grass was right, deciding to follow my intuition and keep driving up at a very slow speed. I knew it was one way and I might not be able to backup if I got stuck or went the wrong way, or at least I could not turn around or easily contact anybody for help in such an isolated area. I drove up a little bit, then I stepped out and walked up a little bit to check if I was on the right path, repeatedly, to reduce the risk of a problem. It was my first time going on a wild adventure without any preparation. The snowstorm was getting more serious, the car climbed up the road like a snail, a 10-minute driving distance was like a very long journey. I did not know where the end of it at all, so I was filled with a lot uncertainly. 

I could hear my heart beating a roar in my ears and could feel my inner vulnerability and fragility, and a tear almost came out, the snow hit on my body and face. Wow! I was experiencing a wild drive and adventure! Just kept going, don’t look back! Finally, I met the red adobe home at the top, all the suffering was still so fresh – the journey is the destination! I just knew.

Finding and getting there was an unforgettable ADVENTURE! 

The snow and freezing cold continued. 

Wow! When I entered the house, I was deeply drawn to its unique and modern aesthetic and understated atmosphere, earthy colors, natural materials, humble and exquisite objects alike came together to create what I define as “harmonious living.” I opened the large sliding glass doors to walk on the heavy snow, respecting the original character of the space, enjoying the breathtaking views. I was at the top of nowhere, I was in the valley and mountain, I was so close to the earth! 

The refined interiors breathe an air of calmness and respect. 
The neural toned room brings together natural elements: light, wood, water and metal, blended into a modern aesthetic. 
Looking out the window, I let the water flow to wash away my inner vulnerability.

I opened my design radar again, taking inspiration from the antique and translating it to fit contemporary needs, the connection of house living and working space to create a thriving hub of economic activity.

The Land is an invitation to explore a new way of living, one which seeks to co-exist harmoniously with good and evil, nature and design, plants and animals of the Earth. 

The residence is surrounded by vast nature and blurred sky, and I was wandering through its aliveness: I re-experienced the struggle of my journey here. I found the state of solitude, I could honestly face myself, I re-connected nature, I was still to find the inspiration, I saw all the marvels of creation, I saw the positive, negative, vulnerability and renewal from it; I realized again, I arrived at its destination. 

Experiencing the renewal in this unclear environment.

When I woke up, I was transported to another new world: the whole valley, mountain and my car were covered by white snow. I drove down the narrow dirt road with snow again, I felt like lying down on the road and remembering it all, long lost and struggle, like the face of a long dead relative, like an old dream… As expected, I lost myself in the rural area again, I was calmer than before. A new journey continues. 

Of the hope and change in the white sea. 

The journey is the destination. 

We are all traveling through life, physically or emotionally. The journey is one filled with lessons, hardships, heartaches, joy, celebrations and memorable moments. The Land, a journey and a destination. I was in tears, speechless, uncertain, adventurous and curious, and that is when I know the journey has it right, along the way, my exploration of vulnerability as a gift brings true self-discovery and positive change on the Earth. It is so beautiful.  

I think about the film “The journey is the destination,” inspired by the true story of Dan Eldon, a charismatic young activist, artist, photographer and adventurer, who witnessed and documented the struggle, heartbreak and hope of a war-torn and famine-ridden region of Africa. In 1993, Dan and three young journalists were killed while covering the aftermath of a tragic bombing of innocent people in Mogadishu. He left behind seventeen black-bound journals filled with drawings, writings and photographs, collages that chronicle a child’s journey into manhood and a lifelong struggle with the forces of good and evil. We might open ourselves to seeing the destinations as many and the journey itself as the goal. 

His stories are always inspiring. (The movie poster)

I am reading the introduction of The Land from the host Jonathan Olinger again, now I understand his words very well: “Welcome to THE LAND! Please enjoy the beautiful drive and drive safely. The journey is the destination. – Dan Eldon”. “We named the property THE LAND and feel a deep responsibility to be stewards of this place and extend the same magic and richness in our slice of the earth that first captured us to all who come. As you visit, you become a steward of the land as well.” 

When you have been, you will know. 

My journals are a celebration of adventure and a testament of desire to live life its fullest, filled with works of art as well, what I give and receive, of course, the journey truly is the destination, that I might arrive. 

THE LAND takes me to both on Earth!

The journey continues.

Untitled 

My scene changed from art to nature; the weather transformed from sunny of the South to moody of the Pacific Northwest (PNW); the time zone converted from EST to PST, three hours behind Miami Florida. I was in the mood to flee to the PNW, where I could continue to explore an immersive experience of the expressive capabilities of forms, lines and colors. 

The car moved through the Olympic Coast, Cape Flattery (the Northwestern most point of the Continental U.S.), calm Lake Crescent, the magical Hoh Rainforest, breathtaking Cascade Mountain range, and the awe-striking Mt. Rainier, along with rain and fog. Like an artist explores different subjects, featuring her signature palette and aesthetic, wet-on-wet paint application, experiments freely with layering and juxtaposition of colors that pushes beyond observed reality, creating a feeling of improvisation. I was creating my adventure, too.

The moody PNW invited me into a contemplative experience, reflecting its deep engagement with the act of art. 

Those days I was living in Forks, WA

I returned to the rainiest town in the contiguous U.S. – Forks, Washington, but it was a sunny day instead, a surprise for me. I lived there, as a resident, not a tourist. The sound of the fireplace in the tiny cabin made everything look so vibrant and relaxed, I found pockets of joy and inspiration from the comfort of this home, or studio. 

The environment where I was living, was half- deep in nature, allowing me to experience not only the human world, but also other forms of life. Living in Forks is not being a tourist who just enjoys nature, but rooting like a tree. I walked into town, to the grocery store, the Quileute Tribe, rainforest, or to the sea, every day, for my healing meditation. In the pace of nature, I could understand more what it was to integrate time. The landscape is wild with movement and stillness, it can be chaotic at times. 

A resident’s regular daily life in Forks. 

The vibe of the Olympic Coast is opposite to the southeastern. Rialto Beach is filled with extraordinary sea stacks, tide pools, endless driftwood, wildlife and moody vibes. Even though I was not able to access the Hole in the Wall due to high tide, every sense of mine was heightened: the powerful sound of the waves, the wind in the trees, the smell of the sea, every intricate detail of water dripping over rocks, the waves crashing, leaving behind water creating beautiful reflections of everything around it. The constant moody atmosphere adds to the experience, the windswept hair, and a keen sense of personal empowerment that the Olympic Ocean can deliver, please stay wild!  

I was feeling the rocks, sand, and pebbles as I walked, grounding me with each step I took. 
The driftwood was going to create work itself quietly.  

The road to the lush Hoh Rainforest, where the giant moss people bow and greet me before entering another enchanted world, always held a special place in my heart. I roamed among the mossed giants and saw the old friends again. The simple joy appeared, timeless. 

Nature’s creativity – almost like a welcome gate to the Hoh Rain Forest.
The magic is in the air. 
Glad to see you again, my old friends. 
I met new friends on the adventure. 

On my last day, the whole town was covered by clouds, mists and fogs, the blurred scenery, and moody vibes that I was always searching for. Only in Forks, WA, I could find and celebrate its special essence. I embrace imperfection and feel deep inside me that the relationship between nature and my spirit is vitally important.

I caught a glimpse of real Forks. 
You call to my mind. Can’t wait to see you again. 

The elements of natural world fresh my insight 

Along the Cascade Loop, I find all elements that makes the adventure more wonderful: a series of mountain passes, rivers, and lakes that feel distinctly PNW. The open road itself took me to escape the materialistic and ego-drive world we inhabit, to embrace the unknown. 

I travel so far that the outside world fades into silence, even my own thoughts. 

The unique cabin adds to my favorite elements of the PNW, a home or studio, refreshing my soul and inspiration. I stayed at Daisy Wander, an A- frame cabin tucked away on the Skykomish River. With an eye for architectural design, each detail captured my attention: triangular structure, vaulted ceilings, floor-to–ceiling windows, a wood burning fireplace, natural light, an open concept floor plan on the main level, an upper loft space, and a cedar hot tub, a multifaceted design reflecting the informality and fun of adventure while accommodating practical needs. Throughout the cozy cabin are small touches like yellow tones and daisy to really amp up the modern and timeless aesthetic. 

All small bulbs were lit up at the cabin during the dark of night, creating a cozy atmosphere.

During my time in the cabin, I researched and learnt about the history of the A- Frames and architectural style in the North America and beyond, from traditional Japanese farmhouse to America’s post-war cabin kit craze to today’s worldwide obsession, getting an insight and inspiration from them. 

Learning about the design and transition of the A-Frames is interesting to me. 

I took a deep breath and enjoyed the outdoor hot tub along the mountains, river, and the A- frame cabin as backdrop. The steam was moving, it was freezing and windy outside, the sound of the gushing river and wind whistling through grass around me, soaking in the hot water in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do but appreciate nature and focus on being present. The simple joy of relaxing can do wonders, my mind refreshed. 

Wild nature is always so inspiring to feel the free positive energy and serenity. 

My curiosity took me to discover the quirky little coffee shop – Espresso Chalet, which sits at Milepost 36, on the Stevens Pass highway, outside of Index, WA. A 14-foot-tall wooden Sasquatch statue stands and greets visitors. I ordered a cup of Eggnog latte on a winter day, observed each detail of Bigfoot, walked to the back patio: “Wow”, discovered the most breathtaking view of the towering mountains behind it.

Don’t miss the Espresso Chalet, which is Highway 2’s longest running espresso stand.

The place always stays on my mind, now I realize it isn’t just any Bigfoot, it is Harry: the beloved 80s film “Harry and the Hendersons” was actual filmed here. It gave me a chance to learn about the Chalet and the movie. 

Hello friends. 

The knowledge and inspiration come from anywhere: books, places, people, nature, also adventure. 

The car kept moving through snowy mountains, river valleys, small communities, White Pass Scenic Byway, to alpine county – Mt. Rainier.

White is the harmony of all colors. 

My happy playground 

The road from the town of Ashford, WA to Longmire/Paradise is a beautiful journey itself. Nature speaks of itself, old-growth temperate rainforests, waterfalls, rusty springs, and the impressive snow-capped Mt. Rainier in the distance (in-between clouds), same as its name “Paradise”. The art appears, about the sight of a snowy landscape, the slippage between memory, reality, and imagination. It is a creative process and informs the work. 

Those drift logs show their creative artwork. Did you see them? 
Now she is covered in snow, silent power of nature. 

The Pacific Northwest is full of adventures, all the natural elements which I enjoy so much, calls to mind again and again. Nature is art, conveying the essence of presence and imperfection, also an intriguing depth and absence, nature decides where the work goes, it is powerful, simplicity and harmony, creating an invitation to interaction. Art is nature, embodies the natural surroundings as well the meditative and grounding nature of the practice, it is the equilibrium. It is always interesting to have a relationship with nature and art; inspiring, discovering nature has the same power as discovering art.

I do not want to define this adventure and want to give an open option to the audience, it is about a state of mind and a perspective, depends on what you see, observe and feel from it. In the moody and ambiguity, I might be very close to it – art is nature is art- always what I find around me. 

The artistic radar is on 

“Art itself is the natural projection of a soul.”

Art itself is ever-changing and difficult to grasp. My aesthetic sensibility and juxtaposition continue taking me to discover exceptional artwork by unknown artists, as much minor ones as major names, at recent Art Week Miami 2023. The famous international art fair Art Basel Miami Beach (North America Edition) offers a unique opportunity to see amazing contemporary works and extend the inspiring ground. 

Art Basel Miami Beach, 2023

Let’s embrace ambiguity in art and life. 

A visual adventure of exploring each layer and perspective of a landscape painting invites me in: at first glance, the dramatic monochrome blue as a key hue conveys a powerful subject – a nature scene, I thought it might be Yosemite but with fractured texture. I look closer then, the male figure with an exciting smile takes a photo; my lens zooms in closer, it reveals the crossover in a different direction, the other male figure seems to be melancholy reflecting in the water. When I see it far again, the whole landscape reappears. The key is to combine the contradiction of the opposite characters and similarity in a way that feels coherent and speaks of an artist’s own ethos and individual aesthetic which, of course, is a skill in itself.

I appreciate the ambiguity in the painting, reflecting that in life, sometimes the most interesting questions don’t always have an obvious answer. What we see is not what we see is necessary. 

I did not know the artist’s name at all before seeing their art, but the name is not important for me to discover art. Now, I find out the artist’s name, and get familiar with his unique stylistic approach and knowledge. It is a learning process. 

@Mark Tansey, About, 2023, Gagosian Gallery
Can you see the crossover of two male figures, eyes and mind? 

Reverence for the past in two wild Lego paintings 

My eyes are fixed on two supersize historic paintings: one is Washington Crossing the Delaware (1851 painting) by the German American artist Emanuel Leutze; the other piece is Sleeping Venus (1510) by the Renaissance painter Giorgione. The artist Ai Weiwei uses endless tiny Lego bricks to produce and display the “new” artworks, reverence for the past, but a new art scene appears, out of the ordinary.

I immersed myself in the Lego paintings, observing each detail of them, from left to right, down to up, repeatedly, with a new perspective and sense. The artist appreciates the original artwork, at the same time, not pastiche or reproduces it, but in bringing together the best of the past in a way that was personal, approachable and relevant to the era in which we live. It adds a degree of warmth, depth and connection with creativity, timeless and culture. The past and present never collide in the art, but rather converge in a style that speaks of icons.  

A Lego artwork reproduction of “Washington Crossing the Delaware” by artist Ai Weiwei, Berlin-based gallery Neugerriemschneider.
“Sleeping Venus” by Ai Weiwei’s Lego version at Galleria Continua

When blinds meet playful color pallet, I see his world

Another impressive painting draws me in, a rough, free gestural style with rich texture and seriality and vivid colors integrated on canvas with uneven frames. The painting opens a “window” to the audience, to glimpse its inner world with curiosity, by utilizing vinyl blinds and integrating a photograph of Manhattan, New York City into the artwork, it gives me a hint to recognize the artist might be living in New York, and to deliver a sensorial experience of city life and environment. My mind transports to the apartment located at the center of New York City, standing next to the window, allowing us to “listen” and “feel” its chaos, overwhelming us. It suggests us to experience “psychogeography”, a term borrowed from Guy Debord, a founding member of the Situationist International of the 1960s. The bold color depicts the audacity of big city personas. 

The longer I look at it, the more ambiguity of NYC, the contemporary “eye” is closed, outside chaos moves ever slower, till it ends in emptiness. @Gerasimos Floratos , Untitled, 2023, Oil, collage, vinyl blinds on canvas, Pilar Corrias Gallery.

I am learning and reflecting the art trend by witnessing more provoking artworks and genuine creativity from leading galleries around the world. 

One standout moment occurred in front of a richly textured sculpture – a six-foot tall vital organ “heart”, the sound loop of the beating heart and its abrupt stopping of the beat pouring out from speakers captured my attention. I walk full circle around the heart, my heartbeat is so close with it, I am curious and want to break open the heart and see what is inside. 

My beating Heart by artist Pepon Osorio at P·P·O·W Gallery. 

Another whimsical creation that captivates me is a big yellow color phone leaning back against a big comb, from Karma gallery. What do you think what it means? I saw “support.” One of the most interesting things in appreciation is to expand our imagination beyond the art itself. 

It expresses how the opposites connected- juxtaposition. 

One of the standout highlights is the surreal bright walking bag sculpture by Austrian artist Erwin Wurn, at Lisbon Gallery’s booth,a fashionable luxury handbag atop long and protruding skinny legs in stylish boots. I am inspired from his creativity, breaking from traditional composition and perspective, and revolutionizing the way in which an artist saw and transformed reality. 

Let’s do a race competition, see which is faster, the walking luxury bag or human? Haha. 
 

Art is the effective and realistic language, we can listen and speak it  

The painting “Tea Time in New Haven, Enugu” is worth lingering. The Nigerian artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby’s family life speaks volumes in its own subtle way: the back wall, chairs, placemats, and shadows cast on the floor are collaged with family photos and clippings from the old Nigerian magazines, transferring to painting and the densely layered composition builds a meaningful memory of the past and a distinct identity for the artist herself.  

I have a chance to glimpse the artist’s family experience. Art reflects artists’ life and culture.  

I am invited to a private creative room and transported to a playful and magical world, a lively golden sun reflects on a pure child’s heart and eyes, with a meaningful bond of artist OSGEMEOS’s artwork. They use a symbolic visual language inspired by their dreams, as twins, they claim to share, the paintings feature long limbed yellow skinned figures with thin outlines, enlarged faces, and simplified feature. 

We share inner happiness, diversity, and artistic language in this surreal and chimerical world.

The delight is in art 

Inspired by a stone carving of a snail at the Batalha Monastery in Portugal, The Haas Brothers’ newest blown glass and marble Microslimers offer a deeply personal reflection on family. Crafted in riotously colorful glass, the Microslimers emerge from ornate cast bronze or carved marble shells. With buggy eyes and emotive expressions and witty titles, the mollusks are at once humorous and heartfelt. 

Viewing The Haas Brothers’ Microslimers, at Marianne Boesky Gallery, touching my heart.  

I can’t take off my eyes from the painting titled Deep Feeling by the British artist Tracey Emin, evoking my emotional instinct. It is about love, loss, loneliness, hope and grief, as a female experience, and one of our natural parts. The intense and raw emotion has typified her practice, and she is bold and honest to define her own experiences in art. I think art likes a bridge to connect artist and audience. I would define the emotions as just data points for us to consider but are not facts. 

This painting opens a window for me to consider what are emotions. 

I’ve been familiar with some artists’ works for a while. I am re-entering artist Robert De Niro Sr’s world this time. His works from his period are distinguished by a high-key palette and improvised areas of freely brushed color defined by the strong outlines, and he simplifies the human form into a few bold curves. He was largely unrecognized in his time. 

When see Robert De Niro Sr’s painting, it is like seeing an old friend again. 
Seated Nude, 1969, at DC Moore Gallery. 

One of my admirable artists Edmund de Waal’s new work “te lucis ante termimum, 2023”, shows at Galerie Max Hetzler gallery. The undulating, sequential visual rhythm of cylindrical forms established by de Waal’s placement of differently scaled sizes on a shelf conjure a fugue like sense of sound and music. Same as before, I stay longer to “listen” to a profound meditative music. It is a very personal experience to appreciate de Waal’s works. 

Porcelain vessels and gilding near each other – an echo of voices, flute and cello in the air, overlapping and resolving. 

My artistic perspective is expanding through discovering the diverse artists’ echo and reverberation worldwide, the constant mercurial tension between old and new, tradition and contemporary that keep the art alive, constantly evolving and moving forward, beyond the fair itself. 

Art itself can tell a story, that they come with a little soul, trigger a memory, or create an association for people, evoking different feelings. Good art never looks the same twice. Art comes within a radar in our heart, and mind. In the discovery, I think, we should not be too focused on the mostly recognized artists’ names or brand; be brave to open artistic radars, be less formal but also more intuitive and experience subtle relationship with art, with surprise, excited and curious to see how the art will present and get into our world. It always is great fun to do! 

See the art with a new perspective

(Notes: Art Basel is the leading global platform connecting collectors, galleries, and artists, hosted annually in Basel, Switzerland; Hong Kong; Paris; and Miami Beach. Art Basel’s inaugural U.S. fair in Miami Beach, the city has transformed from a regional art enclave into a global art stronghold, which is set to attract more than 1,200 international galleries to its 20 art fairs, bring endless incredible artists and art enthusiasts to visit Miami and offer internationally renowned programming, exhibitions, and public installations during Miami Art Week. There are three largest global fairs: Art Basel and Untitled Art, also Design Miami/. I witnessed its rich artistic scene and diversity through various initiatives and programs. I highly recommend you participate in Miami Art Week. It is worthy traveling and exploring.) 

The world is flat (XIV), 2023. Acrylic on canvas.

An artistic journey to delight and amaze

My upbringing and interest in design, architecture and art convince me to push the envelope and explore how artisans dialogue with designers. I’ve always been inspired by the master craftsman culture prevalent in Europe, Asia and other continents. I appreciate master craftsmanship and creativity as carried on by contemporary artisans through a variety of collaborations. Recently, I witnessed some extraordinary artworks by those artists I admire, having a deep “conversation” with their visions and feeling the free-spirit in art. 

Edmund de Waal and Sally Mann: To light, and then return

Edmund de Waal, an internationally renowned artist, ceramicist and potter, born in Nottingham, England. He works in a way that allows one discipline to fuel and feed into the other, breaking down the boundaries between all these supposedly separate disciplines. I recently saw an exhibition of his new work “to light, and then return” at Gagosian Gallery, New York, in collaboration with artist Sally Mann, inspired by each other’s practices. 

Informed by their mutual fascination with material transformation and themes of elegy and historical reckoning, the work shows de Waal’s sculpture featuring porcelain, silver and blacks of Cor-Ten steel, and Mann’s tintypes and platinum prints. The name of the show was inspired by The spry arms of the wind (c.1866), a poem by Emily Dickinson written onto an envelope.

My mind transported to American Poet Dickinson’s world through some letters written into de Waal’s treasured objects. 
The undulating, sequential visual rhythm of cylindrical forms established by de Waal’s placement of differently scaled sizes on a shelf conjure a fugue like sense of sound and music. Can you “hear” it? 

I “read” the art of harmony through their extraordinary aesthetic by the juxtaposition of each piece of porcelain, silver, aluminum, and glass. I stayed there longer than expected to “listen” to a profound exchange of ideas, resonating beauty of elegy, inspired from their practices, friendship, fragments, and the ceramics that they chose, embracing a beautiful artistic journey of two artists in a small space, a timeline, and mainly, a state of mind, a push and pull between the materiality and the immateriality of thoughts, all elements were echoing behind me. 

I gave insight into de Waal and Mann’s collaboration, my heart asked pleasure, belonging as much to the past as to the present. 

De Waal’s work is very personal. Each pot stands as a separate and uniquely carted moment in time. 
Let your imagination run wild! 

A deep appreciation for master-craftsmen’s ethos and works 

Les Ateliers Courbet, the master craftsmen’s gallery, is a New York based design gallery focused on a master-craftsman ethos and the sharing of art that embodies artisanal dexterity, cultural heritage and know-how. I crossed the threshold and connected with it immediately, from its aesthetic of design to each timeless value of piece, recognized every piece is inspired by the geological transformation of natural materials and crafted by hand through time-honored techniques, carefully curated into a space, awaiting the right audience to appreciate its value. 

The most recent series “Topographic Memories” is created by Paris-based designer Raphael Navot and the craftsmen of Ateliers Saint-Jacques outside of Paris, France. I surrounded and glimpsed into his cohesive body of work: tables made of travertine replicate the beautiful ripples of petrified wood, and a series of light fixtures illuminates the essence of bronze. I caught the impeccable textured detail and converted different angles with curiosity to observe carefully the sculpture table Archetype II, to see the approach and unencumbered philosophy the designer led – a combination of hot fire flames and cold-water jet, fascinating by the way time shapes and sculpts land. 

Feel alive when you see and celebrate the infinite possibilities of raw materials.

Such a singular aesthetic vision, his work is very much context-specific, and as such, respect the original features and enhance them through unique time-honored techniques. It is an inner reflection seeking to manifest itself in our landscape, as Navot said, “whether man-made or nature-made topography tells a story of craft in direct relation to the land’s origin and cultural characteristics”. 

With an eye for design, I was obsessed with his elegance Monk Eyes Ceiling Lights, inlaid with humble materials such as cast bronze, hand rubbed patina. I found a refined balance of hard raw materials and soft feeling within. I took a closer look for the lights to discover its uniqueness, the master craftsmanship through seemingly elegant forms and aesthetic movements. They are not just the sophisticated lights, and indeed they display a depth of dialogue between nature, crafts, cultural heritage and artistic education to me. 

The charming “eyes” make contact with mine. 

The master craftsmanship sets the tone in each corner, beyond the gallery itself, the delight is in the details, worth lingering a moment. 

A little glimpse from the collaboration of French designer Noe Duchaufour-Lawrance and Maison Integre’s metalsmiths, the sculptural wall pieces were crafted West African culture-inspired bronze works. 

It always is an enormous pleasure to investigate and appreciate the expressive qualities of ceramics by South African artist Katherine Glenday. Each of her pieces defies the materiality of the porcelain, stretching the matter to its thinnest, the translucent skin enthralls the natural light, while the free-form silhouettes evoke the artist’s gesture as embodying a movement. Color and light interact through and around the curves of each physical form and surface takes the work to a new height. 

Carefully conceived volumes and natural materials, each piece is different, so as to conjure an immediate sense of freedom to the depth.
The vibrancy and intensity of color brings a sense of dynamic aliveness to me. 
Constantly drawn to the beautiful and delicate imperfections in Glenday’s ceramics. 
White and Black ceramic vessels next to each other, evoking the seamless movement of two dancers.

I met someone who shares with me a similar perspective toward design. We discussed and shared the similarity and difference of ceramic work between French ceramist Ludmilla Balkis and Katherine Glenday, making a profound connection from both. I enjoy learning from other art fellows.  

Embarking on the ceramic journey with French artist Ludmilla Balkis 

There are a few artworks left by Ludmilla Balkis from the last exhibition at Guild Gallery, NYC. It draws me back again! Balkis endeavors and contacts with the earth and nature creative rhythms for her work, the natural imperfections and unequivocal devotion to minimalism remains throughout her signature practice, features in manipulating clay like fabric, cutting, twisting, folding, and extracting from it a balance of delicacy and strength.

I cannot take my eyes off her unique sculptural vessels, in a range of naturally colored and France’s Basque clay. Black sanded stoneware stands on an elegant table, I walked along the full circle, uneven “blooming flower” like shape to glimpse her hand-formed sensuous and raw rough texture, embracing the beauty of irregular and imperfect creation. My mind transported to nature – the world I like to live in – stillness and perpetual movement, defining simplicity and timelessness. The art has the final word.

It is art. I see and recognize it. 

I sit on a bench silently and transmit the profound intimacy with the natural world, as well the meditative and grounding nature of her practice, we connected, simple and natural. Balkis often fires her work in a Japanese wood anagama kiln, creating different colors and allowing the fames to paint the surface of the finished work. I believe learning about the process of creativity can extend not just to the artwork itself but also allows us to understand the artist’s space and practice fully. Let the art to speak for itself. 

Between raw and pure to find an essence: light meets shadow, momentum meets inertia, and substance surrounds a void. 
The surface with almost unfinished and uneven hollows end, colors hover and move, appear to come and go, as circular movements of season and sun.

I reached such as point of perfection, putting in everything every touch with such freedom, and the harmony in nature and chaos developing. I forgot everything in my joy with them, till emptiness. I know I will collect Balkis’ pieces for my home someday. 

I am pleased with this special piece, always hold my breath a moment for a ceramic piece.
Nature decides where the work goes. Just a simple beautiful.

The ceramics are truly a welcome addition to my aesthetic of sumptuous simplifies. I quickly lose all sense of the outside world, entering a richly layered scene, finding a pureness within the chaos, also learning from the artisans’ influences and inspirations deeply, when quality and design trumped fads, fashion and value-engineering. It is an evolving dialogue between the region’s ceramic tradition, artist legacy, culture heritage and natural surroundings. 

I like to use this interesting analogy: art is more like “mating”, the artist, gallery and audience need to be right. When three of them are right and are interested in each other, it opens a meaningful conversation and builds a connection. Design influences life, art influences design, art has objective values but as well has emotional values. It is a very personal choice, of our own unique, individual taste. I am fortunate to discover early that art draws out my emotions and feelings. 

Art can be discovered anywhere, such as in museums, at auctions, on street walls, workshops, also in a designer’s mind. I never want to define where I could discover and expect it, but when I see it, I feel and recognize it immediately. It is a joyful and positive journey – the way I find it – is also very instinctive, and yet eclectic.

This is ode to life!  

My lens in art and design 

“People, what they appreciate in art, that is their taste. It’s valid as anything else”. – Artist, Robert De Niro Sr.

I have discovered my juxtaposition style and found my place in the world through learning and reflection in past months. My appreciation in art, design and architecture opens a new door. I am seeking a “home” – tranquility, humble and more privacy – combining art and design, also finding a balance between peace and chaos, I chose to stay at the renowned actor Robert De Niro Jr. (Bob)’s soulful place – The Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca, New York City, which I correctly assumed would fit my unique taste very well. 

TriBeCa is NYC’s atelier, blending its industrial past with a contemporary and artistic vibe. The building is located in the heart of Tribeca. The public spaces were designed by Grayling Design, the Flatiron building’s salvaged glass transformed a mirrored wall surface and meticulous craftsmanship reshaped the flooring into a rustic door. 

I walked on the cobblestone to discover its “jewel”.
The rooms and suites of which no two are alike, each steeped in story, fulfilling my perspective toward design. 

The aesthetic of design 

I sensed it the moment I crossed the threshold. The old-world atmosphere and charming lighting reminded me of the old house I lived in childhood, warm and cozy.   

For those with an eye for design, its interiors, whilst a new height, also reflect back to the past in respect to artistry and an inherent appreciation of noble materials, time-honored hand craftsmanship, the work of numerous artisans globally, embellished Serge Mouille lighting, leaded glass windows, exposed oak beams and antique wood floors. Immediately I felt it to be a soulful and restful home. The drawing room and open-air courtyard are exclusively for guests, fulfilling my need for privacy.  

I can’t take my eyes off of a stained-glass skylight that replicates a starry night, reflected on the stunning mirrored-glass coffee table. 

I sat at the bespoke George Smith armchair, observing the stunning design details and every piece in Bob’s private collections with curiosity, while other guests just passed by so fast. Each piece exemplifies the quality that comes with sustainably sourced materials, including a vintage short scroll arm leather chair, with nods to nature in full bloom. I gazed at the books, exotic objects, art sculptures and artifacts, all carefully curated and on display in the stylish shelf behind a homey yet elevated space that evoked both the refined and earthly aspects of different styles.  

A place to present simple graceful air. 

Timelessness gives the design a second skin. My lens zoomed in from reclaimed wood in ceiling beams to more than twenty different shapes and sizes of the iconic red bricks handmade in Pennsylvania, each one unique, then to the hand-molded tile on the terracotta and marble floors inspired by flooring found in a 14thcentury Italian palazzo. I sense it’s neither a décor nor a reconstitution, it is designed to be lived in, worn in. 

It represents different influences and remains contemporary and classic. 
This door was carved from recycled American Heart Pine wood and finished with a hand-cast bronze knob. A single red rope knot placed around the knob indicates privacy. Love it! 

The color evolves, too. 

The blue and white color of textiles, rugs, sofa fabrics, curtains, the painting palette by Bob’s father DeNiro Sr. and mood lighting add a touch of sublime beauty to this home, bringing a different design language that harmonies and unifies in each corner.  

Blue color became its own spatial framework.
The muted colors of a leather sofa and Tibetan silk rug blends seamlessly into the design.  
The matching pattern and color expresses individuality behind each component. 
The unpretentious design extends to my bedroom: a desk tucked under a built-in bookcase served as backdrop to the showpiece along with the vintage zebra-striped chair, creating a cozy corner.

A home should represent the way you want to live, with unique aesthetic of design to celebrate hand-crafted beauty, private collections and your own color palette. It defines your taste, too. 

Meet the art and artists’ soul 

I have a precious opportunity to glimpse the legacy of Bob’s father, Robert De Niro Sr., an American abstract expressionist painter (1942-1993), characterized by his use of line, gesture and movement. In his paintings,Seated Nude with Arm Raised and Seated Woman with Guitar of 1970, he reflected on the idiosyncratic palette, bold and large-scale rendering with freely brushed areas of color and the figure defined by the thick outlining, his signature feature frees my eye from having to look at small things and offers rich visual anchors. 

I stood in front of his artworks, repeatedly, sensing his uncompromising vision of emphatic painterliness and personal exercitation at that period, more than traditionalist, that’s soaring eager of bold and relief, but revealed his frustration for self-esteem. I felt a little heavy from his artwork. He was largely unrecognized in his time.

Seated woman with guitar, 1970, oil on canvas, Robert De Niro Sr. 
Seated Nude with Arm Raised and other drawings display at Bob’s place. 

The drawing room – an eclectic mélange of art, furniture, one-of-a-kind pieces around the globe, including back-lit cartoons, Asian influenced statue, a mini bronze sculpture of Ezra Cornell, vintage chairs and sofas, along with the varying white candles on the fireplace – transits to a relaxed and artistically inclined beau mode.

It is positively charged with emotions and feelings. 

It is a home to live in where art is everywhere. I discovered some precious masterpieces by 17thcentury Flemish artist Pieter Bruegel the Younger. Expressing the chapter of art history of the Brueghel legend: Pieter Bruegel the Elder was one of the most significant artists of Dutch and Flemish Renaissance painting, known for his landscapes and peasant scenes, he was a pioneer of the genre painting. Pieter Brueghel II followed his footstep and painted repetitions of his father’s peasant scenes, one of the most frequently copied works of his father was the Winter landscape with Skaters and a Bird-trap, his production of original compositions increasingly appealing.  

Feel the spirit of Pieter Bruegel the Younger, with its neutral backdrop and carpet of intricately interwoven flower print.  
I am honored to witness the private collection from Bob’s past trips. 

It is an art-filled space, evoking a sense of discretion.

Respect things the way they are 

The light kisses every nook and breathes life into the artistry creation. I touched the rough-luxe textured wall lightly; the moody ambiance and cultivated privacy bring me a sense of depth and emotion. The place, even a boutique hotel, shows Bob’s soul everywhere, each subtle object presents his father’s artworks, including original paintings, drawing hanging on the wall, artwork behind the menu, postcards for guests and the coasters. 

De Niro Sr.’s artwork behind the menu warms my heart. 
 
(left)Reclining Male Nude, 1962, Oil on paper, Robert De Niro Sr.
(right)Woman Seated in a Green Chair, 1966, oil on canvas, Robert De Niro Sr. 

A simple gesture shows Bob’s appreciation for family. I appreciate it so much: Bob uses a most humble way to preserve his father’s legacy, it is a respect and responsibility from a son to an artist father. My version of a home shows, it should be a place to share connection and respectful with family.  

“I like to respect things the way they are”.  – Bob

The juxtaposition of nature and city, calm and noisy 

The French door opens onto a leafy terrace, inspired by the Place des Vosges, immediately transports the visitor to a Parisian styled setting. The drizzle fell on potted plants, I breathed in the soothing stillness and lush greenery that found a good balance between oasis and bustling city.  

With a movie twist, my scene is transformed to cinema world.
One of my favorite design elements is the black and white photo mural of American Actor James Dean they commissioned from French artist JR (Jean-Rene), who is famous for telling the stories of places through the people who inhabit them.  
The natural touches taught me to live humbly. 
 

The gracious, interconnected spaces avoid all ostentation, focusing instead on quality and craftsmanship, as seen in carefully conceived details at its Shibui Spa in the hidden basement, housed within a 250-years old Japanese barn transported from Japan directly. I was obsessed with original wood and bamboo, to soak up the tranquility influenced by these Asian influences, a mystical power that cleansed my mind and body. I forgot I was in a city that never sleeps.

The lighting is healing. 
I appreciate the craftsmanship: the wood and bamboo were installed without use of one screw or nail. 
I can see and celebrate nature that makes a space feel full of life. 

A home should provide a dialogue on natural calmness that resonates with one profoundly. It is my style. 

Juxtaposition creates uniqueness

Iconic Belgian designer and art dealer Axel Vervoordt shares a similar perspective with Bob. Axel Vervoordt, one of my favorite designers, creates the places in a most humble way within luxury, his refined yet elegant interior aesthetics delivers juxtaposition of raw and contemporary, rough and refined that keeps the harmony and calmness in a space. His impeccable taste continues to present in the penthouse at Bob’s place. It was designed in collaboration with famed Japanese architect Tatsuro Miki. 

The raw unfinished woods, stone, finest line fabrics, bespoke furnishing, nature lights, all brought together by a quietly confident color palette of rich, enveloping neutrals. The understated charm and unique simplicity convey Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy, creating a truly seamless aesthetic and experience.   

The earthy tone reflects the spirit of calmness.

I think, juxtaposition is central to a designer’s aesthetic, and it is the most unique thing of creation. It might give direction to the artist/designer to think about how to be brave with your juxtaposition to create a singular and initiable style: like place the simple natural materials in contrast to silver or give a relationship with the hard stone in a soft room or airy and moody or juxtaposed against the white old ceramic lamp and a modern orange and red vase. 

The pursuit of harmony of opposite aesthetics evocates the soul. Reflecting myself, a juxtaposition, too, just finds a well-balanced and a rich blend with Eastern and Western, confident and humble, nature and city, modern and renaissance, resulting in the unique, so naturally, myself. 

Through my lens, design has layers itself, a reflection of who we are and the world. An exceptional designer does not just decorate but steers well clear of cliché and instead extends depth and contrast; for the right audience it will not be superficial but unfold each layer of design. The designer and audience, you will find each other, who in turn, will be sensitive to what you share, and to the form of creation proposed, whether that is art, design and soul. I think it is a perfect confluence of good sense and good taste, also, the highest level of appreciation in art, as valid as anything else. 

I might be one of the only people who would fly to the loudest and busiest city in the world to look for a “quiet” place. I know we share similar tastes, and our souls connect at Bob’s place, where they took inspiration from diverse cultures, times, colors, art, craftsmanship and juxtaposition. This is all something to consider until the next time finds me back to NYC, to live with them again, and be inspired by them. 

Now, what is your lens in art and design? 

Ode to joy 

The ode to nature brings the best of Big Sky Country to spirit. 

One of my adventurous friends said that solitude is a state of mind where you find a place away from the noise and distraction. I said that desolation peak is my place. This simple conversation was on my mind during my recent Big Sky Country adventure to Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. 

Body and mind are recharged in Central Idaho 

The car was moving in the rain, the abundance of wide-open spaces and skies stretching uninterrupted to the horizon appeared before my eyes. I came to Stanley, Idaho – a tiny mountain town situated at the foot of the majestic Sawtooth Mountains and along the banks of the Salmon River. I stayed at the rustic Mountain Village Resort and relaxed in the hot springs after the exhaustion of long hours of driving. 

A large barn-style door was open and I could see the unparalleled views of the creek, the Sawtooth Mountains and river. The steam was moving, it was drizzling outside, the sound of the gushing river and wind whistling through grass were around me, soaking in the clear and blue hot water in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do but appreciate nature and focus on being present. I caught a glimpse of it. 

The simple joy of relaxing can do wonders.
The open door allowed me to enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Pouring rain is the main melody of joy in my glacier adventure 

The drizzle changed to heavy rainfall on the road to Montana.

I drove the iconic 50 miles “Going-to-the-Sun Road” multiple times at Glacier National Park, from West Glacier to St. Mary, Montana. I saw the impressive glaciers, beautiful valleys, cascading waterfalls, towering mountains and alpine wildflowers with a different perspective through the heavy rain and fog, like to wear a new cloth to express individual mystery. 

I discovered another side of this magical place on this rainy and foggy day. 
The winding mountain road was awash with rain.

The Highline Trail took me to climb above Going-to-the-Sun Road. I hiked rugged cliff edges and witnessed the epic landscape of the northern Rockies and vibrant vegetation. My eyes always kept searching for mountain goats. The weather changed so quickly that the heavy fog covered most of the mountains while blistering winds flew into my face. I felt chilled. Unexpected, a male deer appeared, we stopped and saw each other. We were so close but were not afraid each other at all, friends in nature. 

Hello, brother Liu. 

With clouds closing in all around me, I continued uphill, the thick fog and mist becoming more apparent. I was on the muddy trail. After hiking 6.8 miles, I climbed up to Grinnell Glacier Overlook – my favorite part of the Highline Trail. It challenged my legs within a half mile, with gains of about 1,000 feet in elevation. My legs felt the burn, my fingers were numb from the low temperature, sometimes I could not keep my balance on the wet and slippery rocks in the pouring rain. I can hear my own heartbeat. Even though I knew the panoramic views of these incredulous ice fields would be covered by thick fog, I still wanted to experience it.

I got soaked with water when I was on the top. I felt alive. 

The stunning glacier view was not important at the moment. 

I went through some lush forest along the way back to “The Loop.” I awoke to the smell of petrichor before falling asleep to the rain again. 

I sat in a chair outside the Many Glacier Hotel to take in spectacular views of Swiftcurrent Lake backed by Grinnell Point. 

It continued to rain. 

I took the boat across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine. The challenging Grinnell Glacier trail is a beautiful adventure itself. It brings me different surprises every turn. I stood on the steep rock and gazed at the teal blue Grinnell Lake, saw Mount Gould towering above me to the south and breathtaking Grinnell Falls dropping hundreds of the feet down above the lake. I passed through alpine meadows, with smaller waterfalls and climbed a series of steep switchbacks, saw bright orange berries and colorful wildflowers.

Such scenery transported me mentally and emotionally.

The floating icebergs on upper Grinnell Glacier, the Garden Wall and Mount Gould at an altitude of 7,000 feet took my breath away. 

I touched the most brilliant, turquoise-colored water. WOW. It was freezing!  

I spent time on Lake McDonald, appreciated the colors of soft orange and pink dancing off the mountain walls, reflecting on it. 

The glassy Lake McDonald let anxiety and distraction go. 

I experienced adventure and relaxation in Glacier National Park. Mountain goats and bighorn sheep might be sleeping, as they did not always appear. Instead, deer and I were running on the rough terrain under severe weather conditions. “Ode to Joy” whispers to me lightly, the sound of rain is a profound narrative that resonated with all those who set forth on the journey of life to discover the joy. 

We have the power to deal with challenges with grace. 

This is when I started thinking about how else we might define true joy. 

Grand Teton, Wyoming, you stole my heart

The sun came out the other day. I drove through the scenic Moose-Wilson Road to Grand Teton, through those dusty clouds, as I got close to the awe-inspiring Teton Mountain Range, my heart was overwhelmed by its wonderful grandeur that even now is unforgettable in my mind. 

Life is Grand, at present. I felt it. 
I saw the view of Teewinot Mountain, Mount St. John and into Cascade Canyon from the east shore. 

I roamed and immersed myself from Jenny Lake to Cascade Canyon. I was excited to discover Hidden Falls along the trail, as its name “Hidden Falls” suggests. I only take a glimpse through a small “window” surrounded by trees and lush vegetation. Its sound and power heal my soul. 

Can you feel the “Hidden Falls”?

The air is still, my mind becomes quiet. I settled into a rhythm, took a few deep breaths, run on this long but most flat trail, listening to a chorus of natural sounds – insects chirping, birds singing, river running, and rustling leaves with wind. On the run, the river flows and with it, the static in my mind slows. I heard my own heartbeat, blood circulating, a ringing in the ear. It is not a race competition but instead the emptying of cluttered thoughts. 

This is joy, a nature state of myself. 

U-shaped canyon passes between Teewinot and Mount St. John is impressive. 
I experienced adventure and relaxation at the same time. 

I love to observe stones and sunlight that are created by nature. My aesthetic of design was revealed, inspiring me to embrace them between a rock and a soft place, as a balance of the elegance of scheming with mesmerizing curves and appreciating the power of raw beauty.  I discovered it. 

You are my master. 
I “communicated” silent with the powerful Teton Range with sunlight reflected on them, till dark. 

Grand Teton, you are underrated, especially next to your neighbor Yellowstone National Park. I discover your insane beauty and power. My feeling is the best language to describe and prove. 

Idaho again: you are underrated, too

I never thought about a stunning canyon till I saw it in the Magic Valley region of southern Idaho. The Snake River is the lifeblood of southern Idaho, providing irrigation for farmlands and hydroelectricity for power. It cuts through ancient basalt lava flows, forming the canyon that extends for more than fifty miles and features two major waterfalls and countless springs. I saw The Snake River Canyon as its best and drove down to the canyon to learn how people living on this river take advantage of it. 

People live here for the water recreation and beauty. 

Idaho’s beauty never ceases to amaze me. I discovered some hidden oasis nestled among the vast farmland of southern Idaho. Box Canyon features a rocky canyon carved by crystal clear water oozing from underground springs. 

I was obsessed with naturally filtered and extremely pure water. 

One of the most incredible natural wonders, the Devil’s Washbowl, is hiding in Malad Gorge State Park, one of Thousand Springs State Park’s six units in Idaho. It was created by a combination of volcanic activity and erosion from the Malad River, the combination of the big wood and little wood rivers that pours into the Snake River.   

The sound of the cascading water gives me a sense of the waterfall’s immerse power.

Idaho, you are hidden gem state in this country and always waiting for someone to discover you. I did. 

The towering mountains, mesmerizing glaciers, vast landscape, a deep connection with spirit animal, the whole body got soaked in the heavy rain, the fresh air of earthy, natural hot springs, and emptying of mind, each unique note composes a beautiful “Ode to Joy” to the spirit. The rain builds to a rousing climax in the melody. After I experience a sense of awe and wonder, joy tends to appear and reminds me of what this life is truly about. 

We discover and share the joy together. 
I feel joy through this tiny “window.” It is pure and calm. 

I think joy is self-sufficient, selfless, pure and provides a deeper meaning and purpose within the center. We do not need to define what is true joy in a rush. It is like solitude, the natural state of you being somewhere, we can grow and see the grace, positive and beautiful. 

Thanks to a beautiful adventure, I had an opportunity to listen and appreciate “Ode to Joy,” it continues, and joy is out there, let’s feel it. You will find it. 

All Aboard an amazing cross-country train adventure of a lifetime

“Take your time like a turtle… and you will see more.” 

Before the Journey 

A few years ago, I wanted to take the train to travel in the United States but hesitated. In the U.S., the train is not as popular as in Asia and Europe. I was curious about the difference. I have been used to traveling by airplane and car in this country. Now, the train calls me again. Train travel might give me a new perspective and different way to see things and life. I decide to take the California Zephyr route, which is operated by Amtrak, a total of 2,438 miles, a 52 hour adventure, departing from Chicago, across seven states: Illinois- Iowa – Nebraska – Colorado -Utah – Nevada – California, with 33 stops, terminal at Emeryville, California, then take a connecting bus to San Francisco. 

Looking back the history of the California Zephyr, the service began on March 20, 1949. It offered dining experiences with lines and china; from the elegant staterooms complete with bathrooms, showers and bedrooms to the cozier “roomettes”. The Vista Dome affords unobstructed panoramic views of the great scenic West. By 1970, heavy federal investment in the Interstate Highway System and aviation technology had strained many railroads’ ability to privately fund passenger trains. The Zephyr made its last run on March 22, 1970. In 1983, Amtrak took over the train and offers passenger service daily. (If you are interested in learning more information of the Zephyr, please find it here).

The Zephyr itself experienced a long journey, giving me a deep overview of the American railroad. I  carried on an adventurous soul and was open minded to start a long-distance westbound journey on April 25, 2023, to perhaps transport me back to that era.  

Ready onboard at Chicago Union Station. 

Onboard

About my “moving” home 

Onboard the train, I gazed out the window, the city skyline disappeared slowly. I was like a curious kid, glimpsing the train inside: from my cozy roomette to other passengers’ roomettes, then rest areas and bathroom at the lower level. On the upper level, I observed each detail of the bedroom suites and family bedrooms, and I walked through the dining car, observation car and coach car. With the motion of the moving train, sometimes I cannot stand still.

My private roomette, comfortable seats by day.
The observation car transported me back to the 1980s. 

I “lived” in a moving home. The endless houses and old factories passed by the window. My roomette was transformed to an office, I worked and had a meeting when the train passed by the Mississippi River in Illinois and Iowa, with a soft sunset light reflected on the desk. Wow! 

My furniture transformed into a bed at night. I slept on the train, the sound of the train whistled and grinding along rusty rails. I woke up due to the strong train motion, like an “earthquake”, the train swinging. I half opened my eyes, did not know where I were at all, sometimes seeing the weak lights moving and heard the melodious sound “Hoot” “Hoot” vaguely. I only had a light sleep onboard the first night. 

I experienced “moving” in a bed like I never had. 

I listened to music, connected to this “moving” home and “lost” in the vast lands with endless unique landscapes, daydreaming quietly. It was very relaxing and I was in no rush at all. 

The hot shower onboard was as luxury a “gift” as the long train ride. I got a refreshing shower in an only 8 feet wide and 10 feet long mini room. Ha. The bathroom can “move” too, so fun. 

The moving “home” is on the tracks, day and night. 

About the history and spectacular scenery 

“How did pioneers immigrate West before train travel was so prevalent in the U.S.?” The question floated in my mind. The train was crossing through the plains of Nebraska. 

The time zone was one hour behind the Midwest when I woke up the next day. The train was heading to Denver’s Union Station, Colorado. I debarked briefly for “fresh-air”, like a happy kid, running to the front of the train along with the mist and cold air, each detail of train delivering the long history of railroad in the U.S. 

The train was stopped at the open-air train hub. 

The Denver’s historic Union Station building with the open-air train hall showed me appreciation for rail history and the power of transit-oriented urban design. It is a Beaux Arts masterpiece located on the edge of the city’s central business district. The station was transformed into a major regional transportation hub: adding commuter and intercity rail, bicycle and bus routes and pedestrian pathways into an intuitive intermodal hub, the new elements of design make it more functional and efficient. 

The “arch trusses” structure and clear view of the historic station was impressive. 

The train was moving slowly again. It climbed up the majestic Rocky Mountains, one of the most scenic landscapes of the Zephyr route. I was transported to a magic white snowy world immediately, the wind kicked up a flurry of snow, sweeping the massive mountain and I can feel through the observation car with floor-to-ceiling windows. 

Into the wild. 
I enjoyed seeing the path where the train crossed from the back window. 

The epic sight and the experience on the train were totally different from traveling by plane or car. With nonstop twists and turns, sprawling mountain vistas and endless dizzying array of tunnels, the train followed the rail and kept climbing the mountain terrain. I lost count of tunnels along the journey…. 

The yellow house was exceptional shining in this white world. 

Hey, I just passed through the famous Moffat Tunnel, which passes under the continental divide. Named for railroad pioneer David Moffat, who designed this exactly 6.2 miles long difficult route 120 years ago, it carries pipes that provide drinking water for Denver, too. I dreamt in this tunnel in the darkness. 

We kept moving, the breathtaking scenery changed as the day progressed. It was slithering along the sheer rock walls of Gore and Byers Canyons, while the roiling Colorado rushes past more than 100 feet below, I looked ahead where the tunnels in a row cling to the cliffside, I glanced down to see the Colorado river during my lunch time. 

My time slowed down completely. I saw red color rocks; I saw my good-luck charm deer again that cheerfully appeared for my adventure. 

I was in the middle of nowhere, glimpsing the mountain and this particular curve view from the back window of the train. 

Around 4:50 PM, the Zephyr ran along a range of arid hills at the edge of an open plain, the familiar Utah’s buttes and mesas passed. I knew I was in the wild west.  

Utah’s unique landscape never gets old. 

I sat next to the window and witnessed the spacious lands and vehicles moving parallel with the speed of the train, the intoxicating freedom of a sort that I have felt almost nowhere else in life. 

The sunlight blazing through our window as it peeked across the Utah ground.

Unexpectedly, the train stopped for more than 30 minutes, and the conductor said the arrival time at Salt Lake City would delay to midnight. I did not feel nervous and continued to enjoy the tasty dinner with others. It was a rare experience in modern America. 

The unique dining experience only on the train. 

I entered another time zone, one more hour behind again, when I woke up next. I saw the change of sky from dawn to a blood orange sun blazing with the “moving” bed, the barren and baking landscape I had rarely seen in life, as we crossed the Nevada desert horizon.

This is something special in a lifetime. 

We arrived in California and came to the Truckee station, another scenic treat in store awaited. The train climbed high into the fir-covered mountains of the Sierra Nevada, passed the Donner Lake and headed through the Donner Pass. I thought about the history of the Donner Party, a group of American pioneers who migrated to California in a wagon train from the Midwest, they spent the winter of 1846-47 snowbound in the Sierra Nevada, some of them resorting to cannibalism to survive. 

I learned the history of the railroad and migration through the scenery and rail. 
Nothing like it, indeed. 
The train stopped unexpectedly in the nowhere of the mountains again.  

Around noon, the full forests on the mountains appeared in front of us, and the scene still stays in my mind. The train brought me to central California. The train makes its way toward to San Francisco.

About the passengers 

I felt almost unplugged with precious little cell service, I slowed down and had a chance to meet and talk with other passengers. I was curious why others decided to take such a long train ride. Are their reasons the same as mine? I got many interesting answers from them, and helped me to understand their journey better. 

  • “I want a different way to see my country”.
  • “For fun! We do not want to take a long drive cross-country, even though flight is the fastest, but you do not have time to meet and talk with people”. 
  • “The name of Zephyr is like a west wind blaze the train moving. I want to see the specular scenery and history by the wind”. 
  • “I came from Denver and will get off at Salt Lake City, then explore and get back on the train to my next destination, using the train to complete my cross-country travel”. 
  • “The views I never saw by train”.
  • “I was from Boston, but I did not want to take the whole trip from East to West, so I took half from Chicago to San Francisco”.  
  • “It is my vacation; I am from London. It is totally different from UK”.

Different aged group of people have different reason and needs about their rail travels. 

“For adventure!” This surprising answer I heard from a humble old lady, Shirley, 96 years old, who I met at the same table in the dining car. She was a school nurse and completed many adventures in life. At her senior age, she cannot drive, or stop and see things and explore as fast as young people, so she decided to take the Zephyr journey by herself, seeing different scenery and enjoying the food. This impressive lady and her courage touched my heart deeply. She shared her family life and travel story to me. Her son will meet and pick her up at the terminal. We smiled again. I know it is her adventure! 

She glimpsed the views and wrote in her roomette.  

I am thinking, if I were 90 years old, if I still would have enough courage like her to do the thing I want? I have no answer at this time. 

I met some Amish people who are known for simple living, plain dress, Christian pacifism and slowness to adopt modern technologies, still maintaining self-sufficiency. I started to understand why the rail travel might be their preference. I can feel the satisfaction from their faces and conversation. 

I walked through the coach car back and forth. I glimpsed another side of life I never saw: For some passengers, due to limited budget, taking the train is the most reasonable way for travel and commute to other places. Some just take a short trip, exit the platform somewhere; due to the sleeper cars sold out, some have to stay overnight at the coach. There has few people with weird behavior and mental challenges. I might disagree with them, but I do not have their perspectives and past experiences. Please be open to all. 

The attendant Derrick has been worked at Amtrak 20 years; his favorite part of the train is meeting different people around the world. 

Travel by rail is heaven for the train lover. I met another impressive guy, Dave, with a cowboy style. He is from the Midwest. He told me: when he was young, his mom gave a “toy train” as a Christmas gift, and he has kept a passion with train and engineering, and he worked at Amtrack for more than 40 years. He shared the highlights and rail history of each route in the North America with me.

He said the train has a special meaning for him, if he does not rush, he will take the train for travel, even most routes he took multiple times already and the scenery is the same, but the weather and people can change each time.

I know it is his way to continue to fulfill his train dream and enjoy the journey.  

The train like a mini-life, different people with different background are on the same journey in a short period. I was experiencing life, too.

Terminal

I “lost” myself in the conversation with other passengers. Oh, the train has reached the Bay Area, and for a short stretch approaching Oakland it runs alongside the glistening waters. It is a sense of elation that airline passengers will never know. 

The farming scenery in California. 
I enjoyed the last moment onboard. 
Hey, it’s the Bay Area! 

Fifty minutes behind schedule; the Zephyr pulled into Emeryville, finally. I actually have done it! I’ve crossed country by train! Woohoo! 

At the terminal, I witness the best moment in this journey: the impressive 96-year-old lady met with her son, a 70 year-old man. Standing by his mom, the 70-year-old man still looks like a “little boy”, silently, unparalleled. I was glad to capture it, making my adventure more special. 

Mother and Son moment on the platform I will remember forever. 

The family bound connection always happens on the station. A son greets the train to meet with his mom at Grand Junction, Colorado, then traveled to California together.

It is about a family adventure too.

I witnessed the precious family moment at the station.  

It is not a destination; it is about the journey itself. 

My attitude and perspective changes. I felt nervous when my train was delayed departing Chicago Union Station, till I was onboard, and my pace and time slowed down. I got used to the train motion and accepted the delay would happen, and took time to immerse myself to enjoy the whole journey. I think the difference of train travel is that it is more like an experience in the U.S., but more functional in Asia and Europe. Compared to a long flight, taking a long train does require more patience and flexibility. It is more the journey itself. 

I glimpsed other passengers’ world I never saw.  

In today’s culture, we often try to push things into order when they aren’t happening on our timeframe. I find myself doing that from time to time, too. But l learned, taking the train should take time, you cannot rush, don’t have anything important planned for the day of your arrival, otherwise you would feel very nervous, delays always happen. Like our life, sometimes we need to take time like a turtle, and you will see more things. If you have time, I would recommend you to take the train once, enjoy the long journey itself. 

Thanks for another incredible adventure again!  Now a 53 hour (including 1 hour delayed) cross-country train journey is in the books! The journey itself was an amazing adventure already. It was not just an adventure, but also about American history, railroad, train operation, scenery, life experience, people and … family too. 

An adventure of design vision

When an adventurer’s world collides with an architecture’s world…..

The inspiration of my first adventure of 2023 came from a short story: About four years ago, a talented architect in Florida I knew visited The Salk Institute in La Jolla, California, His photo always stays in mind. Now, I think it is the right time to visit and witness the architect masterwork in person. 

I started my adventure from San Diego – Palm Springs – Joshua Tree, ending in San Diego. At the beginning, I did not have a clear vision of this adventure, but as usual, my adventurous soul helped me to create and accomplish a meaningful adventure. 

Your home, your rules: A very Jonathan Adler place 

When I drove to Palm Springs from San Diego, I experienced fast-changing weather along the road: heavy rain – freezing rain – snow – drizzle, and suddenly the mountains and road covered in white snow appeared before me. As I approached Palm Springs, palm trees, sunshine and blue sky appeared, the whole luxurious environment featured a mid-century modern design but I felt a comfortable, understated charisma. This was my first impression of Palm Springs. 

I stayed at the Parker Palm Springs, a luxurious boutique hotel with 144 rooms, renovated and designed by the famous American potter and interior designer Jonathan Adler. Wandering through stunning mid-century modern design, I felt lost in the most elegant way, my mind emptied of thought, as though I was on a warm date with this beautiful garden and room, relaxing on the bed.

It is a classic Jonathan Adler place, every detail from the outdoor garden and pool, to the lobby, sculpture, pottery, furniture, mirrors, pillows and lighting, even subtle art collections, delivering his signature elements, vision and unique aesthetic: bright, bold, fun, colorful, chic and irreverent luxury. He keeps the spirit of the iconic Parker Palm Springs alive.  

I was like a curious kid, playful and joyful with his design within his “playground”. I found a massive bronze banana sculpture located on the main lawn, discovering a magical door covered by the lush landscape. It seems a new world behind the door was waiting for me. I visited a lemonade stand and the sunny feeling ran in my veins. I found different “hidden” doors that seemed to tell me that another bold and free-spirited fantasy home is approachable. Tall palm trees stand in every corner, exceptionally placed. 

Adler made a 7-foot-tall bronze banana sculpture. What do you think of this banana?
Magical is an understatement.
Another Adler’s creative world is waiting.
Sunny vibes are around the corner.

I dreamt and wondered deeply in his cheeky and cheery fashion. The sexy lip wall art combines with the yellow palm trees; the horror movie “The shining” carpet in the lobby quickly caught my eyes.

It shows Adler’s hip chic.
A vintage warren planter chair and ottoman are reupholstered in Adler’s signature Barletta fabric in Kravet cut velvet.

I looked closer at each accessory: the giant purple acrylic foot, dora maar vase, utopia tamer vase and others, even the pottery just stands alone, but they have perfectly delivered the unique juxtaposition of luxurious and cheeky irreverence, unparalleled. 

I left it fulfill an avant-garde vibe and it amused me.
I witnessed Adler’s superb craftsmanship and passion for pottery.
Adler’s signature vase stands as a Mini Bar delivers luxe, fun and chic.

A vivid picture of my spacious bedroom still remains deep in my memory: custom made needlepoint pillows in shades of blue, evocative of the sea, perched on a striking red cotton canvas chair in a corner, the canopy frame bed in the center along with lamps and two art pieces literally facing each other on opposite walls. I was transported to a mid-century modern home, and roaming in the comfort, I did not feel stress, even in such a fancy place. 

My favorite home corner: the red chair, gold moroccan pouf and art walls, silent but elegant.
The artwork attracted me deeply. It is one of my favorite interior designs and will inspire me if I decorate my home.

Outside the window are hammocks slung between palm trees. In the quiet, I slept deeply.

Staying at Parker Palm Springs, I glimpsed Jonathan Adler’s happy, carefree eye, and it instilled pleasure within me. I sensed his freedom and bold work, and fully appreciated the property’s natural charms. It is similar in style with Adler and his husband Simon Doonan’s home in Shelter Island, N.Y., with each subtle detail. Adler finds a perfect balance between bold and comfort, groovy and chic, bringing a valuable design vision of minimalism, both transformative and transitional. 

I found a similar element with Adler and Doonan’s home .

How will you decorate your home? I think, be yourself, be very bold to dance with your rules, let the fun in.

I saw outside beauty from inside, like I use my adventurous vision to see a designer’s world.

I continued to explore Palm Springs, CA, one of the largest concentrations of preserved mid-century modern architecture in the world. I witnessed different luxurious houses there. I really wanted to open every unique and extraordinary door, to gaze the story and life behind them. 

I found the “pink door”.
The property shows Palm Springs’ mid-century modern architecture and the luxurious history.

Into the Frey 

My mind suddenly wants to see the residence of modernist architect Albert Frey, Frey House II. I did not buy a ticket online in advance, and all tickets on site were sold out already, and it was the last day of Frey House at the modernism week 2023 in Palm Springs. I thought I missed this rare opportunity and was going to leave, then from the back a stranger asked me loudly, and ran in front of me, and said “I could offer a ticket to you. I have one more ticket.” I felt so surprised and appreciated his kindness so much. It was unreal, but really happened for me.

We took a shuttle van to Frey House II, located up the San Jacinto Mountain. The house looks across the expanse of the Coachella Valley. The huge palm tree next to the house is exceptionally shining. 

Frey House is in natural surroundings.

I walked up the stairs, and a small and streel frame with large spans of glass, but functional house appeared, measuring only 800 square feet. The design included a flat corrugated aluminum roof, and a swimming pool and small deck serving as the roof of the carport in front of the house. 

Thanks to a “surprise”, I got an opportunity to glimpse Frey’s architectural world.

I sat in his living room, all wall glass doors open interior to the exterior. Wow! Facing the endless astounding views of Palm Springs along wind blaze, I expect the summer sun would be blocked by the house perfectly.  

I entered Frey’s world.
Frey is known as one of the founders of Desert Modernism.

The most impressive part of the house is the incorporation of a large boulder into the design, it serves as the home’s natural partition between the sleeping space and living room. The yellow color of the curtains and blue ceiling gives a sense of relieve from the heat, a fresh feel in the desert. 

By incorporating the boulder into the design, Frey acknowledged the role with nature.
The bright and soft colors create a fresh mood in the desert.

When I stayed at Frey House, I saw Frey’s design concept: natural surroundings and economy of materials as integral components, it is minimal and void of clutter. His work shows me architectural concept: Less is more! I appreciated the surprise I got from the “universe” and stranger, and had a unique experience to witness Frey’s design vision. 

He fit the glass to the rock, the slope of the roof follows the slope of the terrain, the contrast between the natural rock and the high-tech materials is rather exciting.

Local designers’ visual eyes for design 

In this adventure, I revisited Joshua Tree, too. I choose to stay at a small space but one that had full amenities and features. It was designed by a local young couple who are designers with a deep-seated desire to create. As I entered the space, the custom-made wall art and in floor planter greeted me. My eyes were drawn to the seating area with a sofa and two large floor poufs with bohemian wall art and accessory along the sunlight, the shadow around the cactus and plants made this home special. The sleeping space faces the floor windows to provide a stunning desert view. 

The abundant desert sunshine makes natural light a viable option all day long .
A cozy bedroom with artwork and cute glass piece created by the owner/designer Kathrin.

Even though this was my second time at Joshua Tree, I got a deeper understanding of it. I revisited Joshua Tree National Park and Salvation Mountain, also explored new places, such as the integration – a meditation place of sound bath, Twentynine Palms, etc. I saw the word LOVE appeared in many areas and found a connection with God’s love and spirit, and tried to understand why Joshua Tree is a place with powerful energy vortexes. The next time you are at a place, try to explore its surroundings, too, to help you to understand a place more deeply. It is one part of an adventure.

After a long day adventure, I relaxed in the outdoor bathtub with hot water around a strong wind and cute cactus at this semi-remote and empty desert, till the sun went down. I sat on the sofa, facing the custom-made concrete countertops and a SMEG fridge, feeling so cozy and comfort at night. 

I was in a semi-remote area.
I enjoyed tea facing the petite open kitchen.
Overlooking the open desert, something special came to me.

I took a glimpse into the local designers’ desert life and their great visual eye for art, they built the connection between the creative aspects of design and home life perfectly. We might learn from their design vision: think of making a good balance between nature and art, fully immerse yourself in the wonder of the place.  

Cute cactus and plants light up my desert life.

The Salk Institute, an architecture masterwork 

Finally, I visited Jonas Salk and Louis I. Kahn’s The Salk Institute in La Jolla, CA, that impressive photo in my mind of the reality in front of me. I stood in a grand travertine central courtyard to observe two mirror-image rectangular buildings, each six stories tall, with alternating levels of laboratory and utility space. I felt so tiny in this specular architecture with industrial influence. Each laboratory block’s interior façade is home to five study towers, providing study space for senior faculty with views of the Pacific Ocean and courtyard. In the west end are six floors of offices overlooking the Pacific Ocean. 

I made this architecture adventure a reality.
The concrete stair towers with teak wood panels are recognized as classic Salk.

I found Louis Kahn’s bold design for a housing breakthrough by using materials concrete, teak, lead, glass, and steel, that could last for generations with minimal maintenance. I looked closer to the “pozzolanic” concrete. Wow! Its texture and smooth and marble like surface impressed me, even after more than 50 years, they still look so “fresh”. Whether it is natural materials teak, gray ash, oak or artificial materials glass, stainless steel and concrete, under the La Jolla’s sunlight, air and rain, they are integrated into the whole, showing their own structural symbolism, the philosophy of its science and building is reflected in their structure.  

The sunlight reflects on the concrete walls, a pinkish hue. I stood in the center of the towers, natural light entered the buildings, multiple concrete walls from different angles reveal an amazing play of light and shadows; sometimes, the shadows are at a 45-degree angle to the towers themselves, the blue sky and ocean “connected” to the towers.

Kahn made the concrete plane perfect angles, so the shadows from different angles constantly change based on the sunlight.
Sunlight reflects on the concrete wall. At certain times, the shadow appears at a perfect 45-degree angle.
The subtle details on the concrete wall impressed me.
Vertical circulation and cast-in-place concrete stairs with travertine slabs are characteristic of the Salk space.

Through these beautiful details, I admire Salk’s vision and Kahn’s design sense: a perfect combination of space, materials, color, nature, light, art and science. 

I gazed at the Pacific Ocean and sky, and two buildings with a spacious open courtyard become one with nature. I kept walking and observing each subtle detail, and felt like I was in the 1960s, connecting the footprint of Salk – a inspiration, imagination, and bold innovation of practical science research center. An adventure and world of architecture met and sparked at that moment.  

When I left The Salk Institute, I had a full vision of this adventure: it was an architecture and design adventure. I witnessed different well-known architects’ and designers’ projects, every work delivering their design visions and style individually. An adventurer entered the architecture world to experience their design adventures and perspectives. I am not a professional architect/designer, my taste might be different from others, but how does one define good taste of a project? I think not to be concerned with defining good or bad taste, they might not exist: design itself is an interesting adventure, including intuition and skill set. An impressive work should combine a designer’s vision and human need, when people can find a connection with the designers, get into both worlds and vision, like we learn to complete a beautiful dance with the right partner.    

Sometimes, when our world collides with another’s world, it might create a new element of life and design. Hey, I bring together nature, art, architecture and adventure this time, not only an adventure!

What did you learn from these designers’ vision?

A girl wandering in an enchanted wonderland

Into the rainforest, her inner fairytale came true. 

The heavy rains fell on the roof of the cabin, an exceptionally melodious sound. 

It was around 7:45 AM, the sky was still a little dark, weak streetlights shone in a tiny town – Forks, Washington. She was driving, windshield wipers clearing the light mist from her view, trees in thick fog along the way, she was on a long and curving wet road, so quiet, the whole environment seemed to suggest that something unusual was going to happen. The magic and moody vibe came to her mind, she was going to unfold the endless unknown within her curiosity.

She witnessed the best moody time in her life. 

Without any cell signal, she slipped far from the real world. In front of her, the giant moss covered trees, like people, lined both side of the road, bowing in greeting to her. Mist covered their green clothing, and some tall, some short, but all smiled at her. She wanted to get closer to them, but she was a little afraid at the same time, wondering who are they?

Different “weird but unique shaped” giants said hello to her.

The heavy rains dripped on her body and the ground. A tall giant delivered a sweet message to her, only she could hear it. Wow! Other trees, like elves now, wore green clothes, speaking and laughing, some adrift in tiny boats on the long green river. They saw each other, an old elf with a long green beard and tall, old hat, smiled at her, and said with a soft voice “Welcome to your wonderland!” At that moment, the whole rainforest came alive for her.

A friendly old elf bends over to tell her a secret. 

The sound of heavy rains, a flowing river and blowing wind created a beautiful melody, and she danced with a group of cute elves. Woohoo! 

Wow! She saw the cute elf playing on the green river. 

She followed a tiny elf who wore a mini hat, entered a magic forest with a sign “Hall of Mosses”. Hundreds of mosses and other species showed in every corner, moving in different directions. She passed the mosses above her head, smiled at the scent of freshness in the air, her red outfit covered by raindrops. 

The giant provided a huge shelter for her to rest. 

The tiny elf disappeared, leaving the girl in this moist and mossy land. She looked around. A man in a green robe extended hand to show his playground, and brought joy and mystery to this girl. 

“Was I dreaming?” The thought stayed on her mind. 

In a very short time, she transited to the other-worldly wilderness of infinite surprises – full of a sea of “species,” jelly fish and rays, in a whole green ocean, the “waves” whispering to her. A child was wandering and playing, an area full of unique mushrooms and ferns of the world, feeling happy and content. That was her fairytale world. 

A small moss tree door was waiting for her. 

“Di, Di, Da, Da, Di, Di, Da, Da”…. The steady rain sounded like a ringing clock whispering to her.

She opened a small mysterious door, she was obsessed with this wide and magic wonderland. The rabbits were playing hide and seek under the grass. She used her favorite binoculars to observe the shape of twining and spiral of those special giants, they performed different magic tricks to make her smile. She lost track of time, lost and immersed fully in this dreamy wonderland. 

The clock was still running…. 

She cannot believe this wonderland was real! 

She immersed and enjoyed the giants’ fantastic magic trick performances: their noses changed to different shapes, sometimes pointy, sometimes bigger, sometimes the roots spoke. The biggest surprise then happened: A beautiful “unicorn” passed by, within 10 feet of her, so close that their eyes caught each other at first sight.  

She was excited to see the deer and cheered, “Hi, unicorn, nice to see you!” 

The unicorn replied, “Hi, my sibling and mom are here! Let’s play together!” 

Her eyes turned to see the three of them in the tress, and they saw each other again. The most beautiful thing was the mother unicorn made a magic wish to her, “Meeting you is my greatest adventure! Now, I give all the grace, gentleness, heart, intelligence and devotion to you and your adventures. We are always with you. Love.” After that, the three of them disappeared in the rainforest.

The girl believed this was not a dream. She was in a real wonderland. 

Three beautiful “unicorns” make a magic wish for her. 

Heavy rains continued with a chill in the air in this unknown land full of surprises and  enchantment. She discovered it was a one-way magic “maze,” the huge rainforest looked the same, but it could change: sometimes it was circle, sometime it was straight. 

Unexpectedly, a huge wood suddenly blocked her way so she could not pass at all. She turned back to try another direction, but with the strong mirrors with mosses around her, she failed to make any progress. She decided to go forward, her feet broke the mirrors with her strength, like a warrior breaking a spell. Her rainboots were soaked by the green cold water, her hands turned numb from climbing and the moisture from the old wood, with odd ferns below. Her body stepped across those crowded mosses and dead red leaves, taking all efforts to pass the obstacle. 

All giants, ocean species and mosses in this wonderland faced to her, applauded her bravery! Mother Nature was speaking to her: “Da, Da, Da, Da”, the rains and the winds in rhythm, using its unique language to express admiration for this adventurous girl. She received all wishes and compliments. 

A girl in wonderland. 

She stood there and looked back awhile, found the original giant wood, which disappeared, and a new and huge wood door appeared instead, fully closed. A normal world, transited. Magic! 

The beautiful long green river still flowed, quietly, old trees, dead woods, mosses and leaves were there, too. She walked over the small wood bridge, observed the beautiful moment of the raindrops on them. 

“Was it just a dream? Was that mysterious world real? Or surreal?”

“Hi, my dreamy wonderland!”

She brought the wishes and wonderland dream back to the road again. The sky slowly cleared, the light mist still on the windshield. The smile on her face and eyes shined again, deeply. 

Another beautiful adventure continues…. 

She opens her adventure book, sits next to the warm fireplace with a soft blanket and lights on in a tiny cabin. She closed her eyes, “Wow! Quite a sight and adventure! Magic.” Her eyes shone. 

The rains still pound outside the cabin. Di, Di, Da, Da, Di, Da, Di, Da…..

Noted: The inspiration of this wonderland story was a visit to Hoh Rain Forest in Forks, Washington. Forks is a tiny populated town and the rainiest place in the contiguous U.S., it receives an average of 120 inches (10 feet) of rain each year! The town is out of the way, surrounded by forest. It was a primary setting for the fiction “Twight” films. When you visit Forks, you can see a lot of movie scenes anywhere, like Bella’s truck, the restaurant where Edward and Bella had their first date, the food menu, the Cullen House and Swan House, La Push, etc…

Being in Forks was one of the most incredible and magical experiences for the author, inspiring her to create and achieve her inner fairytale and wonderland. The word surreal gets overused, but visiting Forks really was like walking around inside of a dream. If possible, the author would like to stay in Forks, WA for an entire month, to complete the full story.

Stay tuned for the author’s newest creation! 

Those unique places I stayed: an epic “indoor” adventure

What is your inner dream life? 

My trip of 10 days and 9 nights to the PNW (Pacific Northwest) started on December 1 in Portland, Oregon – a whole 364 miles of Oregon Coast – Olympic Peninsula, Washington, and ended in Seattle, Washington on December 10. I planned to stay in different unique places along the way, relax and enjoy a “luxury” indoor adventure with typical coastal winter weather, as a great way to thank myself, grow and plan for 2023. 

Day 1: An old elementary school hotel

A lot of “unusual but fun” things, like Voodoo Doughnut, World’s smallest park, naked bike rides etc., all show Portland, Oregon’s “weirdness” culture. This accommodation takes the weirdness to a new height: many schools, or salons from the past, are now renovated into hotels, the combination design style brings the quirky but cool experience to guests, and it is worth experiencing at least once.   

Kennedy School was built in 1915 in Northeast Portland, and is now home to a 57-room hotel with schoolhouse features. When I walked into the hallway, many long historical school photos line the walls. I found long seats, mini short water fountains, vintage lights on the ceiling, and I immediately connected the school life, even though I did not attend elementary school in the U.S.

It is an elementary school; it also is a hotel. How cool to mix both styles. 
The photo of first grade class at Kennedy School in 1914 and other old photos helped me to learn about its past. 
A “student” with her adult perspective exploring U.S elementary school life.  

The most magical thing was the bar – in a school, wow! The darkness mixed with music, in a school setting, made this very unusual. 

Can you image a bar in a school? Ha.

I stayed in a room that has a real chalkboard, reminding me of my elementary school life: I studied different subjects in a classroom with other classmates. In my guest room, I wrote my response to the teachers’ questions on the chalkboard. Then, I wrote my reflection of the year and plan for 2023 on the chalkboard, leaving a cool gift for the next guests. The fan on my head ran slowly and quietly, I slept and dreamt in the classroom…. 

Do you remember your favorite subjects in school? 

My time stopped at the “school” life, I was a student observing each “classroom”, and heard the laughter from a soaking pool. I might be at an old school, or at a hotel, or both. I appreciated the precious time I spent there, I connected my elementary school memories in China, but created a new perspective of elementary school in U.S.

Do you find similar connection from my chalkboard and those school features? 

It rained lightly that day. 

Day 2-3: A luxury airstream

After I met with Bruce Campbell, I drove to Coos Bay, Oregon and stayed at Bay Point Landing, in an iconic Airstream heaven for two nights. I opened the door of the airstream, the luxury design caught my eyes immediately: a Kitchenette with stove top, microwave etc., the complimentary TVs, a soft sofa and a cozy queen bed and hot showers. I found a huge difference between Bruce’s non-custom airplane and this airstream. It seems I transited between two different worlds on the same day. 

A luxury airstream delivers a different concept of interior customization. 

It is typical coastal wintertime: the day is short and gets dark very early, so I started and ended my “outdoor” adventure early and had enough time to enjoy and relax “indoors”.

I drove along Highway 101 and explored many places in the southern Oregon Coast: Shore Acres, Cape Arago. I stood there to listen to the sound of the waves crashing against the shoreline, and a fresh scent came to my nose, the mist and wind were on my face. I felt the power of the coast.

The coast and nature are so powerful. 

Late afternoon, I swam at the club house, cooked, relaxed in a cozy bed in the airstream with some light rain on the tin roof. What a full day I had. Staying in a luxury Airstream, especially one that I don’t have to haul, park or level, is a new “camping” adventure for me. 

Airstream experience was a new “glamping” experience. 
Played with the rains in airstream heaven! 

It was raining outside. 

Day 4-5: Luxury resort- Head out, Stay in

I continued my adventure on the Oregon Coast. I hiked up to the God’s thumb with the rains and chilly and windy weather cheering the epic 2022! I came to Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa, immersed myself in a new and fancy “indoor” adventure. Wow! The impressive way my room is a cast-iron soaking tub with an incredible view of Cape Kiwanda, one of my favorite “indoor” styles. 

Enjoying the soaking time. 
I do not want to leave this room with an incredible view. 

I sat on the oceanfront balcony to witness the endless incredible views of sunset and sunrise with Cape Kiwanda in glorious solitude: the sound of the ocean waves around my ears, a line of birds flying in the sky. The calm and peacefulness connected to me deeply. 

I sat there to enjoy the beautiful sunset on the coast silently. 
Different experiences at different times.

I head out to walk on the sandy beach, played with the waves in cloudy and chilly weather, got closer to the Cape Kiwanda, my mind was totally freed, only me and the ocean. I thought about my American family and close friends I saw this year, appreciated that we still can share and understand each other’s journey. Some new faces came to my mind, too. I understood that meeting someone needs some luck and “fate”. 

A great place and time to reflect the year. 

On Dec. 5, a rare sunny day of coastal winter weather, I revisited Cannon Beach, enjoyed driving the curved road through the endless forest in Ecola State Park. I saw one benefit of traveling to PNW in wintertime, though state parks and national parks stations are closed, free, one of the beautiful things in this country.

I only had one sunny day. 

In the evening, I did sauna and soaking at the resort. My mind was recharged and my body was so relaxed. This is one of the most wonderful things that the indoor adventure gave me, and I enjoyed it to the maximum. If you visit Oregon Coast, stay in Headlands Coastal Lodge, you won’t be disappointed. 

The most relaxation moment.

Day 6: A simple and clean cabin at Forks, Washington

It was another foggy and misty day.  

I got back on the road again, drove to Forks, WA from Pacific City, Oregon in 5 hours. On the road, with the light rain on the car windshield, along with the fog, I think about those adventures I completed already: sleeping beauty at Yosemite National Park, relaxation twice in NYC, Tiger adventure at Lake Tahoe, Desolation Peak; meeting amazing people, like Jim Henterly and Bruce Campbell, I saw a bigger world from their perspectives, a great opportunity to understand and respect someone else’s adventures. I realized people are a key element of the year for me! 

The unpredictable weather is one reason I like to travel to the PNW in wintertime. I saw a rainbow twice, and I was like a kid again, running and wanting to touch it, and a twice appearing of rainbows seemed to tell me that 2023 is going to be more colorful and charming, and I will meet more possibilities.  

Rainbow brings good luck to me.

I stayed at a very simple but very clean and cozy cabin in a small town in Forks, Washington. I picked the “Olympic” theme cabin: rustic elegance with modern amenities. I found a little connection with the town, rainforests, mountains and Olympic Peninsula through its interior, and it inspired my curiosity and exploration of the area. 

A cozy home style with holiday decorations in Forks, WA.  

I slept with the sound of endless heavy rains outside the cabin. I recommend that you stay at Woodland Inns if you visit Forks, WA, to enjoy a simple and supreme comfort experience in a small town.  

The soft blanket is so comfortable. 

Forks, WA has the best moody weather in Washington. 

Day 7: A mini cozy treehouse 

The lights in a treehouse shine exceptionally in the dark. I walked upstairs and opened the small ceiling window, Wow! A mini cozy and red home appeared in front of me. I was full of curiosity to discover new stuff there: mini pans hung from the ceiling, books on a mini shell, vintage binoculars, different kitschy games, cute red lights, a couch with a blanket and pillows facing trees and water.

A lovely design made the treehouse cozy. 
Vintage binocular brought adventurous vibes to me.

I climbed up the mini ladder, into a mini loft and a bed appeared. So lovely, this treehouse was like my little world. I slept deeply with the sound of trees swaying and waves lapping, quiet and peaceful. 

I witnessed the sky go from dark to light as I snuggled on the cute couch. I didn’t want to leave the floor-to-ceiling window and got lost in the memorizing view in front of me.

A stunning couch area with a nice view from the floor to ceiling window.

The surprise thing was the three sweet visitors – deer came to the treehouse. I was very excited to get out to say hello to my visitors, we saw each other, a beautiful moment I will remember and that made this treehouse experience more special. 

Hello, sweet visitors.

I realized that this tiny treehouse fulfilled my idea of a dream life, a tiny space with amazing landscape views and full amenities, the wind and rain, tree and ocean put me in the mood to listen to records and enjoy my cozy time after the “outdoor” adventure. Sometimes it is good for guests to visit, too. A longing for adventure and a sense of coziness and relaxation with the natural world.   

This treehouse calls my inner dream life to real life.  

Day 8: Back to Captain Whidbey 

It was another cloudy and windy day. 

It was my second time to visit Whidbey Island this year. Captain Whidbey nestled among old growth firs on the shores of Whidbey Island since 1907, it is older than any human being on Earth. A couple of months ago, I walked on hidden staircases and infinite doorways, narrow pathways and intricate stonework in the historic lodge, the floors tend to squeak, many historical photos and vintage design tell its rich history and rustic style. 

I left my heart there, so came back to revisit another time.  

My time there took me back to the era of 1907. I stayed in the Captain Suite, with views of Penn Cove, a shared bathroom, creaky floorboards and the occasional glass clinking from the tavern below, a sound easily heard in my room, but I enjoyed the noise so much. 

The Captain Suite is virtually unchanged from 1907, the traditions remain, too.

This time, to gain new experience there, I stayed at the Filson cabin instead, outfitted in homage to Northwest maritime tradition with modern features. Endless traditional maritime elements appeared in front of me: fishing net on the ceiling, fishing poles, cute buoys outside of the cabin, fulfilling my fisherman dream.

My time back to a maritime era through fishing details. 

A bed frame and wool curtains transformed a bed into the sleeping quarters like the bow of a boat. The cabin took me back to a sea life, like a fishing adventure on a boat.  

A fisherwoman is fishing on her “boat”. 
I found fishing poles in the corner. Wow. Let’s go fishing. 

Day 9: A vintage boutique style hotel at Seattle  

It was a heavy rain day, my last day of this PNW trip. 

I took the ferry to Seattle from Bainbridge Island and witnessed another beautiful view of the Seattle skyline, covered in heavy fog. I enjoyed walking in the rain without an umbrella, the rain added a special element to this city, alive and romantic, and I played with rains again. I learned to be more patient when driving in the rain in the city, too. 

At the Palihotel, Seattle, I was obsessed with its blend of classic and contemporary aesthetic elements, seeing all the green color around me. I loved this design: many books with plants and character photos on the walls, and the black and white checkered brick on the floor. It is unapologetically eclectic. 

I immersed myself in this room, full of books and vintage characters.
Please bring this vintage luggage to start your next adventure.
Tile work to admire.

Out the windows, heavy rains and street noise was like the rhythms of music. The delightful green color in the room made me find a special connection between the place where I stayed on New Year’s Eve 2022, a perfect match that seemed tell me: Thanks for an amazing life of adventure in 2022, a great way to start, also a great way to end. 

NYE 2022 and the end of 2022 memories are connected with similar green style bathroom. 

These unique places I stayed are another highlight of my long PNW trip. In the “indoor” adventure, I practiced being still and relaxing in life. I got different perspective from them, a great opportunity and time to reflect on 2022 and plan for new adventures in 2023. When I was at the airport, I realized, those places I picked might be a reflection of my inner dream life. I discovered which place fulfilled my dream life already through this “luxury” adventure. 

Did you discover it? I hope my adventure and places can open your mind and provide new perspective and paths to you, or give a break, or inspire you to go out to discover your own path! A great adventure would help you to discover the true inner you. 

Lastly, I appreciated the people and places that came into my life and helped me to grow and enjoy life this year, creating many unique memories, now all in the book! 

Cheers, my 2022! 

Welcome to the change in 2023!