This is my submission for Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #23: Celebrations. Please follow the link to read Amy’s post.
This morning, I stepped out to celebrate a beautiful winter day: high 20, no wind, frozen fog on trees…
Actually, when I saw the word “celebrations”, I immediately thought of food. I remember Mom used to cook many dishes celebrating Chinese holidays; I remember we could hardly fit them all on our big table.
I wasn’t interested in cooking when I was young; most of the time I didn’t offer her any help, and when I did, I was kicked out of the kitchen within minutes; Mom apparently didn’t appreciate my free quality control service (frequent tasting). Nowadays, once in a while, I would call my younger sister asking her if she knew how Mom made this or that dish. Sadly, she didn’t know either.
I wish I had some photos of those celebrations, but I don’t. To be honest, back then, I didn’t know I would miss those moments this much.
After getting married, occasionally, I, too, had invited friends over to celebrate holidays. When dinner was ready and I was finally able to sit down to enjoy the food and companies, most of the time, I was no longer in “celebration” mood. I was just happy that cooking was over 😉
We started going out for dinner on our birthdays, anniversaries… We call it a celebration. Sometime I wonder if we have used the word “celebration” as an excuse to avoid cooking. Maybe we have.
Now, the real celebration… I probably have told you the following story; it is one of the stories that I like to keep telling.
I worked for a clinic before I retired. One Monday morning, around 8 o’clock, many coworkers and I squeezed into an elevator (My office was on the 7th floor). Some looked like they were still in their dreams; some had “I don’t like to come to work today” written on their foreheads – clearly, they hated Mondays; some looked like dead trees. Among all well-dressed men and women, there stood a cafeteria lady wearing a simple white shirt, a pair of black pants and a brown apron. Before the elevator reaching to the 2nd floor, the lady started humming in a soft voice. The guy who stood next to her politely asked, “How are you doing?”
“I am doing great!” she said. She paused for a second, and added, “Can’t be better!”
No one made a slight movement, as if no one had heard a sound. What a liar, I thought.
“Really?” the same guy said in a lifeless voice.
“Really. Every day when I wake up, I celebrate for having another day to live. I got up, brushed my teeth, cook and ate breakfast… I did all by myself; I didn’t need any help from others. Isn’t that great or what? Then, I come to work; I buy myself a cup of coffee to celebrate for having a good job. Really, I feel great!”
Ever since that day, I, too, celebrate for every day I get, but I don’t know how to take a photograph of that.
Thanks to Amy for another wonderful theme.
Thank you for visiting my blog.
HHC Blog 
I like this one: “Until further notice, celebrate everything.”
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Thanks, Hien! I love that quote! Other than having a great meaning, it doesn’t have too many words and easy to remember.
Have a great day.
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Yes, we all really have something to celebrate, and being healthy and doing all right on our own – that is great. And a lovely winter’s day is not bad either!
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Thank you, Anne-Christine. It is one of those great life lessons I’ve learned. Every one of us made at least 3 times more than what she made and none appreciated his/her job at that moment like she did. We were a little embarrassed 😉
Have a great day.
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♥
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Your beautiful, calm snow photos reminded me the powdering snow in Colorado.
I love the story! I agree, everyday we have something to celebrate.
Thank your for sharing with us, Helen!
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Good morning, Amy. Colorado is a pretty place, too 😉
The lady reminded me how many things we had taken for granted like our good health. That was a wise lady.
Great challenge! I enjoy doing it.
Have a wonderful day!
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That woman has it all together, Helen. I like this story.
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Wise woman, isn’t she? She brought a smile to everyone’s face. We all looked different when we walked out of that elevator.
Have a great day, Lois.
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LOVED your elevators story. No photo required😊
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Thanks, Tina. I wish we could take photos with our mind. It would be a great group photo: one for when we first got in the elevator and one for when we got out.
Have a wonderful day.
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Lovely photos, brought back fond memories of Minnesota winters (maybe fond is too strong a word. 🙂 )
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Another beautiful white trees day!!! Not windy is a huge plus! When the weather is nice, we definitely want to celebrate!
Have a great day, Marie.
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Thanks for your snow photos! The story is great!
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Thank you for your comment. Snow is special for me since I grew up at a place that doesn’t snow. 😉
Good night.
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Me either, so the pictures of snow also catch my eyes! Have a nice weekend!
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A story filled with gratitude that cannot be capture in reel time.
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Thanks, Perpetua. I wish we could catch it 😉 It warms my heart.
Have a great day.
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What a lovely story! (Also, I would rather celebrate by eating out than by slaving over a hot stove too.)
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LOL. Yes, eating out is much easier. For many years, I refused to eat at fast food places. I think I’ve caved in on that, too. Sad. 😉
Have a great day.
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Inspirational! Love it. Thank you very much. ^^
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Thank you, Lady Oscar. People surprise me… in a good way most of he time 😉
Have a great day.
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Loved that story … thank you 🙂👏
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Thanks, Julie. I am glad that I was at the right place at the right time. Ha.
Have a great day.
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You did take a picture, but it was made from words.
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Thank you, Susan (hope I got your name right 😉 Clearly, you know me!
I read your “about”… hey it is for people like me! 🙂 Looking forward to reading more of your posts.
Have a great day.
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