Squirrels, Trees, and Monsters from the Past

Moved last week to Hangzhou Botanical Garden. It’s really comfortable. Planning to stay for at least a year, God willing.

Wednesday morning, I was on the balcony, enjoying the view. Suddenly saw a squirrel boldly scampering across the neighbor’s wall and jumping onto a large tree.

That’s the same squirrel.

The squirrel vanished. But then I noticed a splendid cedar tree.

Wandered around the botanical garden this morning. Everything’s real and vivid. Running, walking, jumping, singing, and howling, all very relaxed. Especially the howling—more like a whistling sound—sometimes overlapping, sometimes answering each other. As I drew, I responded to the distant forest’s calls now and then. Being with nature, I really felt “human.” But while drawing another favorite tree, I was quite surprised by the scene. Staring intently at the tree, admiring all its captivating features, suddenly, something bulky crawled out from the side—a moment thinking it was a big dog, then realizing it was an elderly man. Impressive! I’ve seen many crawlers but never anyone crawling with such earnestness. Don’t get me wrong; he was exercising.

In the morning, the park’s mostly filled with seniors exercising. Really touching. Truly made me appreciate the beauty of youth.

Left at 6:30 AM, got home by 7:40. Going out and coming back, my mood and mindset were rejuvenated. Offered a heartfelt prayer of thanks.

We often think our life comes from our parents, and the air, water, plants, and animals around us just naturally provided. But is that really the case?

Amazed at the greatness of the Creator.