Centered MAR 2022 Vol. 22 | 06 - Community Services Center
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Centered on TAIPEI
Vol. 22 | 06
MAR
2022
A publication of the Community Services Center
CELEBRATING
INTERNATIONAL
WOMEN'S DAY
CONTENTS March 2022 volume 21 issue 6
CSC CULTURE
From the Editors 5 Mandala Doodling 8
March 2022 Activities Highlights 7
March 2022 Center Gallery 6 COMMUNITY
Book Club 6
Everyday Gives You a Chance to Make a Difference 10
CSC Business Classified inside back cover
International Women’s Day at the Red Room 14
ENVIRONMENT
Course Set for the Love of Mother Nature 17
Publisher Community Services Center, Taipei Sustainable Fashion in Latin America 20
Editor Suzan Babcock
Co-editor Richard Saunders
Advertising Manager Naomi Kaly HEALTH
Magazine Email coteditor@communitycenter.org.tw The Act of Self-Care 22
Tel 02-2836-8134
Fax 02-2835-2530
POETRY
She Sits Alone 25
Printed by Farn Mei Printing Co., Ltd.
1F, No. 102, Hou Kang Street, Shilin
District, Taipei OUTLOOK
Tel: 02-2882-6748 Fax: 02-2882-6749
E-mail: farnmei@gmail.com
From the End to New Beginnings 26
Women’s Actions Create Change - Founding Women in
Logistics Club 28
Centered on Taipei is a publication of the Community Services Center, Lived Feminism and Gender Nonconforming Youth 30
25, Lane 290, Zhongshan N. Rd., Sec. 6, Tianmu, Taipei, Taiwan
Tel: 02-2836-8134 Renovating with Heart 32
fax: 02-2835-2530
e-mail: coteditor@communitycenter.org.tw
FOOD
Correspondence may be sent to the editor at coteditor@
communitycenter.org.tw. Freelance writers, photographers and Chicken Soup Flavors 34
illustrators are welcome to contact the editor to discuss editorial and
graphic assignments. Your talent will find a home with us!
Copyright 2022. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not
be reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner.
COT is printed on FSC certified 100% post-consumer recycled fiber. The
paper is certified in accordance with the rules of the Forest Stewardship
Council which promotes environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and
economically viable management of the world's forests. https://ic.fsc.org/
www.communitycenter.org.tw MARCH 2022 3
TIGER TOTS PRESCHOOL
A LOVING PLACE FOR LEARNING
PRE-K AND KINDERGARTEN (LOCATED INSIDE TAS)
TIGGER'S (PRE-2S), 2S AND 3S PLAYGROUPS (TIAN YU CAMPUS)
TAIWAN TEMPLE
North American Curriculum Engaging Outdoor Playgrounds CERAMIC FUGURINES:
Qualified Instructors Fun and Educational Daily Activities The exquisite handcrafts
Low Student/Teacher Ratios Fun After School Enrichment Classes made in late 18th
Gymnastics, Kidzsports, and Mandarin Playgroups by great masters.
Music Classes
We’d love to introduce you to our diverse and incredibly special community of learners!
Please call to arrange a visitation.
No.2, Lane 405, Sec.6, Chungshan N. Rd, Shilin
(02)2874-5525
TYPA MAIN OFFICE: (02)2873-1815 www.typa.org.tw info@bai-win.com
4 MARCH 2022 www.communitycenter.org.tw
COVER PHOTO:
by Andrea Toerien
FROM Please send email submissions, comments, and feedback to
coteditor@communitycenter.org.tw.
THE
For more information, please go to EDITORS
our website at
www.communitycenter.org.tw
Years ago, during a management training seminar at
Gannett Co. Inc. in Rochester, New York, our keynote
COT Team speaker spoke of the power of the printed word. She
went on to say how stories inform and empower our
communities, fostering deep and vital connections. Her
concluding remarks included a quote from Anais Nin,
“We see the world as we are, not as it is.” Therefore, we
Suzan Babcock Richard Saunders Naomi Kaly KC
need to understand how other people think about the
Editor Co-editor Advertising Manager Graphic Designer world. Those powerful remarks were eye-opening.
coteditor@ richard0428@yahoo.com naomi@communitycenter. graphicdesigntaipei.
communitycenter.org.tw org.tw weebly.com
Since March is internationally recognized as Women’s
History Month and March 8th as International Women’s
Featured Contributors Day, and given the on-going upheavals from the global
pandemic, we wanted to include stories that were
inspiring, frustrating, moving and thought-provoking in
this years’ special Centered on Taipei women’s issue.
“Women’s actions create change” was the theme
for this month’s writing and photography submissions.
Elle Bowe Aly Cooper Melva De Gracia-Han La Benida Hui
Common threads emerged: “change is happening”,
“change is possible”, “we can celebrate change” and
“there is still a lot of work to do.”
T h i s m o n t h ’s n a r r a t i v e s a n d p h o t o g r a p h y
contributions offer readers a wide range of theme-
Muskan Jindal Jessica Kay Lee Judy Tsuei Ivonne Vidal-Pizarro based topics. They illustrate how women are actively
using personal experiences, skills and understandings to
Art, Photography and Writing Contributors create meaningful changes in their lives and the lives of
Elle Bowe Jessica Kay Lee Grace Ting others.
Aly Cooper Roma Mehta Andrea Toerien
Melva De Gracia-Han Red Room Lucy Torres
Heather Gatley Joseph Reilly Judy Tsuei At the Center, we are experiencing an upcoming
Julie Hu Richard Saunders Ivonne Vidal-Pizarro change – the need to move to a new location by the
La Benida Hui Catherine Shiao
end of the year. A fundraising campaign is currently
Muskan Jindal Jyana Tata
underway to help finance the Center’s relocation.
Pick COT up at: Donation inquiries can be made at the Center by calling
Uptown: (02) 2836-8134, or email: director@communitycenter.
Community Services Center, No. 25, Lane 290, Sec. 6,
Zhongshan North Rd.
org.tw, helen@communitycenter.org.tw, Your support
Sprout – No. 33, Sec. 7, Zhongshan North Rd. will be most welcome.
George Pai’s Beauty – No. 14, Tienmu East Rd.
Downtown:
Ooh Cha Cha – 207, Sec.2, Nanchang Rd. Sue
Accountant Monica Cheng
COMMUNITY SERVICES CENTER Programs Manager Lucy Torres
Director of Development and
Events Helen Peterson
The Community Services Center (CSC) is a non-profit foundation. CSC provides Coffee Mornings Coordinators Leslie McFarlane, Meredith Lee
outreach and early intervention through counseling, cross-cultural education and Programs/Office Support Bunny Pacheco
life skills programs to meet the needs of the international community in Taipei. Communications Pia Munk-Janson
CSC offers the opportunity to learn, volunteer, teach and meet others. Check out
our website www.communitycenter.org.tw and drop by The Center to chat with us
Mandarin Chinese Teacher Gloria Gwo
about our programs. You can also email us at csc@communitycenter.org.tw. Systems Manager Samson Debele
Counseling Interns Ximena Lopez
Director Adam McMillan Volunteers Miyuki Boice, Bryant Hsieh, John Imbrogulio, Meredith
Lee, Leslie McFarlane, John McQuade, Petra Yu
Office Manager Grace Ting
Benefactors Bai Win Antiques
Counselors I-wen Chan, Katherine Chang, Hui-shiang Chao, European Chamber of Commerce
Anne Cheng, Jung Chin, Chiao-Feng Chung, Cerita Hsu, Grand Hyatt Taipei
Lily Lin, Miranda Lin, Emilie Ma, Kuang-Shan Wan
Premier Sponsors Concordia Consulting
Consultants Anne Cheng, Tom Cole, Wendy Evans, Mary Lagerstrom, ICRT
Michael Mullahy, Sofia Vintimila San Fu Global
Counseling Admin. Joanne Chua
www.communitycenter.org.tw MARCH 2022 5
CSC
Gallery @CENTER
A percentage of all proceeds from items sold at the Gallery will go to the Center. Please
remember that by displaying your items or shopping at the Gallery, you will be helping the
Center to continue to provide valuable services to the international community.
MARCH 2022
EXHIBITION OF MR. KAO'S SKETCHES HEATHER'S THOUGHTFUL KNOTS
Heather at Thoughtful Knots is a self-taught crochet enthusiast. She loves
to design and create interesting things, from earrings to beach bags,
as well as hats and scarves. She has recently fallen in love with making
smaller origami items like snowmen, baby chickens, and Easter bunnies.
Her true passion is to make custom items for people: sweaters, mermaid
blankets, and even dog stockings complete with the dog's name. If you
THE GO PROJECT are looking for an original, one-of-a-kind, made with love crocheted item,
reach out to her.
ELIZABETH LAM’S SEA GLASS ART & JEWELRY
“Let our vision and imagination become
infinity,” is a key concept behind Elizabeth
L a m’s u n i q u e a r t i s t i c a p p ro a c h a n d
response to Taiwan’s current environmental
situation. On the outer island of Lanyu,
where trash is washed onto the shore,
abandoned glass shines under the burning
sun, waiting to be transformed. Continually
inspired by the ocean and mountains.
Elizabeth saw an opportunity to change
these broken pieces of glass into something
Natalie Wu is a self-taught designer and natural beautiful. The moment she reached down
dyer based in Taipei. Using only plant extracts, into the water and picked up a piece of
she hand dyes a selection of linen, cotton glass was when Sea Glass Art & Jewelry was
and silk textiles. Her everyday homeware and born.
accessories are hand made in small batches
in her dye studio. From linen cushions, to TAIWAN-THEMED TEA TOWELS, MUGS
scarves, totes and eye pillows, each product is
completely unique. No two dye pots are ever
the same. By using only natural plant extracts,
Natalie is also able to create products that are
non-toxic and safe for the environment.
www.the-go-project.com, @thegoprojectshop
MORNING BOOK CLUB Green Island by Shawna Yang Ryan, 2016, 400 pages
“This is a stunning story of love, betrayal and family set against the backdrop of a changing Taiwan over the
course of the twentieth century. The novel sweeps across six decades and two continents. The life of the
narrator shadows the course of Taiwan’s history from the end of the Japanese colonial rule to the decades
under martial law and finally to Taiwan’s transformation into a democracy. But above all, Green Island is a
lush and lyrical story of a family and a nation grappling with the nuances of complicity and survival…”
For more information, contact Julie Hu at: mcelroy22000@yahoo.com
6 MARCH 2022 www.communitycenter.org.tw
MARCH AT THE CENTER
HAVING A HEALTHY FUN WITH FOOD
BODY AND MIND
MINDFULNESS 101 TASTY TAIWANESE SNACKS
An introduction to meditation and how Dumplings, Spring Onion
it can improve your well-being Pancakes and Aiyu Jelly
(See Jessica Kay Lee’s article on page 22.)
FACE YOGA DELICIOUS DANISH DESSERTS
Learn about a natural way to tone and Lemon Mousse and Cinammon Twist
brighten your face
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE MARVELOUS MEXICAN COOKING
An introduction to some of the Sopes and Gorditas with refried beans
different methods and practices and salsa
MAHJONG NINGXIA NIGHT MARKET FEAST
Learn how to play this famous Asian A food tasting extravaganza
game which challenges your brain
WHAT TO DO AT SEEKING FRESH AIR
THE WEEKEND? AND A FUN DAY OUT?
YEHLIU GEO PARK AND JUMING MUSEUM PINGDING CANAL HIKE
A fun day out to see the beautiful natural sculptures Walk along this historic canal
at Yehliu and Ju Ming’s wonderful
outdoor sculpture park
HOUTONG CAT VILLAGE
BAISHIHU AND YUANJUE HIKE Take the train to stroll around this quirky
A stroll to Yuanjue waterfall and village
Baishihu temple which finishes at Dahu Park.
EMBROIDERY WORKSHOP:
Tianyuan Temple and Tamsui Tour
Work with Kara Wall to produce a fun design of
pineapple cakes and bubble tea
Visit the picturesque Tianyuan temple and
stroll through Tamsui
Register online at www.communitycenter.org.tw,
call 02 2836 8134 or email ce@communitycenter.org.tw
Want to try?
MINDFULNESS 101 Register for Mindfulness 101
8 March, 10:00am, The Center - it's free!
www.communitycenter.org.tw MARCH 2022 7
CULTURE
Mandala Doodling
TEXT & IMAGES: MUSKAN JINDAL
A
s a kid, I always used to draw
and doodle around the blank
spaces in my notebooks, until
my younger sister made me
realize that there’s a lot more to what I
was drawing. Then, I looked up my art
form and came to know about Mandala
Doodling. It was like learning how to
draw with pens all over again.
By definition, a Mandala is a spiritual
a n d r i t u a l sy m b o l u s e d i n I n d i a n
religions representing the universe. In
common use ’mandala’ has become a
generic term for any diagrams, charts
or geometric patterns that are drawn
around circles.
For me, doodling a Mandala and
bringing loops, geometries and lines
into existence from what was originally
a white piece of paper, is like building
a bridge between the constant chatter
of my life and the peace and calm of
my mind. Mandala art helps me to
regain my focus and gives me ample
freedom to work with my imagination;
not to mention the end result is just so
satisfying to look at.
8 MARCH 2022 www.communitycenter.org.tw
CULTURE
Muskan Jindal is an Indian Diplomat who
joined the Indian Foreign Service in 2020.
She is presently serving as Assistant Director
General, India Taipei Association. She holds
a degree in Bachelor of Commerce, Panjab
University, India.
www.communitycenter.org.tw MARCH 2022 9
COMMUNITY
Everyday Gives
You a Chance to House Building in Siem Reap
Make a Difference
TEXT & IMAGES: ELLE BOWE
A
little girl, sitting on the steps helped our family. When he came
of our little Singaporean back he would take us to watch the
apartment, waits for her Singapore football team play at the
mum (her “hero”), to come National Stadium, developing my love
home. As she waits, the little girl thinks for the game, and a deep pride in my
of all the excitement and opportunities country.
out there in the world… only to be In order to supplement my Dad’s
interrupted by her sisters running income, mum had many part-time jobs.
around with their friends playing police She was an excellent seamstress, cook
and thief. One day, she thinks, she will and baker, and known throughout the
make a difference in this world, just like community as a capable woman with a
her mum does. kind heart.
My childhood did not have any posh My mum had excellent time-
clothes, expensive toys, fancy private management skills. She also taught us
schools, or exotic holidays. During my by example how to cook, perform daily
younger years, Singapore was classified household chores and installed in us a
as a third world country. But my life was love of the glory of Islam. Every year,
rich in other ways. I grew up knowing she would take us to an orphanage in
the love of my mum and dad was Singapore or Batam (an Indonesian
eternal. Island close to Singapore) to share
My dad worked on a ship, and he with the children meals that she had
was gone for six months at a time. His prepared. Mum also donated goodie
Phnom Penh, Cambodia sacrifices in being away for so long bags, clothing and other items that the
10 MARCH 2022 www.communitycenter.org.twCOMMUNITY
children might need. school, we looked for ways to give back Grade 12.
Through these visits, she wanted to others. Little did I know when I started
u s to l e a r n a n d u n d e rsta n d t h at community service projects in
even though we did not have much CAMBODIA – AN ODYSSEY: FOOD Cambodia that it would turn into a ten-
ourselves, there were others who were FOR THE SOUL year-plus odyssey. The best thing to
even more unfortunate than we were. The year was now 2008, and we come out of it is the glow it puts into
We learned not to complain too much we re l i v i n g i n Ku a l a L u m p u r. M y my heart on a daily basis. I knew after
and to appreciate the little things that husband was working in the Middle all these years why my mum loved to
we did have. Of course, it was only later East a lot, our two eldest children donate her time, her energy and her
in my life when I came to appreciate all were safely (and happily) attending an resources to those less fortunate than
the values that she was teaching us as international school, and I was ready her. It was food for my soul.
children. for the next step in my life’s journey. It
was here that I met a group of ladies HONG KONG – A STEPPING STONE
A CROSS-CULTURAL LEAP, AND from countries such as Egypt, Iran, When we moved to Hong Kong in
ONE OF FAITH Denmark, USA, Singapore and Malaysia 2012, I continued working on projects
School, further studies and a career who were all like-minded individuals, related to Cambodia. I met more
continued to be influenced by my with the will and resources to help me a m a z i n g p e o p l e w h o we re e a ge r
mum’s early and continued love and make a difference in the world. Over to help. Our children were now old
support. By the time I was 35, I had a the next few years we started making enough to start understanding what
loving husband, a son, a daughter, and an annual trip to Cambodia, sponsoring charity work was all about, and why
another daughter on the way. I found and building houses for the poor on the it meant so much to me. All three of
myself living in Kaohsiung in southern outskirts of Phnom Penh. The group of them were now attending school and
Taiwan. I was away from home, living friends I made in KL remain some of the continuing to play football. The smile
in a place where I did not understand closest in my life. Whilst this group of that both my father and my husband
the language, didn’t have any friends ladies now spans multiple continents, had when they saw any of them playing
and was the main care-giver for our we stay in touch on a regular basis. KL was priceless. But our life’s journey was
children. was also the place where my daughters not meant to last long in Hong Kong, it
Although I hated it at first, I had my lit the spark of football in their lives. was again time to move.
mum inside my head telling me that I Over the next twelve years we were
could change the way that I was seeing involved in supporting food drives for SINGAPORE – WHAT CAN I DO TO
things. I had the ability to change the underprivileged families, supporting HELP YOU?
way that I wanted to live my life and mobile medical clinics, building and Singapore had changed a lot since I
make it better. I have the power to painting schools, donating hundreds of was a child. It was now the shiny, glitzy,
make anywhere feel like home. bags of clothes to the underprivileged, Formula 1 race-hosting, mega-hub at
Our next move was to Kuala Lumpur, running soccer clinics, and playing the southern tip of the South China
Malaysia. This one was much easier. and interacting with the kids. This has Sea. Sixty percent of the world’s trade
I felt that we were back in familiar involved hundreds of people (people passed through its port, its economy
territory, with many members of my I call friends) from Kuala Lumpur, was now larger than Hong Kong, and
extended family nearby. Besides, my Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan. The its importance in the world seemed
parents and sisters were only an hour largest group we took at a time was assured. Still, there was a poorer
away by plane. I made many friends sixty-five people in number. As a family side which needed attention. During
who were like-minded. Since we also we have sponsored four children to these same years (2008 onwards), my
had children who were now off at attend school, from Kindergarten to family and my sisters (and cousins)
in Singapore started to make a yearly
e f fo r t t o g o t o a n o r p h a n a g e i n
Singapore. We would take food and
clothing with us, we would spend time
with the children and we would listen
to them talk about their dreams. Our
son, now 25 years old, now lives in
Singapore and continues this endeavor
with my extended family on a regular
basis.
TAIWAN – THE FRIENDLIEST
COUNTRY IN ASIA
In 2014, we moved back to Taiwan,
but to Taipei this time. I now took on a
more active role in the activities at our
Phnom Penh, Cambodia children’s school. Our son had recently
www.communitycenter.org.tw MARCH 2022 11COMMUNITY
graduated from school in Hong Kong,
and was about start national military
service in Singapore. Our girls were
now very active in sports (football,
swimming, gymnastics, basketball), and
were making new friends very quickly.
MFA TAIPEI BREAKERS
Within six months of arriving in
Taipei, I started helping out with the
young girls’ soccer club at the school.
We wanted to be able to give the girls
the chance to train after school, just like
the boys did. The group worked under
the name “Heart Breakers” and was a Asia Rainbow Ride
lot of fun for our years until my girls
outgrew it at grade seven. which made life easier for families the pandemic to raise funds for an
But now another void in sports for within the school community. organization called Speak Up For the
girls was evident. What do aspiring The “new family connection” at Poor in Bangladesh, and also Sarnelli
soccer players do when they reach Taipei American School (TAS; assigning House, an orphanage in Thailand, both
13 years old? I joined forces with an new families with existing families supporting the education of girls.
existing soccer program in Taipei, and to help them with the transition into
the MFA Taipei Breakers was born. Taiwan and TAS life) is an important EVERYBODY IS EQUAL: ASIA
It’s been running for four years now, part of the school. Making new families RAINBOW CONNECTION
and the girls’ program with a football feel welcome and settled as quickly My most recent passion is the Asia
academy has provided weekly training as possible is one of the reasons that Rainbow Ride, a charity bike ride
opportunities. We have led trips to the school is the best one our children organized by four unique individuals.
Singapore, Bangkok and Shanghai, as have attended over the past twenty It started out as a two-day bike ride in
well as within Taiwan. Starting with six years. I was also involved in running 2020, that turned to a three-day bike
girls, Taipei Breakers is now fifty girls the Tigers Book Store at the school for ride around the north coast of Taiwan in
strong. There is not a day which goes several years. 2021.
past when I don’t see one of these Both organizations are affiliated with W hy d i d we r i d e , yo u a s k ? We
young girls with their parents, walking the PTA, and have allowed me to make rode for love; we rode to support the
around Taipei and giving me hugs and more life-long friends, whilst in service LGBTQ+ community who need the
high fives. to others. support to help them fight their cause
My heart is filled daily. for equal rights. I am so proud of the
GIRLS EDUCATION PROGRAM work the organizers did, and these
SCHOOL COMMUNITY – “LET ME It is through one of these new friends fellow bikers are the latest additions
INTRODUCE YOU” that I got involved with supporting a to my ever-growing family of friends. I
After I found my feet in the new girls education program in Bangladesh. call them my Modern Family in Taiwan.
community, I decided it was time We are happy that we can play a small They are no different than any other
to dive into service at the school. part in making their dreams come true friends that I have.
In addition to the soccer activities and have a proper education, hopefully I believe we have to accept everyone
with Heart Breakers, I now actively to a higher level. as they are: no judgement, just
participated with several organizations We also organized a fundraiser during acceptance. We are all equal, and we
all have every right to be happy. I am a
Muslim and I am proud to be one that
supports humanity and love.
MUM – THANK YOU FOR SHOWING
ME THE WAY
As our children have grown to be
the young adults they are today, my
husband and I have marveled at the
spirit of giving that they have. To see
that they understand that there are
children who are less privileged than
they are, and to know that they can
MFA Taipei Breakers
make a difference to the lives of under-
privileged persons if they want to, and
12 MARCH 2022 www.communitycenter.org.twCOMMUNITY
COTquaterpageAds3.pdf 1 14/01/22 18.46
are determined enough to, fills our hearts to the brim on a
daily basis (well, almost!).
Most people who know me say that I have a loving
heart. The truth is that my heart is so full of gratitude for
the opportunities I have had to meet amazing people in all
walks of my life. People I am lucky enough to call my family
and friends make my heart swell with their strength, their
Lina Lo, PhD, CPCC, ACC
Personal and Professional Development Coach
humor, their love. They are all my “teachers.” They make me working with expats to master their constant
want to be a better person every day and to make sure that transitions through roles, cultures, and locales.
every day is one worth living. lina@coachworkslive.com
C
www.coachworkslive.com
I hope that my mum is looking down on me from above, www.linkedin.com/in/linalo202009/
proud of the person I have become, happy that I am doing M
6-Week Mental Fitness Bootcamp
all I can to make the world a better place. I will always love Y
My Mental Fitness Bootcamp incorporates Shirzad Chamine’s Positive
you and it’s thanks to you that I am who I am today. CM Intelligence Program (https://www.positiveintelligence.com/program/) to
train your mental muscles to reinvent life as an expat, living at the
MY
periphery, to be leaders within, in front, and behind, to be agile, resilient,
and transformative in the post pandemic world now. I’m excited to start
CY
this journey with you 1:1 or as groups. The 6-week Bootcamps are rolled
out every other month starting on a Saturday. Upcoming Bootcamps for
2022 will start on Mar 5th, May 7th, Jul 2nd, Sep 3rd, and Nov 5th. If you
CMY
are ready to proceed or you want to explore more, contact me via email.
K
Subscribe to Just Be, a Monthly Newsletter for Expats
As expats, we are spread out all over the globe with many
having parents in one country, children in another, and our
workplace in a third. In the era of Covid-19, separation and
inability to travel add to the worry, stress, isolation, anxiety,
and a strange sense of homelessness. Subscribe to my
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(https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/just-be-6881881244066553856/) to
explore how being, rather than doing, can better support us through uncertainty,
living at the periphery as expats.
Elle Bowe in Siem Reap
www.communitycenter.org.tw MARCH 2022 13COMMUNITY
International Women’s Day
2022 This event will be in two sessions, and in two locations
Morning Session 10 am - 2 pm
5TH MARCH 2022 Changing Climates Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow
Salon discussion and dialogue with six panelists. Mandarin and English.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY (IWD) 2022 Keynote Introduction to the Museum by Director Ma Yu-Chuan (馬幼
features the theme of “Changing Climates Gender 娟)
equality today for a sustainable tomorrow,” envisioning Panel 1 “Soft Skills for Today's World”
a world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive, a Panel 2 “Changing Narratives in the Workplace”
world in which difference is valued and celebrated. followed by a free guided tour of the Museum
This global movement offers a special opportunity for Venue: Museum of World Religions
The Museum of World Religions (MWR) and Red Room 7F, 236, Section 1, Zhongshan Road, Yonghe District, New Taipei City
Association to host and promote discussions about the 234011
social, economic, cultural, and political achievements Free entry
of women in Taiwan.
Having hosted IWD events in each of the last Evening Session 7 - 10 pm
seven years, spanning art, performance, seminars Power of Women Art Exhibition Opening
and educational experiences, Red Room is especially Music and Celebration | Networking
excited to partner with another Taiwan-based non- This International Women’s Day we celebrate Changing Climates,
profit to amplify this year’s IWD celebration. As two of gender equality and a sustainable future on Mother Earth. This
Taiwan’s foremost cultural organizations, The Museum exhibition seeks to share the artists’ interpretations of the Power of
of World Religions and Red Room will form the leading Women. Perhaps it is redundant to say the two words together; let us
voice for women in Taiwan this March. share in celebration the art and the ideas this title evokes.
This year will be the first time the Museum of Venue: Rendezvous
World Religions celebrates International Women’s 252, Section 2, Keelung Road, Da-an District, Taipei (基隆路二段252號)
Day. The Museum of World Religions belongs to all Door fee NT$250 (includes one drink)
faiths. “The public mission of MWR is to introduce and
promote love and peace, which comprise the founding Organizers: Museum of World Religions, Red Room, Rendezvous
philosophy of MWR, in hopes that a society led by Supported by: Tuteemi, PriyaLee Translation & Consulting 李眉君翻譯
nobler spirits may overflow with joy and tranquility. 顧問 Chinese Interpreter, Sir Speedy Tianmu
In these contemporary times, such is our grave and For more details of both events, please visit our website
pressing responsibility within our society" says Ma (https://redroomtaipei.com/) or Facebook page (https://tinyurl.
Yu-Chuan, Director of the MWR. com/3c56en66)
14 MARCH 2022 www.communitycenter.org.twCOMMUNITY
12TH & 13TH MARCH 寶島話匣子 Formosa Tales - Namaxia 2022 in celebration of International Women’s Day
For International Women's Day 2022 the Red Room is excited to announce a second round of Formosa Tales, the Women
Beyond Borders Box Project. This year, the Red Room is partnering with Women's Nest, an NGO for indigenous women from the
Bunan, Kanakanavu and Sara Peoples in Kaohsiung.
Our stories will unite with hundreds of women's stories from around the world. Red Room is excited to be a part of this
movement, and we invite all women of all nationalities living on our beautiful island of Taiwan to join us.
www.communitycenter.org.tw MARCH 2022 15COMMUNITY
12TH & 13TH MARCH 寶島話匣子 Formosa Tales - Namaxia 2022 in celebration of International Women’s Day
Exhibition Opening: 13th March, 10 am – 3 pm
Venue: 深山裡的麵包店 (Shenshan Village Bakery)
196, Xiuling Lane, Namaxia District, Kaohsiung City (那瑪夏區達卡努瓦里秀嶺巷196號)
Save the date; more details will follow soon! For more details see Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/msktt6xw
Organizers:
RED ROOM
Red Room Taipei, Women’s Nest (女窩～社團法人高雄市原住民婦女永續發展協會)
Formosa Tales 2021: tinyurl.com/2s4dz6vh
16 MARCH 2022 www.communitycenter.org.twENVIRONMENT
Course Set For the Love of
Mother Nature
TEXT & IMAGES: LA BENIDA HUI
I
have had the opportunity to sail School of Design Graduate I have
approximately 1,600 miles across picked up my illustration tools with
the North Atlantic Subpolar Gyre to my background training as an art
better understand the distribution educator, and channeled my passion
of plastic pollution. It is this life- for nature to create a colorful canvas
changing expedition, combined with of environmental conservation and Tamsui River cleanup with Tamsui River
the many adventures I have had in my science. The greatest lesson I have Keepers and support of Bamboo Studio,
Aug 14th, 2021
life (from sleeping under the canopy of learned on my expedition is the bigger 13 Volunteers/3.5 hrs/227.74kg
the Amazon rain forest to climbing the meaning of “Home.” Home, to me,
mountains of Nepal) that has eventually moves beyond the boundaries of the year at The National Museum of Marine
led me to where I am today. country I live in and encompasses the Science and Technology in Keelung.
I teach environmental art education ocean, the animals and the stars who Afterwards it will travel to Hong Kong
and curate environmental art exhibits are also my neighbors. It is this picture for a World Ocean Day opening in June
here in Formosa. I have fallen in love of life, connection and recalibration 2022.
with this small island, off the shores that I have presented in a form of an I will never forget the deep presence
of which over two hundred green exhibition titled Midway Collide-O- of Mother Nature when traveling
sea turtles reside. And as a Parsons Scope, now showing until mid-May this on the North Atlantic Ocean, Her
Greatness has made me feel as small
and insignificant as an ant. This feeling
was best represented during our sailing
trip when there was a moment of
anxiety when we ran low on gas and
needed to completely rely on nature to
blow us home; we were at Her mercy.
It’s strange to think when I was on the
ocean that it wasn’t my own home I
longed for, but for stable dry land. Now
I am experiencing a similar feeling of
Nature’s Greatness during the two
years of Covid. Only this time I feel her
pain and wrath, as the world we know it
has inevitably changed.
www.communitycenter.org.tw MARCH 2022 17ENVIRONMENT
Trash Art piece titled “Illusion” created by La Benida Hui
I have taken this exhibition period 190 Glass bottles
of Midway Collide-O-Scope to venture 28 Lighters
into other related side projects to 22 Lids
promote, educate and raise awareness 20 Self-care products
of the ocean and of plastic pollution. 17 Jugs and food containers
We have continued our environmental 16 (pcs of) Packaging
workshops with participating schools 12 pieces of Fishing-related debris
in Keelung. This includes the Museum 10 Aluminum cans
Kindergarten, the nearby National 10 Plastic bags, 8 Plastic crates
Ta i w a n O c e a n U n i v e rs i t y, Ta i p e i 5 Helmets
European School and soon the Girl 4 (to go) Drink cups
Scouts. We also held two Red Room 3 Drink cartons
Halloween museum events and even 2 Toothbrushes
had a successful two-day docent 1 Needle
environmental art class, fully booked Total Brand Audit (for plastic bottles) 93
with demands for more workshops. brands.
After we completed our large color
installation (featured in the September This past fall a commissioned Trash
2021 issue of Centered on Taipei) I Art piece titled “Illusion” was featured
spoke to my friend, a trash expert at at an outdoor exhibition at Kingdom
Indigo Waters, and took his advice to 363 Park near Songshan Airport. I
explore upstream along the Tamsui created three colored panels out of
River, one of the sources of our trash. trash; each panel had a door handle,
It is only here n the rivers we can and when you look through the key
confidently say a hundred percent of hole what you see represents small
the trash is from Taiwan, and so we fragments of nature,all that is left of
conducted an International Coastal our world. I regularly emphasize in my
Survey with the help of a patient friend workshop that, “We have a choice, the
(Thank you, Qing Qing!) who worked ocean does not.” This particular park
on translation and with full support project has inspired us to launch our
from the art non-profit Bamboo Studio first eARThist (environmental) art group
and the River Keeper cleanup crew, exhibition titled “Blue Echo”, opening
this is the complete ICC Survey Results March 5th at P&M Flowers (Lane 28,
of our find on Tamsui River on August 427 Fuxing North Road, Songshan
14th, 2021, when thirteen volunteers District (台北市松山區復興北路427巷28
spent 3.5 hours and collected a total of 號)
Art seen through the keyhole on the Trash Art 227.74kg of river trash: Our largest and most ambitious
keyhole
198 Plastic bottles project yet is in preparation for the
18 MARCH 2022 www.communitycenter.org.twENVIRONMENT
3D art piece commissioned by R.A.R.E
Keelung City Expo, at the end of April. my shipmates to stand by and ensure
We have partnered up with nearby we reach our destination. On this
La Benida Hui holds
Heping Island Park and an incredibly adventure called “Life” things happen
a BFA in Illustration
intelligent and creative environmental beyond our control, and the journey from Parsons School
research scientist, Sophie Nuber at taken requires determination, courage of Design, New
National Taiwan University to create and a whole lot of heart and soul to Yo r k , w i t h a t w o
an installation titled “Changing get to “Land.” The balance of mind and y ea r cert i f i ca t e i n
Perspectives” that represents zero body is everything, as is the importance Art Education and continued studies
waste and rising sea levels. I won’t of forward movement so as not to at Dalvero Academy. Her founding
spoil the surprise; you will have to drift aimlessly. I do my best to stay on of Rare Animals Really Endangered
a “Green” course and follow the star (R.A.R.E.) serves as a means to
come find us in April at the museum
combine her love of art and her
for our Pop-up installation and/or keep signs that point to Hope.
ambition to impact environmental
watch on our FB page (R.A.R.E. or Rare This brings a quote to mind from
restoration. Her environmental
Animals Really Endangered) about our Rabindranath Tagore that deeply
programs expand into community
activities. resonates with me: art projects, environmental art
I still see myself sailing out on an “The one who plants trees, knowing workshops and exhibitions in New
open ocean and I choose to set my that he will never sit in their shade, York, Hong Kong and Taiwan. www.
course and take the ship’s wheel, but has at least started to understand the rareawareness.com, labenidahui@
in the end I will still need to rely on meaning of life.” rareawareness.com
www.communitycenter.org.tw MARCH 2022 19ENVIRONMENT
Sustainable Fashion
in Latin America
TEXT & IMAGES: MELVA DE GRACIA-HAN
I
n 2018, my husband was appointed Representative
for Taipei Commercial Office in Bogota, Colombia.
It was quite a nice post, because Colombia is very
familiar to me, as during my early childhood I
had a strong connection with this beautiful country.
During my second stay there I had the opportunity
to understand how developed the fashion industry
in the country is, and experienced the beautiful
pieces Colombian craftsmen are able to make today.
Clothes, leather goods, accessories, all made with local
materials by locals are quite outstanding. The fashion
industry generates plenty of employment, boosting the
micro-economy as well as encouraging entrepreneurs,
which are one of the most important sectors of the
Latin American economies. As I get to know more
about the benefits of the industry, I realized how
important it is for it to find a different approach in
terms of circular economy and sustainable fashion.
Since the amount of resources and materials in Latin
American countries are limited, these two concepts are
linked together. Circular Economy (which stands for a
• To see Andres Baez’s work online, go to: model of production and consumption that involves
https://www.instagram.com/andres.baez15/ sharing, re-using and recycling existing materials
• Fundación Princesa Diana de Francia, Paraguay: and products as long as possible) is very accurate in
https://www.instagram.com/ this kind of situation. Meanwhile sustainable fashion
fundacion_princesadiana/ promotes local production, which reduces the carbon
• The Asociación Industrial de Confeccionistas de footprint, and encourages members to recycle and
Paraguay: reuse materials as part of a fair and responsible
https://www.instagram.com/ consumption. This enables Latin American countries
modasostenible_py/ to find a different approach that can still boost the
local production including traditional craftmen and
local designers. Sustainable fashion also promotes the
20 MARCH 2022 www.communitycenter.org.twENVIRONMENT
of Sustainable Fashion,” hoping that
more people will engage in this global
movement, promoting local production
and responsible consumption.
Linked to this project there is also
a national campaign called “ Vestí
Paraguay,” which I am very proud to
be part of, which encourages people
to buy and wear clothes or accessories
made in Paraguay. Being part of this
social movement is very rewarding
because little-by-little we are changing
t h e c o n s u m p t i o n p a tt e r n o f t h e
customers and also promoting the
local identity, which is often left behind
when talking about fashion. Local
fashion can be trendy too, after all!
As you can see, even small countries
are taking part in the sustainable
local identity and is inclusive, leaving fashion show with Fundación Princesa fashion and circular economy
no one behind. As you may have Diana de Francia. Titled #KuñaMaino, movement. Are you ready to take part
heard, internationally famous and very Fashion with Purpose (in Guarani, in it too?
commercial fashion brands such as the second language of Paraguay,
H&M, Mango, New Balance, TOMs and KuñaMaino means “messenger of
others are taking part in this sustainable the Sun”). The pieces made by this
movement. institution are haute couture with a
Melva De Gracia-Han
I n O c to b e r 2020, we m o ve d to local identity, applying re-using and
is an industrial engineer
our second Latin American post in recycling concepts with an exquisite
with a specialization in
Paraguay. Although a smaller country taste in design. Most notably, the Market Research and
in population, and less developed pieces are all made by the ladies of Public Policy, a proud
than Colombia, I was very impressed the women’s prision El Buen Pastor in mom, wife and Antonia Santos Medal
to see that the sustainable movement the Paraguayan capital, Asunción. The Award SCP Columbia recipient; https://
here is also very strong and has lots of project helps these women to find a www.instagram.com/melvahan/ Seal
followers, especially among younger motto in life, giving them labor and of Sustainable Fashion Ambassador
people. Responsible consumption social skills for the time when they are Paraguay holder.
and green consciousness are very released from jail. It’s amazing how the
popular, possibly, I guess, because the project has changed their lives, and
the country has limited resources and how grateful they feel being given this
high import-tax on goods that make second chance.
a circular economy and sustainable The fashion show sold out
fashion a great combo for boosting the immediately, and the profits were used
local economy. to buy sewing machines in order to
With the support of the Taiwan expand the ladies’ working area and
Embassy in Paraguay, we worked allowing more ladies to take part in this
with a local designer, Andrés Báez, social project which empowers women!
who reached the finals of the Taiwan Recently I started working with the
Fa s h i o n A wa rd D e s i g n 2021 w i t h movement that promotes sustainable
unique pieces that feature sustainability fashion in Paraguay. The Asociación
and a local identity. He was one of I n d u st r i a l d e C o n fe c c i o n i sta s d e
the twelve contestants (among five- Paraguay (AICP) created this idea,
hundred applicants from all over the and with the support of the Taiwan
world) that made it to the finals. This International Cooperation and
was a very touching project, because it Development Fund (ICDF) has been
includes the work of women craftsmen developing it. The main goal is
who specialize in a local knitted craft to encourage local designers and
called Ñanduti. Andrés made a stunning craftsmen to promote their goods,
collection that was presented on a through a green consumption with
runway in Taipei in September 2021. local identity. Taiwan ICDF built an
That same month, I and my friend electronic platform to advertise the
Ro s a M a r i a C a m p o s o r ga n i ze d a local brands that are part of this “Seal
www.communitycenter.org.tw MARCH 2022 21HEALTH
The Act of Self-Care
TEXT: JESSICA KAY LEE IMAGES: WEB
expectations; all while holding it in and health, and in some horrible cases,
pretending everything is okay. Spoiler intimate partner violence. A 2020 study
alert: these women are not okay. Even conducted by CARE, an international
as cartoon characters. aid organization, showed that out of
Despite the early 1960s women’s 10,200 participants from 38 countries,
rights movement, this concept of women were almost three times more
girls needing rescue continues to play likely than men to report mental health
out every day – in the media, in job challenges. Anxiety, loss of appetite,
N
Image: Disney
discrepancies, woven into the very i n a b i l i t y to s l e e p , a n d d i ff i c u l t y
ow that I am a mom, fabric of classic fairytales passed down completing everyday tasks were among
Disney animations feel a bit to our sons and daughters before the symptoms noted. With or without
different. The storylines I bedtime. It is then no surprise when a pandemic, women-centric stress
used to gloss over as a child girls, women, and mothers are thus and mental health struggles have long
now prompt deep reflection around convinced that their biologically weaker existed. The pandemic merely shed
topics of family dynamics, gender roles, physique means a natural surrendering light on a continued global inequity
cultural conditioning, and even one’s of their innate knowing and feminine that now calls for increased public
existential purpose. So when I watched power to a patriarchal system that awareness, education, and solutions
Disney’s newest film, Encanto, with my seems to know what’s best for them. that are actually women-centric.
boys, beyond the colorful sceneries But, as we’ve seen in COVID times,
and catchy melodies, I couldn’t help many of the old-world systems
but notice the underlying theme of no longer withstand. Globally, the
“surface pressure” expected out of the pandemic brought exponential stress to
female cast – from upholding one’s women and mothers everywhere, from
family name and lineage, to looking and increased domestic responsibilities
behaving a certain way, to giving up to reduced work hours, high-risk
one’s potential and dreams for marital jobs, unemployment, deteriorating
Image: Unsplash
Image: Unsplash
22 MARCH 2022 www.communitycenter.org.twHEALTH
place than it has ever been in the past Welcome to the world of meditation.
fifteen years. The Global Organization It ’s easier than you think and the
fo r S t re s s f u r t h e r i n d i cate d t h at benefits are endless, from decreased
people who tend to experience stress levels to enhanced emotion
p a r t i c u l a r l y h i g h ra t e s o f s t r e s s regulation. Meditation is the intentional
were mostly women, single parents, act of being mindful, of being present,
ethnic minorities, and those who are by engaging in the mental exercise of
responsible for their family’s health focusing on the now, whether through
care decisions. one’s breath, senses, reciting a mantra,
While obtaining rest is not always or visualizing imagery. The ultimate
easy, rest doesn’t necessarily only goal? Increased self-awareness. When
equate to sleep. It could simply mean you start becoming more aware, you
finding restful moments where you start realizing and aligning to what
i nte nt i o n a l l y ta ke s o m e t i m e fo r makes you truly happy. As women and
yourself – to put your phone down, to mothers, we’ve been taught so often
not think or do, to be still with yourself to place our own needs last because
So, when the March topic of in a quiet inner space as your mind, there are far more important matters at
“Women’s Actions Create Change” was body, and spirit recharge. Rest could
presented to me by Sue, the editor of simply mean turning off your phone
Centered on Taipei, my natural response during certain hours of the day, logging
was: What more do women need to off social media accounts, going on Further reading
do? As a mother, maternal wellbeing quality solo day trips, or taking a few B ate m a n , N . , & Ro s s , M . (2020,
advocate, and meditation coach myself, months off from unnecessary social October 14). Why has COVID-19
the action I strongly recommend functions. At the end of the day, only been especially harmful for working
(that is also backed by research and you know how tired you truly are. women? Brookings. https://www.
personal experience) is none other than Quality rest not only fosters optimal brookings.edu/essay/why-has-covid-
self-care.” Self-care is defined as “a health and soothes preemptive 19-been- especially-harmful-for-
multidimensional, multifaceted process depression, anxiety, diabetes, and working-women/
of purposeful engagement in strategies obesity, but it also favorably impacts
that promote healthy functioning and one’s lifespan! Kent, R. (2021, June 16). Financial
enhance well-being.” While this term insecurity, hunger, mental health are
may have been over-popularized over SELF-CARE ACT #2: LISTEN top concerns for women worldwide.
the past years, the truth is that self-care For those who don’t know even Care. https://www.care.org/news-
works! Not only does self-care offer where to begin taking care of and-stories/press-releases/financial-
attainable breaks from everyday stress, themselves, I recommend just slowing insecurity-hunger-mental-health-are-
ironically it also improves cognitive down for five minutes a day. In these top-concerns-for-women-worldwide/
functions such as memory and focus few minutes, find a nice, quiet spot
that contribute to higher productivity. where you can close your eyes. Sit or lie Dorociak KE, Rupert PA, Bryant FB,
By truly taking care of ourselves in down. Stand if you must. In these five Zahniser E. Development of a self-
ways that best serves us, our kids, our minutes, with your eyes closed, relax care assessment for psychologists.
family, our environment, our world can your whole body from your head to Journal of Counseling Psychology.
thus be impacted, for the better. For your toes. For these five minutes, just 2017;64(3):325-334.
women are the backbone of our society. listen and pay attention to one of your
senses. Focus on your own breathing,
SELF-CARE ACT #1: REST or focus on the sounds around you,
When was the last time you rested? without thinking about how you are
The rest I am referring to is not your doing or preparing for the next step.
pre-COVID vacation days or your Just notice and be present. Listen to
everyday sleep. What I am referring what your body is telling you. Where
to is true, authentic rest. It’s okay to are you feeling easy? Where are you
take a moment to think about this feeling stuck? Truly listen to how you
one. If the answer does not come are doing. When you feel good and
easily, you’re one of the millions of ready, slowly come back to the present
people in this world who are constantly moment, and open your eyes. Notice
running nonstop on low fuel and high if there are any changes. Notice how
stress. According to Gallup’s latest you feel. Now, imagine if you applied
Global Emotions Report that surveyed this simple restoration to your life every
160,000 people in 116 countries, 2020 single day for just five minutes at a
was perceived as a sadder, angrier, time. Imagine the change that could
more worried, and more stressed-out take place with this simple act.
www.communitycenter.org.tw MARCH 2022 23HEALTH
hand. Our own hopes and dreams top of my pre-existing responsibilities as stopping you but you?
often get pushed aside. What if I told a mother and wife. Not even mom guilt. In resting your soul, listening to your
you that you also deserve to get what It was in educating myself that I was heart, entertaining your curiosity, going
you want? That your needs should not able to implement true changes within for your passion, you live a life from
be placed last, but be at the forefront and around me. With this decision, the inside out, rather than automated
like everybody else’s. When you listen I became a more aligned mother, by the conditioned world around you.
and make way towards what is good daughter, wife, friend, and teacher for When you live a life that’s truly from
and true for you, you are then able to others. In educating myself, I learned your heart, it’s only natural that your
become the best version of yourself, for about the choices available to me as a light will ultimately change the world,
others, for this world. woman. I learned about choices that one step at a time.
benefited my health and wellbeing, my
SELF-CARE ACT #3: LEARN parenting skills, my kids’ educational
Jessica is a Certified
Change starts with us. Shifts naturally path, the types of relationships I
Meditation Coach,
take place when we become aware of deserve, and the life I want to live. Intuitive Guide,
what matters to us and decide to do Research from the United Nations M a t e r n a l We l l b e i n g
something about it. So often, this desire Wo m e n h a s s h o w n t h at e ve r y Educator, and a mother
to change takes place when we’re additional year of primary school of two. Based in Taipei,
inspired, when we learn, when we are can increase girls’ eventual wages by Jessica currently supports women,
educated on a topic that rings true to 10-20% while also encouraging them mothers, caretakers, and heart-centered
our hearts. At the age of 34 with two to marry later and have fewer children, leaders through private life and executive
young children, I decided to go back which may leave them less vulnerable meditation coaching, meditation circles,
to graduate school across the globe and wellness psychoeducation. She
to violence. At any age, learning is
holds a Masters in Clinical Psychology
because I found something I truly cared always available if we open our eyes
from Columbia University’s Spirituality
about: Spiritual Psychology. Nothing and hearts to our own true desires. The
Mind-Body Institute with an Advanced
could stop me from going for it, not the education of your dreams could be right Certification in Reproductive and
long-distance traveling, the 3 am class in front of you. If there’s something Maternal Wellbeing. Visit her website at
scheduling, or the exponential work on your heart desires to learn, what ’s www.thelotuspond.org.
International Day: Embracing Diversity
Beyond the Classroom
24 MARCH 2022 www.communitycenter.org.twPOETRY
She Sits Alone
TEXT & IMAGE: HEATHER GATLEY
All the engagements,
the silly matching hats,
the open-topped cars, the waving,
the hours of topless dancing,
grass skirts and Hakkas.
Twenty-five. She was just a girl,
holiday interrupted to fly home
to the funeral of a beloved father.
Under the microscope for life.
Privileged, yes. The draughty palaces,
the strange attachment to the north:
kilts and dogs, pheasants and guns,
driving through rivers, walking hills,
racing horses, scarf-wearing,
Heather Gatley is a retired English holding binoculars, so glamorous.
literature teacher who likes to write
about her travels. You can read more And always he walked behind,
of her work in the online magazine with a host of treacherous men in top hats,
Memoirist.org She was born in Cyprus
and has lived in Singapore, Peru, El while a son in dalliance betrayed trust.
Salvador, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, All the little times on the lawn with dogs,
The Netherlands and Wales, and now
lives in Taiwan. She has four chapbooks
the church going-Firm, seemingly in line.
of poetry available on Amazon.co.uk: Public humiliation is not confined
I n d i g o S k y ( a b o u t Wa l e s ) ; To m b s
to guilty types. Live long enough,
of Gold (England); Last Boat to
Brienzersee (Europe) and The Cliffs at just an old woman in a mask sits alone,
Qingshui (Asia)
while politicians party on.
www.communitycenter.org.tw MARCH 2022 25OUTLOOK
From The End to New
Beginnings
TEXT & IMAGE: JUDY TSUEI
A
t the age of 43, I’m in the while standing outside of The Center’s Yet, over and over again, colleagues,
healthiest relationship of my office after a therapy session, “I can’t friends, clients suggested I pursue this
life. I’ve built a company with wait to have nothing to do with you path. Finally, I listened. Three short
six team members. I have a ever again.” months after I made this decision, I
book debuting on March 22nd, 2022 What had begun as a seeming hired two new writers to my team. Less
with Simon & Schuster. And, I have a fairytale romance on the island of than six months later and I have a staff
view of the ocean from my bedroom. Kauai, Hawaii, quickly devolved into of six — and counting. We’re a tiny,
But, if you told me two years ago I’d a nightmare that would meet its end mighty boutique agency now working
find myself here now, I would’ve told on another island across the globe in with health, wellness, and innovative
you that this life you’re talking about Taiwan, before I finally called it “quits,” tech clients aiming to do good in
– the one I’m living now – couldn’t and clawed my way to a new beginning. the world. We’re tender hearted
possibly come as I was in the midst of ** individuals creating change through
navigating a divorce from an incredibly Six months ago, my business mentor our zones of genius, and mentoring
unhealthy marriage with a five-year-old suggested that I consider hiring a others has become one of the greatest
in tow. team to start my own branding and joys of my life.
When my daughter and I first arrived marketing agency. Throughout my **
back in California after living in the 20- p l u s ye a r ca re e r i n b ra n d i n g , This month, I have a book called The
beautiful mountains of Beitou, I was strategy, and content creation, many Little Book of Tibetan Rites: Simple
trying to navigate how to establish people had sug gested this. I was Practices for Rejuvenating the Mind,
immediate residency so that I could resistant. Body, and Spirit coming out with an
begin counting the clock to officially file I h a d ra i s e d my t h re e yo u n ge r independent publishing house affiliated
for divorce. I didn’t know how I would siblings from the age of nine. I bathed with Simon & Schuster.
find the money to pay the deposit and them. I packed their lunches. I provided I was preparing marketing material
first month’s rent of our apartment. My feedback for my parents about their fo r a s p e a k i n g e n g a g e m e n t a n d
credit had been demolished thanks to education, their futures. I protected Googled links for the book, shocked
the debt that accrued during the time them against traditional Chinese tiger to discover that not only would it be
I was with my husband. And, I had yet parents who used physical discipline as carried at Target, but that it would also
to secure a new full-time job, given a way to keep us in line. After a lifetime be an audiobook on Audible.
that my confidence was also bruised of doing this, I didn’t want any more I have another book proposal I
from being with someone who told me, adult responsibility. worked on throughout the pandemic,
26 MARCH 2022 www.communitycenter.org.twYou can also read
