The Frost Flowers journey has been unfolding since 2023, when Lithuania marked its very first stop. After circling the globe, the seventh stop has brought us right back to where it all began. They say that “seven” is the most sacred number in the ancient civilizations, symbolizing “wholeness, good fortune, and holiness.” So, when we returned to Lithuania to prepare this exhibition, I naturally assumed that, being back in a familiar place with old friends and partners, everything would be easy and well rehearsed. Hah! Only in the end did I truly experience what it means to “go deeper and discover deeper”—yet another extraordinary journey that completely broke with convention.

For exhibitions in other countries, Charles would always rehearse the entire setup in his mind before setting off. This time, however, things were rather different, because he had to create his paintings on site at Ruta’s village within just one week. To exhibit these freshly born paintings alongside the Frost Flowers —wouldn’t that inevitably involve quite a few unknowns? I asked him with some concern, “Wouldn’t it be difficult or stressful to arrive in a new place and have to produce eight or more paintings for the exhibition?”

He smiled and replied, “With Plein-air painting, everything depends on the right time, place, and people. Whether the sky is clear or thunder rolls, really 'God knows'. As for pressure? If you have desires and expectations, if you cling to gains and losses, then pressure naturally follows.”

I immediately chimed in, “Exactly! The ‘Listen to the Water’ joint exhibition is guiding us, step by step, to learn from our great teacher "Water". Water: naturally yielding, flowing with the moment, blending into whatever it encounters. Whatever circumstances arise, we simply learn from water’s softness, humility, and flexibility, and respond accordingly. Water does not seek applause or cling to praise; it simply gives and contributes, allowing the whole to come into being. Wherever we hold an exhibition, we should never forget our original intention. Only then can we truly embody the qualities and nature of water.”

This time, thanks to Ruta’s thoughtful arrangements beforehand, the exhibition was given a venue in the National Museum of Zoology in Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city. I never imagined that we would one day be able to hold an exhibition in this more-than-a-century-old museum! Ruta’s connections and influence, built through her former position as Director of the National Environmental Protection Bureau, were truly remarkable. Every time I thought about this rare honor, my heart filled with gratitude.

But here came the challenge: after completing the paintings in the village, they first had to be exhibited publicly in the village and at a nearby exhibition venue. Only the following day could we rush to Kaunas. That meant we would have to install the exhibition on Saturday morning and hold the opening ceremony at four in the afternoon. This was the original plan arranged by Ruta and the museum director.

Oh dear—installation and opening on the very same day? That was something I had never anticipated! Although we could be considered fairly experienced, we had never conducted an on-site inspection, and exhibition setups always come with unexpected situations. After weighing everything carefully, I still felt uneasy. An inner voice kept encouraging me to “be true”—to speak openly and honestly about what was on my mind. Fortunately, Ruta understood that my concerns came from sincerity and goodwill, and eventually reached an agreement with the museum director. We successfully changed the schedule so that Saturday would be devoted entirely to installation, with the official opening on Sunday afternoon. Thank goodness we managed to make that change, because once we actually arrived and began setting up, we realized even more clearly just how necessary it was!

Alas, the reality was that the museum director was newly appointed and he's not familiar with the exhibition hall. With time running short, Charles became a little frustrated. I quickly reassured him, “He’s just new to the job and doesn’t know much yet. There’s no point blaming him. We’ll figure it out ourselves.” And just like that, Charles, Ruta, and I instantly transformed into the “strongest team.” How should the photographs and paintings be framed? How should the hooks for hanging the paintings be secured? How could we measure the spacing between works accurately? How should the layout be arranged elegantly? How should the lighting be adjusted? … Charles became the commander-in-chief, while Ruta and I, his two little assistants, scrambled to keep up.

Oh, and the artworks still needed titles and printed labels! No problem. I simply named them on the spot, following my intuition, while Ruta quickly printed the labels. Then the two of us worked together, cutting and sticking them onto each piece one by one. Wait a minute—what about the guest book, flowers, and refreshments for the Opening Ceremony? The moment Ruta heard this, off she rushed to get everything ready. How rare it was to see someone who had once held such a senior position without the slightest "hint of official airs", working shoulder to shoulder with us throughout the entire process.

We worked continuously from ten in the morning until five in the afternoon before everything was finally completed. We walked around the exhibition hall and were filled with admiration. It was neither lavish nor ostentatious, yet it was filled with a beautiful resonance of “loving energy.” More than anything, the way the three of us worked so naturally and wholeheartedly together left me deeply touched.

When Opening Ceremony arrived, everything unfolded beautifully. Parents brought their children, who were utterly fascinated by what they saw. And because this was a zoology museum, many school groups will be able to come and admire the dazzling Frost Flowers in the future as well! Never underestimate this simple, heartfelt Opening Ceremony. As we prepared to leave that evening, we took stock of the results: seventeen Frost Flower photographs were exhibited, seven had already been sold; of the ten paintings, four had already found new homes! And all proceeds from the sales this time will be returned to Ruta’s eco-village, giving this ‘Listen to the Water’ joint exhibition an even deeper and more meaningful purpose.

After all the hard work, the three of us exchanged knowing smiles. Everything had come together beautifully, completely and wonderfully.

Yes—the seventh stop brought us back to Lithuania, and only then did I realize that everything had been carrying a profound and far-reaching purpose. This beautiful “return of love,” with its overflowing affection accompanying the Frost Flowers and beautiful paintings, will remain forever in all our hearts. Warm, gentle, and deeply comforting… how wonderful it is!

Videos to share...❤️

https://youtu.be/hpnbkzWvQFw?is=BJJ2C2A6To_9l4nC

https://youtu.be/o99YP_L8_34?is=7uyilYLR7U20uzy_

冰花引領从2023年滾動至今, 自立陶宛首站开鑼。地球跑一圈, 第七站又回到原点。據說「七」是古代所有文明中最神圣的数字，被赋予「完整、幸運、圣潔」等象徵意義。故当走回該国備展时，滿以为老地方旧拍檔，定駕輕就熟。哼，到最后才见证何謂「行深见深」~ 又一趟打破常规的精彩绝倫。

过往於多國佈展，出发前Charles 必於心中預演一趟。可今回較特別，因他需於一週內在Ruta 的乡村实地創作。把憑空誕生的画作結合冰水同步展出，这是否意味着不少「未知知數」？我关心问：「初到贵境即要產八幅或更多画作來展覽，會有难度或受压嗎？」

他笑言：「戸外写生嘛, 全賴天时地利人和整體配合。放晴或打雷，全是老天爺說了算。 有压力否？你有贪有求、有得失心，压力自然來。」我搶腔：「就是啦！“听水说”联展，就在引領我们走着每步也該向伟大“水” 老師见贤思齐。水：自然随顺、溶入当下。 外緣怎呈現，学习水的柔軟、处下、灵活应对即可。水~不求掌聲、不恋讚美；只奉獻付出來成就整體。我们到哪办展也該不忘初心，這才是发揮水的特徵特性呵。」

而今回展覽得Ruta事前細心张羅，安排於立陶宛第二大城市「考納斯」的國家动物博物館之展庁进行。这逾百年博物館，想也沒想过能於此办展！前国家环保局局长 Ruta 的人脈与影響力，着实可见一斑。每当想到这难得礼遇，感激之情油然而生。可问题來啦：乡村完成創作后，需先在村內及附近展庁公展。翌日才趕赴考納斯。故只能於週六早上佈展、下午四时即开幕。这是 Ruta与馆长早計劃好的。

哎呀，佈展与开幕定作同一天？真逆料未及！虽我们算得上蛮有経验，但从没作实地堪察、且佈展时总有不少狀況；左右权衡下总觉不踏實。內在聲音一直鼓勵我「做真人」~把心中所想和盤托出。幸 Ruta体恤我这真心善意，最终跟馆长達成共悉。於週六佈展一天，週日下午才正式开幕。还好爭取到成功改期，因來到实地佈展才更覺...有这需要！

唉, 實情是這館長新官上任,對展廳不甚瞭解。礙於時間緊迫，男友有点发飙，我速安慰：「他新來的，啥也不熟，怪他無益。我们自己想办法好了。」結果，Charles、我与Ruta 登时幻化成「最強組合」。照片画作怎裱框、掛画的鈎怎固定、画与画间距怎测準、佈局怎雅观、燈光照明怎調整…Charles 当上总指揮，我与Ruta这小工拼命跟着办。

唏，作品要美名与打印标籖呀！不怕，我即場憑感覺命名，Ruta快手印标籖，我俩再合力剪贴一个个弄好。且慢，留言册、鮮花、开幕茶点呢？Ruta 一听速奔赴準備。多难得Ruta 从沒高官架子，全程齐心一起拼。一直从早上十時忙至傍晚五时才大功吿成。會場逛一圈，滿心讚嘆。不华丽浮誇，卻聚滿「爱心能量」之共振。倒是這「絲滑」般的合拍，更叫人萬般窩心！

到开幕日，一切漂亮开展。家长们携小孩看得着迷。正因是动物博物館，續后不少学校团体能观赏到璀璨冰花呢！真莫看輕这简单有愛開幕式，傍晚離去时点算一下：共展冰花十七张、已售七幅；十幅画作中 4幅名花有主！今回所有销售收益皆回馈Ruta的生態村,令这「听水說」联展更別具意义。

辛劳过后, 我仨會心微笑, 一切圆滿精彩。嗯, 第七站奔回立陶宛, 原來尽含深远宏旨 ~ 這美好的「愛心回归」, 濃濃愛意伴冰花&美画永留心中；暖暖的……真好!

附暖心視頻呵！❤️

https://youtu.be/hpnbkzWvQFw?is=Xc12rK6Ei009tYRa

https://youtu.be/o99YP_L8_34?is=bnIvL97d5dRzhVqB

“Pain. So much pain. Unbearable pain.” How can there be such excruciating pain in this world? It began as a vague sensation, as though something deep inside my organs were twisting and writhing. Then the force gradually intensified. Within just one or two breaths, it became like a sharp blade stabbing through me—twisting, pulling, tearing. My breathing grew rapid and chaotic. I felt I could not go on.
Charles looked at me. My eyes were vacant, my face ashen. He knew I was having another attack.

With what little breath I had left, I managed to say, “It hurts so much. I need to use the bathroom.” Then I rushed to the toilet.
I still remember that the toilet in the village house had a simple metal hook latch. The very moment I reached out to fasten it…
Everything went blank.
Total darkness. Not a sound. Absolute silence.
I have no idea how long time and space disappeared. When consciousness finally returned, I found myself curled up on the floor.
Ah… once again, that murderous pain had dragged me into shock.
I have suffered from this problem since childhood. Whenever the pain becomes unbearable, I simply lose consciousness and collapse. Since I never know how long I have been unconscious or where I have fallen, every time I come around, besides the pain throughout my body and the overwhelming weakness—as though every ounce of energy has suddenly been drained from me—there is also this strange inner fog: confusion, bewilderment and sadness.

Seeing me return, barely breathing, Charles said nothing. I collapsed onto the bed and closed my eyes. He touched my forehead. “Are you all right? You’re colder than ice…” Yes. Every time I come out of shock, I am drenched in sweat—great beads of cold sweat pouring from head to toe. I believe my body must be consuming enormous amounts of energy at that moment, desperately trying to repair itself and keep me alive.

Charles knows me well. He understands that all he needs to do is keep me warm. Wrapped in blankets, I could feel his large hands resting gently, again and again, on my cheeks, shoulders, arms and upper back.
At that moment, that warmth meant more than anything in the world. Every cell in my body seemed to be fighting for warmth, desperately grasping at it. Only when my frozen body gradually began to regain its temperature did he finally relax and reassure me:
“Don’t be afraid. Your temperature is back. The danger has passed.”
I had no strength even to open my eyes or respond. All I could do was silently give thanks for those warm hands that had supported me, holding me steady as I slowly, step by step, returned to life.

Sigh… truly, man proposes, but Heaven disposes. This sudden attack happened on the very day our Plein-air painting event came to an end. That evening, there was a group exhibition and a traditional folk-music performance. Yet just half an hour before the event began, I was suddenly forced to stop.
Charles looked at me with concern. "Why don’t I stay here with you…?" “No. You need to share your painting experience with the guests. I can rest here by myself.”

Charles went to the event as planned, while I quietly rested. Half asleep and half awake, I found myself thinking about the life of the great painter A.V.

So many of his words came back to me: “Painting is not simply about depicting the world we already know. It is a continuous journey of exploring the unknown. I love painting outdoors because everything is fleeting. Every creation is spontaneous—without rules, without formulas. It is freer. And this presence, this being fully present, comes closer to the ‘truth’ of nature.”
Lying there in bed, unable to attend the grand gathering, I felt deeply disappointed.
But why at this very moment? What deeper meaning might there be?
A.V. once said:
“Everyone is vulnerable. Yet vulnerability does not always appear in the form of tragedy. Sometimes it can be seen and understood anew through humour, even through the absurd. This is the belief at the heart of my work—to see truth in the absurd, and to touch the depths of life through playfulness.”

Honestly, after fainting countless times since childhood, this excruciating pain has taught me something about the very essence of life's fragility.
I often joke:
“There’s nothing much to fear. If I wake up after going into shock, I’m fine. If I don’t wake up, then it’s no longer my business.”
Life and death have never been mine to control. There is no point worrying about them.
What matters far more to me is this:
While I am alive, have I done my very best to make good use of this life?

Ah… suddenly I understood why that stabbing pain had struck.
Perhaps it had come simply to deliver a message through me:
A.V. was passionate about Plein-air painting precisely because he wanted to reveal how precious every single moment of life is. The present moment can never be repeated. The more we recognize the fragility of life and the unpredictability of the world, the more we should open our hearts and embrace Heaven and Earth.

Perhaps awakened by the pain, and deeply influenced by A.V., I suddenly had an impulse to ask Charles:
“I know your paintings are quite valuable. But what is more important—life or money?”
“You poor thing. Has the pain addled your brain? Of course life!”
“Exactly! Every painting we created in Ziboliškės village was inspired by A.V. and propelled by the energy of this place. Shouldn’t what we have created be given back? I suggest that the proceeds from the paintings created during this Plein-air event be donated to Ruta for the future expansion of the village. Let this beauty continue to grow and ripple outward.” Charles looked into my determined eyes—and agreed. ✌️

Life is about giving and contributing.
To be alive, to breathe freely, to be able to share and do something for the world—that alone is the greatest joy of being alive. There is no second prize.
I am grateful for the pain.
Grateful for A.V.
Grateful for every guidance that has brought me here.
And once again, I have been set ablaze with life.

(To be continued)

「痛、很痛、超級痛」，世上怎有如斯劇痛？開始時只隱約哪臟腑鑽呀鑽在扭動，漸拉力加強。不到一兩回呼吸即如利刃刺，扭呀扯呀、呼吸急促亂竄，快不行了。男友看我目光呆滯、臉如死灰，他知我又犯病了。

我只能用最后一口气吐話：「好痛，要上廁所。」一个急步衝洗手間去。還記得村屋厕所是用鐵勾上扣这种，拿扣在勾的当下......断片！一下子全漆黑一团、哑雀无聲，一片死寂！不知時空停頓多久, 至有覺知時, 我已捲縮地上。喔, 原來我又一趟被這奪命疼痛拖至「休克」境地。唉，從小這毛病，一痛再痛就直接「沒知覺」倒下。由於每回也不曉得休克多久、倒在哪, 故當知覺回來，除了全身痛、整個人像瞬間被抽空般虛弱乏力外, 便是內心一片混鈍、茫然與難過！

男友見我氣若如絲回來, 二話不說癱睡床上、雙目緊閉。他摸我額：「沒事嗎? 你比冰...還冷」是的, 每回休克, 醒來渾身是汗、是從頭至腳冒著豆大冷汗。相信當下身體在极速耗能來搶修、活命呢。懂我男友知道只要持續給我補暖即可。除了裹毛毯,一下一下感受到他大手擱我面頰、肩膀、手臂、上背。當時這暖比一切一切重要！身體每個細胞在搶暖,是拼命搶這種。直至僵凍身體漸喚回體溫,他才放心安慰曰：「不用怕, 體溫已回、危險期過了！」全程沒力氣睜眼及表態的我只深深鳴謝這暖手支撐我生命...一步一步走回來！

哼, 真是人算不如天算。這突襲發生在寫生結束當天, 於傍晚有共展活動與傳統民謠表演呢。竟在開鑼前半小時我忽被按停。男友關心曰：「倒不如我在這陪你….」「不行,你要跟來賓分享作畫心得, 我獨自休息便是了。」

Charles 如期赴會,我即靜心休養。半睡半醒中, 憶及大畫家A.V.的生平。他不少分享言猶在耳：「 繪畫並不是單純地描繪已知世界,而是不斷探索未知的旅程。我鍾情戶外寫生, 因一切稍縱即逝。每一創作皆即興、沒規格沒章法；這更自由、這臨在才接近“真實”的大自然！」

躺床上的我沒能出席盛會,深感遺憾。但何故是此時此刻？內藏啥深義？A.V.曾說：「人皆脆弱，這脆弱有時並不以悲劇面貌出現,反而可透過幽默甚至怪誕形式,被重新觀看與理解。這正是我創作中的信念~ 在荒謬中見真實，在戲謔中觸碰生命深處。」

坦白說，從小到大暈倒無數次，這鑽心痛叫人參透生命脆弱的本質。我常笑曰：「沒啥好怕。休克後能醒來則沒事、醒不來則沒我的事。生死從不是我的事，想多無益。我倒更在意存活當下有否盡心盡力把生命用好？」

唏, 秒懂何故突發鑽心痛, 无非借我传要旨：A.V.醉心戶外写生, 只为突显生命每一当下的彌足珍貴。 当下不能重來！越感人生脆弱、世事莫測，越需放开胸怀、擁抱天地呢！

也许受疼痛敲醒,加上深受A.V.影響。忽爾心血來潮问男友：「我知你每幅画作皆价值不菲，但...生命跟金錢哪要紧？」他笑回：「傻瓜是否痛懵了？當然是生命！」「今回在古村所有畫作無不受A.V.啟發與村莊能量的推動，產物好應回饋呀！我建議戶外寫生的賣畫收益，捐贈Ruta作日後村莊擴建之用。讓這美好持續滾動下去。」Charles看我坚定眼神，同意啦！✌️

生命就是付出奉獻。能活着+ 顺暢呼吸，我可分享、可为世界做点什麼，就已是存活最大的喜悅，沒有之二啦！感恩疼痛、感恩A.V.、感恩一切之引領，我又重燃开来咯！

（下回續）

For someone like me who has never really understood painting, I have always looked upon painters with nothing but admiration and envy. How on earth can they take an object, an image, or a person and, with just a few strokes of the brush and touches of color, bring the subject so vividly to life on canvas? What kind of secret magic do they possess?
Even though I have a boyfriend, Charles who has spent his entire life painting, I have never seriously asked him about it. Yet, somehow, after learning about the noble artistic spirit of Lithuania’s great painter A.V. and the way he devoted his entire life to painting, I suddenly felt that, deep down, these artists share the same quality of purity and innocence—as if they were born simply to do one thing well: paint!

Perhaps this is precisely the gift of fate that brought artists from different parts of the world together in this ancient village. It has allowed me to glimpse something I had never noticed before. Each artist has a completely different way of observing, capturing, and expressing what lies before them. But perhaps what matters most is not the finished painting at all. What truly captivates me is the artist’s state of mind when facing the scene—the countless ways in which body and mind become one while they are “in motion,” creating.
Every now and then, I would see Charles sitting as still as a plaster statue. After more than ten minutes, I could not help asking, “Are you all right? Are you meditating?”
“Madam, creation requires thinking! It’s certainly not a matter of standing in front of a canvas and everything magically falling into place. You know nothing about this, so please don’t disturb me!”
Hmm… I suppose this must be what they call an artist’s temperament!
That immediately reminded me of the past few days I had spent deeply immersed in reading about A.V.’s life and his philosophy of painting...

A.V. emphasized that when creativity first emerges and inspiration suddenly bursts forth, “There is nothing outside the mind; the whole person becomes completely immersed in it. Every painter encounters moments of pain and struggle, especially when painting outdoors in nature. When something feels wrong during the process of expression, it means that the structure may have a problem, and the work must be repainted or radically changed. At such a moment, he asked: “Are you willing to let go?”
Not a single brushstroke should ever be made carelessly."
Hearing the master’s profound words, I began to understand just how difficult it must be to be a painter like Charles.

But why was A.V. so deeply drawn to this ancient village?
Ruta did not elaborate. Perhaps she was leaving me more room to discover the answer for myself. How lovely it is that whenever something occupies the heart, the answer often comes quietly drifting in on its own.

One morning, we went to a neighbor’s home for breakfast. Everything was homemade, with fresh produce picked straight from the backyard—naturally delicious and full of life.
The old objects scattered around the dining room, in the corners and along the walls, were steeped in an ancient atmosphere that fascinated me. After breakfast, our hostess, Juste, enthusiastically began explaining everything to us.
With a playful smile, she first asked, “Do you know where linen comes from? What do you think these tools hanging on the wall were used for? And how old do you think this house is?”
Faced with such questions, I could only shake my head in complete ignorance.
Patiently, Juste gave us a fascinating little lesson.
“The little blue flowers growing in the backyard are flax plants. After harvesting, the flax is bundled up and dried. It is then processed with special tools, and repeatedly pulled through this large, needle-like comb. After that, the fibers are attached to this spinning wheel, spun into thread, and eventually woven into cloth…”
One single plant, she explained, could be used in its entirety. What an extraordinary example of sustainability and respect for nature!
Listening with half understanding, I asked, “Is it something like the traditional weaving methods used in ancient China?”
She burst out laughing.
“Yes... something like that! This house was left by my grandparents. In the old days, this dining room was actually where the livestock lived. Right where you are standing, there used to be cows and pigs. Over there were several sheep, and chickens too…”
My eyes lit up with delight.
“How wonderful! People here used to weave cloth and raise chickens all under the same roof. You can almost still breathe in the atmosphere of those days.”
The warm, rich energy I felt was not merely nostalgia. It was the deep, enduring atmosphere of a family that had lived here for generations—the love and warmth that had seeped into the very wood of the house. It felt like the loving protection passed down from one generation to the next.
Juste then took us around to see the stove from her grandmother’s time, the chimney, the well, the linen textiles, and various other old household objects. Every single item looked like an exhibit in a museum.
In fact, every home in this ancient village seemed to be a living testimony to history. Even an elderly grandmother simply standing outside her doorway could become a beautiful scene in itself. There was an abundance of subjects and inspiration everywhere.
I began to understand why a great painter like A.V. was so attracted to this place.

Just as I stood there gazing in amazement, Charles suddenly became as excited as a child. “No wonder every corner here is breathtaking! Look at this light—the way it slants across the scene, bringing out such a lively, vibrant character! And look at the tree and its shadow… Quick! The sun won’t wait. I have to get this onto the canvas before the light changes. No time to talk!”
Before I could even respond, he had already dashed off to fetch his painting gear. That, I suppose, is the professional attitude of a painter!

How grateful I am that this ancient village has opened my eyes and taught me so much.
I finally began to understand that beauty grows where there is love for a home and a piece of land. It quietly emerges without our noticing, and then, almost imperceptibly, is brought into being through someone’s hands. Wave after wave, it continues to unfold; generation after generation, it continues to be passed on.
How wondrous. How truly wondrous!

Charles worked intensely throughout that one week and completed ten paintings. He chuckled to himself: “I honestly never imagined I would end up with ten paintings.” I quickly chimed in, “Did it feel as though you had some Divine help?”
He simply smiled without answering.

So I added, “Perhaps it was because I have been consulting the great painter A.V. from afar every single day. Surely some of his invisible support must have rubbed off on you!”
From the bottom of my heart, I am grateful for A.V.’s invisible guidance. It feels as though, all this time, I had never truly noticed how to capture the beauty of life. Ah… and isn’t that about far more than painting?

对画画没概念的我，向來就只有对画家们投以艳羡目光。怎可把物件、影像或人物，光揮几笔添点颜色，即把實体活灵活现烙画布上？他们究竟內藏什麼秘技？面对一辈子作画的画家男友，我从没認真過问。不知恁的，當了解到立陶宛大畫家A.V.畢生作畫的高尚情操，頓感他們心靈深處是同樣的純粹無染，像天生下來只為做好一件事~畫畫！

亦正因今回天賜良緣，集結各地藝術家於這古村。更助我參透各人捕捉與表達对象之角度與方法各異，但重點不在於成品如何；倒是各畫家面對景象時的心識、其身心合一「在動」時的千姿百態才更吸睛。偶爾看Charles 如石膏像一動不動，我擔心問：「入定十多分鐘，你還好嗎？」「小姐，創作要思考的！絕非立畫布前便萬事大吉。你啥也不懂，少來煩！」嗯, 大概这就是傳說中的藝術家脾氣！遂令我聯想到这幾天一直沉醉式細閱A.V.生平與其畫畫理念......

A.V.強調：「在創意萌生、灵感爆发当下，心外无物、整个人是完全溶入其中。所有画家亦會碰到痛苦纠结時,尤其於大自然作戶外写生。当表达过程中发觉哪不對劲,代表結構或出問題,得重画或徹底改變！这时你“願意放嗎” ?每一笔也非輕率乱来的！」有感於大师之語重心長, 我开始懂畫家男友之不容易。

那何故A.V.一直鍾情古村？Ruta沒作詳解,也许给我更多发掘空間吧！可愛是每当心有所想,答案总會悄悄盪來。

某清晨到一鄰居家吃早餐,自家製又是从后園摘來的新鮮產物, 自是可口怡人。而饭庁牆上与角落旧物皆渗着古老气息,更叫我着迷。餐后女主人 Juste 热情解說。她先逗趣问：「你知道（Linen）亞麻布怎來嗎? 牆上掛的是啥工具？ 这屋你猜多久年资？」一脸无知的我只管搖头。
Juste 逐耐心给我倆上实用课：「后園种的藍色小花就是（Flax plant) 亚麻, 收成后一束束晒。經特製工具研磨后再於这針型大梳上來回拉呀拉、遂套至圓輪機上拉絲再織布…一植物全受用，環保极致。」我听得似懂非懂問：「是否像中國古时的織布…」她咧嘴大笑：「對,这屋乃祖父母留下的，餐廳古時供畜牲住，你現站立位置住著牛與豬，旁邊是幾只羊、還有雞...」

我笑逐顏開：「太好玩啦，古时大家都在織布养鸡。依稀仍能呼吸到独特況味。這饱和溫润的能量是悠久邃远的家族氛圍、是从木头渗着的 “愛与暖”...是祖先传承下來的愛心守護呢！」

接續 Juste 領我們認識祖母時代的暖爐、煙通、水井、亞麻布織品等, 每樣皆像博物館的陳列品。事實上，古村每家每戶盡是歷史見證，光門前姥姥隨便一站，便是一道亮麗風景，靈感題材多的是。相信這正是吸引大畫家之處。

我看傻眼之際，男友雀躍如小孩道：「難怪每一角落盡美不勝收。你看這光：斜斜的、映出生動活潑一面；你看這樹那影...快！太陽不等，定要盡快摘畫布上，不聊啦！」未等我回話，他已箭步飛去拿畫具。這便是畫家的專業態度! 多感恩古村給我長了不少見識。原來「美」長於有愛家園，一切於不知不覺中湧現，又在不經意中通過誰來誕生。一浪一浪衍生、一代一代流傳。妙哉妙哉!

男友奮力於一週內完成十幅畫作，他竊竊暗笑：「真沒想過竟有十幅。」我搶話：「是否覺如有神助？」他笑而不語。我補一句：「或許因我天天跟大畫家A.V. 隔空請益，料必得力於他幕後加持。」由衷感激A.V.這無形引領，我彷彿一直沒留意捕捉生命之美好！唏, 這又岂止...作画呢？

The International Plein-Air Art Symposium took place from August 1–7, 2026, in the quaint Lithuanian village of Ziboliškės, lasting one full week. Ten artists from all corners of the world took part, including artists from Poland, Israel, Estonia, and Lithuania, the two of us from Canada, two Spanish artists, and a Chinese painter who has long been living in Spain. Truly, it was an impressive and wonderfully international gathering!
I had assumed it was simply another conventional artist residency. But after settling into the village and reading through the programme details, I suddenly realised there was much more to it than that. I immediately reported my discovery to my boyfriend, Charles. After hearing me out, he rolled his eyes at me:
“You really do have a mind of your own! Years ago, you mistook Ruta for an ordinary housewife and charged headlong into a foreign country. Do you know that she is actually a senior government official? And now you’ve come here with the Spanish team without even asking about the background of the event beforehand. You’re still wandering around in a fog!”
I pursed my lips.
“I’ve always travelled through life on the strength of one thing: trust. A single word is enough for me! Who would have thought that this extraordinary country would keep presenting me with unexpected gifts every time? But when Ruta finally explained the story behind this event, I was overwhelmed with so many emotions that I hardly knew what to say.
“This year marks its third edition. Really, all I had to do was search online and I would have discovered its significance. But I’m just hopelessly naïve. The moment I got hold of the programme, I ran off to ask Ruta, ‘This project is dedicated to the painter Aleksandras Vozbinas (A.V.). Who on earth is this great master?’”
Seeing the utterly clueless expression on my face, Ruta patiently began telling me the story.
Oh my goodness! Talk about failing to recognise a true master when standing right in front of you!
Aleksandras Vozbinas, one of Lithuania’s most revered painters, was the very person this symposium was established to commemorate. I was completely stunned by my own ignorance.
Thankfully, Ruta was kind enough to comfort me:
“Never mind. We actually like you just as you are—a little innocent who knows nothing and asks nothing, but simply follows along with that wonderful determination of yours. Perhaps it was simply fate that brought you here.”

Well, please forgive me if I am still somewhat muddled as I piece this whole story together, or if my thoughts seem to keep going round in circles. Here is the story as I now understand it:
Aleksandras Vozbinas (A.V.) was a highly acclaimed Lithuanian painter who devoted his entire life to artistic creation. He was particularly drawn to nature and had a profound passion for painting outdoors. For about a decade, he would come every midsummer to stay for a while in Ruta’s picturesque old village. Far from the noise and bustle of the world, he would let his thoughts soar, immerse himself completely in nature, and paint to his heart’s content—capturing the simple beauty and rustic charm of the village on his canvases.

Sadly, the pandemic took this immensely gifted artist away. His widow, Diana, had been Ruta’s colleague and close friend for many years. After the initial grief had passed, they shared a thought: why not establish an annual plein-air artist residency?
Artists and art lovers from around the world would be welcomed to the village to paint together and form friendships through art. At the same time, A.V.’s reverence for nature, his deep love for this village, and his lifelong passion for painting could be passed on to future generations.
During the previous two editions, many of the participating painters had also been A.V.’s fellow artists and close friends. Gathering once again in this beautiful village to paint together became, in itself, one of the most meaningful ways to remember him.

Ruta emphasised:
“When the villagers see new faces arriving from different parts of the world, it is like a fresh spring bubbling into the village. The quiet little community suddenly comes alive. At the same time, it gives us an opportunity to share Lithuania’s long and rich history and cultural landscape with friends from other countries, actively promoting cultural exchange.
On the surface, this project came about because of this great painter. But at its heart, it is also rooted in his distinctive approach to Plein-Air painting and his lifelong contribution to Lithuanian art. His values are closely aligned with our country’s commitment to ecological conservation and the preservation of rural communities. That is why this initiative has continued to receive strong support from the government. Although A.V. has already passed on, whenever we see artists painting beneath the open sky, it feels as though his spirit is still here. Diana and I find great comfort in that.”

To be honest, after hearing this deeply moving story, my soul seemed to leave my body for a while. During the quiet of the night, I stood before the late painter’s masterpieces and found myself completely lost in them.
I have never formally studied painting, so I certainly cannot claim to understand art criticism or connoisseurship. Yet there was something profoundly captivating in those paintings—something that made you stop and linger.
The sincerity conveyed through their rich colours, and the artist’s deep love for life, touched the heart in a way that words could hardly describe.
I was told that throughout his 62 years of life, this great painter held more than forty solo exhibitions and participated in more than three hundred group exhibitions and artistic projects. Without doubt, he was a remarkable figure of his generation.

The words “Heaven is jealous of the gifted” briefly crossed my mind.
But as the sun began to set, I watched artists from different countries completely absorbed in their work—brushes moving freely, minds focused, hearts and spirits flowing onto their canvases.
And suddenly I thought:
How could A.V. ever truly be gone?
Perhaps he has simply transformed into another form of loving energy—quietly watching over, guiding and inspiring those who have come after him.
Here, in this beautiful old village, he continues to wander among us in another form; through the gifted hands of these artists, he lives on in their Plein-Air paintings, while inspiring countless new and beautiful moments to unfold…
And perhaps that is the true meaning of it all.

(To be continued)

「國際戸外寫生活動」自2026 年8月1-7日,於立陶宛古樸鄉村 Ziboliskes 進行,為期一週。今回來自五湖四海的畫家共十人, 包括波蘭、以色列、愛沙尼亞、立陶宛本地及我倆來自加國與兩名西班牙畫家及一名早已移居西班牙的中國畫家。著實人才鼎盛且「國際化」呢！

滿以為只是一貫的藝術駐留計劃,但當入村安頓後；看到項目章程,我才恍然大悟。馬上向男友匯報新發現。他聽後白眼瞪我：「你呀, 腦瓜永遠異於常人。早年誤以為Ruta 屬平庸家庭主婦,就橫衝直撞進陌生國度。人家身為國家局長級人馬呢。 今趟率領西班牙團隊進來,事前又不問清原委；還是糊裡糊塗…」

我抿嘴：「我向來行走江湖，一個信字即可嘛! 孰料這獨特國家每回總贈我額外禮遇！ 當聽畢Ruta 解說這活動由來, 頓時五味雜陳、接不上話。今年已是第三屆, 其實只要網搜一下,自然得悉其底蘊。可我就是笨笨的。拿到章程時還奔去問Ruta…“此項目謹獻給畫家亞歷山大.沃茲賓(A.V.)”，這大咖誰呀？」 看我一臉無知, Ruta用心娓娓道來。哎喲, 真是有眼不識泰山！這立陶宛國寶級大畫家 Aleksandras Vozbinas ...原來是次活動是為「紀念」他而設的。真夠懵的我,登時愣住。還是Ruta慈悲, 安慰曰：「沒事,就是喜歡你這小白啥也不知、又不問；只一股傻勁跟上來,大概亦是因緣滙合天遣你到來吧!」

嗯, 請恕我如今重組案情還在迷糊狀態或講話跳針。整個故事的來龍去脈如下：
亞歷山大.沃茲賓 (A.V.)乃立陶宛赫赫有名的畫家,畢生醉心藝術創作。尤其祟尚大自然、對戶外寫生情有獨鍾。故約十年前起, 每年仲夏皆前往Ruta這古意盎然的鄉村短居, 於遠離塵囂的大自然中讓思緒放飛、盡情融入天地間作畫；把村莊純樸風韻收攝畫布中。

無奈一趟疫情把這才華洋溢的大畫家捲走。其遺孀 Diana 乃 Ruta 多年同事兼摯友。大家於傷痛過後,萌生一念：每年舉辦藝術戶外寫生駐留計劃。歡迎世界各地的藝術愛好者前來寫生,以藝術會友；同時亦把 A.V.對大自然的敬畏、對這鄉村濃濃的愛及對繪畫的熱情傳遞下去。而於過去兩屆,到來的畫家不少也是A.V.的同行好友, 大家於這美麗鄉村再次共聚作畫, 亦是對他最佳的懷緬。

Ruta 強調：「古村家家戶戶看到新面孔到來, 猶如清泉湧入；令寂靜小村頓時生機勃勃。同時能趁機把歷史悠久的立陶宛風貌與各國友好分享,對文化交流起積極的推動作用。這項目雖表面上是因這大畫家而來, 但亦源於他戶外創作的獨有画風與畢生對立陶宛藝術的貢獻。與我們國家對生態保育、對鄉鎮的維護理念一致；故此舉一直受國家的全面支持。A.V. 雖已駕鶴西去, 但每每看著畫家們在天幕下作畫；彷彿他的精神永在, Diana 與我還是相當欣慰！」

坦白說, 當我獲悉這動人故事後，靈魂持續出竅，內心湧著說不出的滋味。夜閒人靜時立於這已故畫家佳作前, 我竟看至走神。我沒學過繪畫, 談不上懂鑑賞什么的, 但卻感受到有一種懾人魅力叫你駐足細味。畫作豐富色彩所流露的真誠及對生命的熱愛總教人無限窩心。據悉大畫家於此62載歲月中, 個展逾四十場, 參與各聯展項目竟逾三百個之多。絕對是一時無兩。

「天妒英才」這慨嘆曾一度掠心底。但當夕陽西下, 看著各地畫家忘我揮筆、凝神聚氣地在畫布上心流作畫。A.V. 大畫家何曾遠去？他只是化作另一種大愛能量在護持、在推送。於美美古村中, 持續遊走你我間；遂借由各人之巧手炮制出一幅幅寫生佳作, 並悄悄地衍生更多精彩瞬間......罷了！

(下期續)

“Have you ever seen those beautiful frost flowers quietly blooming on glass windows in the depths of winter?” Years ago, while chatting with my dear friend Ruta, I suddenly asked her this question. Ruta smiled and replied, “Of course! When I was a child, I often saw them in the remote countryside, and they touched me deeply. We truly believed they were beautiful surprises prepared for us by the fairies of Heaven!”

“Then perhaps I should bring an exhibition to your country and share with everyone the precious fruits of Professor Kuo’s years of photographing these Frost Flowers? You and I both love nature. Perhaps it is a beautiful destiny that God has chosen to bestow such a generous gift upon lovely Lithuania as the first destination!” As I excitedly poured out my idea, she was already smiling. She knew all too well that I am a creature guided by intuition—once an idea is born, wave after wave of events simply seems to unfold.

And so it began. From the first Frost Flower Exhibition in Lithuania in 2023, hosted by Lithuania’s national environmental authority, my boyfriend, Charles and I embarked on a nonstop journey: Canada later that same year; Japan in 2024; Spain and India in 2025; and Mexico in 2026. After circling the globe, the seventh stop of the World Tour has returned to the Lithuania I dearly love. Was it merely a coincidence, or was it all part of a divine plan?

I still remember last summer, when we held the "Listen to the Water" joint exhibition featuring Frost Flower photography in Spain. Through a wonderful convergence of circumstances, I met several local artists who shared our passion and vision. Coincidentally, Ruta was telling me at the same time about a group of painters who were coming to her ancient village to paint outdoors. She immediately invited me: “Next year, come back to Lithuania and join our Plein-Air painting symposium. After Charles has immersed himself in nature and created his paintings, we can exhibit them together with the Frost Flowers, giving the local community a feast for the eyes!” Wow! My heart leapt at the idea. “Wonderful!” I replied. “Then let’s bring along the Spanish friends I’ve just met, and have everyone come together to Lithuania for Plein-Air painting—and a Frost Flower exhibition!”

People often say that life is unpredictable. Would our promise made a year earlier really come true? Well, destiny has its own mysterious and moving ways. I have always believed: “Words need not be many. Sincerity is enough.” Although we live in different countries, our genuine and wholehearted exchanges had already gently woven our hearts together.

And so, at the end of July, the two of us from Canada and four friends from Spain—including one fellow Chinese and one Polish lady—gathered in Lithuania, ready to embark on a magical journey of artistic creation. After a year apart, the warmth between us had not faded one bit. The moment we met, we were laughing and playing together like old friends who had never been separated. Yet whenever the conversation turned to art, we became equally unstoppable, talking passionately and endlessly!

Honestly, the thought of bringing this wonderful group of painters to my dear friend Ruta’s village for Plein-Air painting, and then fulfilling my dream of presenting my mentor’s Frost Flower exhibition there, filled me with joy from the very moment I boarded the plane. Every step of the journey, I felt no doubt, anxiety, or hesitation. Because the feeling of "Being Used"… feels wonderful!

That said, before setting off, all I knew was that this would be a one-week international artistic exchange and creative collaboration. But I am not a painter! Ruta comforted me: “What does every production need besides its leading actors? What are your magnificent Frost Flowers born upon?” I smiled. “Exactly! The supporting characters are indispensable! Frost Flowers cannot simply appear out of thin air. Behind them are glass windows, seven-colored fabrics, and so much more… Whatever supporting role I play is fine with me, as long as it helps bring the whole production to life perfectly!”

Indeed, I often say that on the grand stage of Planet Earth, our tools and professions may differ, and our roles may be different, but every role is indispensable. Perhaps this is the essence of an integrated Oneness—the law of coexistence in harmony with the Dao and Nature. Throughout that week, artists from different countries immersed themselves in the simplicity and beauty of the ancient countryside, painting day after day. And I, the “supporting actress,” happily played my many cameo roles: morning exercise instructor, on-the-spot Chinese–English interpreter, bread and pastry baker, and three-meals-a-day server. Now that the Plein-Air gathering has come to an end, I have naturally jumped into yet another role—the travel writer and storyteller, bringing you a first-hand account of this extraordinary journey. Ah, how fortunate I feel to keep changing roles, while witnessing the beautiful birth of something truly extraordinary!

On July 31, when I finally arrived at Ruta’s ancient village of Ziboliškės, I truly began to understand the touching story behind this entire Plein-Air painting experience. I suddenly remembered the summer of 2018, when I had travelled alone into this simple, rustic village, carrying a heavy backpack. Eight years later, I returned once again, still carrying that same heavy backpack—only this time, I was bringing five dear friends with me. It felt almost as if I had been given a special mission, or perhaps quietly pushed forward from behind by some greater hand.

After all these encounters and reunions, I can sum up my feelings in just one sentence: Surrender to the beauty of Heaven and Earth. Surrender to the love of Oneness. And with that surrender, I find myself deeply moved by every single moment. I write with my heart, though I have no idea how many words it will take this time to fully express what is within me. So, dear friends, I invite you to journey with me and slowly savour the memories of this extraordinary adventure — “The Plein-Air painting & Frost Flower... Journey of Love.”

(To be continued)

Add-on Video clip😉 ~

https://youtu.be/rz__m6SnlfU?is=TRK5R7oXN-aMzOV6

「你见识过隆冬靜悄悄浮現在玻璃窗上的漂亮冰花嗎?」多年前与摯友Ruta 闲聊时忽爾一问。Ruta 笑回：「当然有呀, 小时候在偏远乡下就常常被这震撼心弦。深信这是天庭仙子为我们準備的驚喜礼物呢！」「那倒不如我來你国办展, 把郭老師歷年拍下的心血結晶公諸同好？你我深愛大自然, 说不定是良緣讓这天送厚礼於美丽立陶宛作首推！」当我兴冲冲吐着想法, 她已在笑。因她清楚我这直觉導航生物, 但凡一念生, 即有浪接浪的劇情鋪陳开来。

於是, 从2023 年立陶宛国家环保局的「首站」冰花展拉开帷幕, 我与男友即馬不停蹄滾動着：同年的加拿大、2024年的日本、2025年的西班牙与印度, 2026 年的墨西哥。地球繞一圈, 世界巡展第七站又回到我钟愛的立陶宛。究竟是巧合还是上天早有安排？

猶记得去年炎夏在西班牙办「听水说」冰花联展时, 因緣和合下結識到志同道合的当地画家。刚巧另一边廂的Ruta 同步跟我分享於其古老乡村正迎來一群画家在戶外写生。她顺势邀约：「明年你也回立陶宛,參加我们的写生吧。 Charles 在大自然中尽情創作后可与冰花同展, 供市民大饱眼福呗！」哗,一听心喜歡！我直言：「太好了! 那我们就联同剛認識的西班牙友好, 一团人浩浩蕩蕩进立陶宛写生兼办冰花展咯!」

有人说, 世事难料；一年之约真會兑现嗎? 嗯, 緣份这回事永遠有其微妙动人处。我一直深信：「话不用多。真、足矣！」各人虽身处異國, 可真摯竭誠的情感互动早溫柔地把大家的心緊繫一起。就这样, 七月底，加国我俩与西班牙四友好 (当中包括一中国同胞与一波兰女子) 齐集立陶宛, 準備開展一趟神奇創作之旅。

阔別一年, 热情未退。一见面就是如膠似漆地嬉笑玩鬧。然而, 一論及艺术創作,又是口若懸河地滔滔不絕！老實說, 能接引这群画家來到挚友 Ruta 的乡村作戶外写生、續后更可圓夢办恩师的冰花展；我呀,着实从登机一刻就乐乐的。在外走着每一步, 从没置疑或焦慮不安；因「被使用」的感覺… 真好!

話說回來,出发前,我只了解此乃为期一週的艺术共創交流团。但我不是画家呀！Ruta安慰：「任何劇目, 除主角外还需什麼？如你这艳丽冰花诞生在啥上？」我莞爾：「沒錯, 配角不能少！对呀~冰花不能憑空而生。背后少不了玻璃、七色彩布…我当哪种配角无妨,只要令整劇完美呈現即可！」

都说於地球大劇院內, 只是工具/ 工种不同,你我他角色虽有異,但卻缺一不可!这才是一体整合「道法自然」之共生法則! 一週內, 各國画家投入大自然純樸古村中画呀画, 而我这配角同場客串：晨起跳操教練、中英即場翻譯員、面包甜点烘焙師、三餐服務生。那如今写生团結束, 我又順势跳到遊记敘述員这崗位上,为大家直擊報導。哗, 多庆幸能一直变换工種、且见证这一切之殊勝誕生。

当7月31日親臨Ruta的 「日博利什凯斯」(Ziboliskes) 古村, 才真正理解整个戶外写生活動背后之動人故事。回想着2018 年夏天,我一人扛重甸甸背包闯入这質樸村庄。阔別八年, 如今依舊揹同一厚重背包, 再攜五友好进村。像別具使命般、又或是被某大手於背后默默推送着......

经历一切之邂逅, 惟总结一句：臣服於天地之美、臣服於一体大爱；教我深邃感动每一刻！我手写我心，不曉得今回需耗多少笔墨方能訴尽心中情，願君伴我齐回味~此趟人间大愛之「写生冰花旅」。

(下文續)

附古村視頻供欣賞~😉

https://youtu.be/rz__m6SnlfU?is=ZQT-wxiQaMSg9HOd

This time, I set off for Lithuania to bring our "Frost Flowers World Tour Exhibition" to Europe. Before heading there, we planned to spend a week in the Netherlands, meeting with local galleries and exploring possibilities for future collaboration. Flying from Toronto to Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, we deliberately chose a late-night flight. The plan was simple: sleep through the journey and wake up refreshed in a foreign land. Perfect, right? Well… how could life possibly follow such a perfect script? As the saying goes, “Dream on!” What we imagine is often nothing more than a beautiful fantasy of our own making. Sure enough, the young men seated all around us happened to be extraordinarily energetic. The sounds of video games, laughter, shouting and cheering rose and fell around us without a moment's peace. My ears were practically soaked in noise throughout the entire flight! So much for sleeping peacefully all the way to Europe. The reality was this: I was desperately sleepy, yet every burst of noise seemed to hammer directly into my head. My eyes were dry and heavy, yet sleep stubbornly refused to come. My brain felt as though it had been torn into four pieces. And so, I spent the entire flight staring into the darkness, accompanying the endless waves of noise until we finally landed. My grand plan for a sweet dream had officially gone up in smoke. But never forget: you are the master of your own little world. The very same situation does not necessarily feel the same to everyone. My boyfriend sitting beside me was clearly one of the blessed ones. He simply ignored the commotion around him and slept soundly, as if nothing in the world could disturb him. Honestly, that kind of innate talent for sleeping through anything is a gift I have always envied from afar! Seeing my exhausted, lifeless expression while he remained surprisingly energetic, he comforted me: “Don’t worry. We’ll catch up on some sleep at the hotel and figure things out afterward.” Unfortunately, jet lag had other plans. That first night, even at three o’clock in the morning, I was still lying there wide awake. Exhausted beyond words, yet unable to sleep—the frustration was enough to drive me crazy. It was not until four or five in the morning that I finally managed to drift into dreamland. And then, in the very next moment, something happened that left me completely stunned. In the midst of that peaceful, silent atmosphere, a deafening fire alarm suddenly pierced the room. What? A massive alarm? Then came an urgent announcement over the loudspeaker: “Everyone must evacuate immediately through the emergency exits. Do not delay!” Oh, come on… Seriously? This cannot be happening! Although every fibre of my being resisted the idea, the blaring alarm kept pounding away. My boyfriend and I frantically tapped our own heads, trying to wake ourselves up. “Fire alarm! It’s real… it’s a fire alarm!” I don't even know whether I was shouting for him to hear me—or shouting simply to wake myself up. Sometimes, when you are still trapped halfway between sleep and reality, you really do have to shout at yourself to become fully conscious. Hearing the sound of people running outside our room, we finally realized that this was not a drill. We really had to get out—and quickly! There was no time to discuss what to take. We each grabbed whatever happened to be within reach and… ran. We ran down the emergency staircase, rushing all the way to the ground floor without stopping to think. When we reached the lobby, it was already packed with hotel guests. Everyone stood around with exhausted faces, whispering among themselves, trying to understand what had happened. Not long afterward, the hotel manager came to explain the situation. Apparently, a guest had been smoking in his room. Worried that the smoke would trigger the fire protection system, he had apparently disconnected the detector himself. What he didn't realize was that the detector was connected to the hotel's entire fire alarm system. The moment something unusual was detected, the system immediately triggered the alarm. It was, in fact, the hotel's built-in safety mechanism. The manager sincerely apologized for frightening everyone. After hearing the whole story, we could only laugh helplessly again. I couldn't help thinking: “When you're already down on your luck, somehow the strangest things come looking for you!” After finally managing to fall asleep, we were rewarded with a midnight fire evacuation. What a night! We walked back to our room in a daze, still wondering: Why did one unfortunate event have to follow another? And of all things, how did we manage to experience a false fire alarm in the middle of the night? Surely there must be some precious lesson hidden inside all this chaos. Suddenly, I turned to my boyfriend and asked: “When we had to escape as quickly as possible, what important thing did you take with you?” He pulled a single mobile phone from his pocket. Nothing else. Then he looked at me curiously. “What about you? Your passport? Your wallet?” Neither. I reached into my coat pocket and pulled out… a little teddy bear. He stared at me in disbelief. Then he added: “You really are one of a kind!” Well… From my perspective, there was absolutely nothing strange about it. My little bear has been by my side day and night. To me, he is family—a truly cherished member of my family. He knows all my joys and sorrows. He has accompanied me through countless moments, and somehow, I have always felt that he understands me. So, if the world were suddenly falling apart, of course I would want this little companion beside me. Money and possessions are replaceable. They are merely things of this world. But a companion filled with memories, affection and emotion? That is something I could never simply leave behind. You may laugh and call me silly. That's perfectly fine. Because when the moment came, my actions had already answered everything. After travelling around the world and staying in countless hotels and guesthouses in different countries, I finally experienced a real hotel fire evacuation for the very first time. I was already physically and mentally exhausted, only to be given an unexpected midnight adventure. Indeed, it certainly lived up to the old saying: “When you're down on your luck, trouble seems to come looking for you.” Yet strangely enough, beneath all the exhaustion and absurdity, I felt as though my soul had been washed clean. Perhaps that is the real gift hidden inside this seemingly ridiculous episode. We spend so much of our lives accumulating things—money, possessions, status, achievements, plans and dreams. Yet when a fire alarm suddenly sounds and you have only seconds to decide what to carry with you… What do you instinctively reach for? Your passport? Your wallet? Your phone? Or something that carries a piece of your heart? Perhaps that is the question life quietly placed before me that night. In the end, we cannot take everything with us. You probably already know the next line: “Of all that we possess, nothing can truly be carried away.” So then… What, exactly, is the essence of this journey we call life? Why have we come into this earthly world for this one brief journey? Perhaps the answer is not hidden in what we accumulate, but in what we love, what we cherish, what we give, and what remains within our hearts when everything else falls away. My dear friends, perhaps it is worth sitting quietly with this question for a while. When life suddenly sounds the alarm, what will you choose to carry with you? And perhaps, in that one simple choice, you may discover what truly matters.

今回奔赴歐州立陶宛办冰花世界巡展, 需先搁荷兰一週與当地画廊洽商日后的合作機會。而从多倫多赴荷蘭首都阿姆斯特丹, 今趟选乘深夜航班; 打算一觉睡醒便抵異乡,多好。哼, 劇情怎會尽如人意？「想得美」往往純屬个人一廂情願的妙想天開吧!

結果, 同行机上偏偏於我俩四周置滿異常活潑的年青小伙子。遊戲机聲浪夾雜笑聲欢呼聲此起彼落, 保管你耳根持續浸泡於喧囂中, 折騰至哭笑不得! 什麼一觉酣睡至異乡？实情是：超級渴睡卻被嘈雜聲猛敲腦门、双目乾澀卻被拒进萝乡；整个腦瓜被撕得四分五裂般叫人難受。就这眼睜睜伴聲浪熬至下机一刻, 我的甜夢大计只得宣告永遠落空。

但別忘了：你是你专属世界的主人。同一場景，不见得人人如我般活受罪。身旁男友就是雷打不動的有福之人。懶理那誰在旁打鑼打鼓,他還是安寝无休。的確, 天生異禀这尚佳本領,我从来就只得空羡慕！

看我一脸死灰,精神唤发的他安慰：「没关係, 先赴酒店补眠后再算吧。」但碍於时差作用，首夜至凌晨三点还是「眼光光」。持續倦透卻睡不來的苦澀简直教我抓狂。一直熬至四五时才勉強可進夢乡。可下一秒发生的事, 卻真叫人一脸錯愕！

於一片祥和靜謐气息中,突然一震耳欲聾的火警钟響鑽进心田。什麼？巨響？巨響配以廣播紧迫喊道：「所有人需立即於逃生门疏散撤離, 刻不容緩！」沒有吧…不好玩啦…虽心有千万般不情願，但警笛聲一下下轟來时, 我俩还是从慌亂中趕忙敲了几下头臚令自己清醒开来！「走火警、是真的…走火警呀!」

不知是喊给他听、抑或要把自己叫醒？要从迷糊中站穩, 有时还真要用力喊。听著房门外人潮奔跑聲,我倆方意識到真要尽快撤離！没来得及商量,各自拿起什麼便…跑…一直跑！从逃生门一直忘我地沿楼梯狂奔地面去。

哗,酒店地面早站滿一地旅客。人人掛倦容在喋喋私语。不久酒店经理前來解釋：「刚遇上一住客疑似在房中吸烟,他担心烟霧會令防火系統作響,便自行拔掉之。孰料这自动感應器与整棟酒店的火警系統互連, 当稍出異样即迅速拉警報。此乃酒店预設的安全措施, 故著實抱歉令大家受驚。」听畢原委,再一趟哭笑不得！直罵「越窮越见鬼」~难得入睡卻來走火警！

茫然走回房間, 心里怪叫：倒霉事接二連三, 連誤鳴走火警这世紀奇事卻真會碰上；究竟內藏啥珍貴啟示? 我瞬間清醒問男友：「极速逃命时, 你抓了什麼重要物品同行？」他从口袋拔出手机一支, 沒其他了。他倒好奇反問：「你呢? 護照还是錢包？」

两者皆沒拿。沿外套口袋拔出一只熊娃娃…他傻眼望我遂补一句：「你~果真世间稀有！」嗯, 於我而言：我朝夕与共的熊宝就是親人、摯親的家人! 我向來的喜怒哀樂只牠清楚, 直觉沒啥比这親人重要啦! 当世界粉碎瓦解前,惟願这小可愛伴我。錢财身外物, 但滿有感情的同行熊宝是絕不能遺棄的。任你疯笑我傻瓜無妨, 事實上我的行動說明一切！

唉, 遊走地球村、住尽各国酒店旅館,实地走火警还真是生平的首回初体验。身心累透还要虚驚一場, 虽應验这句「越窮越见鬼」,但不知恁地灵魂卻被沖洗一番！ 真的,万般帶不走,你必懂下一句吧! 那究竟啥才是你來塵世走一趟的核心所在？？朋友, 好好靜慮一下吧！

(續上文)

上文「做真人」話匣子一打開，大家聊得興高采烈。可漸漸卻從字裡行間感到同修們深層的隱憂：做真人太難咯、一不小心怕傷害友好、容易弄得關係緊張；最後沒了朋友便孤獨終老。一籮筐擔心恐懼已壓過頭！這會否是大家熟悉的習性？一切還沒開始、仍沒行動便把自己嚇壞，乾脆敲退堂鼓罷了。維持舊有的「假假地」較穩妥！反正放眼望去，你假我假大家假，誰不是披面具渡日？混人叢中一晃眼走畢全程，多好。尤其面具已根深柢固地緊貼肌膚，就留著來遮面擋風不也很好？犯不著赤裸裸做真人時，只我一人吃虧。

這以上剖析會否是你心底暗想？這無非是「自我」說的嘛。情形就是：你早把「我」分裂出來在先，是套了「我」這幻我頭套/眼鏡來看世界。那自然是以分裂我來「跟你真」，是否永遠隔著一條縫、一個殼？所以，怎做還是自我練功夫、自我練無我、自我練做真人！如是這至天荒地老，自我永保不失地跑畢一生！故只需在一切之先，穿越幻我這自製分裂，回歸本來的一體，才直指根源啦。還有就是大家最愛預設一大堆，這同是自我小鬼之把戲；將你重重綑綁、裹足不前。怕大家又霧裡看花，再下一城說故事好了。哼，继上回彩虹帽，同是衣物好玩的「對調戲」。

初移民加國時，只得隔年返港與親們短聚。而每趟我皆爭取機會，跑回一所佛教團體開設的餐廳當義工。當時這所餐廳的營運模式相當前衛，所有員工盡是義務性質，而營運收益全作弘法利生之用。說實話，每回奔去當義工服務員算是我的最大樂趣。餐廳上下皆清楚我這游子過客身份，倒更珍惜短暫相處與交流。猶記得一回我到餐廳上班，大廚老遠奔來熱情打招呼。我竟被他身上獨特T恤抓住心神。他关心我近況如何，我簡約匯報後竟聽到自己直白問：「大廚哥，你這T恤巧特別，不像香港買的，是嗎？」他喜孜孜答：「是呀，那年遊尼泊爾買的。」

接下來的舉動連我自己也覺惹笑。我看牢他雙目問：「我很喜歡，你送我好嗎？」冷不防我這一問，他呆在當場。我篤定杵原地等他。過一會他緩過神曰：「哦，你那麼喜歡呀，我回家洗乾淨送你吧。」我笑出淚光搶話：「不麻煩你洗啦，直接給我便好。」他先是一愣，隨即咔咔大笑：「生平首見竟有人這直率可愛，妙！」二話不說，他進更衣間換過廚師服，即爽快拋T恤予我。我莞爾：「多謝大廚哥，我也是生平首回如是這… 放心，我定當好好珍愛之，以感激你這慷慨割愛！」

你看，一切跳過頭腦思維，是否簡單無礙？自此再沒因緣會這大廚，但可愛T恤一直伴我側，亦是我「做真人」的最佳勉勵。這午後的真誠互動，遠超世間所有物質化東西。我倆當下笑聲、真心一瞬已夠彼此長留這份愛於心田；那一道亮麗回憶早超越人世一切之美好！

「真」，就是這般純粹而溫暖！試試吧，你我皆可以。

(續上文)

常感委屈納悶的親們，不妨慢下來細味一下：是否每回委屈生起前，你內在早已暗藏堆堆預想與期盼？又或總愛當「老好人」與扮大方在先？所以，是時候來一個「華麗轉身」、回過頭來感恩這伴你良久的委屈情愫及其附帶產生的胸悶、打嗝、背疼等症候。皆因種種只是攜手來敲你：「不真啦」！

以上這內容是近期共修會上聊最多的。有些同學以為要當「老好人」才受歡迎、坦蕩蕩的「真」會開罪他人、「假假的」才獲人緣佳。哎呀，又一天大誤會。要知道，你的討好巴結、阿諛奉承與不真，滿以為必需穩當地掛副面具來迎合外部世界，卻不自覺地拖自己進入迷糊模式的無明人生呀。你向外散播不真頻率，自然吸引同類過來。就這樣類近愛面子的眾生，自會物以類聚；於閉環內互相催眠麻醉下去。但假假的面具人持續久了，身體這「道體」於撐不下去情況下，只得通過生病來通知主人：「要停啦，做真人才是唯一出路。」嗯，我這過來人，還是鋪陳一可愛故事佐證之。

那年遠赴印度求學，短居個多月即結交上蠻多瑜伽愛好者。猶記得當時前輩提醒：「你們外國人，要多體恤印人之貧苦，下回再來時多備物資呀。」於是，2008年第二趟重回印度上深造班時，背包早加添文具娃娃等以便沿途布施結緣。當然，也不是「己高人低」式的任意莽動。只是偶遇稚童或覺時機合適時，即送些什麼予他們留念罷了。某天即發生一有趣插曲，當我與閨密於路邊嘆咖啡時，一名十五、六歲的印度女生迎面奔來。她的確從老遠「一支箭」般衝到我跟前即停下。我瞪眼看她，她邊打招呼邊咧嘴大笑曰：「小姐，你這冷帽太好看啦，我遠遠已被這七彩顏色吸引，太陽下倍覺奪目。多艷麗呀！」

老實說，她這猛然行徑害我心頭一顫。回過神後我只禮貌點頭。可她仍努力不懈地說盡世上所有讚美詞來誇我這冷帽，我只忙亂笑笑、像啄木鳥般笨笨點頭。這古怪情景僵住好幾分鐘，直至手機鈴聲響起。看我接通來電聊呀聊，女生才沒趣離去。續後閨密訓話：「你這笨蛋，人家誇你那麼久，無非看中你這頭上冷帽啦。」恍然大悟的我笑言：「哎呀，原來她想要… 為何不直言？」「相信世上只你這超級鈍胎，那若她真開口要，你送她嗎？」哈哈，問得好。我乾脆曰：「不會！若她直問當場，我即坦言：『這亦是我心頭好，抱歉未能送你！』我決不為充面子來對自己與他人『不真』，損人不利己，何苦呢？」

過去的我當過好幾回「老好人」，勉強割愛來討他人歡心，可事後卻一直耿耿於懷地悔不當初。多無聊的自欺欺人呀。撞牆多回，痛改前非。因一人不真在先，卻會掀動一波又一波的不真浪潮，影響深遠呢。自此七色彩虹帽與我形影不離，就是絕佳提醒：真心要世界純淨美好…… 做真人，必先從自己出發！

朋友們，你常感委屈嗎？這壓抑感會否常出沒於心底、且伴你一路成長？沿途與眾多病患結緣，雖各人生活圈盡不同，但究其心結成因，竟不約而同地離不開這「委屈」二字。真不曉得：是否某暢銷言情小說或膾炙人口的電視劇影響深遠？彷彿大多女生於年少時一同服下持久力特強之迷幻藥；隨年齡遞增，其藥力更會變本加厲地倍增。最終衍生出「委屈派掌門人」的姊妹群。

近日冰姐於共修群內分享一納悶個案，遂勾出大家厚厚的委屈事件簿。冰姐扼要陳述：「某外地來的同修欲找地道改衣店與洗衣舖。看他人地生疏，我即義不容辭協助之。無奈白白折騰一整天、是難得一週僅一天的珍貴休息日呢。有夠委屈啦！」我狐疑：「不是你見義勇為在先？何解收獲滿肚鬱結？願聞其詳。」她慨嘆道：「改衣服需整件修葺，費用頗高。我第一時間給他報價，可能他上課沒看到，我在外不便久等，只好應允師傅按流程改吧。續後他才回覆『那麼貴就不改啦。』哎呀，師傅已起動，『頭洗濕了』怎辦？兩難下我便自掏腰包補貼些費用，就當美滿完事好了。之後，再辦妥洗衣事宜。二事弄畢至傍晚拖倦軀回宿舍，交還二物予他時，他只簡單言謝。登時心頭湧上莫名失落。越想越氣：斷送一天休假、貼錢買難受、還要跑腿整天！嗚嗚嗚……委屈透頂！」

玲姐隨即和應：「這委屈心情我懂，類近例子我也多的是。一趟與友人結伴出遊。回程時汽車沒油；我便爭付入油費。噓，怎知這同學老實不客氣，竟狂灌滿滿一缸油。害我花上好幾佰元，我的媽呀……直感莫名憋屈，胸口壓痛好幾天呢！」話音剛落，敏姐搶話：「數天前我同樣委屈呀。我首回自然農耕的番茄大豐收，喜滋滋公告天下，歡迎弟兄姊妹到田園摘回家享用。豈料室友竟摘走我摯愛的巨無霸番茄。我不知花了多少心血朝夕呵護才產出這巨茄，她真是……唉！教我屈悶難當。」

嘩，原來大家同屬委屈派掌門人。再翻看大家皆有胸悶、打嗝、腮腫等類近症候。都說人呀，可以借諸多說法瞞天過海，可身體只管如實呈現真理實相。我速問：「大家有類近症候，何以故？」眾人異口同聲：「委屈嘛！受盡委屈，身體自然難受，故藉打嗝這些洩氣平衡。」我笑曰：「不是的。你的胸悶打嗝是來敲你：『不真啦』！大概人人愛當受害者角色，又或苦情戲中毒太深。滿以為當上意難平的委屈公主，即將討得所有人的熱淚與關愛。但但但大家卻忽略……在你委屈前，是誰當上「老好人」來討好與扮大方？」接收到這猛然回話，頃刻寂靜。三女遂慚愧得無地自容。

冰姐先開腔：「哎呀，竟全迷進局中！對呀，他從頭到尾也不知情，是我自編自導自演而已。」玲姐敏姐漸醒悟：「沒錯，背後充當老好人才是一切之源。討好在先，全因不真；收穫委屈，怪不得誰。」我莞爾：「錙銖必計小心眼，卻要裝作心量寬廣大好人。結果事與願遺，徒得委屈下場，伴以打嗝腮腫作紀念品。你說慘不慘？」水落石出後大家面面相覷，我遂勉勵：「沒事，幸終找到根源。朝『做真人』出發吧，身體毛病與委屈情結將得以自動化解。一起加油呵！」

(下期續)