An Eighth Shot of Espresso: Coffee and Creativity on Mum's Third Shift

It's rather odd... My ancestors have come and gone generations separate us and yet... I still feel them every time I take up my brush and trace every character stroke. And every time I put my hands around a bowl of steaming egg drop soup. When I go through language lessons wrapping my head around measure words and many dialects. I try to pick up noodles with the plain wooden chopsticks with very little grace. Today starts a new year The Year of the Wood Snake "Gõngxĩ făcái. Happy New Year."

Already preparing for the year of the Wood Snake the Dragon will go back to slumber until it is called again. Snake is cool and cautious a detached observer analytical not swayed by fancy words or pretty baubles. But they are sensitive intelligent keen of delving into the mysteries of life artistic, creative. Be wary of the Snake but do not be afraid. Respect their space admire their patience they will be your friend.

I. Rabbit in the moon watching for an entire year it is all amused at mankind's quirks and foibles bathing all in silver light. II. Vigil is closing as the moon rises and sets others take the stage someone not so retiring and a boldness in the sky III. Yin flows into Yang Cycle builds ever upwards Wait with bated breath the soft coming of the dawn bright light glints on waiting scales. IV. No, not the Phoenix but the mythic companion Strong but always there to breathe the cleansing fire for those that came before it. V. The rabbit awaits the end of their nightly vigil greets the welcome light Nods at the wise old dragon and vanishes with the night.