In Sanjhih, Taiwan
I’m a Western girl uncovering a whole new world. I started in Taiwan, moved to Hong Kong, and, now, I’m in this strange place called “home.” This blog is about connections. And people. And change. I write about many things, but, mostly, I talk about puzzle pieces: I’m trying to connect the puzzle pieces of our world.
I call this blog shift because that’s what I feel like these days. Like I am shifting. Like everything is shifting.
Both inside and out.
“The only thing that is constant is change.” ― Heraclitus
(This is a rough draft. Isn’t everything in life?)
well said -!!
Thank you!
Thanks for the follow and for sharing my journey with me. Peace.
You’re more than welcome, David! I enjoy your posts immensely. Thank you for sharing my journey as well. :)
Hello Jessica!
I see that you have been to Taiwan and Hong kong, but do you also have any plans to visit India?
Hi Ramu. Yes! I would love to visit India. Someday… It is definitely on my list. Merry Christmas!
I loved Hong Kong! I would very much enjoy returning to HK and also Taiwan to photograph.
You loved Hong Kong? So did I! Except for the crowds. Those got old after a while. But, yes. You must return, and definitely visit Taiwan, too. It’s a beautiful country filled with beautiful people–I would love to go back. Thanks for following!
I have an Asia obsession now that is fostered in large part by the food. Where do you live now?
The food? Lol. I like Asian food, too, though Taiwanese food was (generally) not my favorite. Currently I’m in Northern California, about two hours from the Bay Area. I’m hoping to get into graduate school, but, if that doesn’t work out (and maybe even if it does), South Korea is calling my name.
Wow, we are neighbors (in the global sense) I am currently living in Palo Alto. I am driven by Sushi and Dim Sum with a penchant for Vietnamese rice dishes, Thai noodle dishes, and Korean BBQ…I am certain I was Asian in a former life. Are you trying to get into Davis?
Yes, we are neighbors! I’m up north, near Tahoe. I’ve applied to Berkeley (gulp), waiting to hear back. Hadn’t looked into Davis much… Last year while teaching in Hong Kong, I asked my students to journal about would happen if there were no rice. Their unanimous response: “I would just DIE!!!”
As for too many people in Hong Kong—oh yes indeed, I agree. Stayed at the Park Hotel for a while, before going on to Indonesia. Try New Delhi for crowds- it’s worse than Hong Kong. Good luck on your application for graduate school. I went back to university when I was 65 years old and had a grand time at. No pressure to graduate, just studying whatever I wanted. That was ten years ago. Time flies.
I do want to visit New Delhi! Someday… Hopefully sooner rather than later! How long were you in India? And that’s wonderful that you went back to school just for fun. I want to do the same—be a lifelong learner. It’s the only way to stay sane. :) Thanks for commenting!
Thanks for the feedback. Good-looking blog! Happy to connect.
Thanks, Heath. Sorry for my delayed response. Your blog is pretty awesome, too!
I like the honesty of you bio and feel the same way about “likes.” That said, I love the way your bio photo captures the essence of shifting. And lastly, “It’s Wonderful Life” is my all-time favorite movie — So I HAD to give another angel a pair of wings ;)
I’m so glad. It’s funny—I hadn’t even thought about the way my photo captures shifting! But subconsciously I must have known there was a reason I chose it. ;) And thank you! An angel is very happy right now thanks to you. :)
Lovely blog.
Note: I followed your note honestly. :)
Here’s an award for you.
http://au1688.wordpress.com/2013/02/20/very-inspiring-blogger-award/
Cheers!
Thank you! I’ve never received an award before. Not really sure how I feel about them, honestly. But I’ll take a look. You are very kind. It means a lot to me! :)
No problem Jessica. I really enjoyed your blog. :)
wow! your rough draft is perfect…
Thank you!
I agree that the only thing that’s permanent is change! Life is indeed shifting at every instance. Nice blog! Liked it :)
Thank you! And now I’m off to check out yours!
ciao! luvFAB blog.
thebestdressup
Thank you! I’ll try to check out your site soon, too.
Thanks for stopping by http://www.thefourthcontinent.com. I think Greenland will be the hardest challenge yet, but somehow, I’ll get by and grow… your Chinese must be so good by now!
I wish! I learned some Mandarin in Taiwan, but in Hong Kong they speak Canto, so I was kind of screwed… Thanks for stopping by! I’m jealous that you’re going to Greenland. I hope to make it there someday, too.
LOVE your blog! Getting lost in travel stories is the best way to keep the itchy feet sated when one can’t really travel.
Wow! Thank you so much! Your comment is so kind and means the world to me. You’re right—travel stories are the best when you can’t be abroad. But . . . These feet were made for walking. Don’t think I can stay home for too long! Thanks again. I’m enjoying checking out your blog, too! :)
Absolutely. It’s also inspiration to pack up and leave every now and then. I love that about your blog!
i’ll enjoy following this :) I will live through your stories, while I am stuck in a dimly lit factory in an office :) Eat some exotic food for me ;)
Thank you so much for joining me! I hope I can bring light to your factory office. Much gratitude. :)
lol :)
Jessica,
Made it. Should I take my shoes off?
Le Clown
Le Clown,
Hello! Welcome. Please, make yourself at home.
Jessica
Jessica,
I did. I stayed here for a little while. That story of your fall? Ouf. I’m not a religious clown, but I respect others’ beliefs. Friends?
Le Clown
Friends? Absolutely! I’m on a quest for truth and meaning, that is all.
Jess
World travel is one of my life goals. It seems you are off to a good start.I have not been to Asia yet but have heard great things for my brother lives there for awhile. Keep up the traveling and the writing.
I will! Thanks. Yes, I’m off to a good start, but, as I’ve discovered, the more you see, the more there is to see!
Glad I found your blog and can now give an angel a pair of wings :) I loved your latest post and the Anatole France quote you used hangs on one of the bathroom walls of my job. It’s been speaking to me for a few weeks. Happy travels!
Thank you, Stephanie! I’m so glad you found my blog, and I’m looking forward to checking out yours, too! I’m glad you liked that Anatole France quote. It’s one of my favorites. Thank you so much for commenting. And yes, an angel and I are both very happy now thanks to you! :)
It’s nice to get to know you better Jessica. I would love to live and travel all over Asia someday, it’s a dream of mine, sounds like Asia had a profound effect on you :)
Take care, all the best!
Rohan.
Thanks, Rohan. Yes, it did. Asia is a marvelous place full of mystery and wonder. Thanks so much for your kind words!
Great site, great concept, great words, Jessica! And thanks for stopping by my site. Keep up the great work! :-]
Thank you! Your words mean so much. I enjoyed visiting your site and I’ll try to stop in again very soon! Thanks again. :)
Jessica, you have covered life in a few words! That was very astute about the shifting! I guess we are all genetically nomadic like our ancestors!
Yes, I suppose you’re right. Mostly, I feel shifting is a natural part of life, and always has been. Thank you for the kind words. I’m so glad you’re here!
I love the concept of your blog, Jessica! And your endeavors “to connect the puzzle pieces of our world” is a holy mission. Keep working at it, and you’ll be a Warrior of Love ♥
Thanks, Subhan! I was pretty pleased when I came up with the concept myself. I want to be a warrior of love. When I look at the world and the people everywhere in it I see beauty—or at least the potential for beauty. People who choose to do bad things make me sad.
I’ll never stop working at being the best I can and making this world a better place. Thank you for reminding me why.
Thanks for sharing your blog, you’re a real inspiration. Be well. ☼
Thank you so much. :)
Thanks so much for visiting my blog and liking my photo! I appreciate it very much. I’ve enjoyed my visit very much here and I look forward to following your posts! :-D
You’re more than welcome. I really enjoyed my visit to your site, too! And I’ll be back… I hope you continue to enjoy my site. I try to make everything interesting and applicable. So thanks for joining the journey! :)
*Pokes Jessica in the arm with his finger and then runs, hoping she will follow.*
I’m not fond of angels, but I like your comments box message much!
It was *yours* inspired mine! And an angel is very happy now, thanks to you. :)
i love that quote from Heraclitus. oh and also love your blog
Thank you so much. That means so much to me. Heraclitus was a pretty sharp dude, wasn’t he? :D
Indeed, and his name makes him even smarter !
I’m not exactly sure what you mean, but I’ll go ahead and agree with you. :P
haha, thanks for trusting me :d
Hi Jessica, simply fabulous about Taiwan, Hong Kong and now home. l and my wife are planning to visit China in the near future,then India. l lived in Europe. Thank you for liking my post (the L A times..) Best regards, jalal
Thank you, Jalal! And good for you for visiting China and India. I hope my travels take me there before long, too. I’m glad you like my blog. I put my heart and soul into it. I really like your blog, too! Best to you, always, Jessica
Lovely words…
” I call this blog shift because that’s what I feel like these days. Like I am shifting. Like everything is shifting.
Both inside and out. “
Thank you, Martyn. I chose the name because I feel it is applicable to all of life, for all of us.
Shift… that word alone deserves a follow :)
Oh, wow. Thank you so much! Superstitious Naked Ape seems like a pretty good name to follow, too. ;)
Hey Jessica, great blog, always an enjoyable read. On that note I’ve nominated you for an inspiring blogger award :)
http://czechingoutofhere.wordpress.com/2013/03/26/yikes/
James, how kind of you! Thank you! I have created a “recognition” page where I will be posting all of the awards I receive, so you can look for this one there soon! I am truly flattered that you like my stuff and honored that you would nominate me for this award. Thank you! :)
Jessica
i nominated you for the very inspiring award and versatile blogger award. i’m not entirely sure of the depth of these awards, but i wanted to pass the love that someone blessed me with on to you because you inspire me all of the time. your posts are full of depth and speak volumes. i love your character and you leave me coming back again and again by keeping it versatility! here are the details:
http://sincerelywhitney.com/2013/03/28/blogger-nominations-very-inspiring-versatile-blogger/
Thank you, Whitney. That is one of the nicest compliments I think I could ever receive. I will try to take action on this award very soon. I’ve got a few important posts I want to get working on, though, too. ;) You are so sweet! Again, thank you!
ever been to northern virginia, dc area? love to show you around :)
I haven’t for many years now. But I’d love to make it back there! Thank you for stopping by and commenting. :)
Hi Jessica, I think your blog is super, I am going to enjoy reading through the rest. I like your style!
Many best wishes and regards, James :-) Speak soon.
Thank you very much, James. I am flattered. Nice to meet you, and I’m so glad you stopped by. :) Jessica
your looks blog is great …. going to have to read all of it. Best wishes :)
Thank you so much, Khawaja. I hope you like what you find. It is a work in progress! Best wishes to you, too. :)
Condivido con te il cambiamento..è il cuore della mia vita!..
Complimenti per questo tuo personale spazio di anima!…
Sono contento di conoscere una donna come te, che ama il mutamento!
A presto
Un cordiale saluto
Claudio
Grazie, Claudio!
Hi Jessica, I would like to present you with the Shine On Award, you may find more info at:
http://detectingblackpool.wordpress.com/2013/05/03/shine-on-award-thank-you-tazein-of-transcendingbordersblog/
Congratulations from James :-)
Thank you so much, James! You are too kind. I am hoping to update my recognition page this weekend. I will be sure to follow through with this there! Thanks again.
My pleasure Jessica :-)
Nice blog, happy to follow. x
Thank you. I am very impressed by yours, and especially your mission work, too. :)
Thank you but i feel I don’t feature enough about my work as an author. Do you feel that comes over? Thank you x
Thanks for coming by to like some of my posts, Jessica. I really appreciate it. I’m glad I found your blog. I think it’s also pretty relevant to my life currently, as I go out into the real world. Best of luck with everything, and keep up the writing!
–Brett
I saw that you’d recently graduated. Congratulations! I’m actually very interested in philosophy myself… Best of luck to you, as well, and I look forward to checking out more of your blog soon. Best, Jessica :)
Thanks so much! Have a nice day. :)
Hi, I have nominated you for a Liebster award: http://les3elephants.wordpress.com/blog-awards/
Oh, wow, Benjamin! Thank you! I am honored. I will try to follow up on this on my recognition page very soon. I’ll let you know when I do.
Best, Jessica
Great writing style, very nice topics. Well done, Jess.
Thank you so much. You are kind. I appreciate your comment so much. I hope you’ll stick with me on this crazy journey we call life. :)
Best, Jessica
[…] shift […]
Hi there! I’m nominating you for the Versatile Blogger Award and the Best Moment Award. To find out more, please click here: http://dhammafootsteps.wordpress.com/2013/05/18/mind-boggling-blog-awards-1/
You are so incredibly kind. Thank you so much. I will try to follow up on this on my recognition page soon and will let you know when I do. I’ll be sure to mention you on my main page, too. Thanks again!
You’re welcome, keep on writing…
I just can’t get enough of your writing, seriously. You’re style, and voice are so clear…poetic in a way if you ask me. With that being said, I nominated you for The Inspiring Blogger Award. Feel free to check out the details on my post. http://nebrzwillinge.wordpress.com/2013/05/21/she-likes-me-she-really-likes-me/