I Feel Like Reminiscing

No expectations.  That's how I approached Alive Not Dead just over one year ago when I posted my first blog.  When I was encouraged to join the site, I didn't see any personal benefit to blogging.  Years earlier, a good friend from Canada encouraged me to to blog about my experiences, but it felt like one more thing to do in front of a the computer rather than behind the camera.  Last year, however, I decided the time was right to give it a shoot, and I preferred AnD's format to other larger social networking sites where poking and biting, rather than actual dialog, appear to be the norm.  Not that I've anything against biting; some of my best friends are vampires.  Fifty posts later, and who knows how many photos, it seems appropriate to reflect on the past 12 months.

Personally, AnD has been a fantastic way to network with people who are passionate about their art; something I did not realize was missing in my life as an expat in China.  Seeing what other artists are up to on the site spurs my own creative juices.  It's akin to having a personal multimedia art gallery at my fingertips and I'm the curator.

There have been some high notes with AnD this past year: events in Hong Kong (karaoke, boating, concerts, performances), film school, the Triple J exhibition (once they reopen, we'll do that again), and the Jet and Jackie shoot.  All enjoyable and none of it would have happened for me without my participation here.  But the best part of the site has been meeting artists and fans who have become my friends both online and in person.  This was especially helpful when we moved to Beijing.  And of course, the outpouring of support for Reina was genuinely touching and the comments continue to come in.

Thanks to Pat, Stephen, Etchy, Boon and everyone else at AnD for making it a great year.  Love the concept and the community that you all worked so hard to create.  Special thanks to Mark Moran for introducing me to the site and for gently persuading me to actually use it.  History will show the Internet was renown for three things: porn, gambling and Alive Not Dead.  I'm proud to be a part of that history.

Now if I may segue a bit, here are some shots from my recent excursions around Beijing that I had no time to previously post.  It's random, but don't let that frighten you.

Wu Di and a couple of friends gathered before the Jeff Chang concert at the Worker's Stadium. 

Jeff Chang belts out his ballads while the whole audience was singing along.  The only person not singing - me - I'd never heard his music before.  In fact, I'm fairly sure I was the only non Asian in the place besides the band. 

The Egg at sunset. 

Kebabs anyone?

Nothing cures a hangover like a charcoal brick.

Helen always knows where to find good coffee and waffles.Industry after the boon years.

View from my window.

Will C. shows off his latest bone beads.

Ian Hsieh, a painter from Taiwan, takes time to serve tea to all the guests at his studio. 

Tiny studio stool.

Even the robot in Ian's studio appreciates the afternoon light.