2023年9月13日 星期三

葉子小夜曲

#2023-0913

Leaves' Serenade
  (葉子小夜曲)

Amidst the realm of darkness, behold,
A tree adorned with leaves, both new and old!
A sight to behold on a moonless night,
Bathed in the glow of roadside lamps' light.

Each leaf, a vibrant stroke of green,
A masterpiece like none ever seen.
New growth sprouting atop the old,
Forming a picture, a story untold.

In the stillness of the nocturnal hour,
Nature unveils its captivating power.
As shadows dance beneath the tree,
Leaves shimmer with grace and mystery.

The lamplights weave their golden thread,
Illuminating the canopy overhead.
A tapestry of life, rich and sublime,
Painted by the lamps' luminous rhyme.

The old leaves whisper tales of the past,
While new ones embrace the present's vast.
Together they create a scene divine,
A fusion of time, where memories entwine.

Oh, how enchanting this sight appears,
A tree reborn, dispelling all fears.
On this dark night, a masterpiece unfurled,
Nature's symphony, a wonder in the world.

So pause, dear friend, and take a glance,
At this tree's magical, leafy dance.
In the gentle glow of the lamps' gleam,
Discover the beauty of this nighttime dream.

-- Illustration & Text by Mookoo Liang

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相關文章 (See also):
2)  A Snow-like Plant (白雪木)     (2021)







2023年9月9日 星期六

Fiction Freewriting #2302

#2023-0909

{Fiction Freewriting #2302}

Title: Windswept Heights: Journey to Moon-Viewing Peak

Summary: The protagonist (Mega Pelico) and his "magic partners" go on an adventurous hike up Houshan Mountain. They face unpredictable weather and tough paths along the MVP Trail. Despite the challenges, they reach the Moon-Viewing Peak, where their bird companions V-Eagle and V-Pigeon gracefully fly above. However, their peaceful moment is interrupted when V-Monkey is attacked by hidden cobras. Mega Pelico and V-Giant rush to help, preparing for an intense battle against the dangerous snakes.

= = =

The weather was uncertain, but the wind and rain weren't strong enough to deter me from climbing the mountain. I, Mega Pelico, bravely hiked up Houshan Mountain along with my "magic partners," including V-Giant, V-Monkey, V-Eagle and V-Pigeon. We climbed along the MVP Trail, an 800-meter path that led to the Moon-Viewing Peak (MVP).

As we made our way up the steep hill covered in thick foliage, we reached a small flat area at around 300 meters. It had caught my attention before as an ideal camping spot, nestled among bamboo trees on the left side of the trail. Memories of the intense battle between X-Tiger and my V-Lion flashed in my mind, where they fought fiercely and proved to be evenly matched (For the battle story, refer to either #2023-0901 or #2023-0825).

The rain, now reduced to the lightest drizzle imaginable, had spoiled the perfect campsite by soaking the comfortable ground and turning it muddy. Moreover, numerous weeds had grown here and there on the flat area that I had cherished in private. Despite these challenges, I continued walking uphill, careful not to step into the muddy spot as I was dressed neatly. I also refrained from sitting on any of the three benches nearby, which were wet with rainwater.

Although the rain had completely stopped, the wind started blowing in strong bursts. V-Giant, acting as my personal guard, stayed close behind me, reminding me to be cautious with each step. Meanwhile, my V-Monkey had vanished from sight. He must have moved ahead, covering a distance of 10 or 20 meters, gracefully vaulting from branch to branch as he explored the path and its surroundings. At the same time, my loyal birds V-Eagle and V-Pigeon were likely soaring high above, vigilantly scanning for any potential obstacles that might hinder our progress!

= = =

After a long walk, V-Giant and I finally arrived at Moon-Viewing Peak, where a high platform had been made of metal and wood. The platform had short railings on all sides, except for a small opening where visitors could enter to enjoy the beautiful view. I saw my two lovely birds, V-Eagle and V-Pigeon, flying gracefully in the sky above the valley. They seemed relaxed and calm now, not in a hurry as I had expected.

"Where's V-Monkey?" I whispered, looking around with concern.

"He's under the platform, I think," V-Giant replied, pointing to the long, swaying leaves of the weeds below us.

Now the wind blew strongly, making me feel cold. The trees and bushes shook, and their branches and leaves rustled with the forceful wind. Then, I noticed that my V-Monkey had returned to us. He seemed busy exploring something strange under the metal-and-wooden structure beneath our feet.

I was a little curious about that, but I turned to V-Giant and remarked, "The scenery around us is great! You see, it would be even more fascinating if we could see a sunset or a moonrise right now."

"During a windy day like this," V-Giant said, "we do have a unique view from this vantage point!"

Suddenly, I heard V-Monkey cry awkwardly in a high-pitched sound. He quickly jumped here and there, screaming in pain, as if he's been attacked by someone or something terrible.

V-Giant suggested I stay where I was, while he hurried down to see what had happened to V-Monkey, who was my number one scout, so smart and quick in actions. But now, what was wrong with him? Was there anything nasty hiding in the weeds down there? I stepped off the platform and, with my special stick in my hand, walk carefully toward where V-Giant and V-Monkey were now together.

V-Monkey had been injured by a cobra, and V-Giant was helping him fight against the repulsive cobra and its companions. Oh, it wasn't just one cobra; there were three cobras in all, lurking in the shadows of the bushes beneath the elevated MVP platform. These hideous reptiles appeared poised to attack at any moment, with their heads raised and their "hoods" flared. Standing just about a meter away from them, I swiftly aimed my walking stick (which can be used as a weapon similar to a tranquilizer gun) at one of the hoods and pressed the hidden button to shoot!

(To be continued.)

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相關文章 (See also):




2023年9月7日 星期四

學習篇:Synonyms of "Cry" and "Laugh" . . . and "Smile"!

#2023-0907

Mookoo: Could you tell me some synonyms of the verb "cry"? Show me how to use those synonyms in sentences.

ChatGPT: Certainly! Here are some synonyms of the verb "cry" along with example sentences:
  1. Weep: She wept uncontrollably when she heard the news.
  2. Sob: The child sobbed loudly after falling off his bike.
  3. Wail: The mourners wailed at the funeral, expressing their grief.
  4. Bawl: The baby bawled all night and kept the entire household awake.
  5. Howl: The dog howled in response to the siren.
  6. Lament: The singer lamented about lost love in her emotional ballad.
  7. Moan: He moaned in pain as the doctor examined his injured leg.
  8. Whimper: The puppy whimpered when it was left alone in the room.
Remember, the context and intensity of the emotions associated with crying can vary, so choose the synonym that best fits the situation you want to describe.

Mookoo: How about the verb "laugh"? Tell me some synonyms of this verb and show me a sample sentence for each.

ChatGPT: Certainly! Here are some synonyms of the verb "laugh" along with example sentences:
  1. Chuckle: He couldn't help but chuckle at the comedian's clever joke.
  2. Giggle: The children giggled uncontrollably during the silly puppet show.
  3. Snicker: She tried to hide her snicker behind her hand when her friend told a funny story.
  4. Chortle: The professor chortled with delight when his experiment yielded unexpected results.
  5. Guffaw: The entire audience erupted into guffaws at the comedian's hilarious punchline.
  6. Cackle: The old woman cackled with amusement as she watched the slapstick comedy.
  7. Roar: The crowd roared with laughter at the comedian's hilarious impressions.
  8. Snigger: The mischievous student sniggered at his friend's witty comeback.
Remember that each synonym of "laugh" may carry a slightly different connotation or intensity, so choose the one that best fits the context you want to describe.

Mookoo: I thought the verb "smile" was one of the synonyms of "laugh," but it wasn't in the above list. Why didn't you include it in? What's the difference between "smile" and "laugh"?

ChatGPT: You're right, "smile" is related to expressing happiness or amusement, but it is not considered a direct synonym of "laugh." While both "smile" and "laugh" can indicate positive emotions, there are some key differences between them:
  1. Expression: A smile typically involves the curving of the lips upward, sometimes accompanied by the eyes, to convey happiness, friendliness, or contentment. On the other hand, laughter involves vocalization, often with audible sounds and physical movements such as shaking or bending forward.
  2. Intensity: Smiling is generally considered a more subtle and gentle expression, while laughter tends to be more intense and exuberant. Laughter often involves a stronger physical and emotional response to something humorous.
  3. Triggers: Smiling can be triggered by various things, such as pleasant thoughts, kind gestures, or showing appreciation. Laughter, however, is typically in response to something perceived as funny, amusing, or comical.
  4. Social cues: Smiling is a common social gesture used to convey warmth, friendliness, or agreement. Laughter, on the other hand, is often a more contagious and communal response, with the ability to create a shared sense of joy or amusement among a group of people.
While "smile" and "laugh" are related and can both indicate positive emotions, they are distinct expressions with different characteristics and purposes.

Mookoo: Oh, it's beyond my imagination (and expectation) that "smile" is not regarded as a synonym of "laugh." In Chinese, while "laugh" is xiào (笑), "smile" is wéixiào (微笑); that's why I thought "smile" was a kind of "laugh" -- Wéixiào yĕ shì yī zhŏng xiào! (= Smiling is also a kind of laughter!)

ChatGPT: I can understand how the distinction between "smile" and "laugh" might differ across languages and cultures. In Chinese, the term "wéixiào" (微笑) does indeed translate to "smile" and is considered a form of laughter. It's fascinating to explore the nuances and variations in language and how different cultures express emotions.

Mookoo: Thank you for your explanation (and understanding!). Would you mind listing some synonyms of the verb "smile"?

ChatGPT: Certainly! Here are some synonyms of the verb "smile" along with example sentences:
  1. Grin: She couldn't help but grin when she saw the surprise her friends had planned for her.
  2. Beam: The child beamed with delight when he received an unexpected gift.
  3. Smirk: He smirked knowingly, confident in his clever response.
  4. Simper: She simpered shyly when complimented on her new outfit.
  5. Smirk: The mischievous boy smirked as he played a prank on his sister.
  6. Radiate: Her face radiated joy as she shared her good news with the family.
  7. Gleam: His eyes gleamed with happiness as he watched his favorite team win.
  8. Twinkle: Her eyes twinkled with amusement at the funny story.
These synonyms of "smile" capture various aspects of facial expressions and convey different shades of happiness, amusement, or satisfaction. Remember to consider the context and tone when choosing the most appropriate synonym for your desired expression.

Mookoo: One of the synonyms in the above list has been repeated. Do you see it?

ChatGPT: Apologies for the repetition. You're right, "smirk" appears twice in the list. Here's an updated list of synonyms of the verb "smile" without any repetitions:
  1. Grin: She couldn't help but grin when she saw the surprise her friends had planned for her.
  2. Beam: The child beamed with delight when he received an unexpected gift.
  3. Simper: She simpered shyly when complimented on her new outfit.
  4. Radiate: Her face radiated joy as she shared her good news with the family.
  5. Gleam: His eyes gleamed with happiness as he watched his favorite team win.
  6. Twinkle: Her eyes twinkled with amusement at the funny story.
Thank you for pointing out the duplication, and I apologize for any confusion caused.

Mookoo: That's Okay. Good night!

ChatGPT: Good night! If you have any more questions in the future, feel free to ask. Have a restful sleep!

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2023年9月6日 星期三

Fiction Freewriting #2301

#2023-0906

{Fiction Freewriting #2301}

Title: Whispers of Adventure: Ascending Houshan with Enchanting Companions

Summary: Undeterred by impending storms, the protagonist embarks on an adventurous ascent up the Houshan mountain, accompanied by their "magic partners"—V-Giant, V-Monkey, V-Eagle, and V-Pigeon. Together, they navigate perilous paths, braving the elements and seeking the mysteries that await amidst the rugged terrain.

= = =

The weather forecast warned of strong winds and heavy rain in the upcoming days, and Chris, always careful, advised me to be cautious if I ventured outside. The trails on the mountain might become dangerously slippery, putting my safety at risk.

"So, do you mean you won't come with me today?" I asked, and considering the situation, I continued, "Staying at our Home Base is nice, but I yearn for an adventure in the depths of Houshan."

Houshan, as we called it, was the hill behind our dwelling that held a mysterious charm. Chris, who had likely climbed it before, had knowledge I was eager to learn. The uncertainty of the impending weather only increased my curiosity.

"I've never made it to the top of Houshan," Chris admitted. "It might be worth exploring its slopes and discovering its secrets. But remember to return within an hour or two because there's a typhoon approaching. As you can see, it has already been raining heavily this week."

Chris warned me about the potential dangers that came with days of incessant rain, especially the risk of landslides on the hillside.

"I understand your concerns, and I'll be careful," I reassured, stepping out of our Home Base in the V- and T- Zones. The rain, at that moment, was but a light drizzle, and I couldn't resist the allure of the enchanting scenery that awaited me along the way.

= = =

Armed with my multifunctional "walking stick" in one hand and an umbrella in the other, I began my ascent up the western slope of Houshan, the mountain before me.

The newly built footpath resembled a winding staircase, snaking along the steep hillside. Some parts were narrow, while others widened on gentler slopes. It was a precarious trail, with railings on each side. Passing someone coming from the opposite direction in the narrow sections would be challenging. I hoped for solitude, with no unexpected encounters or animals crossing my path.

As I ventured on, a sense of solitude embraced me, and my thoughts turned to my extraordinary companions—my "magic partners" that could accompany me on my journeys. However, the narrow path made it difficult to summon my larger creatures like V-Elephant and V-Lion. Instead, I decided to call upon V-Giant with a gentle kiss on my right index finger.

Summoning my magical allies was as easy as flipping a switch. A simple kiss on my fingertip brought forth the required animal or bird instantly, and another kiss made them vanish just as quickly. Multiple kisses would summon or dismiss them in a rhythmic dance.

So, with a kiss on my right ring finger, I made V-Monkey appear before me. V-Monkey was my agile scout, adept at exploring the terrain with grace. He would stealthily investigate our surroundings, hiding behind bushes or rocks, always on the lookout for danger. Sometimes, he would climb tall trees, swinging and leaping between branches, scanning the area for any lurking threats.

To enhance our safety, I summoned V-Eagle and V-Pigeon. A kiss on the tip of my right little finger brought forth V-Eagle, while a kiss on my left little finger summoned V-Pigeon. These two birds soared high above the hillside, keeping a watchful eye on our surroundings. They scanned the skies and the land, alerting us to any potential dangers or suspicious activity as we moved forward, guided by their watchful eyes.

(To be continued.)


2023年9月4日 星期一

學習篇:Subject, Topic, Title, and Theme

#2023-0904

Mookoo: What's the difference between "subject," "topic," "title," and "theme"? Can you explain with examples?

ChatGPT: Certainly! While the terms "subject," "topic," "title," and "theme" are related to the content or focus of a piece of writing, they have distinct meanings and can be used in different contexts. Here's an explanation of each term with examples:

Subject: The subject refers to the general area or broad category that a piece of writing or discussion is about. It represents the main idea or central concept. The subject is often a noun or a noun phrase. For example:
  • Subject: Education
    Example: The subject of the article is the importance of early childhood education.

  • Subject: Health and Wellness
    Example: The subject of the panel discussion is the impact of exercise on mental health.
Topic: The topic is a narrower aspect or specific aspect within the subject. It focuses on a particular subject area or subject matter. Topics can be used to explore different angles or aspects of a subject. For example:
  • Subject: Literature
    Topic: Symbolism in "The Great Gatsby"
    Example: The essay discusses the topic of symbolism in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby."

  • Subject: Technology
    Topic: Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
    Example: The conference will delve into the topic of the applications of artificial intelligence in the healthcare industry.
Title: The title is the specific name or heading given to a piece of writing, such as an article, essay, book, or presentation. It aims to capture the essence or main focus of the work in a concise and engaging manner. The title often reflects the subject or topic. For example:
  • Subject: Environmental Conservation
    Title: "The Importance of Recycling for a Sustainable Future"
    Example: The title of the article highlights the subject of environmental conservation, focusing on the significance of recycling.

  • Subject: History
    Title: "The Renaissance: A Cultural Revolution"
    Example: The title of the book encapsulates the subject of history, specifically the Renaissance period, emphasizing its transformative nature.
Theme: The theme represents the underlying message, idea, or concept that is recurrent or pervasive throughout a piece of writing. It is a more abstract and conceptual aspect that can be applied to various subjects or topics. Themes are often expressed through motifs or patterns within the work. For example:

  • Subject: Love
    Theme: The Power of Love Transcending Time and Distance
    Example: The novel explores the theme of love, highlighting how love can overcome barriers of time and physical separation.

  • Subject: War
    Theme: The Brutality of War and Its Consequences
    Example: The film portrays the theme of war, depicting the devastating impact of conflict on individuals and society.
In summary, the subject represents the general area of focus, the topic is a specific aspect within the subject, the title is the name given to a piece of writing, and the theme is the underlying message or concept that runs throughout the work.

Mookoo: Are there Chinese terms that are used to translate these four different things -- subject, topi, title, and theme?

ChatGPT: Yes, there are Chinese terms that can be used to translate the English concepts of subject, topic, title, and theme. Here are the corresponding Chinese terms:

Subject:
Chinese Translation: 主題 (zhǔtí) or 主旨 (zhǔzhǐ)
Example: 文章的主題是早期教育的重要性 (The subject of the article is the importance of early childhood education.)

Topic:
Chinese Translation: 話題 (huàtí) or 主題 (zhǔtí)
Example: 討論的話題是人工智能在醫療領域的應用 (The topic of the discussion is the application of artificial intelligence in healthcare.)

Title:
Chinese Translation: 標題 (biāotí) or 題目 (tímù)
Example: 這篇文章的標題突出了環保的主題 (The title of the article highlights the theme of environmental conservation.)

Theme:
Chinese Translation: 主題 (zhǔtí) or 主旨 (zhǔzhǐ)
Example: 這部小說探討了愛的主題,強調愛能夠克服時間和空間的障礙 (The novel explores the theme of love, emphasizing how it can overcome barriers of time and space.)

It's important to note that different Chinese terms may be used depending on the context and specific nuances of the concepts being conveyed, but the provided translations are commonly used to express the corresponding meanings.

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2023年9月1日 星期五

Fiction Freewriting #2300

#2023-0901

{Fiction Freewriting #2300}

Title: "The Legendary Battle" (revised in simpler English)

Summary: In the magical land of Home Base, a fierce battle ensues between the extraordinary creatures X-Tiger and V-Lion, but their clash takes an unexpected turn when V-Eagle and V-Pigeon join forces, showcasing bravery and unity that ultimately leads to victory in the land.

= = =

Once upon a time in a land of mountains, where amazing things happened and magic was everywhere, there was a special place called "Home Base." In the middle of this place was a calm lake, and next to it was the magnificent Magic School.

As someone named Mega Pelico, I graduated from the Magic School and now I want to tell you a story from my point of view. Let's go on an exciting adventure together. I'll start by telling you about a thrilling moment that happened at the beginning of my journey.

One day, on the edge of Home Base, there was a fierce battle between two powerful creatures – X-Tiger and V-Lion. Both of them were extraordinary beings, very strong and brave. As they faced each other, the ground shook with anticipation.

Their loud roars echoed through the mountains, making everyone who saw this epic fight feel scared. It was an amazing sight, even the stars in the sky were captivated.

X-Tiger jumped forward, slashing the air with its sharp claws, showing its unstoppable strength. V-Lion fought back by swiping its mane, showing its own impressive abilities. The two enemies moved around each other, planning every move carefully.

The battle got more intense with each passing moment, and neither of them wanted to give up. They looked into each other's eyes, and a strong energy passed between them. It was a display of strength, bravery, and determination.

The fight continued, and everything around them seemed to stop and wait for the outcome of this important duel. Every creature nearby stopped to watch this incredible display of power.

I watched from a safe distance, feeling excited but not knowing who would win. Both X-Tiger and V-Lion fought with strong determination, pushing themselves to their limits.

The battle seemed like it would never end, and as the sun went down behind the mountains, they looked like dark shadows fighting. I knew that this encounter would become a famous story in this magical land.

While X-Tiger and V-Lion were still fighting, something unexpected happened. Two brave creatures called V-Eagle and V-Pigeon flew down from above to join the fight.

With their wings wide open, V-Eagle and V-Pigeon gracefully dived towards X-Tiger. They moved around the confused tiger with elegance, creating a beautiful sight in the sky. Their coordinated movements took X-Tiger's attention away from V-Lion.

While X-Tiger was distracted, V-Lion saw an opportunity and attacked. With strong determination and extended claws, the brave lion pounced on X-Tiger, causing him to stumble back in pain.

V-Eagle and V-Pigeon continued their aerial dance, coming from different angles and making it hard for X-Tiger to defend himself. Their efforts were successful, and V-Lion used these distractions to launch powerful attacks against X-Tiger.

The combined efforts of V-Eagle, V-Pigeon, and V-Lion changed the course of the battle. X-Tiger fought hard, but with each attack, he became weaker. His loud roars turned into painful cries.

As the sun disappeared below the horizon, the magical glow of the land made this extraordinary battle even more special. The courage and teamwork shown by V-Eagle and V-Pigeon were admirable. They proved that working together could defeat even the strongest enemies.

With one final powerful attack from V-Lion, X-Tiger was finally defeated. He let out a defeated growl, acknowledging the strength of his opponents. The once fierce and unbeatable tiger now understood how powerful his enemies were.

When the dust settled, a feeling of triumph filled the air. V-Eagle and V-Pigeon flew back up to the sky, returning to their watchful perches. V-Lion, battered but victorious, stood proudly as the protector of Home Base.

[From that day on, the bond between V-Lion, V-Eagle, and V-Pigeon grew stronger, bringing harmony to the magical land. Their bravery and teamwork became a legend, celebrated by everyone in the mountains.]

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相關文章 (See also):
3)  Images for Creative Writing     (2023)




2023年8月31日 星期四

簡譜也不簡單啊!

#2023-0831

I prepared for myself a book of simplified notation (which I called "簡譜版~練習曲" jiănpŭbăn liànxíqŭ), hoping that the numbered musical notation will make it easier for me to practice my violin lessons.

My classmates and I will meet again next Monday (9/4) for our violin course. I think I'll have to work harder from this moment on...

《禮記》有云:「君子之道,譬如行遠,必自邇,譬如登高,必自卑。」大意是說:「登高山須從低處開始,走遠路要從近處開始。」比喻做事要循序漸進。我們學文化、學科學、學藝術、學武功,又何嘗不是如此?

我這 "視譜能力" 相對貧弱的學生,嘗試以 "簡譜" 取代正規 "五線譜",希望減低練琴的難度,到頭來,卻也發現:簡譜也不簡單啊!

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相關文章 (See also):
1)  《外行聆賞經驗》     (2023)
2)  聖路加堂 聖誕音樂會     (2022)
















2023年8月28日 星期一

琴的同學會 (Alumni Reunion)

#2023-0828

琴的同學會,報名踴躍。部分同學攜伴參加 (e.g. Huáng Yŏufú, Luó Shèngguāng, Lĭ Yŏuzài, Wáng Wànshuāng, Lăo Zhān, and me);至少有三位學長 (i.e. Liào Shùhé, Zhāng Guótáng, and Principal Lĭ ) 受邀擔任此次活動的「特級招待/解說員」;更難能可貴的,她們以前的老師尤淑純教授,也欣然接受邀請,全程參加。

大夥兒許久未見面,能在風光明媚的卓蘭再次聚會,相談甚歡,其樂融融,實非筆墨所能形容。

首先在「卓蘭國小」校園集合,在 "張學長" 帶領下,行經「薰衣草跑道」旁的寬敞通道,來到「詹冰文學故事館」參觀、拍團體照。我們欣賞「詩牆」上所刻寫的現代詩歌,大多是詹冰先生的作品;還嘗試以客家語來朗讀《月光光》及《插秧》。接著,大家驅車前往 "廖學長" 的「六六小棧」,他熱情招待大家 (tea, coffee, and fruit...),帶我們參觀「網室蔬果園」,採擷新奇的木鱉果;又前往 "張學長" 的「鷹翔/鵬飛」露營區,拍照、喝茶、聊天,飽覽了山中「泥、石、草、樹、鳥、雲、天」之特有景緻。最後,我們抵達「花露休閒農場 (Flower Home)」觀賞園區內,人工搭配天然,細心建構且悉心照料的,美不勝收的動植物造景;午餐時間,就地享用美食 . . . . .(附註:最下方兩張照片,是膠彩畫家簡錦清老師提供作品,含書法、水彩畫等,作為餐敘後抽獎之用;抽中贈品者,欣喜不已,樂不可支!)

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相關文章 (See also):