酷我-北美枫

[ericcoliu]

My First “Memory”


Northern Taiwan is rich in natural beauty. Towering over Taipei to the north is Mount Yangming, where well-maintained walkways and trails lead visitors to scenic spots such as waterfalls, volcanic craters, lakes, and hot springs. Mount Yangming is all about relaxation and recuperation: filling your lungs with fresh mountain air, resting your eyes on miles of lush green hills and all kinds of subtropical plants and flowers, and letting your body melt away in a milky sulphur bath. It is the first place Taipei residents would think of when stressed out or longing for relaxation.

When I was three years old, it was the first time my family brought me to tour Mount Yangming. While my family immersed themselves in the tremendous view, I focused my attention excitedly on a little stone by the side road. “Look at this pretty pebble!” I exclaimed or I had been told that I said so. My mother repeated this story to me in varied versions on many occasions, particularly when she wished to make a point about how easily amused I was, or to remark on my ability to find joy in small things.

When I think back on this incident, I cannot remember any of it. There are no photographs or home videos recording that moment. I have no means of verifying whether or not this story is factually true, except through my faith in the eyewitness account of my mother – whom I absolutely have no reason to doubt.

From a practical perspective, I have heard this story so many times that the experience has become an inseparable chapter of my personal history, which experts refer to as “autobiographical” memory. I don’t even need to hear the story to remember what it recalls. It is no longer important what actually happened, what the details of that moment were, or if my actions as a three-year-old were misconstrued or reinterpreted through years of hindsight and recurrent recollection. My sense of self incorporates this story as if it were true. Its factual content is far less important than the practical value of the story’s recollection; it forms a common point of reference between me and my family, and those with whom we share this story. The circumstances of its re-telling cultivate, reshape, and eventually consolidate the bond among us.
_________________
Time is nothing but a disquiet of the soul

[[ericcoliu]]

My First “Memory”


Northern Taiwan is rich in natural beauty. Towering over Taipei to the north is Mount Yangming, where well-maintained walkways and trails lead visitors to scenic spots such as waterfalls, volcanic craters, lakes, and hot springs. Mount Yangming is all about relaxation and recuperation: filling your lungs with fresh mountain air, resting your eyes on miles of lush green hills and all kinds of subtropical plants and flowers, and letting your body melt away in a milky sulphur bath. It is the first place Taipei residents would think of when stressed out or longing for relaxation.

When I was three years old, it was the first time my family brought me to tour Mount Yangming. While my family immersed themselves in the tremendous view, I focused my attention excitedly on a little stone by the side road. “Look at this pretty pebble!” I exclaimed or I had been told that I said so. My mother repeated this story to me in varied versions on many occasions, particularly when she wished to make a point about how easily amused I was, or to remark on my ability to find joy in small things.

When I think back on this incident, I cannot remember any of it. There are no photographs or home videos recording that moment. I have no means of verifying whether or not this story is factually true, except through my faith in the eyewitness account of my mother – whom I absolutely have no reason to doubt.

From a practical perspective, I have heard this story so many times that the experience has become an inseparable chapter of my personal history, which experts refer to as “autobiographical” memory. I don’t even need to hear the story to remember what it recalls. It is no longer important what actually happened, what the details of that moment were, or if my actions as a three-year-old were misconstrued or reinterpreted through years of hindsight and recurrent recollection. My sense of self incorporates this story as if it were true. Its factual content is far less important than the practical value of the story’s recollection; it forms a common point of reference between me and my family, and those with whom we share this story. The circumstances of its re-telling cultivate, reshape, and eventually consolidate the bond among us.
_________________
Time is nothing but a disquiet of the soul

[Champagne]

It's an interesting mini-case study on how individual memory interacts with family memory: absorbing and being absorbed by family memory.

Memory Work

It is not memory itself which is essential
But the reading, the interpretation of memory
Memory work consists not at all of plunging into the past
But of remembering the past
Through new circumstances of the present
Wonders or horrors of lived experiences
_________________
I'm Champagne,
Bottled poetry with sparkling joy.

[[Champagne]]

It's an interesting mini-case study on how individual memory interacts with family memory: absorbing and being absorbed by family memory.

Memory Work

It is not memory itself which is essential
But the reading, the interpretation of memory
Memory work consists not at all of plunging into the past
But of remembering the past
Through new circumstances of the present
Wonders or horrors of lived experiences
_________________
I'm Champagne,
Bottled poetry with sparkling joy.

[anna]

Nice work.

Keep on good work.
_________________
---------------------

Anna Yin

《爱的灯塔-星子安娜双语诗选》
<Nightlights> <Seven Nights with the Chinese Zodiac> ...

http://annapoetry.com

[[星子安娜]]

Nice work.

Keep on good work.
_________________
---------------------

Anna Yin

《爱的灯塔-星子安娜双语诗选》
<Nightlights> <Seven Nights with the Chinese Zodiac> ...

http://annapoetry.com

[ericcoliu]

[[ericcoliu]]

[Lake]

Eric,

I read the meaning of "memory" between the lines, but I also enjoy your description of the scenery and your childhood, such a cozy and tender feeling.

Honestly, I like your prose over your poems though you write good poems too.

Shame on me, I haven't written any recently for I've become addicted to the Chinese history and culture. When I finish watching all the DVDs I should pick it up again. Right now, I can only make some comments as a form of contribution to this forum.


Best,

Lake

[[Lake]]

Eric,

I read the meaning of "memory" between the lines, but I also enjoy your description of the scenery and your childhood, such a cozy and tender feeling.

Honestly, I like your prose over your poems though you write good poems too.

Shame on me, I haven't written any recently for I've become addicted to the Chinese history and culture. When I finish watching all the DVDs I should pick it up again. Right now, I can only make some comments as a form of contribution to this forum.


Best,

Lake

[ericcoliu]

[[ericcoliu]]

[Lake]

[[Lake]]

[星子]

Sorry, Today I print it and read it carefully.

It is very good, deep in thoughts and good connection.
_________________

[[ANNA]]

Sorry, Today I print it and read it carefully.

It is very good, deep in thoughts and good connection.
_________________

[ericcoliu]

[[ericcoliu]]