Posted on by listeningmoon

Discover Hobbies That Boost Your Life with SimpleSteps and Ideas

Busy adults juggling work, family, and a packed calendar often crave something that feels like their own, yet choosing a hobby can get stuck between “no time,” “not talented,” and “too many options.” General readers interested in hobbies don’t need a perfect passion to start exploring new skills and hobbies; they need a clear sense of what’s possible. From creative and physical pursuits to quieter, curiosity-driven interests, the variety of hobby categories makes room for different energy levels, budgets, and personalities. The payoff is simple: personal enrichment through hobbies that adds more meaning to ordinary days.

Understanding Hobby Types and How They Help

Hobbies generally fall into a few buckets: physical (movement-based), creative (making), social (shared activities), and learning (curiosity and skills). Each type feeds a different part of you, supporting stress relief, fitness, connection, and the habit of growing.

This matters because the “right” hobby is often the one that meets your current need. A walk-and-talk club can steady your mood while strengthening relationships, and a creative project can help you decompress after work while building focus. The scale of adult upskilling shows this desire is real, with the lifelong learning market projected to reach $88.9 billion by 2034.

Picture a tired weeknight: you pick a 15-minute “minimum dose” of guitar, stretching, or sketching, then repeat it three times a week. By keeping the first steps tiny, you lower friction, track small wins, and gradually raise the challenge. That same momentum can reveal transferable strengths worth mapping into a future career move.

Turn Skill-Building Into a Career Plan—Using IT as a Model

Once you see how hobbies strengthen different parts of your life, it’s natural to wonder whether that growth could also shape your work. If you’ve uncovered skills through a new interest, like troubleshooting tech issues, building simple websites, or enjoying the logic of problem-solving, you can start mapping those strengths into a career direction that fits who you’re becoming. Earning an online degree can be a flexible way to deepen those skills, stay consistent, and add a clear credential to what you’ve already been learning on your own. For a concrete example, an online undergraduate IT degree can help you build the core knowledge and practical abilities needed to grow into an IT expert.

Beginner-Friendly Hobbies With Simple First Steps

Pick one hobby, take one small action, and give yourself permission to be a beginner. A little structure helps, especially if you want your hobby time to build transferable skills the same way an IT learning plan turns practice into progress.

  1. Clear a tiny time-slot (and protect it): Start by freeing 20–30 minutes, 3 days this week, then label it on your calendar like an appointment. The habit sticks better when you also reduce your default “scroll/stream” fallback, time-killing pursuits can quietly eat the exact time your new skill needs. Keep the bar low: the goal is “show up,” not “get good.”
  2. Start with one creative hobby using a 3-project ladder: Choose sewing, drawing/painting, or simple crafts and map three tiny wins: (1) learn 5 basics, (2) finish a mini project, (3) share or gift it. For sewing, that might be threading a needle → repairing a button → hemming one item; for art, 10-minute sketches → one still-life → a small watercolor. This step-by-step hobby learning reduces decision fatigue and gives you clear proof of beginner-friendly skill development.
  3. Turn cooking into a repeatable “signature” system: Pick one cuisine or goal (budget lunches, high-protein dinners, or comfort food) and build a 2–2–1 plan: two breakfasts, two lunches, one dinner you repeat weekly. Practice one technique per week, knife skills, roasting, sauces, so you’re stacking skills like a portfolio. Keep notes in a simple log: what you made, cost per serving, and what you’d change.
  4. Try gardening in containers (even with zero yard): Start with 1–3 pots and one category, herbs, salad greens, or flowers, so you learn sunlight and watering without overwhelm. Your first week: choose a spot, add potting mix, plant, then set two weekly check-ins to water and prune. This is a lifestyle hobby idea that also builds planning habits: observation, adjustment, and patience.
  5. Choose one physical activity hobby and track “minutes, not intensity”: Pick walking/jogging, dance, yoga, cycling, or strength basics and commit to 60–90 total minutes per week for two weeks. Make it measurable: three 20-minute sessions or five 15-minute sessions. If you’re doing dance, learn one short routine and repeat it; repetition builds coordination faster than constantly switching videos.
  6. Build an intellectual hobby with a simple curriculum: Languages, chess, coding puzzles, or music theory all work well with a “lesson + practice + review” loop. Try 10 minutes of learning, 10 minutes of drills, 5 minutes of recall, four days a week. For a language, that could be 20 phrases/week plus one short conversation; for an instrument, one scale + one song section until it’s smooth.
  7. Use photography as a low-cost “assignment” hobby: Set a weekly prompt, portraits, lines/shadows, motion, or color, and take 20 photos, then keep only 3. Write one sentence on why each “kept” photo works (light, framing, story). This trains your eye quickly and creates artifacts you can include in a skills-focused timeline if you ever want to freelance or build a portfolio.

Small, repeatable steps add up, and hobbies often support wellbeing too, with higher levels of happiness linked to hobby engagement in older adults. If time, money, or confidence feels tight, a few small adjustments can make these starts feel genuinely doable.

Hobby-Starting Questions People Ask Most

Q: What if I pick the “wrong” hobby and waste time?
A: Treat your first choice like a two-week experiment, not a life decision. Pick something that fits your space, budget, and energy, then set one tiny goal you can finish. If it feels draining after a fair try, you learned useful information and can switch without guilt.

Q: How do I make time when my days are already packed?
A: Start by reclaiming a small pocket of time you usually lose to passive habits. The time spent online makes it easy to default to scrolling, so set an app timer and pre-decide your hobby window. Even 15 minutes counts if it is consistent.

Q: How can I stay motivated when I’m not improving fast?
A: Motivation often follows action, not the other way around. Track “reps” or minutes instead of results, and celebrate showing up. Many people find a hobby reduces depressive symptoms over time, which can make it easier to keep going.

Q: What should I do when I feel embarrassed as a beginner?
A: Lower the stakes on purpose by practicing privately first and choosing beginner-friendly materials. Use simple prompts, short sessions, and one skill at a time. Confidence grows when you collect small wins.

Q: Can I start a hobby if I’m low on money or equipment?
A: Yes, choose hobbies with a free or low-cost entry point, like walking, library-supported learning, sketching with a pencil, or phone photography. Borrow or buy secondhand before upgrading. Let your routine prove you enjoy it before you invest.

Turn a Small Hobby Practice Into Lasting Personal Growth

It’s easy to want a hobby and still feel stuck, short on time, unsure where to start, or discouraged when progress is slow. The steady way through is the mindset of lifelong hobby engagement: choose what fits now, stay curious, and treat practice as ongoing personal growth rather than a performance. With that approach, continuous skill improvement becomes normal, and the benefits of consistent learning show up in confidence, focus, and connection over time. Pick one skill, practice it regularly, and let small wins carry you forward.

Posted on by listeningmoon

Finding Your Readers: Practical and Slightly Unpredictable Ways Writers Get Discovered

Image: Freepik

Every writer—novelist, blogger, poet, essayist, or newsletter experimenter—faces one stubborn problem: readers don’t magically appear. They must be earned, invited, nudged, intrigued, and sometimes surprised into noticing you. Below is a purposeful guide to help you turn your craft into something sustainable.

Summary

You grow by building discoverable work, cross-pollinating your presence across surfaces, making your writing portable, creating memorable touchpoints, and treating visibility as an ongoing craft—just like the writing itself.

Traction Paths for Modern Writers

Discovery RouteWhat It DoesWhy It Works
Micro-publishing (e.g., short essays on platforms like Medium)Builds snackable entry pointsLow friction for new readers
Community guest appearances (podcasts, blogs, Q&A features)Injects your voice into someone else’s audienceBorrowed trust accelerates growth
Newsletter swapsExpands your ecosystemDirect, permission-based discovery
Releasing mini-guidesProves value upfrontShareable content attracts durable readers
Participating in genre-aligned forumsShows expertise naturallyOrganic fan acquisition

What Actually Helps Writers Get Found

1. Write in Multiple Layers

Short, mid-length, and long pieces each attract different types of readers. A 200-word tip post may lead someone into your 80-page novella. A deep tutorial can get shared in circles you’ve never met. 

2. Tell People What Your Writing Stands For

Readers don’t follow generalists; they follow voices. Define what your writing is about in the first line of your bio. If your theme is “quiet rebellion” or “domestic magic,” say it plainly. 

3. Get Quoted, Even Informally

Whenever you answer questions on forums or contribute to community threads, you create micro-citations. These accumulate into ambient visibility. 

4. Collaborate With Complementary Creators

Essayists pair beautifully with photographers. Novelists with illustrators. Poets with musicians. Collisions create discovery.

5. Build Momentum With Smaller Wins

Tiny publications, guest spots, or niche newsletters count. They create a breadcrumb trail toward your bigger work. 

Creating a Visibility Routine

Use this once a week:

  1. Publish one small piece (a thread, tip, micro-essay).
  2. Resurface an older piece and share it in a new context.
  3. Comment in 2–3 communities where your genre lives.
  4. Pitch one collaboration (newsletter swap or joint piece).
  5. Make one intentional edit to your online presence—bio, website, pinned post, etc.
  6. Track what people respond to so you’re not guessing.

Leaving an Impression With Custom Business Cards

A surprising number of writers still land early fans through analog touchpoints. One of the most enduring tools? A standout business card that feels like an extension of your style. When you design custom cards that mirror your voice, you give people a reason to remember you long after the conversation ends.

If you want an easy way to create something polished, business card print options let you design and order custom printed cards with high-quality templates, generative, and intuitive editing tools—all in one place.

Product Spotlight

If you often lose track of drafts or inspiration scraps, the minimal distraction-free writing app Typora can be a quiet lifesaver. It’s markdown-based, clean, and ideal for writers who dislike clutter.

FAQs

Q: Is social media mandatory?
A: No, but discoverability requires surfaces. You can choose slow, quiet surfaces (blogs, communities, newsletters) if fast ones feel draining.

Q: How often should I publish?
A: Often enough that readers remember you exist. “Consistent irregularity” is fine—just avoid disappearing for years.

Q: Should I niche down?
A: Only enough that readers recognize a vibe or theme. There’s room for range once you have an audience.

Q: Does longform still work?
A: Absolutely—thoughtful depth travels well, especially via newsletters and curated reading lists.

Extras That Pull Readers In

  • A recurring series format
  • A one-sentence philosophy under your byline
  • Free mini-stories or chapter excerpts
  • Annotated versions of your own work
  • Behind-the-scenes thought dumps
  • Occasional, personal, “here’s-what’s-on-my-desk” notes

Conclusion

Being discovered is rarely a single moment—it’s a consistent pattern of showing up, shaping your voice, building memorable touchpoints, and making your work easy for readers to find. Treat visibility as a craft, not an accident, and you’ll build the kind of audience that fuels your writing life for years.

This is created by Heather Kerns.

Posted on by listeningmoon

How College Students Can Start and Grow a Freelance Writing Career

College students and recent graduates often have strong writing chops but no clear way to translate them into income, experience, and credible clips. The tension is real: class deadlines, part-time jobs, and pressure to “get experience” can make traditional entry-level writing opportunities feel scarce or out of reach. A freelance writing career can be an accessible option because it meets people where they are, whether writing starts as a side hustle between lectures or a first step after graduation. With the right expectations, writing can become paid work that builds momentum.

Quick Summary: Start Freelance Writing in College

  • Choose a writing niche that fits your interests and helps clients quickly understand your value.
  • Find writing clients with clear outreach and a simple process for pitching and following up.
  • Balance writing and studies by setting realistic commitments that protect your coursework and deadlines.
  • Manage your freelance time with straightforward planning so writing fits your weekly schedule.

Understanding the Freelance Writing Business Mindset

Freelance writing works best when you treat it like a small business, not random gigs. That means choosing a niche you can grow into, building skills that raise your rates, and keeping clients happy so income repeats. As you get steadier, compare your state’s costs and rules so you know when a formal setup, small business structure, and basic legal steps start to matter.

This mindset helps you stop reinventing the wheel every month. Consistent clients can reduce stress during busy semesters because you spend less time hunting for new work. Using a client service agreement also makes expectations clearer, which can prevent payment and scope surprises.

Think of it like campus life: you pick a major, take classes to level up, and build relationships with professors for recommendations. Freelancing is similar, with niches as your major, skills as your coursework, and retention as your long-term network.

Build Your Freelance Writing Career in 5 Steps

This sequence takes you from “I like writing” to getting paid work you can manage during a busy semester. You will build credibility quickly, find clients more efficiently, and set up simple systems so assignments and deadlines do not collide.

  1. Upgrade one writing skill at a time
    Start by picking one skill tied to paid outcomes, like writing tighter introductions, outlining faster, or editing for clarity. Practice on short pieces you can finish in 30 to 60 minutes, then collect what you learned into a simple checklist you reuse. This keeps improvement measurable and prevents you from endlessly “getting ready” without publishing.
  2. Choose a niche you can stick with for 90 days
    Choose a topic you can talk about comfortably and a type of writing you can repeat, like blog posts for campus orgs, product descriptions, or email newsletters. A niche makes it easier for people to remember and recommend you, and it speeds up your research time. The long-term upside is real, since the global content writing services market is projected to grow from 2023 to 2030.
  3. Build a small portfolio that matches the work you want
    Create 3 to 5 samples in your niche, formatted like real client work, with clear headlines and clean structure. If you do not have clients yet, write “spec” pieces for imaginary brands or rewrite weak pages into stronger versions and explain your choices briefly. A focused portfolio beats a huge folder of unrelated class assignments.
  4. Find gigs with a repeatable outreach routine
    Start with warm leads you already have, like student groups, professors, labs, alumni organizations, and local small businesses, then add a weekly batch of cold emails or platform pitches. Keep your message short: who you help, what you write, one relevant sample, and a clear next step like a 10-minute call. You are not alone in choosing this route, since the distribution of freelance workers included about 15% Gen Z in a 2023 survey.
  5. Market your services, protect your time, and get organized as you grow
    Pick one marketing channel you can maintain, such as LinkedIn posts once a week or a simple referral ask after every project, and track every lead in one list. Use a school-friendly deadline system: schedule client due dates 48 hours before your real cutoff, block two weekly writing sessions, and confirm scope in writing before you start. Once you have steady monthly income, separate your finances, save for taxes, and consider basic formation and compliance help so paperwork stays boring and manageable, with ZenBusiness as one option.

Freelance Writing Starter Checklist to Use Weekly

To keep it simple: This checklist turns big goals into small wins you can finish between classes. Use it weekly to stay focused, communicate clearly, and keep projects moving without last-minute stress.

✔ Define your niche and one paid writing service

✔ Set a starter rate and minimum project scope

✔ Create three targeted samples in a single folder

✔ Draft a short proposal template with clear deliverables

✔ Send five pitches to warm contacts or local organizations

✔ Confirm timelines, revisions, and payment terms in writing

✔ Track leads, deadlines, and invoices in one simple sheet

Check these off, then repeat next week with slightly higher standards.

Turn One Student Pitch Into Long-Term Freelance Momentum

Balancing classes, money stress, and imposter feelings can make freelance writing motivation fade before a first email even goes out. The path that holds up is a small-steps mindset: use the checklist to stay consistent, build writer confidence through repetition, and treat every attempt as practice, not a verdict. Over time, student freelance opportunities become proof points that open real career growth paths, from steady side income to a portfolio that supports long-term freelance success. One thoughtful pitch beats a week of overthinking. Choose one publication, campus office, or local business and send one short pitch this week. That simple habit builds resilience, options, and a career you can carry beyond graduation.

This is written by Heather Kerns.

Posted on by listeningmoon

Finding Your Readers: Practical and Slightly Unpredictable Ways Writers Get Discovered

Every writer—novelist, blogger, poet, essayist, or newsletter experimenter—faces one stubborn problem: readers don’t magically appear. They must be earned, invited, nudged, intrigued, and sometimes surprised into noticing you. Below is a purposeful guide to help you turn your craft into something sustainable.

Summary

You grow by building discoverable work, cross-pollinating your presence across surfaces, making your writing portable, creating memorable touchpoints, and treating visibility as an ongoing craft—just like the writing itself.

Traction Paths for Modern Writers

Discovery RouteWhat It DoesWhy It Works
Micro-publishing (e.g., short essays on platforms like Medium)Builds snackable entry pointsLow friction for new readers
Community guest appearances (podcasts, blogs, Q&A features)Injects your voice into someone else’s audienceBorrowed trust accelerates growth
Newsletter swapsExpands your ecosystemDirect, permission-based discovery
Releasing mini-guidesProves value upfrontShareable content attracts durable readers
Participating in genre-aligned forumsShows expertise naturallyOrganic fan acquisition

What Actually Helps Writers Get Found1. Write in Multiple Layers

Short, mid-length, and long pieces each attract different types of readers. A 200-word tip post may lead someone into your 80-page novella. A deep tutorial can get shared in circles you’ve never met. 

2. Tell People What Your Writing Stands For

Readers don’t follow generalists; they follow voices. Define what your writing is about in the first line of your bio. If your theme is “quiet rebellion” or “domestic magic,” say it plainly. 

3. Get Quoted, Even Informally

Whenever you answer questions on forums or contribute to community threads, you create micro-citations. These accumulate into ambient visibility. 

4. Collaborate With Complementary Creators

Essayists pair beautifully with photographers. Novelists with illustrators. Poets with musicians. Collisions create discovery.

5. Build Momentum With Smaller Wins

Tiny publications, guest spots, or niche newsletters count. They create a breadcrumb trail toward your bigger work. 

Creating a Visibility Routine

Use this once a week:

  1. Publish one small piece (a thread, tip, micro-essay).
  2. Resurface an older piece and share it in a new context.
  3. Comment in 2–3 communities where your genre lives.
  4. Pitch one collaboration (newsletter swap or joint piece).
  5. Make one intentional edit to your online presence—bio, website, pinned post, etc.
  6. Track what people respond to so you’re not guessing.

Leaving an Impression With Custom Business Cards

A surprising number of writers still land early fans through analog touchpoints. One of the most enduring tools? A standout business card that feels like an extension of your style. When you design custom cards that mirror your voice, you give people a reason to remember you long after the conversation ends.

If you want an easy way to create something polished, business card print options let you design and order custom printed cards with high-quality templates, generative, and intuitive editing tools—all in one place.

Product Spotlight

If you often lose track of drafts or inspiration scraps, the minimal distraction-free writing app Typora can be a quiet lifesaver. It’s markdown-based, clean, and ideal for writers who dislike clutter.

FAQs

Q: Is social media mandatory?
A: No, but discoverability requires surfaces. You can choose slow, quiet surfaces (blogs, communities, newsletters) if fast ones feel draining.

Q: How often should I publish?
A: Often enough that readers remember you exist. “Consistent irregularity” is fine—just avoid disappearing for years.

Q: Should I niche down?
A: Only enough that readers recognize a vibe or theme. There’s room for range once you have an audience.

Q: Does longform still work?
A: Absolutely—thoughtful depth travels well, especially via newsletters and curated reading lists.

Extras That Pull Readers In

  • A recurring series format
  • A one-sentence philosophy under your byline
  • Free mini-stories or chapter excerpts
  • Annotated versions of your own work
  • Behind-the-scenes thought dumps
  • Occasional, personal, “here’s-what’s-on-my-desk” notes

Conclusion

Being discovered is rarely a single moment—it’s a consistent pattern of showing up, shaping your voice, building memorable touchpoints, and making your work easy for readers to find. Treat visibility as a craft, not an accident, and you’ll build the kind of audience that fuels your writing life for years.

This article is written by Heather Kerns.

Posted on by listeningmoon

Our beloved’s departure was not a heavy rain, but a persistent humidity

Last April, when Dad was diagnosed with leukemia, and the doctor said it was a moderate type and most patients could live over ten years, my brothers and I felt relieved. I had just become an American citizen and started applying for my American passport and planned to go back to celebrate Chinese New Year. Due to COVID, I hadn’t been to China for over four years. I was sure my dad would recover, and I imagined inviting him to the U.S. to see where I live, what I was doing, and to meet my friends and family here–he had never been here yet.

However, things didn’t go as well as the doctor said, Dad’s condition grew worse and worse. He quickly lost weight; he couldn’t walk or sit for long, and what he experienced was pain. I then got my passport and started to apply for my Chinese visa, but it was delayed because the Chinese embassy required my naturalization certificate, which the passport center would send back to me eight weeks after I received my passport.

My dad was sent to the emergency room. I talked to the agent who helped me apply for a Chinese visa, asking if I could send the paper later. I called the passport center, begging them to send me my naturalization paper. I asked my dad to wait for me. The Chinese embassy refused my request, stating that my passport alone couldn’t prove I am an American citizen. The American passport center didn’t promise when they could send back my naturalization paper; they just asked me to wait patiently.

But my dad couldn’t wait. Twenty days after being discharged from the emergency room, Dad passed away at noon here, midnight in China. Until the moment my mom told me, “Your dad is gone,” I still couldn’t believe my dad would die. I cried in the video to my dad, “Why didn’t you wait for me? You didn’t wait for me because you don’t love me!” I had nowhere to vent my anger, sadness, and regret; I could only do it toward my dad’s body through the video.

My brothers and mother had been there with my dad when he was sick, when he passed, and during the five days of his funeral. The guests and the atmosphere at the funeral helped them accept the fact that Dad was gone. I hadn’t been there, and I couldn’t get over it. I couldn’t believe it.

Mostly, I felt guilty and regretful, which changed my attitude toward life. I became lazy and felt life was meaningless. When I reached some of my goals or received some surprises in life, work, or study, I felt empty because the one with whom I liked to share those feelings was not there anymore. In the poor, remote village where I was born and grew up, my dad was the first person who thought education was important for both girls and boys, and I was the first one to continue my education after middle school and become a teacher, which encouraged other parents to send their girls to high schools or vocational schools. He always supported me, whether I quit my teaching job and moved to a big city, decided to marry my husband, relocated to the US, or attend college here. Now, he is gone; he didn’t see my graduation, and he didn’t even meet my daughter in person.

I read books about death and wished my dad was somewhere in heaven looking at me. I kept his photos on my bookshelf and in my wallet. Wherever I went and whatever I did, I talked to his photo. This comforted me a bit. Thinking about Dad made my heart sink. I miss Dad so much. I unconsciously think of him while doing dishes, driving, watching a show, or even during writing. Many mornings when I woke up, especially when I dreamed of him, I felt that he was still here—talking, laughing, sitting, standing, in no pain, and asking me not to be tired and to maintain my health. I wish the time from last April was a dream, and if this could bring Dad back, I’d like to delete this period from my life, even longer, I wouldn’t mind. I am willing to.

Yu Hua, the famous Chinese writer, said, “Our beloved’s departure was not a heavy rain, but a persistent humidity. I am forever trapped in this dampness.” Dad has been gone for nine months, and I still can’t accept this truth. The guilt, regret, and grief haven’t faded a bit. I don’t know when I will feel better, or if I ever will for the rest of my life. At this moment, as I write these words, my heart is in pain, the same as the moment Mom told me Dad was gone. Oh, so hard!

Ying Tao is the Editorial Assistant of the North Pine County News. She can be reached at 320-384-6188 or circulation@hinckleynews.com

This is published in the North Pine County News on May 24, 2024.

Posted on by listeningmoon

Wandering Wonders: My Hilarious Evening at Wang Yujia’s Minnesota Orchestra Concert

Last year when I was looking for a job, I found a writer’s position opening at Minnesota Orchestra. As an admirer of the Minnesota Orchestra, imagining working with the musicians encouraged me to apply for the job. Therefore, I searched and watched videos on YouTube and got to know many conductors. With YouTube’s recommendation, I was led to a young conductor, and upon searching for his information, I got to know his girlfriend was from China, named Wang Yujia. That was my first time heard of Wang Yujia. 

About one month ago, the Chinese social media Xiaohongshu kept notifying me about Wang Yujia. Most of the information and comments were about how she wore provocatively in her show and very few comments about her professionalism. At the same time, Minnesota Orchestra’s newsletter informed that Wang Yujia would play with them in Minnesota. I decided to attend this concert, to reward myself for my hard work.

Because I purchased the ticket in late time and could only afford the cheapest one, I let the ticket system choose seats for me. When walked into the hall, I got to know that my seat was on the third floor. It was too far that I couldn’t see the mumian on the platform clearly. Worse was that there was a rail in front of me, I could only watch the player on the left platform between the bars of the rail. 

The old gentleman who sat by me was wise: he brought a pair of telescopes with him. As for me, I didn’t know classical music, even though I had taken a course on Music Appreciation in college, I couldn’t tell all the names of the instruments, no need to mention appreciating the music. But my neighbor was obviously an expert. He dressed in a vest. He echoed the rhymes with his hands, shoulders, and head. A satisfied smile hung on his face, the smile I have only seen on children who got their satisfied toys. After one piece of performance ended, he stood up, clapped the loudest, shouted “Oh–ho, whistled, and talked to himself, “Amazing, That’s amazing!” I asked him if he was a musician, and he said no, he plays a bit of Guitar. But he’s a fan of classic music. He said he was very excited about this concert because he had dreamed of these pieces of music to be performed. And today, Wang Yujia made his dream come true, and she made it so perfectly!

Wang Yujia wore a golden shinning short dress with tassels on the bottom. According to the audience on Xiaohongshu, she’s exposed her beautiful shoulders and back. She also wore high-heeled golden shoes. My neighbor said her heels were six inches high, and he also added, “You never know what she would wear until she shows up.” My neighbor is definitely Wang Yujia’s super fan! 

For Wang Yujia, “pianist” is not just a nametag for her. I am shocked at her performance. I wonder how that slim body can hold such strong strength. Her bending body and her fast-bounced fingers on the keys made her music powerful. The whole hall was quiet in listening to her! I think, only when a person spends their whole life working on one thing that is their passion can they reach such a high place.

After the concert ended, I went to my next step: looking for my parked car. I have no sense of direction. Without GPS, I can’t drive anywhere. But I was sure I could make it this time, because after parked my car, I took a photo of the parking number. But the aisles outside the concert hall were so alike, each one looked like the one I came in. I followed the biggest group of people turning right. Through the skyway, I got outside the door, but it didn’t look like the parking lot I parked my car. I walked upwards and, on the turning, I saw a young couple. The girl was from Asia––maybe because Wang Yujia was from China, I found many Asian audiences and heard many people speak Chinese. This couple seemed couldn’t find their car too. They kept going upward, I went down, along with the exit sign, and got out of the building. Standing by the street and trying to recall the road I drove through; I still couldn’t figure out the direction or which entrance I went in. And it was cold outside. I returned to the first floor of the building (it should be the Hilton Hotel), where I met the young couple again. The girl smiled at me. I said to them that I couldn’t find my car, and the young man said with an embarrassed smile, “Same here.” 

I quickly climbed the stairs and walked through the skyway. While walking, I thought that it was a punishment for I left my husband and two kids at home, and I was alone to enjoy the musical night. (The truth is my kids and husband don’t like orchestra). Returning to the concert hall, I found no one was there. Standing there and hesitating for a while, I turned left. Luckily, a young man in a black suit and carrying a black backpack showed up. I ran to him. Getting close, I noticed he just put on lip balm––he must be an exquisite person who loves life. I asked him if he knew the parking lot. He said yes, I showed him my parking picture, he said he also parked in that area, and I needed to walk backward. How fortunate, or I would miss it again and waste time! He pressed the elevator button and asked me if I was there for the concert, I said yes and asked him the same question, he said he belongs to the New York Orchestra. I walked too fast and was too tired to ask him what instrument he was playing. When the elevator reached level 2, he held the door open and pointed to the parking lot, saying my car must be in that area. Then he wished me good luck. What a kind man! I could only say thanks again and again.

As expected, I found my car in two minutes.

To a person like me who is weak in operational ability, driving a car is a big challenge to me, the most difficult work in my life. I had spent five years, taking two times in traffic rule test and four times on road test to get my driver’s license. Driving into the city is always a challenge too. Without any surprise, I exited the wrong way last night, and it took me another eight minutes to reach the parking lot. I followed the signs in the parking lot, but I didn’t know why and how I drove out of the parking lot! I had to make a turn and reenter the parking lot. It was full of cars. I finally found a narrow space by the wall pillar. I thought my small car (2019 Chevrolet Spark) could make it––I chose this style for easy parking. It was a left parking space. To be honest, I haven’t done much parallel or backing parking because places I had been had wide parking lots. I started making a left turn a little bit early and then my car side hit the wall. I heard the scratching sound. I couldn’t make a reserve but to move forward and parked it awkwardly. 

The light was dim last night, plus, I was in a hurry, so I didn’t pay more attention to the scratching. This morning when I checked my car. Oh my god, it was a big scratching and dent, right under the door. It reminded me of my dream one day ago: I dreamed that my nose was bleeding. I checked online the next morning, and it said, I needed to be careful because that meant bad luck and accidents may happen. I thought the scratch was the bad luck. Luckily, it was a small accident, and I didn’t hurt myself or other people or hit another’s car. I am a guru in persuading and comforting myself!

Suppose my dream would tell me this accident would happen, but I still would come to the concert. Art is a magic thing: it can help people build new, beautiful scenes. As for me, a drawing, a photo, a song, a piece of rhythm, a video, or even the views outside of my car window can make me think about my beautiful time in my youth and imagine beautiful future scenes. No need to mention this was an over two-hour concert. The music, performance, lights, and setting together create a brand-new world for me. Engaged in it, I felt peaceful, harmonious, romantic, and warm. At least, in those two hours, I have temporally forgotten my struggles and unhappiness in real life. I have regained confidence in life and re-established my hope. 

This is published in the North Pine County News on April 3, 2024.