The Three Bears, a Revisit

When I started as a teacher in a Chinese school, I had to make my own props for story telling as well as hundreds of educational media for teaching preschoolers. It was a gruelling task as it takes time and all my creative juices were flowing in excess to make interesting teaching materials. 

One of my fave story at that time was the traditional but never dying story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. I recently resurrected my bears and Goldilocks props and took some photos for keeping in the hope that I can cherish them forever through this blog. 

Papa Bear, Mama Bear and Baby Bear with their respective chairs.

The Bears with their bowls of porridge.

The Bears with their different sizes of beds.

Goldilocks with no golden locks, lol!

The children always had fun listening to the story what with the moving puppets I created with toilet rolls, cloth scraps, markers and glue. Simple but very effective! Nowadays, we simply google the story and out comes a talking rendition of our all time fairy tale favourites. Effective but not as creative.

Along The Way

I hailed a cab and asked the driver to bring me to the weekend market. I was quiet at first since I already learned my lesson from taking cabs. However, the driver of the cab started to make conversations. I found it to be inviting so I just answered his questions while I asked for some. 

Some questions pertained to my whereabouts and my profession while I asked him the same. The man was actually an office worker who drives during the weekends as he is free. The cab belongs to his brother and he makes extra money driving the cab for him. 

The cab driver was a gentle person, not intimidating but very honest and polite with his words. I rarely meet people like him so it was a good ride until I reached my destination.

When I asked to be dropped at a certain point and handed him the money for the fare, he refused to accept the money saying, "Can I have your phone number instead?" I was surprised but since we were holding the traffic I gave mine so that he can leave. I also left the money on the seat.

He called me after some days and learned that he was also a graduate student from a university. He asked for my help in explaining a school homework and so I did.  He left after giving me a wai, a polite gesture often used to convey gratitude or respect. The next day, I found a small basket of flowers right in front of my door. I called him up and he said, "I made the flowers myself with straws and I am very glad to have met you. "

This happened many years ago. I don't know where he is now since I moved house. I lost his number as well. So when I took this small basket for cleaning, his quiet demeanour but strong presence suddenly became clear. I wish him all the best and I thank him for the brief but unforgettable friendship.

There are many small things in life that might not strike as great at that moment, but leaves an impact for the many years to come.

The Paper Crane

The Paper Crane is a short story written by Molly Bang that I am using this week for my reading and writing classes. 

Aside from the vivid illustrations and plot, there is one line in the story that strikes me well, to make it as my mantra. It says to enjoy what we have while we have it. 

The paper crane reminded me of my first few days in Thailand as a teacher. I went to my class, knowing no one around the school, to teach the summer programme. Every morning as I dropped my bag on the chair, a paper crane was on top of my desk. I kept on wondering who among the many people in school had been folding them for me until one morning, there was no longer any on my desk.

Later, I found out that the man behind the photocopying machine in the office was the one who folds the crane for me everyday. He used recycled paper and lovingly folds one to give the crane as a present. He left the school without any notice. I wasn't able to say thank you nor was able to find out his name. I regret the opportunity given to me to explore the kindness of the people around me. 

The cranes are still with me, all inside a plastic jar I kept and carried since I moved houses three times for the last 17 years. Whenever I see them in my library, I always smile knowing that many years ago, one soul had been very generous in his feelings and made my days brighter with his gifts. Wherever he may be, I have only but my gratitude.

Enjoy what is now: our life, our career, our family and friends. Be thankful for what we receive and be glad for all the blessings that come our way. And if you are reading this, thank you for your visit. God bless!