Tuesday, June 10, 2008

The China Post

Boring day in the Closet. I can't even really say that I was busy doing anything good. I sent out some magnets and postal mail love (which is becoming a fun project, by the way, it's like having pen-pals, kind of), got hooked on Meerkat Manor, cleaned up a little, read almost all of Postcards From Insanity and waged some worthless internet battles, just because I can't NOT offer my opinion. On everything.

So, a pretty productive day, just not as far as the Closet goes.

Tomorrow Emmers is spending the night. So I'll probably be drinking and online a lot, having a house full of kids (3 = a house full here) and a headache I'm sure.

Here are some links to tide you over until then:

An interesting look at Chinese foot binding. I just read Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. Wow, what a wonderful tale of women and friendship and loss and regret. It was fascinating from a historical standpoint, but emotional and easy to relate to as a woman. I cried.

I also enjoyed looking at photos of Lotus Shoes. They are beautifully decorated and interestingly shaped. The women made them themselves and embroidered them with meaningful symbols and messages.

Here are some photos of China from above. I would love to go there one day. Mr. Ashley and I have always wanted to see the Terracotta Warriors. I know it would be a total culture shock though and I would have to quarantine myself in my hotel room for at least 24 hours before I could even hope to enjoy my vacation (this is how I had to do it in Athens too...I was overwhelmed).

Speaking of China, they recently banned plastic shopping bags. This is a brilliant idea and the only way we're ever going to get rid of these damn things. I would HATE it, but I'd be a lot more likely to remember my reusable bags if someone was going to make me pay for disposable ones.

I was just reading an article in Marie Claire magazine today about China's modern day concubines. Kind of seems like prostitution to me, but I'm sure it's a great gig if you can get it.

I didn't mean for this to become a book report about China, but it sort of happened that way. I really had that many China-related things bookmarked. You may be hearing a lot more about China since the next 3 books I'm scheduled to read all relate to it, so you might as well study up and get involved.

23 comments:

clemsongirlandthecoach said...

Totally was thinking this was book report-ish! Since I was watching crappy TV, I was glad for the educational read...

:)

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to let you know I love your blog!! I found another website that has old color photos. Thought you might be interested.

http://www.oddee.com/item_66082.aspx

Elizabeth

Foster Mom to Many said...

Hey thanks for the shout out, hope you enjoyed the train wreck of my life! It gets much better, lots more craptastic things to come.

Life, Love And Lola said...

Yeah! My magnet is on the way! I will place it on my fridge proudly. I'm sure it will attract a lot of attention to The Closet Store. You'll be Oprah rich in no time!

Maddness of Me said...

My local grocery now has green plastic grocery bags.

Environmentally friendly.

I was so excited.

Amy said...

I read the Marie Claire article too. It is prostitutish. And I hate it for the first wives - that sucks.

I'm happy being Mr.P only prostitute. Cause I'll totally put out for shoes and stuff.

Anonymous said...

Hey Ashley. I ran across a site that I think you will love! They really have some great stuff... you may or not not already know about it, but here it is anyway...
www.motherhoodwithattitude.com

Enjoy!

Maddness of Me said...

I read Marie Clare... but only for the Sex And The City article.

Skimmed past the whores. Oh wait, no I did read about the whores then I guess.

:)

Maddness of Me said...

This is random, but I did a google on chernobyl

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=chernobyl&spell=1

How would you find a hat to fit that ass?

jenn said...

LOVED that book, Ashley! We read it in my book club & I was totally addicted. Try "Peony in Love", her more recent book. It's also set in old-school China.

Joy said...

I have bought into the whole reusable shopping bags. I love them they hold so much stuff in them and makes less trips from the car to the house.

Joy said...

I thought you would get a kick out of this.

I have you in my blog roll cause of course I check you multiple times a day. Anyways I just got an email from my FIL scolding me for this said he couldn't share my blog with a friend of his because I had your link:)

I may have to remove your link if he persists, but I promise I will never slow on my reading and commenting. LUV YA

BTW I have shared my love of you with others and they agree that you are one funny lady.

Unknown said...

lol Joy. One of the people I was working with for the store said she didn't want to be associated with a website so full of "adult content"...um, screw you then. It's not porn. Have fun with your 3 hits a day and good luck with that, be-atch.

Off to check off those links (why won't blogger let you all actually make links in comments??) I have a GREAT Chernobyl link if you're a nerd like that. I'll share later.

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Ash! I needed a cultural nudge on the whole China thing. The only info I had on China was that it's a ginornous nation, has gazillions of people, it sometimes exports lead painted toys, and the U.S. imports so many of it's goods so they won't come over here and war monger on our asses.

Maddness of Me said...

I think there is a way to add a spot on your sidebar that is only visible to you.

Marie said...

I absolutely love your blog. It is the best I have found so far. I am fairly new to blogging. I have spent 3 whole days reading this and I think I may have lost some of my ass from laughing so keep it up I could stand to loose some more of it!!!

Anonymous said...

I got my love from you the other day and I loved it! It was like having a penpal, thanks for the note and the pretty little seashell. I put it in my jewelry box and think of you every time I see it (blush).

-Jenn

Mitch said...

Seriously, people think of your blog as "adult content"? Geez. Frankly, if they are that prudish they don't belong in your store!

(BTW -- I totally want to buy your love, but even at a dollar, I can't afford it seeing how we still haven't been paid by E's cheap ass boss. Who, FYI, just left for a 2 and a half week cruise to Alaska!)

Life, Love And Lola said...

ADULT CONTENT MY ASS! GET OUT OF THE CLOSET THEN. WE CHOOSE TO BE HERE, YOU HAVE A CHOICE TOO...PUT ON YOUR BIG GIRL/BOY PANTIES AND DEAL WITH IT OR LEAVE.

XOXO,

LIFE,LOVE & LOLA
(and yes I was screaming just now)

SuddenlySouthernCyndi said...

Oh great--homework!! Actually, I thought of you this morning; it was a "What would Ashley do?" moment. I ended up learning about a "special individual" shall we say, blog stalking me (which, BTW, I'm totally fine with-it's just the irony of this person reading my blog not to mention often) and decided to do an open post to said individual. Let's just say it creates a sense of mystery & intrigue with the promise of potential drama. Anyhoo....just sharin'.

Things I May Regret Writing said...

In San Francisco (where I live), plastic bags have been banned in all supermarkets and drugstores. It's been surprisingly not a big deal. I hardly miss them at all.

Anonymous said...

I got some love today! Best $1 I ever spent, lol!

Di said...

I loved Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. And when I read it, I became obsessed with learning about foot binding. Kind of yucky. Amazing that people did that.