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.