Louisa's Kitchen – Eat and Chat - Oriental Daily (25/08/06) Interview

Louisa once again showed her cooking skills, being the hot favourite, she won "Beautiful Cooking's" final. Overnight she swept away the Mrs Whoever's to become the cooking idol of the new generation. Even cooking expert Walter Gei Hiu Wa has given way, lending his kitchen to let her "So Quali" (show her skills), cooking Fish in White Wine sauce with Tomato Salsa. With a beautiful woman in front of him, of course Walter has crossed his arms and waits for his meal, and has specially made some accessories to thank Louisa for her efforts.

Writer: Cheung Suk Ha
Photographer: Kwok Hoi Man
Make-up: Winki Tsang
Hair: Dicky Lam (Hair Concept @ W1)
Clothing: ZTAMP-Z
Location: Wow from Jia International Ltd

This interview began when Walter said "Louisa, you don't have to be so stubborn." Known to be earnest, the journalist helped Louisa to go around Causeway Bay to find the baby leeks for the accompaniment so that she could cook this dish well. Also there were some other ingredients that required three rounds of shopping before it was the right ones. When Louisa heard Walter's words "Louisa, you don't have to be so stubborn, you can use baby asparagus instead of baby leeks."

She immediately responded "Yes, I am really stubborn." Maybe it is this strong personality that has produced her outstanding performances on television, stage and in the kitchen.

Paying close attention to her cooking, Walter says "Did a French chef teach you to use toothpicks to thread the baby leeks when frying?"
Louisa (L) :"When I go out to dinner, I will especially notice the presentation of a dish, and hink about how the chef has made it. Also, I like reading cook books, and I think the photos are really, really beautiful, and register the cooking methods in of my mind."
Walter (W) : "How did you learn your cooking skills?"
L:"I learnt the basics during home economics class in High school, and came the top of my class for two consecutive years! After I relied on reading books and watching cooking shows."
W:"Do you have your most fulfilling cooking experience?"
L:"I have cooked for 16 people before. I was in charge from soup, entrée, main, dessert and drinks."
W:"Are drinks a course?"
L:"I think it is, I went to buy it myself. That time was a memorable experience."
W:"Your performance on Beautiful Cooking was outstanding, eel needs to be steamed to be delicious."
L:"That time I only placed black beans on the eel, Chef Ko (the chef judge that night) told me after that if you place the black beans all over, the flavour would be even more strong, but he praised me and said I was smart, knowing to place vermicelli underneath. The vermicelli absorbed the flavour from the eel, and can make up for the deficiency in flavour. Actually, at the time, I only saw the vermicelli, so I put it in the dish."
W:"Have you previously steamed eel?"
L:"No, this was my first time."
W:"Its your first time and you can cook Dragon Eel?"
L:"I have seen other people do it this way, of course apart from steaming, I couldn't think of another cooking method."
W:"Which goes to show you really like cooking, or you wouldn't be so attentive."
He made some small accessories: "Usually I cook, but today you are cooking so I have made a bracelet for your efforts."
L:"Its very delicate, what are the materials?"
W:"It is mainly coral rock that I bought from Beijing. They have some markets opened on the weekends, selling chinaware, pictures, old books, industrial materials, and I would buy these to make accessories, curtain hooks and ornaments."
L:"The curtain hooks have a festive feeling, and are really suitable to give as a wedding gift."
W:"When its your big day, I’ll make some as a gift to you."

Fish in White Wine Sauce with Tomato Salsa
Ingredients
1/2 Onion, diced
1/2 Carrot, diced
1/2 Leek
2 slices Fish
Seasoning
2 cups Water
1/2 cup White wine
2 teaspoons Thyme
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Pepper
1 tablespoon Olive oil
Method
1. Marinate fish with salt, pepper and olive oil for five minutes.
2. Heat the water. Add the onion, carrot, leek to the pan and cook until boiling. Then add wine, thyme until cooking. Cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes.
3. Add fish and cook on medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
Tomato Salsa
Seasoning
1-2 tablespoons Olive oil
Tomato sauce
Ingredients
2 Tomatoes
3-4 Basil leaves
5-6 Baby leeks
Method
1. Cut baby leeks into segments, and thread onto toothpicks. Add a little oil to the pan and cook until both sides are golden. Place on plate, and remove toothpicks.
2. Remove seeds from tomatoes and dice. Coarsely shop basil leaves and add to tomatoes, along with olive oil and tomato sauce.
3. Add fish to baby leeks, and tomato salsa. Add herbs for garnish.

Image credits: Oriental Daily, TVB

Maggie Cheung - Made in Hong Kong - Free Walker Interview

Made in Hong Kong – Maggie Cheung

I didn’t know Maggie Cheung having not worked with Maggie before.
So for this interview, I searched some websites to get to know her.
From the search, there were things such as “Maggie spokeswoman for chest enlargement pills,” “Maggie and Charmaine set the record straight at War and Beauty function,” “Maggie goes to court for driving offence,” “Rumour queen Maggie is rumoured to be on not so friendly terms with William Chang”….
Or that Maggie likes eating mangoes, drinking Iced Cappuccino, is short sighted left eye 1.75, right eye 1.50…..and similar information.
Nonsense! This is not knowing Maggie

To get to know someone is definitely not easy. Browsing websites and hearing others comments definitely does not mean understanding. This is especially so when it comes to understanding a celebrity. Like what Maggie said towards the end of our chat: “Its best that people do not know of your success, also its best if people do not know you have money. It takes a long time for me to understand someone and to trust them.” Correct! It takes time to understand someone, especially I Hong Kong. Everyone has a different take as to how to understand someone, and the definition of understanding is also different for your each person.

A provincial Canton maiden, Maggie went to boarding school in England at the age of 13, living there for 8 years. Having part Westernised personality, after returning to Hong Kong she was involved in the design profession, as well as the stock market, before entering the entertainment circle. In 1991, the record company organized for her to join 3 other girls of similar age to form the all girl group ‘Peanut Girls,’ releasing one record under this name. In 1994, she joined the Miss Hong Kong pageant and received the “Most Acting Potential” award, soon after signing with TVB. She received the Anniversary award for her role in King of Yesterday and Tomorrow, as well as “Most Memorable Character” for her role in Old Time Buddy. Recently, her role of On Sin in War and Beauty also gained popularity. She also had the lead role in To Live and To Love, a big budget Mainland production filmed in China. Maggie has obviously worked hard for these numerous gains. She roamed freely overseas in the past, but silently making a “Hong Kong Maggie Cheung.”

Hong Kong Actress

"You need strong perseverance to work as an actress in Hong Kong, and need to be frequently armed with weapons, as well as really knowing how to pick up opportunities. I think I have been rather lucky, at least I have had many opportunities, and able to seize the opportunities. There is nothing to talk about if there were no opportunities. Since the opportunity has come, you can’t wait to seize this or it will be something you will regret. Being an artist you need to go and learn, watching more foreign performances, like comedies, dramas, singing, or even be a host. Being an artist now requires you to know a lot so you can enrich yourself, and be able to come forward once an opportunity comes your way, this is a really important issue.

“My theory is going up is not difficult, but able to sustain a certain position is hard. Starting from scratch to now hasn’t been too hard for me. The difficulty is how to keep your standard, and sustaining a good result. The most difficult is allowing yourself to progress to that next step. But for an actress, apart from hard work, timing and luck is also really important. This has been my thinking that has not changed ever since entering the industry.”

“In the past I have work in design, and tried a few years in the stock market, and have sat for the exams and have a licence. I return and work there at anytime. But being an actress is fate, I didn’t work for it. Earlier I did sing, but when I participated in Miss Hong Kong I had no intentions, and smoothly entered the acting profession, having now worked for 10 years.”

Hong Kong Woman

“After having acted as many ancient characters, I have been able to experience the feudal laws of the past. A woman today requires freedom, and a woman without freedom is a very painful issue. In Hong Kong, Hong Kong woman can have some degree of freedom, but to enhance your own freedom, you need to be financially independent. Being financially independent can protect your freedom.

“Financial independence requires a lot of time, effort and thinking to get, giving up a little freedom before to gain the added freedom after. That is actual freedom. I think that is considerably worth it, there was also a considerable feeling of satisfaction and prosperity. Being able to protect this is actual freedom. Feelings are different, because you can’t control it. There may not be returns from the feelings you invest in. Others will see your work, the amount of gains results from the amount of effort.”

“Although I have had times when I was dismayed, and this was in relation to my work, and it was pressure from the media because I can’t control it. I will always say [If you invited me to act, I can do it for free. If you invite me to do something as a celebrity, I can’t do it for free.] Because I have to give up a lot of freedom, like I really hate myself when I say I am used to the paparazzi and Hong Kong media, because I really am not used to it.

“I really respect Fu Ming Xia, able to gain success on the Olympic arena, but overnight made a 180 degree transition and married someone, and became a housewife. I really look forward to the day when I can do this, cut off the issues at hand, and cook at home, take the children to school, and look after my husband. I hope that my life has a beginning and an end , and there can be a comparison, not wanting to be an actress but doing it to the end. But I also understand that this should come naturally and is up to God to decide. If he wants you to be an actress until you are 60, then you have to do it until you are 60, its not always you that can decide.”

Life in Hong Kong

“I am a very straight forward person, I will say what I think. For me, life is Hong Kong is very narrow. Hong Kongers are easily influenced by others. Maybe it’s the size of Hong Kong. Like if you see someone successfully doing something, you think you can also do this yourself and compare yourself to them. The work environment, family and friends circles are too close, and you will bump into someone at any time, in any place, able to know their whereabouts. So no matter if its good or bad, you will influence each other. Overseas is rather bigger, and people are rather individual.

“I think that the ideal lifestyle is where there is a balance of friends love and family love, and even the work mode requires some form of balance. Now there basically isn’t any time, no time for leisure, no time to see your family because of filming, only getting three or four hours sleep over two days, and continuing to act in front of the camera despite exhaustion. When one has reached a certain stage, they need some excitement in their life to balance themselves.

“I really want to go and experience nature, like dams. Hong Kong really lacks those expansive natural attractions. Even the harbour is filled with boats, and surrounded by skyscrapers. I like hiking, cycling, and connecting with nature. I really want to go on a Safari, then India, Tibet, where I can be close with nature, these are places where one should experience in your lifetime. I don’t want to go and enjoy these places when I’m too old to run. But Hong Kong had a moment which really touched me, and that was SARS. I deeply felt the unity between Hong Kongers. Together everyone experienced this tragedy, experienced the ups and downs, and experienced happiness and sadness in this valued experience.

Through this photo shoot and interview, I don’t know if I have understood Maggie. But from the photo shoot, and the study of the costumes, makeup, hairstyle and subjects etc, she is really a serious person and has demands on herself. Being an artist, she has respect. Being an interviewee, she has thought about how to answer each question. As the writer, I think I have progressed in my understanding of Maggie, and I will need more time and opportunities to increase my understanding. Worried that the writer is not an artist, the situation is the same. Everyone has a different take as to how to understand someone, and the definition of understanding is also different for your each person.

Image Credits: hoyee4u

Life is a play - knowing when to retreat - Economic Times (03/07/06) Louisa So interview

Whether it's the theatre world or the television circle, early on, the quality of Louisa's acting has always been guaranteed. This week we head into the finale week of Men In Pain. Her acting is not overbearing, and is dignified.

For this lead actress in the theatre world, her acting philosophy is actually based on this attitude: "Theatre is also called play, which means you have to have the point of view of playing. If you are not craving to act, or are not happy when acting, the audience can see it." She has a relaxed mood when dealing with serious issues. These are the boundaries in which she pursues life.

Having just enjoyed a month long break in New York, and not long after returning to HK, Louisa was promoting Men In Pain and doing interviews. Even though the schedule is tight, she has recharged her batteries, and her spirit is glowing.

She says that when Men In Pain just started airing, she was still in America, and when she returned she asked to borrow the videos from her friends to watch the first few episodes, and asked her family to see what others thought of the series. "Television hardly has series of this type of genre, and some of the subjects including sex life are truly quite sensitive. We chose farce method acting to deal with these issues, which can dilute this sensitivity. In the beginning the audience may not be used to it, but looking at it now it seems that they have accepted the tone of the series."


Getting stronger when meeting strong

Comedy depends on the artists and how they control the rhythm which is matched with their energy. This time, there is definitely sparks between Louisa So and Damian Lau. Earlier, both worked together in The Awakening Story. Louisa says she sees chemistry again between them. They discussed and planned how to bring out the comedy in many of their arguing scenes and bedroom scenes (like the scene where she tempts her husband).

"When you act and don't have confidence in your partner, the feeling won't be comfortable, and you will easily give up, thinking [whatever... let's not discuss it.] This time, we did not give up in any of the scenes. Everyone had a strong sense of originality. I'm a person who gets stronger when I meet someone stronger. The two months of filming were stimulating, like a feeling of learning the new moves."

Without doubt, having the opportunity to act in a series of this genre is a challenge for an actor, and strictly speaking, this is Louisa's first series since joining TVB in 1995 in which she is the lead actress in a big budget series. This time she was invited by producer Poon Ka Tak to work together on this series. Actually, Poon already saw her perform while she was studying at HKAPA, and he has watched all her recent musical performances.

"At the time when I moved from the drama circle into the television industry, when I was still a nobody, he was the one who picked me to play Gigi in DIF 1. At the time people didn't believe I was the sentimental Fung Ping in I Have a Date with Spring. He was one who could see my acting ability, and my flexibility. He was also the producer who believed I could control this role, I am indeed grateful to him."

Learning from the expert

Ever since joining TVB, Louisa's exposure rate has increased, and her acting skills have gained increasing approval, especially Misleading Track with Derek Wan. She became noticed playing the nervous housewife, and many new artists think of her as their idol, and will specially go to the studio to watch Louisa act, and learn from the sidelines. Louisa laughs and says she hasn't noticed, but after Misleading Track, she has indeed felt that many people have asked her about acting. However, frankly, she says she does not like to 'teach acting', and only likes to 'discuss acting' with fellow actors.

"Teaching is to tell you to do something that I think is right. Actors should have their own individual thoughts, which give a character its soul. Acting requires sharing, and you can not be selfish. In the most enjoyable films, the artists interact, and exchange ideas, and its not about one person showing off."

In recent years Louisa has been working in both television and theatre, and has a part contract with TVB, and every year maintains an output of 1 to 2 series. In regards to musicals, every time, she meticulously chooses scripts and characters, and will not casually step onto the stage. "The theatre is a place that allows me to improve, I really treasure every opportunity I have to perform in a musical, and I hope that these can broaden my ability."

"When my career was just beginning, I really needed the sense of security. Every decision needed to be stable, and there couldn't be any mistakes. Now I will choose to do things that I don’t know whether I can do."

Perfect Lover

The theatre has not only been a place where Louisa has established her career, but has brought her a destined match. Boyfriend Poon Chan Leung is also a dramatic actor. Meeting at HKAPA, their love has continued for 10 years. But when talking about marriage, or even having children, Louisa has always had an attitude to wait and see."

"I still enjoy the freedom of being single. I can't imagine myself getting married and having children, or maybe I can't carry out this great sacrifice." However, secretly, Louisa is a cooking expert, able to invite 16 people over for a banquet, cooking entrée through to dessert. During her school days, she was the top of her class in home economics. "I believe I can be a good housewife, and a good mother. I am ready anytime, but I don't need to move to this step. My life is already beautiful, and I don't need to have such a dramatic change."

Being independent, does she need to keep a distance with her other half? "It is not intended, but there is naturally a space. Currently I live by myself, while he lives with his mum. Of course there are times when we will be together, but there doesn't need to be firm rules, like living under the same roof."

Louisa speaks frankly about enjoying this type of freedom, and says indeed that both partners need to put in the effort to maintain their relationship. "Certainly I will have other pursuers, and control depends on my own strength. We both really trust each other, and we have common interests, topics and friends. He also really understands me, and this aspect is unquestionable. I think, its (love) not about choosing the best person, but it is about choosing the most suitable person. It is already perfect that we can be together."

New York theatre experience

Its been almost 10 years since Louisa has enjoyed a long vacation, and finally after Love In A Fallen City finished its Beijing performance this year, Louisa flew to America with no US dollars exchanged, living a month as a New Yorker. Living at her friend's place, watching musicals, going to concerts, visiting museums, going to acting workshops was part of her daily life, extremely enjoyable.

"I didn't plan this trip. I found the workshop online when I arrived. I attended a one week acting workshop. The black teacher could see that I was an experienced actor, and invited me to stay for free classes. He also found theatre professor that teaches mask work from Yale University to attend the class with me. Having the opportunity to come into contact with these people is very rare."

"In New York, many big stars appeared on stage. I attended Lionel Richie's concert, and watched musicals performed by actresses like Cindy Luper, Julia Roberts and Cynthia Nixon."

"The most enjoyable was The History Boys starring Olivier Clark. At the time the Tony Awards were being held. Coincidently, I was watching The History Boys receiving a Tony. I immediately ran to the theatre which was holding the award ceremony, and waited by the backstage door for stars, it was very silly but I was very happy."

The night before she left, Louisa watched a free performance in Central Park. "This year they performed Shakespeare's Macbeth. I especially queued for two days to get the tickets. This was a memorable experience to be able to watch this performance. We watched the performance while the sky gradually became darker."

Image credits: Louisa Square

Louisa didn't want to get married after she turned 28 - SingTao (08/07/06) Louisa So Interview

Before asking Louisa to do this interview, I was going to let her speak freely about women's pain, only because Louisa has been in the television industry for 10 years, giving people the impression of self-confidence and maturity, knowing she definitely had some wise words from experience. It was not until after researching for this interview, that I realised I was to be mistaken, as Louisa is not like typical women complaining about their pain, and was even a lucky woman. No wonder Louisa does not mind being a woman again in her next life, she sweetly says "No matter how much pain a woman goes though, they still have men that love them!"

Being a woman is really not easy? Looks, relationships, profession...while age is slowly increasing, worries may also increase. Women are born to love beauty, but age creeps up upon us, and women are more afraid of aging compared to men. One more wrinkle around the eyes will worry them for more than half a day, and many women spend money and care to protect their skin. Louisa's skin is white but glowing, healthy and full of vigour. Actually, she does not purposely spend money or effort into protecting her skin.

"The most important is to keep an open mind, have a good heart and having a pure heart is also really important. I am someone who has made rules in my life, I don't smoke, I don't drink, and try to have enough sleep. I am not against people who do plastic surgery, if they once had their face disfigured, then having plastic surgery is undisputable. However if it is because of a few wrinkles and they go for a face lift, then I don't think its necessary. People will definitely age, but our “heart” is the most important, a 60 or 70 year old woman can be beautiful and graceful. A person who has a good heart and has tutelage won't be that ugly, right?"

Women past thirty hope that they will quickly find their other half, in addition to the situation in Hong Kong where there are more males than females, making women more worried. Louisa really doesn't have to worry on this front, she has dated Hong Kong Repertory Theatre actor boyfriend Poon Chan Leung for 10 years, both saying their relationship is stable, and she isn't in any rush to marry.

"Being a modern women, marriage isn't a problem. When I was twenty something I did want to get married, but after I turned 28, I didn't especially think about it, the most important is that we are both compatible. Marriage is really just a marriage certificate. I think that men and women belong to two different planets. Both our values and the way we handle situations is completely different. A married couple needs to be together for life, both need to face big and small situations, and this is a highly difficult matter. It is truly a large piece of "art" and knowledge.

Currently, the work pressures of women in Hong Kong are equivalent to men, many females have to balance family with their profession, with some even working in high ranking positions. Although Louisa puts high expectations on her work, engrossed in every single job, and for a series she may not see her family for two to three months, but Louisa does not feel the pressure.

"I think completing each job is a must, so I don't feel the pressure, and I won't force myself to take jobs I don't like, not letting myself suffer the pain, so I basically don't have much pressure. If I was to take a job, I will envisage the type of environment and problems I will be facing."

If there was such thing as reincarnation, Louisa says she hopes in her next life she will continue to be a woman. She says "A woman maybe born to suffer, including psychological pain, and even though I am quite strong, in the end I would still want to be a woman, because no matter how much a woman suffers, they will have someone who loves them."

Comprehend - TVB 473 Louisa So Interview

Last year, Louisa played a brain cancer victim in the musical Superman Forever, willingly shedding what women consider their second life, shaving her tresses of hair.

This year, she played missing for a month, going to USA for acting workshops, while at the same time attending theatre performances.

However this "Drama Fanatic" stands her ground, "Drama is not as important to me as one may think. In actual fact, I can not do drama at any time."

This misunderstanding is because Louisa is serious about doing things, and aims for perfection. Stepping onto the stage, she has been garnered with various awards, and has expanded her horizons, travelling the world for her acting profession. For this interview she went to the boutique to select her clothes, borrowing five sets and in the end only selecting two that were worthy of appearing on screen, this reflecting her attitude. "That's why nine out of ten people think I am a Virgo, seeking perfection, but actually, I am a hardworking, stable Taurus, well suited to an open-minded, easy-going Leo."

One is able to find the strengths of three star signs from Louisa because she understands the right attitude to life "Work Hard, Play Hard."

Happiness from poverty

Living in poverty in my childhood years has made me learn to cherish.

My family with almost 10 members crammed into a housing commission flat, my parents working to earn a living. My mum was working on a construction site when she was "carrying" me, and she was working, like usual, even on the day she gave birth to me. It was not until she finished work and was about to get on the bus, where the bus driver refused to let her on the bus, that she realised her water broke, and immediately walked to the hospital to give birth. Maybe it is because while my mum was carrying me, she was working tirelessly, that this gave me strength even before I was born, and so like her, we are both very healthy.

Not growing up in a rich family, I have been responsible since I was little, and was a well-mannered child not saying a word. I still remember the days when I was in primary school, where I would hold my two younger brothers hands with both of my hands, and go to the market to buy groceries to make dinner.

Life was crowded but happy, I understand what I have today has not been easy to obtain, requiring hard work, and dedication, to gain the good results. I have given so I can peacefully say that it is deserved, and when I sleep at night it is especially fragrant and sweet.

I have always been the model student in school, receiving acting awards and today's television industry success. Not through connections or favours, but through a tough battle.

I do not describe myself as a gifted artist, so I have put in large amounts of hard work, tirelessly training, and in regards to the results, I won't be embarrassed or humble. A great amount of people will association me with drama, not only am I thankful, but it proves I am really a person passionate about acting. Of course when there are occasions where I can play, I will play to the extreme, like when I go on game shows, I will play like crazy.

To have an enjoying lifestyle, find the meaning of life, there are actually so many aspects of life truly worthy of enjoyment.

Essentials left unscathed

My family think that I am way too pure. My sister called me earlier on the phone urging me to be careful not let people use me.

This came after an incident in America where I met this friend who had really nice teeth. He said that he was born with teeth, and has changed his teeth more than twice, even if they fall out, they will automatically grow back. I really believed him, and was not only envious but praised and said "Wah! So unique, I really haven't met anyone like that. It was not until my family were suspicious that this friend was toying with me, that I realised his intentions. But this is bad, and I didn't lose anything, instead I am happy, I can meet this special person. Even if he teases me in front of others, I won't lose out.

Each incident has a "true side." I once worked with another artist who didn't have such a good image, a lot of people would chase me about it. "How are they? It seems they are not that nice." But during our encounter, he treated me well, and played his character well, and we could interact normally, and our friendship and working relationship was comfortable and natural.

I can adjust my own perspective, and I don't need to listen to what others say, because I have eyes, ears and judgement.

Even if I was hurt, I would be like the computer with a delete button, deleting it with one push of the button, like as if nothing has happened. Once I was hurt by a very dear friend using the most cruel method. I was very hurt, very upset, but I chose to forgive him, letting go. Actually I need to thank him for teaching me how to look after friendships. Actually I need a shield to protect myself. When certain things happen, I need to be vigilant.


I can stop acting anytime

A lot of people like asking me: "If you weren't an actress what would you do?" This question is really hard to answer...

From my point of view I can stop acting at anytime, and there was a time when I was really exhausted, so exhausted I wanted to give up, but that was just instantaneous, after I slept on it, the next day I went to work as usual. Exhaustion is a good thing, at least you know that people still want to use you. In fact, busy or not, I don't think that is important, since life is full of ups and downs.

My trip to America gave me insight, and I hope that I can experience the lifestyles of different counties. Besides visiting the tourist attractions, I want to experience the different atmosphere (culture), lifestyle and ideologies.

In New York I found that there were many expectant white women that were dressed super trendy and sexy, and apart from being pregnant they were pushing another baby (stroller). But I can feel that they are really enjoying life, as well as having faith in the future of our society. They are young yet have decided to create a large family.

Can this happen in Hong Kong? Everyone does not want to marry, let alone have children, and are only concerned with earning more money, and have calculated that they do not have enough money to have children, and are really only concerned with paying off the house first.

While I was in those relaxed surroundings, I was thinking that I can also be like those expectant mothers, and give up everything now, and go travelling or marry, have children, and only need to wait for that moment to come, I will feel it, I don't need to plan ahead, because life is full of changes, and possibilities.

I only need to still exist, and then continue living well."

Image credits: Louisa Square