Category: Anything Cute

At a friends’ beautiful new abode … being welcomed by the lucky monkeys.

Some of New Year’s dishes from earlier this month: Chirashi Sushi made by me – should have taken the photo before serving … ; and Kumquat marinade I need to find out how to make by a lovely health-conscious friend … It’s Year of the Monkey ! Is this your year?

Monkey is the ninth in the 12-year cycle of Chinese zodiac. The Years of the Monkey include 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028…
Monkey’s basic characteristics:
Imagine that monkey jumping from one tree to another – life too is like that for monkeys, as they move from one experience to the other. They relish momentum and change. They will of course stop at anything that excites them and holds their attention Which can bring at times, great achievement or the opposite experience of great loss or that of a lesson, a learning experience.
In that sense, they tend to maintain a younger outlook but as they transition to adulthood, they begin to readdress the lifestyle and choices and reevaluate. While such mid-life reflection can be difficult, the momentum to seek out action after action will persist.

It’s a study in contrast to say, an Ox … like “Nandi”, an ox or bull, a cow that Shiva rides on (The Sanskrit word “Nandi” also translates to “Happy, Joyous Person”:).
According to the Chinese Zodiac guide for “Ox”, it reads:

“The Ox is a person who will often find themselves in the same place or situation for longer periods than others. Whether it is in a relationship, a job, or just a phase of their life, the Ox is built to both endure and succeed. Part of this is that they will tend to favor those things that they are already familiar with. This allows them to make the most of what they can do, and in many ways to eliminate the chaos from their own world that seems to control so many others.

As someone who holds out for what they want, the Ox is also someone for whom discipline is second nature. They can maintain a level of work and a state of mind far beyond many of their peers, both in their personal and professional lives. It can be hard, however, to endure sudden changes in their life, at least for the first few days. As the Ox slowly refocuses their mind, though, they will soon return to a more stable and happy state. It simply takes them a little longer than others to figure out what is the best path for them. Though once they do, they are strong and determined.
 
As someone who takes their time with change and must feel before they can act, the Ox is prone to follow the same sort of pattern in all of their relationships. They are quick to be friendly with others, but slow to transition into a deeper relationship. Some signs struggle as a result of this to get to know the Ox, though it is never impossible to break through that initial barrier. For those born under the sign of the Ox care for others with great force. Should a partner be patient and allow an Ox the time they need to adjust, the end result will be a relationship that will stand up to all the tests of time.”

A bit of a contrast to those born the year of Monkey. It is quite interesting as all ancient culture has a tradition of using animal personifications (example in Japan would be that of foxes vs. badgers.) Fun references as I make my millimeter gains towards Hanumanasana (Monkey pose) with a block – have about 4 inches to go and even if I never get there, it’s “the process”, the journey, I am enjoying not so much the destination … while Bitilasana (Cow pose) comes with ease – feels good when there’s absolutely no pain, no strain, whilst much to gain. Sometimes, it’s not the full expression of the pose but that millimeter, nano-meter at a time progress that we can relish when zapped with one-pointed focus:)