I have been re-introduced to the wonderful ancient Chinese musical instument, the Gu Zheng, today. It is what a typical American would recognize as very traditional Chinese musical sound. Very very famous. It is so very very lovely to hear. On this New Years day, I am happy to really learn about this instrument. A friend of mine in China is learning to play this wonderful instrument. I am learning how to pronounce the name of it correctly.
I looked on the internet and found the name of Lui Fang. She is famous apparently for playing this and another instrument. She reportedly play for the Queen of England and graduated from the Shanghi Conservatory of Music ( I may have the wording wrong ). She plays beautifully.
I have dreamed of this music being used in films. Wonderful. I am no longer unschooled in this rich history of China. I am ashamed of my ignorance before. Forgive me.
I share with you now. I have a favorite place in my city. You may read about it below. I now have a favorite place in China. Outside of Longyan is a mountain and on that mountain you may see this view of “Sleeping beauty”. I love this place. My Hui took this picture for me just yesterday. In honor of New Year’s day in China, within the hour there, I share her lovely picture.
All the best and xin nian kuai le,
Brian
P.S. the Chinese new year is coming, the year of the mouse. It is in early February. The greatest holiday ever.
It is a cold day today on the Ohio river. I have come here for many years. When I first came here, I did not appreciate the beauty that was here. It was simply parking. As time past, as I take pictures to share with my China friends, I have grown to care so much for this spot. How to tell you… when I take pictures to share my life, as I take them, I feel so wonderful about where I live. I did not feel this way before. So I recommend you take pictures of your life, share them with others.
I have taken wonderful pictures of this very place. The Belle of Louisville is one of my best pictures. Hui asked that I make a video of the Ohio river. I never thought to take a video before but because Hui ask, I will do. This very spot has a surprise, you will see and hear about it.
This very spot has become my favorite place. I love to stand here, take pictures of the river as I stand here. It is sometimes beautiful, sunny, overcast, dark and even foggy. I love it. This very spot, my spot.
When I was a younger man, I had a dog. A little Chihuahua dog. As you may learn, they are associated with Mexico, not sure why. But, I taught my dog many tricks — play dead, sit, roll-over and more. Big fun. It was during this time I wrote a song about my dog. Here is the song. I recorded it just today.
The Chico Song
by Brian Ginn
I got a dog named Chico
Yes, he’s my little hero
He can run and he can bite
He’s a terrible fright
Yes, he’s my little friend don’t you know?
Yeah, he likes to run and play now
don’t know what to say now
But he can run and he can bite
He’s a terrible fright
Yeah, he’s my little friend don’t you know?
my little friend don’t you know
I have been re-introduced to the wonderful ancient Chinese musical instument, the Gu Zheng, today. It is what a typical American would recognize as very traditional Chinese musical sound. Very very famous. It is so very very lovely to hear. On this New Years day, I am happy to really learn about this instrument. A friend of mine in China is learning to play this wonderful instrument. I am learning how to pronounce the name of it correctly.
Posted by Brian Ginn
