Last Saturday morning in Rhode Island, a massive swarm of dragonflies appeared at several beaches. I watched a video showing thousands of dragonflies in flight at Misquamicut Beach in Westerly—they were everywhere! 

In another article online, a lady on the beach told a news reporter, “It was like a black cloud, and then it turned into a couple of hundred, and eventually thousands of them. Some little kids were terrified; some were screaming.” Apart from watching videos and reading articles on the internet, I discussed this with friends. Opinions about the dragonflies varied: some people believed they were migrating, while others thought otherwise. Most people felt panic, but some found the sight beautiful and considered themselves lucky to witness it. 

For me, I believe I would experience discomfort and goosebumps if I found myself surrounded by such a massive swarm of insects.

I walked to the town beach in my neighborhood, as usual, this cloudy morning. Few people were walking around on the beach. The weather forecast predicts a winter storm warning, which will affect Rhode Island in the coming two days. Speaking of the weather, I remember an impressive scene happening on this beach. 

 A few years ago, in the middle of October, my siblings and their family members visited my husband and me at our new home in the United States. 11 people, including me, were staying in our house. All the rooms and the basement were occupied. I took them on a tour to see our new living place. They liked it here, a suburban area, with no tall apartments, calm ... and the beautiful town beach. It’s very different from our hometown, Hong Kong. 

 About time, the US is 12 hours behind HK time. They are living opposite day and night. Jet lag is a physiological reaction that can happen to everyone. On the second day of their trip, my younger brother’s nearly three-year-old son, Nick, woke up very early in the morning, just like the first day. He talked loudly to his parents and ran around in our house. The noise disturbed everyone in the early morning. So, my brother walked Nick outside for the reason of less noise at home. 

 This was about 4:30 am. They walked along a few avenues and roads. They felt cold because they didn’t bring jackets to go outdoors. After some minutes, they arrived at the town beach. Then, they took a rest there. It was windy and foggy. Very soon, the landscape was getting hard to see. Visibility was just about ten feet. That weather didn’t allow them to explore the path back home. They felt colder than before. They were afraid and started to panic. They were lost in a murky and cold place. My brother wanted to make a phone call to his wife. 

 OH NO!! He forgot to bring his cell phone. They couldn't communicate with others and continued to be stuck for a long time. They hugged each other to keep warm. And the father placated his son. They even felt they would die on the beach. At this unfortunate moment, they saw a kindly and pretty fairy with a halo on her head. She slightly walked close to the two pitiful guys. Her face felt familiar, but still not clear. Soon after, 

 “Lovely wife” and “mama” were spoken by the two guys. My sister-in-law found them on the gray beach. She knew her family well - where the lost persons might go ... or she got a calling? Her explanation was that she had a premonition that the two boys were getting lost. It was because her husband’s cell phone was left on the pillow, and they hadn’t shown up for more than one hour. 

 Finally, no one got hurt and everyone was safe at home. All the family and I woke up and heard this story. We all were so sorry for the unpleasant experience! After undergoing that, I could see Nick’s family forming a stronger relationship. Years later, when I asked Nick about his story of getting lost on the beach, he replied, “... at an extremely chilly and scary moment, my mama saved papa and I!” The story was deeply photographed in her head. 

 I believe in destiny. It helps people to connect with their love. Like the picture of the moment, two boys were discovered by a fairy who was surrounded by a luminous aura.

An example of a superstition is if you say the phrase “Rabbit Rabbit” as your first two words to people on the first day of the month. Then it will bring you good luck for the rest of the month. I heard this from a weekly chat group in the US. 

It is a conversation group I joined a few years ago. We can talk about anything or share our daily life experiences. We are from different countries, and working to improve our English skills through talking. One day in the meeting, a Japanese girlfriend told us about this superstition, “Rabbit Rabbit”. When I heard about this, I immediately had to ask if it was true. That was a magical and interesting thing and we wanted to know more, but no one knew. So, we talked for a while and then changed to other topics. 

After the meeting, I researched this “Rabbit Rabbit '' rumor on the internet and finally found more information. The phrase comes from an old English tradition. Even Mr. Franklin D. Roosevelt, the President of the US, also said that phrase every month for good luck. I couldn’t fact-check it. But I would love to believe it works. 

Since then, I have tried to say “Rabbit Rabbit” to someone every month. The feeling was so exciting and fresh. Maybe it’s because I am assuming I’m going to be lucky, so I feel comfortable – like something is protecting me. 

Even now, saying these two words is an important task for me. I mark it on my calendar. On each last day of the month, I write a couple of Post-it notes on my desk to remind me to say them. Sometimes, I feel like I am a magician who knows how to say magic words. Feeling cool!

My husband and I made a big decision, which was to migrate to America! One evening in March 2015, we finished dinner and had a conscientious talk at our cozy home. He worked in a US company in Hong Kong for over ten years. His boss invited him to relocate to the United States head office. He was lucky to have this chance. The moment I heard this breaking news, I was shocked and my body was a bit shaken. Then, I asked him, “How about me?” He replied, “Of course, you would go there with me!”

I did a serious analysis of the positives and negatives of this move. Can I communicate well? Do I need to work in the US? Can I find a job with my bad English? Who can help us in emergencies? We have to rebuild a new life from ZERO. This would be a huge challenge. I even had some hesitation. My husband and I both discussed and solved those questions one by one. All those concerns didn’t seem to be that big in the end. My husband encouraged me to think differently in our new life, don’t just copy the things in my hometown. It sounded interesting to me. 

We are both independent and enjoy exploring new things. My father passed away years ago. My mother has been living with my younger brother. I believe my siblings will take care of her very well. The main point was we don’t have kids.

Ultimately, the decision was not difficult to make. I responded to him, “Okay, we will try it!” We told family members and friends. They were happy for us, but all said that they will miss us very much. Of course, we would miss them too. Luckily, nowadays we can see each other on the phone very conveniently.

My husband’s company applied for a work visa for us and helped us move. I quit my job. Eventually, one night, in early January 2016, we landed in the U.S.

It snowed overnight, and our first morning was sunny but a little cold. We excitedly put on winter hats, gloves and thick coats to take a walk outside. The weather didn’t feel cold as we expected. The lovely sunlight shone on our faces, we were warm enough and comfortable. We were grateful that we had a beautiful start. We had many firsts together.

Here, we have a very different life than the one we had in our home town. In Hong Kong, everyone walks very fast, works very hard, and talks very quickly. During our first couple of years living in the US, we learned how important work-life balance is. It makes us happier and enjoy life. My husband continues to work hard. He also keeps developing his different interests after work. I have been studying in different programs and found volunteer work to contribute to the community.

This June, we decided to apply for citizenship. We worked hard to prepare for the citizenship interview. Luckily, we both passed the test and did the oath ceremony in November 2022.

We are so grateful!

I like to eat chicken wings. Honey is my favorite. One day, I went to a grocery store's hot food kiosk to buy some. I saw a few cooking styles of chicken wings on the food warmers, but they didn’t show the names. So, I used my finger to point to one of them and ask the staff serving at the counter, “Hello, may I know what the taste of the wings is?”

Immediately, I got a frown loud and, “WHAT?”

I felt surprised and embarrassed! Then I quickly asked another way. “I mean, is it a sweet taste?” Her attitude turned out to be nice and she replied that it was a little spicy. Chili is not my favorite, so I bought something else I liked. 

I just wanted to know what it tastes like. I guess she might have misunderstood that I wanted to taste it before I bought it. Or, I said it in the wrong way. This was an unenjoyable experience, but it reminded me when talking to people I must use the simplest way to say something, which helps to reduce confusion or misunderstanding. 

One blue sky morning, in the exhibit hall of Audubon Society of Rhode Island. A visitor asked me a question, "Are there any red-tailed hawks?" I replied, “Yes, there used to be. Now there is a raven. At certain times, there is a new arrangement." I have been volunteering at the exhibit hall for four years. In this place, people can discover local wildlife and their habitats. Since I migrated to Rhode Island, I am continuing to learn about living in a new spot. I think volunteering is a way that can help me adapt and contribute more easily to the community. I love nature like birds, animals, and trees. I found an opportunity in this direction that I was interested in. 

 The day I went to Audubon in Bristol to look for a volunteer position, I remember part of my conversation with the staff who received me. "My English is not very good. But may I have a chance to do it ?" Then, she kindly replied that very welcome and gave me an application form. I filled it out and waited around one month. Then, the staff called me for an interview. I got a position as an exhibit hall guide and got a training manual. A blue shirt and name tag is the uniform. At the early part of my new chapter, I was the shadow of my partner. During the rest of work, we talked about our families, our hobbies, and travel ... I am lucky to have a good mentor. Colleagues here are friendly and delighted to answer questions and I learn interesting new things in a harmonious atmosphere. 

 I used to be a graphic designer as a job in my hometown of Hong Kong. I am happy to help Audubon design projects besides my official schedule, which is when I feel the most confident part. I hope nice images with information can attach to people's eyeballs and spark their curiosity to explore things in the exhibit hall. Now, I am working independently. Sometimes I’m blue because I feel I'm not doing well enough. However, communication is a pleasure. I introduce new facilities to people. Helping kids to find animals for scavenger hunts. When people come from other states or countries. I welcome them with a smile to say, “Thanks for coming to Rhode Island." I enjoy that kind of cheerful experience and appreciate my improvement in this way!

During my second life, I migrated to a new place. I have been living in an uncertain world. {lost in translation} 

 Not sure at the beginning. Sometimes half and half. Even nothing. 

 Luckily, my angels like my love, friends, teachers and myself Help me! 

 Feeling better now, my duotone world is turning to have color. Normally, close to half. Sometimes, more than half. Rarely, clear. 

 I know that is the process to be understood all. Just need to wait for the moment, my Tiffany Lamp … when the light finally goes on. 

Epiphany

It’s wonderful! The cherry tree 

Blossoming in my garden, 

Just like the time I was traveling in Japan, 

My first time enjoying 

The beautiful white and pink flowers, 

So pretty under the sunny, blue sky, 

Graceful, floating on the breeze. 

Spring is already here. 

I love this unforgettable time!

I live in a peaceful and beautiful rural town where I like to walk in my neighborhood - especially the beach. It is close to where I live. I need to walk down a block and along a small lake, where I spend about five minutes walking. Then, I will be there - my favorite place, Barrington Beach! 

 I can see the brilliant seacoast and the graceful beach houses with private docks. Energetic people like to do kiteboarding and other sea activities in summer. Seagulls and other coastal birds fly. I can hear children playing and laughing with so much happiness. The creamy snow covers the sand in winter sometimes. Seldomly, the blizzard and gray clouds occupy the atmosphere during a storm. The lights of fireworks for the Fourth of July are there yearly. The different seasons' scenes are attractive to me, and I feel enjoyment. Staying awhile to see the blue sky and lovely sunset is one of my favorite things to do. I love it there!