Elite Lifestyle Magazine: Issue 59

Page 1


聖誕特輯

名人專訪

文化探詢

歐洲旅遊

Q&A With Marie Kondo

暢銷作家近藤麻理惠的整理哲學

Christmas Feature:

How NORAD Tracks Santa 科羅拉多傳統——追蹤聖誕老人

Alaska’s Salmon Sisters

在地美味銷售全球 阿拉斯加姐妹創業記

The Beautiful Home of a Former White House Social Secretary

德州自然珍品收藏宅

明/清 佚名 梅竹圖 冊頁 Flowering Plum and Bamboo, aunidentified artist, 17th century. John Stewart Kennedy Fund. Picture courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of

目錄 CONTENTS

7

Holiday Beauty Gift Guide 節日季貼心好禮

11 Editor’s Pick: Embracing Joyful Colors 編輯精選:樂活風

12

Discovering America’s Unique Holiday Traditions 州州歡慶 聖誕佳節尋奇

16 Where in the World Is Santa Claus? 節日特輯:聖誕老人在哪裡?

22 Life’s Most Precious Gifts: An Artist’s View 最好的禮物——聖誕名作賞析

24 The ‘Four Gentlemen’ and Their Poetic Tributes 詩書畫四君子 文人墨客思古幽情

30 Q&A With Marie Kondo: With Joy and Consideration 《怦然心動的人生整理魔法》暢銷書作家問答集

34 Essential Tips for Parenthood: Treasure the Times 親子關係:時光錦囊妙計

38 Furthering Family Traditions: Alaska’s Grown-Up Salmon Sisters 青創返鄉——阿拉斯加姐妹「洄游」大冒險

44 Recipe: Spicy Seafood Cioppino 暖心食譜:意式辣海鮮湯

46 Home Editor’s Pick: Home Is Where the Hearth Is 家居編輯精選:熒熒一爐間

48 Former White House Social Secretary Shares the Story of Her Beautiful Texas Home 最美好的安排——前白宮祕書的德州故事之居

58 French Tour: Château-Hopping in the Loire Valley 法式古堡風情 羅亞爾河谷漫步

64 Holiday Editor’s Pick: Tiny Doorways to Surprising Delights 編輯精選:倒數驚喜

美好時光

從這裡開始

The Sub-Zero, Wolf 和 Cove 展示廳將幫助您實現屬於您自己的 創意。這是一次通過您個人的廚房項目激勵您參與合作並創造一 個個性十足又令人興奮的空間的機會。請與我們的產品專家和設 計師一起策劃,為您的家創造美味記憶。

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QUEENS CARPETONE CORP. 全美最大的家庭裝飾連鎖公司 Carpet One Floor & Home 唯一華人成員

序 EDITOR’S NOTE

物我相依

世間所有物件,不僅有其特殊性質作為我們生活使用之工具, 很多時候,它們也帶有獨特的精神價值。

地毯 | 窗簾 | 牆紙 | 地板 華麗地毯窗簾牆紙中心

是您的最佳選擇

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大量現貨 歡迎設計師洽談合作

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物品,也許是內心的映照。年末除舊布新,在一場整頓後,丟 棄不少物品,而這之中,除了破損、陳舊,也因生活中不再必 需。無論如何,從中我們或多或少發現,存留或捨棄每一件物 品,都反映了我們的內心狀態。整理不只為了表面簡潔,更是 重整內心節奏的一種儀式。本期特別收錄人氣整理師近藤麻理 惠(Marie Kondo)名人問答,在今年動手掃除前,也許可以 發現更明確的整理方向。

物件,也可以成為知音。本期封面故事聚焦中國傳統詩畫裡的 「四君子」,梅、蘭、竹、菊,看似無奇的四季植栽,在中華 文明千年的積澱下,其花、其葉、其姿,各自表訴著珍貴的品 格。文人志士以此四物自勉自砥,而這些價值仍影響至今。花

草雖渺,象徵意義深遠,讓我們在逆境裡找到前行的力量。

物我之間,看見心之所向。阿拉斯加——鮭魚之鄉,從小生長 於此的Privat姐妹倆,運用各自的長才,回鄉從事家庭傳統事

業——捕魚,並透過創業將家鄉珍味發揚光大,品牌「鮭魚姐 妹」(Salmon Sisters)一名響亮,可謂最直白的宣言。兩姐 妹也曾徬徨是否留在大城市闖蕩,最後選擇遵從內心純粹的想 法。她們彷彿是一對洄游的鮭魚,帶來不同凡響的影響力。

我們一生所遇,都不是偶然的。本期居家專題,收錄前白宮祕 書 Linda Faulkner 女士,真情分享與心愛的德州家園如何相 遇,以及家中珍品的收藏故事與各種情思。一間有故事的房 子,讓生活充滿了更多層次。

願每一位敬愛的讀者,都能看見與您相伴的物件,其背後的真 實光亮,並且珍惜與它共度的時光。

drsebagh.com

Experience the rejuvenating, radiance-restoring power of Dr Sebagh’s highly concentrated super-serum. Used on its own or mixed with any serum, this deeply nourishing and repairing hero delivers a potent dose of three anti-ageing peptides, hyaluronic acid and the ‘youth molecule’ Resveratrol. Mineral boosters turn up the glow, and an anti-pollution film protects your skin. Available in-store and at drsebagh.com

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在城中島您可享受: 划船、釣魚、騎馬、禮物店、古董 店、藝廊、博物館、高爾夫球場、 海灘、林間小道以及鄰近2700多 英畝的公園,而其中最好的是

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San Francisco

Ke Bian 510-299-4392

PUBLISHER

Dana Chang

EDITORIAL

EDITOR IN CHIEF

MANAGING EDITOR

PROFILE EDITOR

FOOD EDITOR

ARTS EDITORS

BEAUTY EDITOR

HOME EDITOR

EDITORS-AT-LARGE CONTRIBUTORS

Channaly Philipp

Astrid Wang

Annie Wu

Crystal Shi

Sharon Kilarski

Jennifer Schneider

Ida Pink

Sunny Lo

Cora Wang

Linda Faulkner Johnston

Andria Pressel

Mike Cai

Charles Mickles

Eric Lucas

Tim Johnson

Skylar Parker

TRANSLATORS

COPY EDITORS

Ling Lin

Jenny Han

Louise Rothman

Huixuan Yang

SALES

Ellen Wang SALES DIRECTOR

CREATIVE

LEAD DESIGNER DESIGNER

Karen Tang Hsinyu Lo

ADDRESS

229 W 28th Street, 7FL, New York, NY 10001

PHONE 646-862-9930

EMAIL

editor@elite-magazine.com advertising@elite-magazine.com subscription@elite-magazine.com www.elite-magazine.com

Los Angeles

Yan Lieser 818-836-2937

Boston

Timothy Pi 617-388-1688

Seattle

Echo Liu 425-877-5121

EVE LOM’s Decadent Double Cleanse Ritual Set is a practical gift for anyone, male or female, as clean skin is the first step of a good skin care routine.

The Cleanser Balm deeply cleanses and hydrates, while the Foaming Cream Cleanser is the ideal second step for a perfect double cleanse. Last but not least, the Rescue Mask is the occasional skin-saver that draws out impurities without harsh exfoliants, revealing refined skin with a bright glow.

The set includes the 200 mL Cleanser, 20 mL Foaming Cream Cleanser, 100 mL Rescue Mask, a muslin cloth, and faux silk headband. ($155, evelom.com)

ELITE BEAUTY

Swiss skin care brand Valmont’s V-FIRM collection is specifically formulated to restore the skin’s firmness, making it the perfect gift for aging skin and anyone who wants to optimize skin density and firmness.

The collection includes the following three high-performance products:

V-FIRM Serum ($340): Restores the skin's firmness and tones the face.

V-FIRM Cream ($440): Firms skin and strengthens its natural barrier.

V-FIRM Eye ($290): Actively combats sagging eyelids and under-eye creases.

(lamaisonvalmont.com)

These two serums from celebrity cosmetic Doctor Jean-Louis Sebagh are the perfect stocking stuffers for any skin care lover.

Dr. Sebagh Supreme Maintenance Youth Serum ($175 for 30 mL) is a light, oil-free antiaging serum that deeply moisturizes while firming, rejuvenating, and smoothing skin for a youthful appearance. Perfect for daytime and under makeup. The Dr. Sebagh Serum Repair ($101 for 20 mL) is a potent anti-aging serum that gives an immediate lifting and tightening effect and works to repair and replenish your skin while you sleep.

(drsebagh.com)

For luxury skin care lovers, the following La Prairie gems are great gift choices: The new Skin Caviar Harmony L’Extrait ($820) is an intensive serum that strengthens, lifts, and re-densifies the skin, recapturing the look of youthful volume and firmness. Pair it with the Skin Caviar Luxe Cream ($555), a luxurious cream that lifts and helps skin regain firmness and elasticity while gently exfoliating and retexturizing for an even skin tone and beautiful glow.

(laprairie.com)

For those who suffer from thinning eyebrows or want bolder, fuller-looking brows, Revitalash's RevitaBrow Advanced Eyebrow conditioner is the perfect gift, as it rejuvenates brittle, sparse, patchy brows, making them healthier, thicker, and fuller-looking.

($110, revitalash.com)

With a burn time of 55 hours, these lovely candles from Mizensir are practical, elegant gifts for women and men alike. The Edelweiss Des Alpes Winter Candle ($75) indulges the senses with its scent of freshness, reminiscent of mountain air, and the Rose de l'Atlas Winter Candle ($75) with its alluring scent of rose and oud captures and lifts the warm holiday spirit.

($75, mizensirparfums.com)

For beautiful hair, the K-Beauty salon brand British M has some lovely hair products that make perfect stocking stuffers for men and women alike.

Kombucha Shampoo: This “teatox” shampoo is created with kombucha, known for its healing and antioxidant benefits. The shampoo gently cleanses, strengthens, and deeply hydrates, leaving the hair super smooth and shiny. It also removes environmental buildup on hair and scalp and helps prevent hair shedding. ($36 for 750 mL)

Kombucha Hair Mask: This healing Kombucha Hair Mask nourishes, hydrates, and strengthens the hair and leaves it silky smooth and shiny. ($38 for 750 mL)

Annatto Hair Oil: This award-winning lightweight, strengthening, and nourishing hair oil instantly absorbs into the hair, making it smooth and shiny. ($33–$67)

British M: Flex Gentle Brush: This unique maze-shaped brush allows dryer airflow to pass through for faster, easier, and more even styling results.The flexible design allows for smooth, gentle brushing to protect hair by putting less stress on the hair and scalp. ($21) (amazon.com)

Bio Ionic’s super light (less than 12 ounces) SMART-X High Efficiency Dryer is a practical gift for both women and men. It dries hair 75 percent faster than a leading competitor and comes with three heat and three speed settings and a fabulous selfcleaning function. It includes a Bio Ionic moisturizing heat technology that hydrates hair by emitting natural negative ions that allow water molecules to penetrate deep into hair strands, leaving the hair softer, shinier, and smoother.

($329, BioIonic.com)

EDITOR’ S PICK

Embracing

Joyful Colors

樂活風

The end of the year is a perfect time for putting colorful elements together to welcome the holiday season. Be bold and creative to spice up that special corner of your home.

歲末之際,無須將銀白的冬日主題請入室內, 來點各式繽紛色系,活絡家中年末的節慶氛 圍。活潑清新,抑或典雅大方的設計,相互搭 配,相得益彰。

1 LUMINANCE ARTS, REPRODUCTION OF WANG TUAN YUAN, CHINESE LANDSCAPE PAINTING BY XIU YITAN, FROM $268 DEPENDING ON SIZE, LUMINANCEARTS.COM | 2 ITALIAN MIDCENTURY BRASS, MARBLE AND RED LACQUER FLOOR LAMP BY STILUX MILANO, $2,626 (PRICE MAY VARY), 1STDIBS.COM | 3 TIFFANY & CO., EVERYDAY OBJECTS MAHJONG SET IN A TIFFANY BLUE LEATHER BOX, $15,000, TIFFANY.COM | 4 ROCHE BOBOIS, MEDIANE 1.5-SEAT SOFA, DESIGN BY SACHA LAKIC, $3,870, ROCHE-BOBOIS.COM | 5 SWAROVSKI, JOYFUL ORNAMENTS SANTA'S REINDEER, $145, SAKSFIFTHAVENUE.COM | 6 POLIFORM, ILDA COFFEE TABLE WITH AMBER ONYX, DESIGNED BY JEAN-MARIE MASSAUD, PRICE UPON REQUEST, POLIFORM.IT/EN-US/

ELITE CULTURE

DISCOVERING AMERICA’S UNIQUE HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

How people across the country embrace the season

COLORADO: TRACKING SANTA

州州歡慶 聖誕佳節尋奇

With the help of NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command center, based in Colorado Springs, you can track Santa through the skies and beyond. It’s a local tradition that became one enjoyed around the world. Today, hundreds of thousands of children call the NORAD Santa hotline every Christmas Eve to speak to Santa and his team of elves. NORAD’s Santa Tracker receives 30 million visitors annually on Christmas Eve, from all over the world. For the inside scoop on NORAD’s Santa-tracking system, see the holiday feature “Where in the World Is Santa Claus?,” on page 16.

科羅拉多:聖誕雪撬在哪裡? 在北美空防司令部(簡稱 NORAD)的幫助下,可以在 聖誕夜追蹤聖誕老人的即時行蹤。這項活動源自一場 美麗的意外——1950 年代某個聖誕節前夕,美國西爾 斯(Sears)百貨不小心在廣告中,錯置了一組聖誕老人 的電話號碼,於是,孩子們打給聖誕老人的電話,都轉 引至隸屬美軍的祕密熱線。該意外卻演變成最受歡迎 的佳節傳統。現在,每年都有成百上千的孩子們,會打 到 NORAD 的聖誕熱線,和聖誕老人以及精靈們說話。 NORAD 也因此設計了一個「聖誕老人追蹤器」,讓全世 界都能看見聖誕老人的雪橇和整車的禮物,到了哪個好 孩子的家。據統計,每年聖誕夜平均會有三千萬人次造 訪此追蹤器。(本期收錄 NORAD 聖誕老人追蹤特輯, 更多獨家揭祕,請參見16頁)

IDAHO: TUBA CHRISTMAS FOR MUSIC LOVERS

TubaChristmas is Boise’s long-awaited annual holiday —a community event for tuba and euphonium musicians that dates back to 1922. The musicians, a mix of novice and veteran players, come from a variety of ages, backgrounds, and professions. Locals typically gather around the state capitol building, where the musical ensemble plays a range of traditional holiday songs for all to enjoy.

愛達荷:震撼力十足的低音大喇叭聖誕節 「低音號慶聖誕」是備受博伊西住民期待的年度活動,僅 由低音號和上低音號樂手組成,歷史可追溯至 1922年。音 樂家們無論新手老手、無論年紀、無論背景、職業齊聚一 堂,在州議會大廈演奏傳統聖誕歌曲,讓大家一同歡慶。

IDAHO
COLORADO

INDIANA

INDIANA: 18TH-CENTURY TRADITIONS AND MODERN AUTOMOBILE RACING

As one of the first pioneer states in America, Indiana has plenty of fascinating history. Fishers, Indiana, hosts holiday events every year. The most notable is its Merry Prairie Holiday tradition, where locals can get a taste of Christmas during the late 18th century. The state is also well-known for its spectacular motorcar racing, particularly the Indy 500, which creates a special feature during the holidays in the form of a drive-thru light show, called Lights at the Brickyard. There, families can take their cars for a two-mile drive down an illuminated racetrack.

印地安納:十八世紀傳統巡禮與賽車場賞燈 印第安納為最早加入聯邦政府的其中一州,有許多迷人 的歷史文化。費舍市每年都有聖誕慶祝活動,其中的「歡 快草原節慶」享譽盛名,在那裡,可以體驗十八世紀的早 期拓荒者如何慶祝聖誕。印第安納州還有盛大的汽車比 賽,特別是「印第500」賽車系列賽,在聖誕假期當中會 舉辦「磚廠燈會」,將賽道布置絢爛燈飾。活動期間,一 般人也可以自駕愛車,載著家人一起穿梭在如銀河般閃 耀的賽道中。

ALABAMA

ALABAMA: A THEATER PARTY WITH MOVIES AND SING-ALONGS

Each year, during the month of December, locals in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, gather together at the Alabama Theatre for a special holiday movie marathon featuring classic Christmas films. Attending the theater during the holidays has become a family tradition. Doors open one hour before showtime, and sing-alongs, which take place before every screening, feature The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ, one of the few remaining pipe organs left from the early 20th century. Alabamans also enjoy indulging in a Southern delicacy—pecan pie—and if they’re lucky, paying a visit to the famed Priester’s Pecans at Fort Deposit for some pecan candy.

阿拉巴馬:經典聖誕秀 每年十二月,位於阿拉巴馬伯明罕市區,眾多市民歡聚 阿拉巴馬劇院,一起觀賞聖誕經典老電影馬拉松。劇院 會在開場前一小時敞開大門,音樂家會演奏劇院裡那臺 二十世紀初期的老烏利茲管風琴,讓大家一齊歡唱聖誕 歌謠,還可以一起享用經典南方美食——胡桃派。來到 這,不妨順道前往迪波西特堡,造訪一間著名零嘴商號 Priester ’s Pecans,買些胡桃糖回家過聖誕。

HAWAII:

CHRISTMAS WITH A TROPICAL TWIST

While most places enjoy the typical winter-themed festivities, Hawaiians have adopted a tropical twist on the traditional Christmas celebrations. Most locals import their Christmas trees months before the holidays begin, as the shipment requires a lengthy journey across the Pacific Ocean. Some grow their own trees— Hawaiin trees, that is. Walking around Hawaii, you will see palm trees, rather than firs, embellished with an assortment of lights. In Hawaii, Santa arrives at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort—riding the waves in a canoe, instead of his usual sleigh. There, visitors and locals can watch as he is warmly welcomed by a keiki hula group. This event is followed by a traditional Hawaiian luau—a feast featuring lively music and cultural performances. The holiday dinner typically involves kalua roast pig, specially prepared in an underground oven called an imu.

夏威夷:乘風破浪渡聖誕 夏威夷人為聖誕節慶,加入滿滿的熱帶風情。由於夏 威夷許多物品都仰賴進口,當地人在節日到來之前數個 月,就開始準備聖誕樹,在訂購這些過節用品時,便要 算入穿越半個太平洋的漫長船期。聖誕期間,走在夏威 夷的街道上,總會看到許多閃亮燈飾環繞在棕櫚樹上, 而非典型的衫樹。當地的聖誕老人駕著獨木舟(不是雪 橇),乘風破浪抵達威基基海灘。訪客、當地人跟著兒 童夏威夷舞團,一起熱情地迎接聖誕老人的到來。該活 動緊接在夏威夷傳統盛宴盧奧(Luau)後,是充滿玻里 尼西亞文化與樂舞的晚宴,通常會有卡魯亞烤豬(用稱為 「伊姆」的地窯精心烤製而成),足具在地特色。

FLORIDA: BOAT PARADES

Holiday boat parades are a Florida specialty. The state boasts some of the most iconic Intracoastal Waterway boat shows in the country. For Floridians, participating in one of these parades is an important part of their Christmas holiday tradition. Fireworks light up the Intracoastal Waterway, heralding a spectacular display of boats adorned with holiday lights and festive decorations as spectators gather along the waterway to enjoy music and fresh seasonal treats. Favorite locations include the boat parades in Boca Raton and Palm Beach. The Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade partners with the U.S. Marine’s Toys for Tots organization, a toy drive that collects new, unwrapped toys to distribute to local children in need.

佛羅里達:水上聖誕嘉年華 水上遊行在節慶期間舉辦尤為常見。由於地形的因素, 美國一些最具代表性的沿岸水道遊艇展都是在此舉辦。

對佛羅里達居民而言,參加水上遊行是聖誕節重要的 傳統之一。此時延著沿岸水道遊玩,抬頭能望見燦爛煙 火,低頭則見裝載各種燈飾的大小船隻點亮整條水道, 璀璨不已。遊人聚集在水道兩旁,欣賞音樂、享用點心。

博卡拉頓(Boca Raton)跟棕櫚灘(Palm Beach)是 最熱門的賞船地點。此外,棕櫚灘聖誕船遊行,也與美 國海軍後備軍人發起的「Toys for Tots」慈善組織合作, 募集未拆封的新玩具,再將這些玩具分送給生活較為困 難的孩子作為聖誕禮,讓更多孩子都能享受節日的溫暖。

HAWAII

MAINE: CHRISTMAS FOR SEAFOOD LOVERS

Maine is known for its flourishing fishing industry. The locals love seafood so much that they incorporate it into their holiday celebrations. You’ll find Christmas trees made from stacked lobster traps, and a holiday menu filled with seafood delights. Maine residents traditionally enjoy a hearty seafood chowder on Christmas Eve, and lighthouses all across the state are often lit up with Christmas lights. Boothbay hosts some of the most incredible light displays in all of Maine—using 650,000 LED lights and transforming forests into a spectacular winter wonderland.

緬因:海鮮愛好者的冬季樂園

當地的海產業蓬勃興盛,當地居民尤其熱愛海鮮,這也 體現在聖誕節慶祝活動上,像是用龍蝦捕籠箱堆疊而成 的高大聖誕樹,或者在節日季推出各式美味、海鮮滿溢 的節慶大餐,如暖心又暖胃的海鮮巧達湯,是緬因居民 必備的聖誕餐點。而州內的燈塔也常會隨著聖誕燈一起 打亮。布斯灣每年舉辦緬因州最盛大的燈會,用上65 萬 盞 LED 燈,璀璨耀眼,寧靜的森林化身為冬季仙境。

DELAWARE: AN 1800S-STYLE CHRISTMAS Locals in Delaware enjoy re-creating what Christmas would have been like in the 1800s by attending Yuletide at Winterthur, home of American horticulturist and antique furniture collector Henry Francis du Pont. Considered the premier museum of American decorative arts, the home is transformed every year into a Christmas masterpiece. Visitors can learn about the traditional festivities celebrated by du Pont’s family during his lifetime, as well as view the assortment of early American furniture he collected during the course of his life. The highlight of the tour is viewing the pair of dried-flower trees covered with more than 60 varieties of flowers gathered on the property.

特拉華:十九世紀古典風華 特拉華居民藉由參加溫特梭爾聖誕佳期(Yuletide at Winterthur)活動,重溫1800 年代時慶祝聖誕節的方 式。溫特梭爾博物館前身是美國園藝家、古董家具收藏 家亨利 法蘭西斯 杜邦的私宅。這是美國最棒的裝飾藝 術博物館之一,每年都會搖身一變為聖誕巨作。造訪者 可在此重溫杜邦家族如何慶祝耶誕,還可欣賞杜邦畢生 收藏的美國古董家具。參訪之旅的精采亮點,便是一對 由超過 60 種乾燥花組成的花樹,所有的花都來自溫特梭 爾博物館的花園,向所有綻放的花朵致敬。

MAINE

DELAWARE IMAGES COURTESY OF ALABAMA THEATRE, CONNER PRAIRIE, JEWEL SAMAD/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES, JOE RAEDLE, NORAD, SHUTTERSTOCK, AND YULETIDE AT WINTERTHUR.

FLORIDA

Where in the World Is Santa Claus?

北美上空聖誕夜奇蹟 節日特輯:聖誕老人在哪裡?

Every Christmas Eve, NORAD puts its high-tech missile-tracking systems on a very special mission: following Santa’s journey around the world

每年平安夜,NORAD 的高科技導彈追蹤系統, 都有一個不同於平日的特殊任務——滿世界追著聖誕老人

ELITE HOLIDAY

For more than 60 years, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), a binational defensive agency that monitors U.S.-Canadian aerospace for threats, has faithfully tracked the movements of Santa Claus as he travels on Christmas Eve to deliver presents to boys and girls across the world.

This unlikely responsibility is something of a Christmas miracle itself. It began by accident in 1955 when a child called a misprinted phone number in the local newspaper in hopes of reaching Santa. Instead, the phone rang Air Force Col. Harry Shoup’s secret military hotline at the Continental Air Defense Command, NORAD’s predecessor. When Shoup realized the caller was a child, he assured the child that he was indeed Santa Claus and mustered a group of airmen to answer incoming calls for Santa. What began as a child’s accidental phone call has blossomed into an annual program followed by millions. Now, the volunteer-supported hotline receives at least 130,000 yearly calls asking about Santa’s location.

In an interview, this year’s program director for NORAD Tracks Santa, 1st Lt. Sean Carter, provided an insider’s scoop on the magic behind Santa’s incredible journey.

過去 60 年來,北美防空司令部(由美加兩國組成的雙邊 空中防禦機構,以下稱 NORAD)一直持續不懈地在耶 誕夜時,追蹤聖誕老人在全世界送禮物的足跡。這項特 殊任務,其實也可算是聖誕奇蹟了。這一切都始於一場 1955 年發生的意外。

當年,一個孩子拿起電話撥打到當地報紙上印錯的 聖誕熱線,沒想到電話卻連上了大陸空防司令部(北美 空防司令部的前身)空軍上校 Harry Shoup 的軍事專 線。Shoup 上校在意識到電話那頭是個孩子時,他臨機 應變回應:沒錯,我就是聖誕老人!他迅速召集下屬一起 幫忙接電話。自那時起,這通意外撥錯的電話便大受歡 迎,成為百萬人引領企盼的年度節目。現在,這支由志願 者組成的服務熱線,每年平均會接到約 13 萬通左右詢問 聖誕老人即時位置的電話。

我們訪問了今年(2022)追蹤聖誕老人的計畫主持 人——卡爾特中尉,了解關於聖誕老人的內幕消息,並為 全世界孩子們都會好奇的問題尋找答案。

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What is your job at NORAD? What do you do when you’re not tracking Santa?

Lt. Sean Carter: I am a NORAD and U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) public affairs officer. Outside of my Santa-tracking responsibilities, I help to manage our community outreach division. We have the greatest job in the DoD (Department of Defense). It’s our team’s charge to interface with the American and Canadian people—to foster relationships with the beautiful city of Colorado Springs, which NORAD and USNORTHCOM Headquarters call home, to showcase the incredible binational relationship that is wholly unique to the NORAD mission, and to assure our citizens that they can sleep safe and sound.

What technologies are used to track Santa?

Mr. Carter: The NORAD North Warning System —a powerful radar system with 47 installations strung across northern Canada and Alaska—allows the team here to know the second that Santa begins his flight. Our guiding light, now 67 years since our first foray into Santa tracking, has always been Rudolph’s red nose. It’s that little nose so bright that allows NORAD to track the jolly old fellow’s flight path through infrared technologies.

Once airborne, the same satellites that provide warning of possible missile launches against North America kick into high gear. The intensity of Rudolph’s nose is on a par with that of a missile launch, and the satellites have no trouble following their route.

Air Force Col. Harry Shoup, operations officer at NORAD’s precursor organization, answered a wrong-number call on Dec. 24, 1955, from a child wishing to speak to Santa. As the number had been mistakenly published in a local newspaper, the colonel put together a team to answer the calls. It was the beginning of NORAD’s tradition of tracking Santa. _Courtesy of the Department of Defense

請問你在 NORAD 的職務是什麼?當你沒有追蹤聖誕 老人時,都做些什麼? 卡爾特中尉:我是NORAD 跟美國北方司令部的公共事 務官。在追蹤聖誕老公公的任務之外,我還負責管理和 監督社區外聯分部。我們的工作是整個國防部裡最棒 的!我的小組負責連結美國和加拿大人民,也要與北美 空防司令部和北方司令部的所在地——科羅拉多泉市居 民維持友好的關係。我們要展現的是美加雙邊獨特的密 切連結,也確保了國民每天都能安穩睡個好覺。

追蹤聖誕老人用了什麼樣的科技? 卡爾特中尉:我們使用的是NORAD北方警示系統,這是 一款強大的雷達系統,從加拿大到阿拉斯加,共設置了 47個彼此連結的裝置,聖誕老人一旦升空,便能即刻偵 測其行蹤。從67年前第一次追蹤開始,偵測的基準點一 直是魯道夫的紅鼻子。這個夜空中最亮的「紅鼻子」,讓 NORAD可以採用紅外線技術,精準定位追蹤那位快樂 老人的飛行航線。

待他起飛時,就會觸發飛彈警示裝置,並且連帶啟 動整個追蹤系統。魯道夫的鼻子配有如導彈般的威力, 所以衛星追蹤其飛行路線絕對可行。

加拿大 NORAD 駕駛 CF-18 的戰鬥機飛行員會從 紐芬蘭起飛,並在加拿大境內上空飛行,一路伴隨馴鹿 雪橇隊。美國則是由 F-15、F-16、F-22 的飛行員,接手

Two Canadian CF18 Hornet aircraft (top) and a U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor.
_Cpl. Vicky Lefrancois/DAirPA (top) and Senior Airman Emily Farnsworth (bottom)

Canadian NORAD fighter pilots, flying CF-18s, take off from Newfoundland and accompany him as he travels through Canada. While in the United States, American NORAD fighter pilots in F-15s, F-16s, and F-22s have the honor of tipping their wings to St. Nick. All of these systems come together to provide NORAD with a very good, continuous picture of his whereabouts.

How big a team does it take to track Santa?

Mr. Carter: Every holiday season, a team of more than 1,500 Canadian and American uniformed personnel, DoD civilians, and members of the community come together to volunteer to track Santa. It’s no exaggeration to say we receive thousands of calls each year regarding Santa’s whereabouts. The NORAD Public Affairs office manages the program, but it wouldn’t be possible without our corporate contributors.

伴飛聖尼可拉斯的光榮任務。飛行員、地面控制中心和 雷達警示系統一起為 NORAD 提供不間斷的行動報告。

追蹤聖誕老人需要出動多少人員? 卡爾特中尉:每次追蹤行動都動員了1,500名美國和加拿 大軍方、國防部事務員,和許多來自社區的志願者一同參 與。我們每年接到成千上萬的電話,詢問聖誕老人的行 蹤,一點也不誇張!儘管整個行動計畫是由NORAD 公 共事務辦公室管理,不過,只有我們是辦不到的。

聖誕老人和馴鹿們要飛多快,才能在一個晚上把禮物 送到每一個孩子的手中? 卡爾特中尉:NORAD 的情報部門報告指出,聖誕老人 的時間流逝速度和我們不一樣。他的送禮旅程在我們看 來才花了24小時,但對他來說,可能已經過去好幾天、 好幾個禮拜或好幾個月了。聖誕老人不希望急就章,送禮 物給好孩子,還有分送快樂給每個人,是非常重要的工 作,所以,最合邏輯的結論,就是聖誕老人在一個不同的 時間場裡,而他的動作可比光速還快!

Volunteers monitor phones and computers while tracking Santa Claus at the NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center. _Charles Marsh/DVIDS

How fast does Santa fly in order to get to every child’s house? Does the speed change as Santa drops off more presents but stops for cookies?

Mr. Carter: NORAD intelligence reports indicate that Santa does not experience time the way we do. His trip seems to take 24 hours to us, but to Santa it might last days, weeks, or even months. Santa would not want to rush the important job of delivering presents to children and spreading joy to everyone, so the only logical conclusion is that Santa functions within his own space-time continuum—faster than starlight. To your second question, however, yes! We have verified that at the time of takeoff, Santa—himself of generous girth—has a whopping 60,000 tons of gifts in tow. Upon his return, the sleigh itself is significantly lighter, though its passenger has nearly quadrupled in generosity. These changes surely play a role in his travels, though we’re not sure to what extent.

Please tell us about the Santa Cams.

Mr. Carter: The Santa Cams are very special, highly technical tools that work to slow down time and make Santa’s presence in any given city perceptible to the human eye. We’re aiming for at least four new Santa Cams to come online this year, so keep an eye out on December 24 to see if you can spot the new cities.

Over NORAD’s 66 years of tracking Santa, what have been some of the most memorable moments?

Mr. Carter: Just a few years back, we took a call from the sweetest little girl. She was very worried about her mom, who had deployed overseas just before the holiday season. All she wanted to know was

More than 1,500 American and Canadian uniformed personnel, Department of Defense civilians, and members of the community volunteer to help track Santa and answer thousands of phone calls every year.

_Staff Sgt. Alexandra Longfellow (right) and Dennis Carlyle (left)

可以請您談談聖誕老人攝影機嗎? 卡爾特中尉:聖誕老人攝影機非常特別,高科技的設備能減 緩時間流逝的速度,令聖誕老人無論現身在哪個城市都能被 肉眼捕捉。我能透露的是,今年我們預計讓四架新的聖誕老 人攝影機上線,12月24日當天,大家可以來找找看是架在哪 些城市!

在過去 66 年的聖誕老人追蹤史上,有什麼特別難忘的 事嗎?

卡爾特中尉:

我們曾經接到一個小女孩的電話,她的媽媽將 在聖誕節前被派遣到海外駐軍,她很擔心母親。她想知道, 就算被派駐在外國,聖誕老公公是否還是可以找得到她媽 媽。我們有幸告訴這個小女孩,無論在哪裡,聖誕老公公絕 對都找得到她的媽媽。給孩子們散布快樂、安全感還有佳節 魔法,這正是我們最熱愛的事。

請問你們可否透露給我們的讀者,何時為打開網站了解聖 誕老人移動位置的最佳良機?還有,是否能掌握聖誕老人 抵達家裡的時間? 卡爾特中尉:很高興收到你的這項提問!從過去的經驗,我 們知道聖誕老人通常在美東時間早晨6 點自北極往東飛,當 東半球孩子還在睡夢中時,開始他的送禮旅途。通常在晚上 9~12 點之間,而且只去小孩已經睡著的家喔!如果他到了發 現小孩還沒睡著,他會先往下一戶走,晚一點再回頭走一趟。

了解聖誕老人位置的最好辦法,當然還是造訪我們的 網站 NORADSanta.org,或者打這支專線電話:1-877-HiNORAD (1-877-446-6723)。OnStar 的用戶可以利用 OnStar 裝置追蹤,而 Amazon Alexa 可以直接問「Alexa, 聖誕老人在哪裡?」,也可以手機用戶可上A pp 平臺下載 「NORAD Tracks Senta」App。 佳節愉快!期待能在 12 月 24 日見到大家!

(本文經刪節與編輯)

that Santa would be able to find her mom this year, even though she wasn’t at home. It was the team’s great honor to inform the little girl that Santa would indeed have no problem finding her mom wherever she was. There’s no greater satisfaction than using our Santa-tracking tools to bring a little joy, reassurance, and holiday magic into the lives of children.

What’s your best advice for our readers who wish to track Santa and catch him as he arrives at their homes?

Mr. Carter: I’m so happy you asked. We know from past experience that Santa typically departs the North Pole by about 6 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (North America) to begin his rounds for the children sleeping

in the Eastern hemisphere. Santa typically arrives between 9 p.m. and midnight, and only when children are asleep. If children are still awake when Santa arrives, he moves on to other homes and returns later. Hands down, the best way to keep up with his route is our website, NORADSanta.org, or by calling our call center at 1-877-Hi-NORAD (1-877-4466723). OnStar users can also follow his travels on their devices, and Amazon Alexa users can ask, “Alexa, where’s Santa?” Also, be sure to check the Microsoft, Apple, and Android app stores for our official NORAD Tracks Santa app. Happy holidays, and we hope to hear from you on December 24.

This article was edited for clarity and brevity.

Christmas Morning by Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller, 1844. Oil on canvas.

ELITE ARTS

LIFE’S MOST PRECIOUS GIFTS

A realist’s window into 19th-century Austrian family life

最好的禮物

Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller (1793–1865) was acclaimed for his landscapes and scenes of rural life. In Christmas Morning, a humble Austrian family gathers together while the children discover their modest presents. In Austrian tradition, children put their shoes on the windowsill in hopes that St. Nicholas will leave them simple gifts if they’ve been good. A realist painter, Waldmüller shows us an intimate family scene.

The austere setting, the clothing, and the scrawny Christmas tree with a few homemade ornaments show that these are common folk. The grandmother is in the center of the painting. Three of the children come close to her, eager to show her their gifts and share their delight in their little treasures. The gifts are simple pieces of fruit as well as ribbons for two of the girls. The boy on the left holds an empty shoe and hangs his head, with an unhappy expression on his face. Perhaps Santa passed him by because he was naughty. Two of the girls look toward their sister who is about to retrieve her shoe, curious to see what she may find.

To the right of the grandmother, the mother looks on wistfully. Is she saddened by the fact that she cannot provide more for her children?

Perhaps she’s worried about her son who didn’t receive a gift. Her husband seems to be trying to explain away her concerns. All the adults show their love for the children. In our modern age,

with its material abundance, we can also feel gratitude for the most precious gifts—the simple things in life, family bonds and, of course, the children.

澳洲畫家費迪南德 喬治 沃爾德米勒,以其風景、 景色以及鄉村繪畫而聞名。在其 1844 年完作的油畫 《聖誕清晨》中,他描繪了一個平凡的澳洲家庭,一家 人在聖誕清早齊聚,而孩子們正在探索他們的禮物。

在澳洲傳統裡,小孩會將他們的鞋子放在窗臺邊上, 心中期盼著:如果他們是好孩子,聖尼古拉就會留下 禮物。沃爾德米勒作為一名寫實主義的畫家,透過這 幅畫作,展現了一家人真實而親密的場景。

在這質樸的畫面中,從人物的衣著,以及那削瘦 的聖誕樹上,手工的裝飾品,便可以看出這是一尋常 百姓家。站在畫面正中間的祖母,有三個孩子圍繞其 身,從孩子們的神情,可以看見他們正迫不及待地想 和祖母分享自己收到禮物的喜悅。而禮物,僅是簡單 的水果和緞帶,其中也只有兩位女孩收到了緞帶。在

畫面左側有位男孩站著,手提一支鞋,他撓著腦袋, 若有所思,像是納悶著:「為什麼只有我沒有呢?」也 許,是因為他平常太調皮,所以今年沒有獎賞。兩位女 孩看著一位正在面向窗戶拿鞋的姐妹,她一臉好奇地 想著自己會在鞋裡收到什麼。

回到畫面中央,靠近祖母身後的母親,神情有些 悵然,我們不知道,她是否因為沒辦法為孩子提供更 多、更好的禮物而難過?也或許,她正在替那位沒有 收到禮物的兒子而擔憂,身旁的丈夫,臉朝著妻子, 像試圖想說些話來寬慰孩子的母親。每一位畫面裡的 大人都表現出對孩子們的關愛。儘管現代生活物資豐 沛,我們仍能感受到何為最珍貴的禮物,那就是只存 在於我們生活、家庭聯繫之間,最簡單而純粹的幸福。

ELITE CULTURE

THE

‘FOUR GENTLEMEN’ and Their Poetic Tributes

詩書畫四君子 文人墨客思古幽情

Pictures courtesy of the National Palace Museum and The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Nature serves as our greatest artistic muse. It stirs feelings and emotions in us and was a source of inspiration for ancient Chinese artists. Four plants—the plum blossom, the orchid, the bamboo, and the chrysanthemum—were known as the “Four Gentlemen,” or “Junzi” in ancient China.

Ancient Chinese artists depicted this flora to evoke intellectual thought and spirituality rather than simply to portray the beauty of the natural world. Each of these plants personified the ideal qualities of a gentleman in ancient China. The artists combined their paintings with calligraphy and poetry, known together as the “Three Perfections.”

PLUM BLOSSOMS: INNER STRENGTH

The ancient Chinese praised the plum blossom for its ability to bloom vibrantly through the winter snow.

大自然是最好的藝術泉源,啟發人們的感受和情緒,自 古以來便是藝術家的靈感來源。梅、蘭、竹、菊,這四種 植物,更是備受文人墨客推崇的「四君子」。中國古代的 畫家描繪這些植物,不單只是描繪自然之美,而是為喚 醒人們的智慧與靈性。這些植物個個象徵了中國文化中, 君子應具備的四個理想特質,更讓「詩書畫三絕」的文人 騷客們,以詩詞、書法、繪畫,讚頌其美德。

梅:內在的力量

梅花以在冬雪中綻放的特性,受到古人的讚賞。當多數 植物在秋天進入休眠期時,梅花便開始醞釀準備,在寒 冷冬季綻放,並且被視為春天來臨的預兆。雖然這種植 物並不特別引人注目,但是它象徵了逆境中的堅貞與內心 的美好。

王冕(1270~1368)是一位元代畫家,以畫梅聞名。

他的作品表現方式,通常是一支獨秀的梅花,與上方一 段書法題詞。在他的詩作《墨梅》中寫道:

While most other plants hibernate in the fall, the plum blossom prepares itself to bloom before other flowers and is seen as a harbinger of spring. This plant isn’t particularly eye-catching, but it is considered a symbol of inner beauty and strength in adversity.

Wang Mian (1279–1368) was a Yuan Dynasty painter known for his plum paintings in ink. His paintings incorporated a calligraphic inscription over a flowering plum branch. In his poem “Plum,” he wrote:

A plum tree by my family’s inkstone washing pond, Blossoming flowers bloom with light ink, Don’t let people praise its color, Sweet aroma fills the air between heaven and earth.

Here, Wang praises the virtues of the plum blossom. It does not use bright colors to seek praise or please people; it wishes only to leave a subtle fragrance in the world. The petals are made with light dabs of ink to convey inner purity. Although it is not striking on the outside, the plum blossom is shown with a splendid and dignified inner life.

This plant is much like the artist. Wang grew up in a poor family, but he studied hard to make a name for himself in poetry and painting. He was not able to pass a civil service exam that would guarantee a steady income, and he later rejected several other civil appointments. Retiring to the mountains where he made his living by painting, Wang built a plum blossom retreat and planted a thousand plum trees around it. He compared himself to the plum blossom as being someone who triumphs over harsh conditions and doesn’t seek fame.

ORCHID: NOBLE YET HUMBLE

The orchid is delicate and fragile. Its flowers bloom with elegance and grace in the spring, and its blossoms are exquisite yet never overbearing. They often grow in hidden and secluded places emanating a faint, delicate fragrance. With these characteristics, the orchid embodies simplicity, solitude, humility, and nobility.

A solitary orchid floats against an empty background in Zheng Sixiao’s painting Ink Orchid . Simple, spare brushstrokes depict the orchid leaves; the ink strokes create symmetry, dividing the painting into a balanced composition. Zheng’s poem accompanies the painting:

元 王冕 墨梅圖 軸

Fragrant Snow at Broken Bridge, by Wang Mian, Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368). Hanging scroll.

我家洗硯池邊樹, 朵朵花開淡墨痕。 不要人誇好顏色, 只留清氣滿乾坤。

在這首詩裡,王冕讚歎梅花的高尚美德,它不用鮮 豔的顏色去尋求讚美,或取悅他人,只求在世間留下一 抹隱約的清香。以墨色輕輕勾勒出花瓣的形狀,表達內 心的純淨。雖然外觀不特別出眾,梅花所展現的,是一 個莊嚴又美麗動人的內心世界。

I’ve always bowed my head and asked Emperor Xi, What are you doing in this township? Before starting to paint the nares open, And the sky is full of antique fragrances.

The piece was created in response to the Mongolian army’s conquering the Southern Song Empire. Being loyal to the Song, Zheng rejected Mongol rule by signing the painting as “Southern-facing old man,” who never faced the Northern Mongolian court.

The orchid embodies someone of noble character, such as Emperor Xi, a legendary king and ancestor of ancient Chinese civilization. It is depicted without roots and seems to be displaced from the soil. When asked why that is, Zheng said, “Don’t you know that the land was stolen by the barbarians?” “Antique fragrances” suggests a wistful nostalgia for the motherland.

Seeing himself as the rootless orchid, the artist conveyed that he was without a home after the fall of the Song Empire. Yet he remained a patriot with noble integrity, without anger or hatred. The question he posed in the poem heightens his sadness, as he felt out-of-place.

BAMBOO: ENDURANCE AND INTEGRITY

The bamboo was admired by the ancient Chinese for centuries. The bamboo stalk stands straight and tall, representing uprightness and integrity. Yet the inside of the stalk is hollow, symbolizing endurance and tolerance. Although the bamboo grows straight, it bends and sways in the wind. It is strong and agile, making it a symbol of resiliency—of being able to recover quickly from difficulty.

Wu Zhen’s (1280–1354) Yuan Dynasty pictorial series, Manual of Ink Bamboo, features paintings depicting bamboo in different poses and stages: from tender shoots to old stalks, some upright and strong, some supple and bent down. The bamboo is also portrayed reacting to wind, rain, and snow, showing its adaptability. Each painting includes an inscription that describes the virtues that the bamboo plant symbolizes, rather than its actual features. 26

In this poem, Wu wrote:

When the trees shake and drop their leaves, This gentleman remains particularly green. With moral integrity and its mind more modest still, It cherishes solitude to keep its nature intact.

Here, Wu personifies the bamboo as a gentleman who maintains his moral integrity in the face of adversity. Wu expresses admiration for bamboo’s resiliency and modesty. Despite external pressure, this plant still preserves its true nature.

In another poem, he wrote:

The bamboo stands upright in the frost, Its shadows are slim and graceful under the moonlight.

If you understand the principle of self-effacement,

Then what matters will still weigh on your mind?

Wu invokes self-cultivation in this poem. Bamboo likes to grow in lofty mountains away from the world; it is content and carefree in its reclusiveness and uninterested in worldly affairs. It does not seek attention and is indifferent to fame and gain. By letting go of such desires, one will be at peace with oneself.

CHRYSANTHEMUM:

ENDURING ELEGANCE

Praised for its exquisite beauty, the chrysanthemum was a favorite flower of the ancient Chinese. Its blossoms thrive in the chilly autumn air while other flowers start to wilt. It doesn’t compete with other flowers, yet it outlasts them all, giving it an enduring elegance. The long lifespan of the flower represents living a life full of vitality.

The chrysanthemum was beloved by Tao Yuanming (365–427), a well-known poet during

清 沈世傑 畫蘭 軸

Depicting the Orchid by Shen Shi Jie, Qing Dynasty. Hanging scroll.

梅花就如同這位畫家,王冕生長於貧困的家 庭,但是他憑藉著勤奮努力,成為一位受人尊崇畫 家和詩人。然而,他沒能通過科舉考試,無法保障 穩定收入,幾年後也拒絕了幾次當官的委派。後來 他退隱山林,以繪畫維生,建梅花屋並種植千棵 梅樹,圍繞他的屋苑。他將自己比作梅花,就像自 己脫離困境且不追求名聲的人生。

除了王冕,中國歷代也有許多愛梅之士,如性 情恬淡的北宋隱士林逋,不慕榮祿,終身未娶,以 梅為妻,以鶴為子。其詩〈山園小梅〉:「疏影橫斜 水清淺,暗香浮動月黃昏。」被譽為中國詩句裡描 寫梅花最傳神的句子。以梅喻己,更是代代相承。 宋朝滅亡後,文天祥選擇於在梅嶺絕食以求殉國, 就是因其在梅花的身上,看見一身正氣;「數點梅 花亡國淚,二分明月故臣心」,明朝忠臣史可法在 面對清朝大軍壓境圍城、孤立無援的情況下,他 為百姓慷慨赴義,屍骨無存,最終其衣冠被葬於 梅花嶺,了卻其心願。梅花堅忍,銘刻中華文明。

蘭:高尚而謙遜

蘭花嬌嫩且脆弱,它在春天時優雅地綻放,花朵精 緻美麗卻不顯傲氣。蘭花通常生長在隱蔽且與世隔 絕之處,散發一股淡雅的香氣,這使蘭花展現了簡 樸、孤獨、謙遜及高尚的性格。

在鄭思肖的繪畫《墨蘭圖》中,空白背景襯托 著一株飄浮的蘭花。簡潔、純樸的墨色筆觸描繪 蘭花的葉子,創造對稱的構圖,將畫面平衡分配。 畫作旁伴隨著鄭思肖的題詩:

向來俯首問羲皇, 汝是何人到此鄉?

未有畫前開鼻孔, 滿天浮動古馨香。

這首詩是畫家對蒙古軍隊征服南宋帝國的感 嘆。對南宋朝廷忠誠堅定的鄭思肖,在作品上署名 「所南」,且從不面向北方的蒙古朝廷,以示拒絕 蒙古的統治。

蘭花體現了人的高尚性格,如伏羲氏,傳說中 的君主和遠古中國文明的始祖。畫中的蘭花沒有 根,且似乎被迫離開了原本生長的土壤。當問起鄭 思肖為什麼這麼安排時,他說:「你不知道土地已 被蠻族偷走了嗎?」而「古馨香」則暗示著對祖國 憂傷的懷念。

將自己比為失根的蘭花,畫家表達在南宋衰 亡後,便失去了安身之所。然而,他仍維持愛國者 的身分,行事光明磊落,不帶憤怒或仇恨。因為感 到格格不入,詩中的提問更加強了他悲傷的情緒。

Top: 元 吳鎮 墨竹譜 冊 輕蔭護綠苔 Manual of Ink Bamboo, Light Shadows Cast Over Green Moss by Wu Zhen, 1350. Album leaf: Ink on paper.

Bottom: 元 吳鎮 墨竹 冊 墨竹(二) Manual of Ink Bamboo, the second painting in the series, Wu Zhen. Album leaf: Ink on paper.

the Six Dynasties period. Although Tao appreciated the autumnal beauty of chrysanthemums, he liked their therapeutic properties even more, as he would mix their petals in wine to make a longevity potion. In his fifth poem, “Drinking Wine,” he wrote:

I built my house near where others dwell, And yet there is no clamor of carriages and horses. You ask of me, “How can this be so?”

When the heart is far, the place of itself is distant. I pluck chrysanthemums under the eastern hedge, And gaze afar toward the southern mountains. The mountain air is fine at the evening of the day And flying birds return homeward together.

Within these things there is a hint of Truth, But when I start to tell it, I cannot find the words.

竹:正直與忍耐

幾百年來,中國古人一直很欣賞竹子。竹竿高聳直立,展 現了正直、誠實與道德,而中空的竹節,代表了寬容與忍 耐。雖然竹子是筆直生長,卻能隨著風彎曲搖擺,強壯 且靈活,讓它成為恢復力的象徵——從困境中快速恢復 的能力。

元代畫家吳鎮(1280~1354)的系列畫作《墨竹 譜》,以描繪不同姿態和生長階段的竹子為特色成冊, 從柔軟的嫩芽到老舊的竹枝,有的筆直強壯,有的柔韌、 向下彎曲,他也畫出風雨中和雪天裡的竹子,展現了它 的適應力。每幅畫都含有一段題詞,描述竹子象徵的美 德,而不是形容它本身的特徵。

吳鎮在這首詩裡寫道:

眾木搖落時,

此君特蒼然。

節直心愈空, 抱獨全其天。

吳鎮將竹子化作一位君子,在面對逆境的時候, 仍保有道德與正直。吳鎮對竹子的適應力和謙遜感到欽 佩,儘管面對外在的壓力,這種植物仍能保有它的本性。

他的另一首詩:

挺挺霜中節, 亭亭月下陰。

識得虛中理, 何事可容心?

吳鎮在這首詩中,喚起人對自我的修養,竹子喜歡 生長在遠離塵囂的高山中,隱居且不問世事,知足且無 牽無掛;它不會尋求關注,也對名聲和利益不感興趣。

放下這些欲望的時候,人便能找到自己內心的平靜。

菊:持久的優雅

菊花因精緻優雅的美麗受到讚美,是中國古人特別喜愛 的一種花。在其他花朵開始凋謝時,它在微涼的秋季中 盛開,菊花不與其他花朵爭豔,花期卻比任何花都長, 這賦予它一個韌性、優雅的形象,較長的花期,象徵充 滿生命力的一生。

菊花深受陶淵明的喜愛,陶淵明(365~427)是六 朝時期著名的詩人。雖然陶淵明欣賞秋天菊花的美麗, 他更喜愛菊花具治療效果的特性,他視菊花酒為延年益 壽的飲品。在他的詩作《飲酒》其五中寫道:

明 陳淳 花卉 卷 Flowers and Plants by Chen Chun (1483~1544), Ming Dynasty. In his early stage, Chen studied under Wen Zhengming. In middle age, he changed his style and featured flowers and plants in most of his artwork, capturing the spirit of the plants with ink.

This poem expresses the poet’s contentment in a rural setting. When he was young, Tao served as a government official to support his parents. But when he saw the government’s corruption, he withdrew from civil service and retreated to a pastoral life, surrounded by the beauty of the natural world.

The “hint of Truth” that Tao speaks of in the poem is the fleeting nature of life. Riches and influence don’t go with us when we die. Tao tells us that life is ephemeral, and desolation sets in at old age. He expresses the truth of living a simple life free of worldly desires, while picking chrysanthemums near the mountains.

Even a place full of people and commotion will feel distant when the heart is unshackled from the world. Integrating emotion and reason, Tao’s poem conveys that his tranquil state of mind is in harmony with nature, yet he “cannot find the words” to express this contentment.

The Four Gentlemen—the plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum—awakened insights and beautiful thoughts in ancient artists and poets to inspire their paintings and poems for the world to enjoy.

結廬在人境,而無車馬喧。

問君何能爾?心遠地自偏。

採菊東籬下,悠然見南山。

山氣日夕佳,飛鳥相與還。

此中有真意,欲辯已忘言。

這首詩表現出了詩人對於其田園生活的滿足。陶淵 明年輕時為撫養雙親,曾在朝中任官,但他看見朝廷的 腐敗後,便辭去文職,開始隱居,過著自然風光圍繞的 田園生活。

詩人在詩中說的「真意」,是指生命稍縱即逝的必 然。財富和影響力,在人死後什麼也帶不走,陶淵明告 訴我們,人生轉瞬即逝,晚年時只剩孤獨。他在南山附 近採著菊花時,抒發了生命的真諦——即人應過著簡 樸、沒有塵世欲望的生活。

當心中去除世俗的鐐銬後,即使在充滿人聲喧囂之 處,也會感到疏離。融合理性與感性,陶淵明的詩傳達 出他內心的平靜是與自然協調一致的,然而這樣的滿足, 他「欲辯已忘言」,難以言喻。

梅、蘭、竹、菊——這「四君子」,不僅賦予古代的 畫家和詩人大量的洞察力和美麗的思想,也給予他們作 畫和寫詩的靈感,直至後世,讓世界得以欣賞。

WITH JOY AND CONSIDERATION

Marie Kondo's lifestyle philosophy begins with a deep look at our possessions

為夢想生活騰出更多空間 ——近藤麻理惠的整理哲學

In the past several years, your philosophy of tidying has really captured attention and has been adopted by people all around the world. What do you think really resonates with people about this philosophy?

Marie Kondo: The KonMari Method is more than just organizing; it starts with physical objects, which are often just symbols of the larger self-reflection we need. Evaluating the things that spark joy in our lives to help us achieve the vision we have for the lives we want to live is a part of the KonMari Method that I feel people really appreciate and resonate with the most.

多數人想到要打掃、整理,就感到疲憊,然而,卻有一 本書讓成千上萬人,心甘情願地起身勞動,積極打理生 活。這是2010 年出版的書籍《怦然心動的人生整理魔 法》,在全球暢銷逾 1,300 萬本,翻譯超過 44 種語言。

該書作者近藤麻理惠,為一名專業整理師,她的整理心 法「KonMari Method」究竟施了什麼樣的「魔法」?

在過去幾年,您的整理哲學引起廣大迴響,並被世界各 地的人們採納。您自己認為是什麼引起人們的共鳴? 近藤女士:KonMari 整理法不僅僅是關於整理收納:它 始於整理物品,但物品往往象徵著我們內在需求的深層

What are some of the early influences that attracted you to tidying and organizing?

Ms. Kondo: Tidying is something that I learned from my grandmother at a very early age, and she was always such a big inspiration to me. She was so careful and considerate of the things she owned, and that level of intent and care is now deeply rooted in the KonMari Method. If I can personally help people tidy and see positive changes in other areas of their lives, then I feel like I have done what is needed, while also honoring my grandmother’s memory.

When people go through the process and apply the KonMari method, they seem to have a lot of epiphanies. Many people start to realize that it's not just about things; it's about living and lifestyle. Was this always the starting point for you? How do you encourage people to think about lifestyle?

Ms. Kondo: As a young girl, I was truly captivated by the craft of organization after reading The Art of Discarding, a bestselling book in Japan at the time. Being inspired from this book, I really started to explore tidying more seriously, and at that point in my life, I thought that tidying was mainly about discarding. I remember once during a difficult tidying session, my body became heavy, and I ended up passing out on the floor. After several hours, I thought I heard a voice telling me to “look at the items carefully and closely,” and in this exact moment, I realized I had an epiphany. Instead of looking for reasons to discard an item, I should be looking for reasons to keep them. Right then, I knew that tidying was so much more than just cleaning and discarding items. It transformed into focusing on the things and moments in life that spark joy.

When applying the KonMari Method, it’s important to remember that you are not choosing what to discard, but rather, choosing to keep items that speak to your heart. Through tidying, people can reset their lives and make sure they’re spending the rest of their lives surrounded by the people and things that they love and cherish the most.

In your method, you mention some procedures and rituals. Tell us about the importance of rituals and how they can change the way we look at things?

Ms. Kondo: Before you can truly care for another person, space, or object, you have to know how to

自我反思。我想,在

是否能為生活帶來快樂,有助實現我們對生活的願景, 這是我認為人們最為感激,也最能感同身受的部分。

您早年的哪些經驗,引領且影響您走入整理和收納的 領域?

近藤女士:我自小就從祖母那裡學到整理、收納的技巧, 她總是鼓勵和帶給我許多啟發。她對待自己的所有物, 總是那麼地細心、周到,其中體現的關懷和心意,已深 深地紮根於 KonMari 整理法之中。我覺得能幫助人們 學習收納、整理,甚至替他們生活的其他方面帶來正面 影響,我就已經做了應該做的事,這也是對我祖母的一 種紀念。

人們將 KonMari 整理法應用於生活中後,頓然領悟許 多。許多人開始意識到,這不僅僅是關於物品,而是關 於生活和生活方式。這是您想做到的嗎?您是如何鼓勵 人們思考生活方式的? 近藤女士:過去年輕時,讀了《丟棄的藝術》這本書後, 我被整理收納藝術深深吸引——這本書當時在日本很暢 銷。受到這本書的啟發,我開始更認真地探索整理收納 技巧。那時,我認為整理的主要內涵是丟棄物品。記得 有一次在困難度很高的整理工作中,我累得全身發沉, 最後在地板上睡著了。幾個小時後,我好像聽到一個聲 音告訴我:「仔仔細細地看看這些東西。」在那一瞬間, 我頓悟了:與其尋找丟棄物品的理由,我應該尋找保留 物品的原因。與此同時,我明白了整理的意義,遠遠超 出了清潔和丟棄物件本身,而是轉變為專注於生活中能 帶來快樂的時刻和事物。

take care of yourself, which is where the importance of rituals come into play. I prioritize daily rituals that enable me to honor my whole self because when the body, mind and spirit are in alignment, I can easily sense what sparks joy in my life each and every day. I have many different rituals that I perform throughout the day to help me maintain a rhythm, and I always encourage others to do the same. My morning ritual is one of my most important routines as it sets the tempo for the day ahead. I often begin by opening a window to let in the fresh air and then lighting incense. My favorite incense scent is yuzu because the smell of citrus brings energy and ease, which always helps me meet the day joyfully.

How does tidying and organizing affect one's mental state and life, and why?

Ms. Kondo: The KonMari Method helps explore the depth of personal matters and emotions through tidying. Tidying is as much about evaluating the things that bring you joy as it is about the past that you are ready to let go—it’s about making room for the future you envision for yourself. Through the tidying process, you confront yourself and determine what is most important to you, all on your own. It’s important to be open-minded when tidying. Think about what the KonMari Method can bring to not only your physical space, but also to your life as a whole.

In 2015, you were named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people. Decluttering was having a moment! What sort of cultural shift were you seeing from your perspective?

Ms. Kondo: What a great honor that was! Since that time people have become more easily accessible through the digital lives we lead. We are also more influenced by things that may bring joy, including other things that do not; it can sometimes be overwhelming. I think the KonMari Method still applies to people today. The Method allows people to revisit the things that truly bring them joy and discard the things that no longer serve the life they envision, which is as important today as it was back then.

You've also written a children's book. What are some memories from your childhood that have influenced memories you've tried to create for your own children?

當應用 KonMari 整理法時,要記住,你不是在選擇 丟棄什麼,而是選擇保留那些與自己內心相連的物品。通 過整理收納,人們可以重新整頓自己的生活,確保接下來 的日子裡,能與他們所愛與最珍視的人和物為伍。

在您的整理法中,您提到了一些程序和儀式。能否介紹一 下儀式的重要性,以及它如何改變我們看待事物的角度? 近藤女士:

我們必須知道如何照顧自己,才能夠學會真正關 心一個人、空間以至物品,這就是儀式的重要性。我優先考 慮使我能夠尊重自我的日常儀式,因為唯有當身體、思想和

COURTESY OF

Ms. Kondo: When I was little, I imagined being a good mother to my children one day, just as my own mother was to me. I also had a very strong bond with my paternal grandmother, Oba-chan (grandma in Japanese), and feel lucky to have had so many good role models throughout my life to demonstrate to me how to best take care of children. One of my nightly rituals with my kids has always been to read books together, and believe it or not, their favorite book to read is the children's book I wrote, Kiki ^ Jax. I wrote this book with my children in mind, so it brings me much joy when they ask repeatedly to read it with them before bedtime.

How can people learn more about your method?

Ms. Kondo: If you are tidying for the first time, I’d encourage people to read my first book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, or watch the digital tidying course KonMari Method: Fundamentals of Tidying. In the book and in the course, I break it down into simple steps so you focus on the fact that the outcome of tidying isn’t simply a tidier space; tidying can change your life.

Many people may not realize, but we also offer a KonMari Consultant Program. I'm extremely proud of the Consultant Certification Courses we developed to teach people how to become professional tidying experts. We have over 700 certified KonMari Consultants in over 54 countries. I love that I can share my expertise with the world to help bring joy into more peoples’ homes through the KonMari Method. This is also a great option for people who might be looking for a secondary career that brings joy to others.

This article was edited for clarity and brevity.

精神保持一致時,我每天都可以很容易地覺察生活中真 正讓我開心的一切。一天之中,我有許多不同的儀式,執 行過程有助我維持自己的節奏,我也經常鼓勵其他人這 樣做。例如,早晨的儀式是我最重要的例行公事之一,因 為它為一整天的節奏定調。(早晨儀式中)我經常先打開 窗戶,讓新鮮空氣進入,然後點香。我最喜歡的味道是柚 子香調,因為這種味道能帶來活力和舒緩心緒,總是能 讓我心情愉悅地迎接新的一天。

整理收納如何影響一個人的精神狀態和生活,為什麼能 有這樣的影響? 近藤女士:通過整理,KonMari 整理法幫助人們深度探索 個人情感和事務。整理既是審視帶給你快樂的事情,也 是評估你準備放下的過去——這是為你預想的未來騰出 PICTURES

更多的空間。通過整理,你要面對自己,並確定什麼對 你是最重要的,這個過程完全靠自己。在整理的時候, 保持開放的心態很重要——不僅要想 KonMari 整理法 能替你的空間帶來什麼變化,也得想一下,它能為你的 生活帶來什麼影響。

2015 年,您被評為《時代周刊》最具影響力的百大人物 之一。當整理收納風靡一時,在您看來,這是什麼樣的 文化轉變? 近藤女士:這是多大的榮譽啊!從那時起通過科技生活, 人們變得更容易接近彼此,對物品能帶來的快樂和不快 樂,有時我們會因此而感到超載,讓人不知所措。我認 為 KonMari 整理法仍然適用於今,藉此人們能重新審 視那些真正帶給他們快樂的東西,也告別那些不再為其 生活服務的物品,無論今昔,這都一樣重要。

您也寫過一本兒童書,這將成為您孩子的兒時記憶, 您童年裡有哪些回憶,會讓您想替自己孩子創造那般 回憶?

近藤女士:在我小的時候,我會想有一天也能成為孩子 們的好母親,就像我的母親對我一樣。我和我的祖母, Oba-chan(祖母的日語發音),也有很深的感情,我 覺得很幸運,在我的一生中有這麼多好的榜樣,為我示 範如何給孩子最好的照顧。每晚例行儀式之一,就是和 孩子們一起看書,你也許不相信,他們最喜歡看的書是 我寫的兒童書《琪琪和賈克斯》。我寫這本書的時候就 想著自己的孩子,所以當他們睡前反覆要我和他們讀這 本書時,也帶給我很多快樂。

如何能更了解您的整理法? 近藤女士:如果是初次學習如何整理,我會建議閱讀我 的第一本著作《怦然心動的人生整理魔法》,或者觀看 數位課程「KonMari Method:整理的基本原則」。

在書中和課程中,我把它分解成簡單的步驟,讓你可以 專注於——整理的結果不只是求得一個更加整潔的空 間,整理可以改變你的生活。

許多人可能沒有意識到,我們還提供一個 KonMari 顧問計畫。我們開發了一個顧問認證課程——對此我感 到非常自豪——該課程旨在教人們如何成為專業的整理 師。我們在超過 54 個國家,如今已有超過 700 名經認 證的 KonMari 顧問。能和所有人分享我的專業知識,並 通過 KonMari 整理法將快樂帶入更多家庭,我特別喜歡 這種感覺。如果有人正在尋找為他人帶來快樂的第二職 業,這也是一個不錯的選擇。

(本文經刪節與編輯)

Treasure the Times, for They Will Never Come Again

How to embrace every precious moment with your children

Now that I am an adult, I can share these things with you.” Ugh, like a punch in the gut! Had my daughter really just said that? An adult? Really? When did this happen? This year had been like a one-two punch. First, my daughter turned 20. (How could I possibly have a daughter in her 20s?) If that was not enough, my youngest, today, began his last semester in high school. Like a puff of smoke, the years had evaporated before my eyes. Now 18, no longer that little boy nervously beginning his first year of kindergarten, a 6-foot man with a beard now stood before me, and I simply wondered, “Where did the time go?”

I thought back over the years—so many things had happened, so many memories, so many joys, so many sorrows, so many opportunities, and yes, even some regrets. Being a parent has been the greatest journey of my life, and at the same time, the most challenging.

As a young man, young dad, and young husband, so many things seemed important at the time: my image as a parent, what others thought of my children, providing for every need and want of the family, sports, grades, building a successful career, securing our future, making sure my children were … (fill in the blank with any number of nouns or adjectives). None of these things were necessarily bad. In fact, many were good, but as I look back now, I sometimes wonder: Did I really see and focus on what was most important during those times?

STRESS AND WORRY

As a young parent, I put way more pressure on myself and my children than was ever really needed. If you are a parent, you have probably experienced a day like this: up early, rushing out the door, running from place to place, errand to errand, desperately trying to cram everything in, becoming flustered and frustrated with unexpected issues (often brought on by the children we have in tow), no time to stop, no time to breathe. We come screeching into the house each night, cram in dinner, homework, projects, sports, baths, and then a crazy bedtime, only to drop into bed that night and awake the next morning to do it

「既然我已經成年了,那我就可以跟你分享這些了。」呃! 好像肚子被打了一拳。我女兒真的這樣說了嗎?這一年當 中所發生的事,就像連續重拳。首先,我女兒 20 歲了。 (怎麼轉眼間就 20 歲了?)不光如此,我的小兒子進入 高中的最後一個學期。當年那個戰戰兢兢開始幼兒園生 活的小男孩,如今已是18歲堂堂六尺男兒,我不禁感歎, 「時光都飛到哪兒去了?」 回顧過往,發生了好多事,有好多回憶、好多甜蜜、 好多悲傷、好多機會歷歷在目,同時,也有好多懊悔。成 為父母是我人生中最棒的經歷,當然也最具挑戰性。身 為一個年輕男人、年輕爸爸、年輕丈夫,有許多重要的人 生經歷同時發生:當父母的形象要顧好、要考慮別人怎 麼看待我的孩子、要提供家庭所需的一切、要運動、要 取得好成績、在工作上要有成就、給未來足夠的保障、確 保我的孩子們……(請自行填入符合你需求的各種名詞 和形容詞)。這些都不是壞事,事實上,很多都是好事, 不過當我回顧過去,我不禁想:當年,我真把精力與注意 力放在最重要的事了嗎?

壓力與擔憂

身為年輕父母,我曾加諸過多不必要的壓力在自己和孩 子身上。如果你也為人父母,你八成經歷過這樣的一天: 早早起床、匆匆出門、從一處奔忙到另一處、辦各種瑣 事、拚命壓縮時間、為處理突如其來的狀況(通常都是 由孩子造成的)感到心煩意亂;沒時間休息,也沒時間 喘口氣。每天晚上如滑壘般衝進家門,開始一連串的晚 餐、功課、報告、運動、洗澡,最後是瘋狂的就寢時間, 只為了隔天再重來一次。擔心每個成績、每次活動、運 動、接踵而至的報告、工作和數不勝數的「重要」事項, 只會讓所有人充滿壓力,且剝奪當下的樂趣。

身為父母,繁忙的生活和我們自認重要的事,很容 易致使我們忽視所有真正重要的事情,錯過那些值得記 住的精采時刻。其實,是我們自己讓忙碌、挫折,和各種 對事物的期待,阻礙了眼前最該被珍視的回憶。然而, 這些卻成了我們日後擔待不起的損失。

記取教訓

現今社會有太多的壓力加諸在家庭和孩子身上——成 績、運動、地位、活動等不斷疊加,儘管這些的確重要, 但我們常做過頭了。很多時候,我希望可以叫過去的自己 坐下來,和現在的我聊五分鐘,分享這過去20 年來學到 的種種。如果有這個機會,我會提醒過去的我:

1. 小事不要太緊張(真的沒有你想得那麼要緊)。很多我 們關注的事,其實都沒什麼,儘管當時看起來很重要。

all again. So worried about every grade, every event, sports, the next project, work, and so many other “important” items, that we succeed only in stressing everyone out and robbing the joy that could have been experienced in that moment.

As parents, it is easy to let the busyness of the world, and our ideas and impres sions of what is important, cause us to lose focus of all that is truly important and miss those magical and special mo ments right before us. We allow business, frustrations, and even “wishes” of how things could be different to cloud what really is special and memorable right before us, and that is some thing we cannot afford to let happen.

LESSONS LEARNED

Today, there seem to be so many pressures on families and kids—grades, sports, status, activity, plus so much more, and while these have their place, sometimes we overdo it. Many times, I wish I could sit my younger self down to have a quick, five-minute conversation with him and share a few things these last 20 years have taught me. If given the chance, I would simply remind him:

1. Don’t sweat the small stuff (it really is not as important as you think). Many of the things we focus on are not important, even if they seem like it at the time.

2. Don’t be embarrassed by things your children do (because when they are teenagers, you can embarrass them—plus, who cares what others think?).

3. Don’t be too busy for the important things. I can promise you that work or opportunity will always be there—but your children will not.

4. Take more time to listen and hear your children. Sometimes, we charge into a situation and fail to listen. Almost always, that blows things up and makes a much bigger mess.

5. Treasure the stage your children are in. It is easy to wish for what is coming next, but take time and treasure each moment. These times won’t come again.

2. 小孩做的事不用太感到丟臉(可以等到他們長到青少 年時再丟臉——況且,誰管別人怎麼想?)

3. 不要忙到把更重要的事晾在一旁(我向你保證,永遠 都會有工作和機會等在那裡,但孩子的成長稍縱即 逝)。

4. 多花點時間聽孩子說話。有時我們太投入做事,而沒 有好好聽孩子說話。而幾乎每次,這種狀況發生的時 候,都能搞砸親子關係,接著製造更大的問題。

5. 珍惜孩子的每個成長階段。我們很容易對未來抱有期 待,但也別忘了活在當下。這些時光不會再來。

6. 當孩子最忠實的啦啦隊,相信他們,儘管他們有時並 不相信自己。看見並且鼓勵他們的獨特之處,幫助他 們對上天為他們的安排更有信心。

7. 將繁忙的活動控制在合理範圍內。好的成績、運動、 成就都很棒,但不要因此而犧牲親子關係。

8. 不需要把所有的事都視為戰鬥。先衡量自己是否要為 此付之一炬,你會驚訝地發現,很多時候都不值得。

9. 不要為枝微末節的事過於煩惱,讓這些變成未來的笑 料。你會懷念那些曾讓人煩惱不已的瑣事,因為最終 這些就是生活中的調味料。

10. 令你受挫的事可能沒有想象中嚴重,絕大多數再過幾 年你就不會記得了。

接受與感恩

不久前,我看到一對年輕夫妻帶著3 個小孩。這對夫妻 正在試著一天做完50 件事,而孩子們呢,很明顯地完全 不想排隊,跑來跑去,吵吵鬧鬧,還有點鬧脾氣(不過,

6. Be their greatest cheerleader, and believe in them, even when they do not believe in themselves. See and encourage their uniqueness—and help them see God’s special plan for their lives.

7. Keep activity in perspective. Grades, sports, accomplishments are great, but not at the cost of relationships.

8. Everything doesn’t need to be a battle. Decide if this is a hill you need to die on. It may surprise you how often it is not.

9. Don’t let the little things annoy you. If anything, let them be things you laugh at. You will miss the things that annoy you the most, for often they are part of the sweet music that makes up your family.

10. Maybe that frustration really isn’t as big as you think. Most of the time, you won’t remember it in a few years anyway.

ACCEPTANCE AND GRATITUDE

Recently, I sat watching a young couple with three small children as I waited to get assistance with setting up my new iPhone. The couple was rushed and trying to do 50 things that day, and the children, clearly tired of being there, were restless, noisy, and maybe even a little cranky (but honestly, aren’t we all in that situation?).

I could see the mom was getting flustered and even embarrassed by her children, probably wishing that any number of things were different about this situation, including her children’s age and behavior. As I sat there watching, I could not help but think back on those days and moments when my children were so young. Yes, I would have been that “frustrated parent,” given the same circumstances, but now, almost 20 years later, I am seeing things a little differently than I did those many years ago.

She apologized, and I looked at her and simply said, “It’s OK, they are fine. I used to be an elementary school principal, and sometimes I miss those sweet sounds.” As relief washed over her face, I smiled, thinking back on those times with my kids, wishing for one more moment of them cradled in my arms, missing those moments that would not come again, yet thankful for the ones right before me.

Mom and Dad, your kids will make it. They will get there—whether they have straight A’s or not, whether they play every sport or not—they and you will make it. How they get there, though, will depend greatly

on you and what you show them is truly important. Enjoy the moments before you. Don’t stress and pressure yourself and your children. Yes, encourage them to do great things and to do their best, but keep it in perspective. Stop and take time to see what really is important before you. I promise, you won’t regret it. Treasure these times, for they are more special than you know, and they will not come again.

老實說,在那種情況下,我們不也都是這樣嗎?)。我感 覺這位媽媽開始有點煩躁,並且對小孩的行為感到丟 臉,可能希望「如果可以快一點辦完事就好了」、「如果 小孩更大一點就好了」、「如果小孩的行為更成熟一點就 好了」,心中產生種種念頭。我在旁邊看時,不禁開始回 憶孩子還小的日子。當然,在同樣的情況下,我也跟那 對無奈的父母一樣,但是20 年後的現在,我看事情的角 度已經有些許的不同。

那位年輕媽媽道著歉,我看向她說:「沒事沒事,他 們很好。我以前是小學校長,有時候我還滿想念那些童 音的。」她明顯的鬆了一口氣。我笑了笑,回味起孩子還 小的那段時光,並且殷切希望時間走慢一點,孩子能在 我的臂彎待久一點,畢竟那些美好的時刻不會再來。

爸爸、媽媽們,你們的孩子會抵達下一個人生階段。

無論是不是全 A 的學生,無論有沒有參與所有的運動, 他們都會長大,你和你的孩子們終將走過這段日子。不 過,他們是怎麼走過來的,則取決於你怎麼看待他們, 以及他們從你身上學到了什麼樣的價值觀。當然,應該 鼓勵孩子們有大志向,鼓勵他們盡最大努力,不過凡事 也要量力而為,時不時地在不斷向前奔忙的生活中,稍 事休整一下,花點時間看看生命中的美好事物,我保證 你不會後悔。珍惜這段時光,這比你想像的更重要。

ELITE FOOD

ALASKA’S SALMON SISTERS

A sister duo makes Alaska’s fresh sustainable seafood accessible to all Americans
北方故鄉的召喚

阿拉斯加姐妹倆的「洄游」之旅

here were more fish than people. Sisters Claire Neaton and Emma Teal Privat were raised on a remote Alaska island in a region where salmon outnumbered humans exponentially —10 billion salmon, a few hundred people. Privat and Neaton, whose family ran a commercial fishing operation, lived on a homestead near False Pass, in the Aleutian Islands. They grew up living, breathing, and eating salmon, and absorbing the values a pioneer subsistence lifestyle creates.

“We learned resourcefulness, determination— growing up in such a remote area meant that we relied on ourselves to overcome obstacles,” Privat recalled. “This taught us that nothing was impossible, and we could get through most challenges if we just worked at it for long enough.

“We also learned the value of family and good food—we were a family of four, and we all played a role in the success of our livelihood. As kids, we helped our parents plant the garden, pull fish from the net, pick berries, dig clams, harvest kelp, cook,

在這裡,魚比人多。Privat 家姐妹倆—— Claire Neaton 和 Emma Teal,在阿拉斯加一座非常偏遠的小島長大, 在那裡,上百億隻鮭魚的數量,遠大於島上數百居民。

兩姐妹和一家人住在 Aleutian 群島上的一座農 莊,鄰近 False Pass 的小城市,家族以捕魚為業。一方 水土養一方人,她們從小便和鮭魚為伍,生活處處都離 不開鮭魚。因生長在偏遠地域,沒有都市時髦、花俏的 生活環境,從而培養出腳踏實地的生活態度。

Privat 回憶:「我們學會如何靈活運用身邊有限的資 源,且能堅持不懈。生活在如此偏遠的地方,代表遇到任 何難關都只能靠自己克服。」「生活教會我們沒有什麼事 是不可能的,只要願意下功夫,多數的困境我們都可迎 刃而解。」她們一家四口各自扮演好自己的角色,從中深 刻體會到家庭和美食的珍貴。「小時候幫爸媽照顧園子、 把魚拉出漁網、摘莓果、挖貝殼、收割藻類海帶,烹飪、 建造、打掃、縫補、修理。直至現在,一家人還是一起在 船上工作。能擁有如此緊密的連結,感覺真的很好!」

捕魚,一直是家族賴以為生的職業。那何不以此 為基礎,拓展一門生意?這不僅可以充分利用漫長的冬 日,也可以應用她們在大學裡習得的專業—— Neaton 主修商業與行銷;Privat 則是英語、藝術和設計。於是,

Sisters Claire Neaton (L) and Emma Teal Privat are Alaskan fishermen and co-founders of Salmon Sisters, an Alaskan fish and nautical apparel company.
_Camrin Dengel

build, clean, mend, fix. We still work together on the fishing boat today, and it’s great to have that close relationship.”

Fishing was, and is, the foundation of their lives. So why not build a business based on marine everything, just like their own lives? Not only would it provide something to keep them busy in the winter, but it would also offer an outlet for what they learned in college: Neaton studied business and marketing, and Privat English, art, and design.

Thus was born Salmon Sisters, the now 10-yearold, wildly popular retail venture based in Homer that ships salmon, salmon-stuff, and marine-themed apparel to customers elsewhere in Alaska, in the lower 48, and around the world. From this famous little hamlet at the end of the road, customers can order salmon, halibut, and cod, frozen, canned, and “jarred,” to use an Alaskan term referring to salmon that is first smoked, then canned—a deliriously delicious, savory treat.

There are also hoodies, fleece jackets, and pullovers; scarves, headbands, and gaiters; sweatpants and leggings; and the all-important Xtratuf boots, an icon of life in Alaska without which civilization might cease. “These are still our most popular products since we started designing them for women with Xtratuf,” Privat reported. “That first octopus design we created remains our best-seller today.”

「鮭魚姐妹」(Salmon Sisters)應運而生。 10 年前, 品牌創於 Homer 市,廣受歡迎。

在濱海漁村中,位於道路盡頭的小商號,販售各種 鮭魚相關的商品和服飾,訂購者來自阿拉斯加、美國其 他 49 州以及世界各地。其中食品產品包含:鮭魚、比目 魚、鱈魚,有冷凍、鐵鋁罐裝(canned),也有玻璃罐裝

(jarred)商品——這是一阿拉斯加當地特有的食品,專 指先煙燻而後裝罐的鮭魚製品,令人驚豔的風味,取悅 無數饕客的味蕾。

「鮭魚姐妹」也販售多樣服飾,如:外套、高領衣、 圍脖配件,以及運動褲、貼身機能褲,還有阿拉斯加最 具標誌性的生活必需品——超耐用防水工作靴。倘若沒 有這項商品,阿拉斯加將是荒煙蔓草。「這些產品從我 們開始和 Xtratuf(品牌)合作女性商品起,到目前為 止,一直都是我們最受歡迎的商品。」Privat 介紹,「那 個章魚圖案是我們的第一項設計,至今仍是銷售第一。」

在發現了商品廣受歡迎的關鍵後,後來推出的設計圖 樣,大多都圍繞著海洋——沙錢、人魚、海鸚,當然還 有鮭魚。

來自海的呼喚

鮭魚之於阿拉斯加,重要性無以言喻。在阿拉斯加,無 論是將近2千英里長的育空河,還是長僅數百呎的小溪 流,幾乎每一條河都是這種洄游性魚類的產地。每年有 數百億條鮭魚在食物充足的北太平洋成長,四年後,洄 游回阿拉斯加的淡水水域時,便成為阿拉斯加的食物來 源。每位阿拉斯加人每年允許打撈三打鮭魚,幾乎每家每 戶都有個獨立冷藏庫,專門存放這些鮭魚。從藝術、音

Having discovered a successful theme, almost all their items are emblazoned with marine-life designs—including sand dollars, mermaids, puffins, and of course, salmon.

CALL OF THE SEA

It’s impossible to exaggerate the importance of salmon in Alaska. These anadromous fish are born in almost every stream and river in the state, from the nearly 2,000-mile Yukon River to tiny creeks in Southeast Alaska measured in hundreds of yards. Ten billion salmon grow fat every summer in the food-rich ocean waters of the North Pacific; when they return to fresh water after four years, they are the foundation of Alaskan food. Every Alaskan is entitled to harvest about three dozen fish a year for subsistence; most Alaska households have a freezer dedicated just to that. Salmon are celebrated in art, music, language, religion, and literature—and in debates over which kind is best, a topic on which every Alaskan has a fiercely held opinion.

The salmon migratory cycle exerts its force on people, too, as Privat explained about the two sisters’ return to Alaska following college studies on the East Coast.

“The seasonal pull of the sea always brought us back for the summer salmon season. It was a constant in an unknown time of life right after college.

樂、語言、宗教到文學,鮭魚遍跡各處。倘若論起哪一個 品種鮭魚最好吃?每位阿拉斯加人則各執一詞。

鮭魚洄游的習性,似乎也與人的生活有所共鳴。

Privat 以此解釋姐妹倆在美國東岸就學後回鄉的心情。

海洋的牽引無所不在,尤其每到夏日的鮭魚季,她 們都會回到北方,回到家鄉。「在完成學業後,對未來感 到迷茫的我們而言,回鄉是個合理的選擇,回到熟悉的 工作,有一份還算可靠的薪水,還可以陪伴在家人身邊。 而最主要的,那融在我們家庭與成長背景中的一切,深 深地烙在我們生命,是屬於我們的一部分,永遠無法將 其割捨。」而她描述的這份情感,也是許多離鄉阿拉斯 加人的心情,無論他們是以捕魚為業,或只是作為業餘 愛好。

以永續為使命

Privat 姐妹倆年僅相差一歲,如今已各自成家,與另一半 還有她們的父親一起出海捕魚。這對精瘦幹練的戶外型 姐妹,下頜線透出其立陶宛血統,性格堅毅,如同她們 捕獲的魚一般,渾身充滿精力。阿拉斯加政府為避免濫 捕而施行嚴格漁獵政策,對此她們感到非常自豪,也一 致認為,如果阿拉斯加在艱困的時代,也能持續施行永 續漁獵的政策,她們家族的偉業才能持續下去。

「永續漁業被寫在阿拉斯加州州憲法裡,持續實踐 永續漁獵,有助緩解飢荒和食物短缺問題。」Privat 指 出,在阿拉斯加,所有海鮮魚貨皆被有序管理,當地產 業採用最先進的技術,管理魚貨倉儲、社群以及整體 的生態環境,為守護未來世代的繁榮而努力。姐妹倆在 其書中也談及此議題(由 Sasquatch Press 於 2020

Left: Young Neaton and Privat with their parents.

Center: Neaton and Privat learned to process and cook fish at a young age.

_Courtesy of Emma Teal Privat and Claire Neaton

Right: The sisters prepare to grill freshly caught salmon outdoors after a fishing expedition.

_Sashwa Burrous

It made sense to come back for a job we knew how to do, a semi-reliable paycheck, and spending time with our family, but also it was a part of our identity we didn’t know how to live without. It was, and is, deeply ingrained in our family and upbringing,” she recounted, expressing a sentiment shared by hundreds of thousands of Alaskans, whether they fish commercially or just recreationally.

SUSTAINABILITY AND RESPECT

The two siblings, just a year apart, are both now married and fishing with their respective husbands during all or most of the various commercial seasons in Alaska, and on the boat of their still-active father, Buck. Lean and hale outdoorswomen, their angular bone structure reflects their Lithuanian heritage and resembles the dynamic wild fish they harvest. Both express pride that their state manages its fish stocks rigorously to ensure they are not depleted, and they vow that if Alaska’s sustainable fisheries survive our challenging times, their family legacy can continue for decades.

“Sustainable fishing is written into Alaska’s state constitution, and protecting Alaska’s fisheries with sustainable practices helps address hunger and food insecurity,” Privat said. “In Alaska, seafood is responsibly managed, utilizing a world-leading, science-based

年出版的著作《鮭魚姐妹:阿拉斯加的美食、漁獲與生 活》)。此外,該書還登載了 50 篇食譜,搭配 Privat 繪 製的豐富插圖,反映她們的生活背景,並描述其成長於 世上偏遠角落的故事,以及她們想對讀者提出的請託: 對孕育我們的土地與海洋懷抱崇敬之心。延續此概念, 下一本新作將會在 2023 年秋季出版。

Privat 表示:「身為漁夫,我們感到非常幸運,能 在如此純粹而原始的地方工作,並能親眼見證大自然的 豐饒與生命力。」在其職責內,她們也作為一名守衛者。 姐妹倆反對佩鉑金礦的開發計畫,積極參與反對活動。

因採礦計畫會使用氰化物瀝濾的工法採金,將直接汙染 布里斯特灣漁場(Bristol Bay fishery)的上游水質。

該漁場是世上最大的單一鮭魚漁場,每年有 5 千到 7 千 5 百萬條紅鮭和其他種類的鮭魚洄游到此。近年來破紀 錄的數字,反映其健康的經營模式。

最值得依靠的港灣 姐妹倆最早的記憶,便是在她們家農場「石牆居」 (Stonewall Place)前,幫母親把鮭魚從網子裡取出。

「我們的童年豐富而且新奇,」姐妹倆在書裡寫著, 「由於住在非常偏遠的地方,季節變化和關於海洋的一 切對我們深具影響,生活也因此充滿了各種挑戰。新鮮 漁產可謂當地食物主要來源,花費最多的精力,隨之的 收穫也最為豐碩。」儘管他們經營的零售生意相當成功, 她們對漁業和戶外活動仍積極投入。「這是我們的定 位,」Neaton 說明,「我們自豪的本源,絕不會因為生 意而放棄捕魚(本業)。」

Despite the success of their business, the sisters say they won’t stop fishing, as it’s an important part of their identity.

approach to help fish stocks, communities, and entire ecosystems thrive for generations to come.”

This issue is directly addressed in the sisters’ recent cookbook, The Salmon Sisters: Feasting, Fishing, and Living in Alaska (Sasquatch Press, 2020). Lavishly illustrated by Privat, it contains 50 recipes reflecting their homestead heritage, stories about life growing up in one of Earth’s most remote locales, and pleas for readers to respect the land and seas that feed us. A new book expanding on this theme is scheduled for publication in the fall of 2023.

“As fishermen, we’re lucky to work in incredibly wild places and witness such natural abundance and vitality in them,” Privat said. They also do their part in preserving them.

Salmon Sisters actively opposed the Pebble Mine proposal, for instance, which threatened to place cyanide leach from the world’s largest gold mine in the headwaters of the Bristol Bay fishery. The world’s largest single salmon fishery, Bristol draws 50 to 75 million sockeyes and other salmon every year; record numbers in recent years signify the health of the runs.

DEEPLY ANCHORED

The two sisters’ earliest memories are of helping their mother, Shelly, pick salmon from the net in front of their homestead, Stonewall Place.

“Our childhood was rich and remarkable though its reality was challengingly remote as well as extremely dependent on the seasons and the bounty of the sea,” the sisters write in their cookbook. “Fresh fish was the king of our wild foods, demanding the most work and the most reward.”

Hence their deep dedication to fishing and outdoor life, no matter how successful their retail business may be.

“This is our identity,” Neaton declared. “It’s our source of pride. I am not going to give up fishing for this business.”

“At this point, our Salmon Sisters and fishing businesses have both grown so well it doesn’t make sense to be anywhere else,” Privat said. “We have a team and shops and we’re deeply rooted in the North now, and it feels good to be living seasonally and in connection with our community and nature.

“Our primary value is feeding the world healthy, sustainably harvested wild fish while stewarding the

The sisters published their first cookbook The Salmon Sisters: Feasting, Fishing, and Living in Alaska in 2020.

marine ecosystem and celebrating the wild places where we live and work,” she said. “Mother Nature’s gifts leave us with a healthy respect for living things beyond ourselves.”

「此時『鮭魚姐妹』生意和捕魚業的前景都非常 好,離開這裡去別處闖蕩於理不合。」Privat 接著說。

「我們有一個成熟的團隊和店面,根扎於此北方之地, 隨著季節的轉換而調整生活步調,以跟當地的社群以及 大自然有著強烈的連結,都讓我們感覺很好。」

「我們的根本價值,是提供健康、永續捕撈的野生 水產,與此同時,保護好海洋生態環境,並敬頌著我們 工作和生活的各種野生環境。」她補充,「自然之母留下 的禮物,讓我們對自己之外的生物懷有崇敬之心。」

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PHOTOS BY CAMRIN DENGEL AND ROCKY FRIZ.

Spicy Seafood Cioppino

Experience the ocean’s freshest delicacies with our mom’s favorite fish stew. Originating in San Francisco, this Italian-American dish was traditionally made from the cold and salty Pacific Ocean’s catch of the day stewed with juicy fresh tomatoes in a wine sauce. Our mom’s recipe pulls in Alaska’s seasonal shellfish, halibut, crab, and shrimp. The beautiful thing

about it is that seafood can be substituted according to seasonal availability. This dish calls for storebought arrabbiata pasta sauce as the base, which is typically made with tomatoes, garlic, and spicy red peppers cooked in olive oil. Serve the stew with crusty, buttery, toasted sourdough bread for dipping and prolonging the rich flavors of the sea.

Makes 6 to 8 servings

INGREDIENTS

Ÿ 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Ÿ 1 large yellow onion (or 3 shallots), diced

Ÿ 1 medium fennel bulb, thinly sliced

Ÿ 2 stalks celery, chopped

Ÿ 2 large carrots, diced

Ÿ 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped

Ÿ 2 teaspoons kosher salt

Ÿ 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Ÿ 1 jar (24 ounces) arrabbiata sauce

Ÿ 1 1/2 cups dry white wine

Ÿ 6 cups fish or chicken stock

Ÿ 1 bay leaf

Ÿ Fish sauce, clam juice, or anchovy paste, for seasoning (optional)

Ÿ 1 pound manila clams, scrubbed

Ÿ 1 pound mussels, scrubbed and debearded

Ÿ 1 pound firm fish, such as halibut or salmon, skin removed, cut into bite-size pieces

Ÿ 1/2 pound scallops or large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Ÿ 1/2 pound crab legs or prawns (optional)

Ÿ 1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

DIRECTIONS

Ÿ Heat the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and fennel and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Ÿ Add the celery, carrots, and garlic and continue sautéing for 5 more minutes. Season with the salt and pepper. Add the arrabbiata and wine.

Ÿ Bring the liquid to a simmer and allow it to reduce by half before adding the stock and bay leaf.

Ÿ Taste and adjust the seasoning. If you would like to create more depth in the broth (especially if using chicken stock), add a splash of fish sauce, a small bottle of clam juice, or even a few teaspoons of anchovy paste.

Ÿ Once the carrots are tender, the broth is ready. It will take about 10 minutes to cook the seafood, so the broth can rest on the stovetop until just before serving. You could also make it ahead of time, refrigerate it, and reheat at mealtime.

Ÿ Add the clams, mussels, fish, scallops, and any other seafood to the pot. Cook for 10 minutes, or until the clams and mussels have opened and the fish is cooked through. Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with the parsley, and serve with crusty buttered bread.

Copyright 2020 by Emma Teal Privat and Claire Neaton. Excerpted from “The Salmon Sisters: Feasting, Fishing, and Living in Alaska” by permission of Sasquatch Books.

意式辣海鮮湯

就讓這道我母親最喜歡的鮮魚湯食譜,帶 領大家品味海洋中最鮮美的滋味吧!意式 海鮮湯,實際上是由美國舊金山的意大利 裔人所發明。這道湯品,傳統上是用來自 太平洋的當日現捕魚,再加入軟糯多汁的 新鮮番茄和葡萄酒,一同燉煮。

母親的食譜,用的是阿拉斯加的當季 貝類、比目魚、螃蟹和蝦。其精妙之處在 於,這些海鮮完全能根據當季盛產食材調 整。湯的基底是市售的罐裝番茄香料辣味 意大利麵醬,通常是以橄欖油加上番茄、 大蒜和紅辣椒製成。佐上烤得香脆、塗上 奶油的酸麵包,沾滿湯汁後再下肚,可以 讓新鮮海味綿延不絕。

6 ~8人份

Ÿ 3 大匙初榨橄欖油

Ÿ 1 顆大顆的洋蔥,或3 顆火蔥,切丁

Ÿ 1 顆中型的球莖茴香,切薄片

Ÿ 2 根芹菜,切小塊

Ÿ 2 根大胡蘿蔔,切丁

Ÿ 4 瓣大蒜,粗切

Ÿ 2 茶匙猶太鹽

Ÿ 1/2 茶匙現磨黑胡椒

Ÿ 1 瓶(24 盎司)番茄香料辣味意大利 麵醬

Ÿ 1 1/2 杯乾白葡萄酒

Ÿ 6 杯魚高湯或雞高湯

Ÿ 1片月桂葉

Ÿ 魚醬、蛤蜊湯汁、或鯷魚醬,調味用 (可略)

Ÿ 1 磅花蛤,外殼刷淨

Ÿ 1 磅淡菜,外殼刷淨、去毛

Ÿ 1 磅魚塊,如比目魚或鮭魚,去皮, 切成一口大小

Ÿ 1/2磅干貝或蝦,去殼、去腸泥

Ÿ 1/2磅蟹腳或大蝦(可略)

Ÿ 1/4 1/2 杯新鮮歐芹,切碎

Ÿ 取厚底湯鍋或荷蘭鍋,倒入橄欖油後用中火加熱。放入洋蔥和 茴香,拌炒約 5 分鐘。

Ÿ 接著加入芹菜、胡蘿蔔和大蒜,再炒 5 分鐘。用鹽和胡椒調味 後,倒入番茄香料辣味意大利麵醬和白葡萄酒。

Ÿ 將湯底煮滾並收乾剩一半後,加入高湯和月桂葉。

Ÿ 嘗味道之後可視狀況調味。如果想要湯底層次更豐富(特別是 用雞高湯的話),可加一些魚醬,一點蛤蜊汁,或者幾茶匙的 鯷魚醬。

Ÿ 待胡蘿蔔煮軟後,湯底就完成了。海鮮需煮約 10 分鐘,所以湯 底煮好後可以先放在爐上。也可以在一、兩天前先煮好冷藏, 待要食用時再取出加熱。

Ÿ 最後,放入花蛤、淡菜、鮮魚、干貝和任何之前備好的海鮮, 中火滾 10 分鐘,或者等花蛤、淡菜的殼打開、魚肉全熟即可。 把湯分裝到碗裡,用切碎的歐芹裝飾好,即可與酥脆的麵包 一起上桌。

材料
PHOTO BY BRIAN GROBLESKI; ILLUSTRATIONS BY MACROVECTOR AND PCH.VECTOR.

Home Is Where the Hearth Is

The fireplace area in your home is not only a great place for displaying your heirloom treasures and private collection, but also a wonderful place for strengthening family bonds. Some of the best memories of the holiday season are created around the hearth: gathering with family, enjoying the warmth, sharing the love and laughter.

壁爐前的空間,不僅是展示家傳寶物和收藏品的好地方,佳節時 期,更能彰顯此空間的獨特價值。想像和家人聚在壁爐前,一面 享受熒熒爐火的溫暖、一面分享彼此的生活,交換家族趣事和笑 料,再沒有比這更療癒的光景了。

1 ECOSMART FIRE, XL700 ETHANOL BURNER, FROM $3,095, MAD-USA.COM | 2 STÛV AMERICA, STÛV 30 WOOD STOVE, PRICE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST, STUVAMERICA.COM | 3 WILLIAMS SONOMA, BLACK MARBLE AND BRASS FIREPLACE TOOL SET, $395, WILLIAMS-SONOMA.COM | 4 STÛV AMERICA, STÛV 6 FIREPLACE INSERT, PRICE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST, STUVAMERICA.COM | 5 CYAN DESIGN, LUDGATE FIRESCREEN, $540, BURKEDECOR.COM | 6 BD STUDIO, DURO SMALL FIREWOOD STORAGE, $249, BURKEDECOR.COM

Linda Faulkner Johnston
Photos by Imaginary Lines, Mary Brandt Photography

Our house has brought together two people— my husband and myself—along with 17th-, 18th-, and early 19th-century hand-water-colored prints of flora and fauna from around the world, which decorate our walls today. They speak of the glory of God’s creation.

Gilbert and I met in Washington, D.C., during the Ronald Reagan administration. He was working on Capitol Hill as a legal aide to a friend elected to Congress, and then later to an Alabama senator. I was working as deputy social secretary to the White House, where I would eventually become the social secretary during the final three-and-a-half years of Reagan’s administration.

我們的房子,牽起我和先生的緣分。我們的生活,伴隨 家中的藝術品,都是 17~19 世紀早期,來自世界各地、讚 頌著上帝造物榮耀的水彩動植物版畫。

我和吉爾伯特相識於雷根總統執政期間,當時我 們都在華盛頓特區。他在國會山莊工作,作為一位朋友 的法務助理,那位朋友當時被選為國會議員,接著又去 阿拉巴馬洲作參議員。那時我在白宮擔任副社交祕書一 職,後來在雷根總統任期的最後三年半,我終於在那裡 當上社交祕書。

Left page: Gilbert and Linda Johnston at the entry hall of their home, in front of decorative prints from The Aurelian by Moses Harris.
Annandale, Gilbert and Linda Johnston’s house.

Gilbert’s milieu, Capitol Hill, or “The Hill,” as it is called, will always hold a fascination for me because I never worked within those hallowed halls. What I knew was the White House. As social secretary, I was responsible for producing all events hosted by President Ronald Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan— usually in the White House, but one was in New York, and one at the American Embassy in Moscow. One fun memory was during a 1985 White House dinner to host Prince Charles and Princess Diana: I tapped John Travolta on the shoulder to ask him to cut in on the president and dance with the princess. An iconic photo ensued.

WORKING IN THE WHITE HOUSE

I greatly enjoyed working with Mrs. Reagan. She was the consummate hostess and a gift to our country. What fun we had deciding not only who would be invited to sumptuous state dinners, but who would sit next to whom. One of my favorite duties was advising Mrs. Reagan about entertainers at the White House, from the brilliant pianist Van Cliburn, who performed at a state dinner in honor of then-Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev and his wife, to the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, which performed at a Congressional picnic in 1986.

吉爾伯特的工作環境——國會山莊(或稱「國會 山」)總是令我著迷,因為我從未在那些神聖的大廳中工 作過,我只認識白宮。身為社交祕書,我要負責為雷根總 統和第一夫人南西 雷根策劃所有宴會與活動,活動通常 舉辦於白宮,但有一次是在紐約,一次是在莫斯科的美國 大使館舉行。關於宴會的有趣回憶,1985 年,在白宮為 當時英國查爾斯王子和戴安娜王妃舉辦的晚宴中,我拍 了拍影星約翰 屈伏塔(John Travolta)的肩膀,請他 打斷總統,並與黛安娜王妃共舞,因此留下一張很有名的 照片。

白宮歲月

與雷根夫人工作相當愉快,她是一位完美的女主人,如 天賜予我們國家的禮物。我們一起作出各種決定,從受 邀參加國宴的名單,到座席安排等,討論無微不至的細 節。我最喜歡的任務之一,就是建議雷根夫人邀請哪些 表演者來白宮演出。我們曾邀請過出色的鋼琴家范 克萊 本(Van Cliburn),為當時的蘇聯領導人米哈伊爾 戈 巴契夫賢伉儷進行晚宴演奏;還有 1986 年典藏廳爵士樂 團(Preservation Hall Jazz Band)在國會野餐的演出。

雷根總統卸任後,吉爾伯特和我斷了聯繫;他回到 阿拉巴馬,而我回到德州。幾年後,我們終於重新連絡 上,而且彼此都單身。後來,吉爾伯特開始論及婚嫁,他 祕密籌劃一場六個月後的旅行,準備在那裡向我求婚。 他問我,未來最想要住在哪裡(他仍住在伯明罕,但是 喜歡小一點的城鎮,而我那時住在達拉斯),我脫口而 出:「特勒爾。」( Terrell)

Linda Faulkner (L) with First Lady Nancy Reagan. Courtesy of White House staff photo
Decorative prints by Mark Catesby, Comte de Buffon, and James Otto Lewis on display in Annandale's sitting room.

After the administration, Gilbert and I lost touch; he returning to Alabama and I to Texas. But years later, we eventually, and thankfully, reconnected— neither of us having married. When he began to talk about marriage, Gilbert secretly planned a destination event six months thence, at which he was planning to pop the question. He asked me, pre-proposal, where I would most like to live someday (he was still in Birmingham but liked smaller towns, and I was in Dallas), and the word “Terrell” flew out of my mouth.

ANNANDALE: HOME SWEET HOME

Terrell, Texas, is within commuting distance to Dallas, where I am vice president of communications and public relations for The Tradition, which develops and manages luxury rental retirement communities in Texas. I knew

Annandale——溫馨家園

德克薩斯州的特勒爾,是通勤可以到達拉斯的距離,我 在達拉斯一個退休社區服務公司 The Tradition 擔任公 關交流部門的副經理,The Tradition 在德州發展和經 營管理出租豪華的退休社區。我知道特勒爾這個小鎮有 一區美麗且饒富歷史氣息,那裡的房子,皆源自棉業及 牧牛業興盛時期的富裕階層所建,當年,在德州內第一 位購買汽車的就是一位特勒爾居民。

吉爾伯特當時在網路上找到一間優雅的喬治復興 式房屋,就位於特勒爾,這棟房產還附有馬車通道。然 而,這間房子已快被一名買家簽下。所以,他當機立斷 地通過電話向我求婚(而且誰會想等求婚等半年呢?) 於是我們就買下了房子! 我們的房子建於 1917 年,前身為娛樂場所,每年 舉辦「銀慈善茶會」——人們會帶銀幣來捐獻給慈善事 業。二次世界大戰期間,建築三樓的舞廳,為當地的年

The Tropic Bird, an 1835 hand-colored etching from John James Audubon’s The Birds of America, is mounted above the living room mantlepiece.

Left: The house is sometimes open to the public, as the couple love to share their beautiful collections with others.

Right: A hand-colored etching of artichokes from the work Hortus Eystettensis, published in 1613 by Basilus Besler.

The book details the plants in the garden of the Prince Bishop of Eichstatt in Bavaria.

that this small town had a beautiful historic district with homes originally built with wealth from the cotton and cattle industries. The first automobile to be purchased in Texas was by a resident of Terrell.

Gilbert went online and found this exquisite Georgian revival home with a carriage entrance for sale in Terrell. However, the home had a potential buyer on the brink of commitment. So, he quickly proposed over the telephone (who wanted to wait six months for a proposal, anyway?)—and we bought the house!

Our house was built in 1917. It was historically a focus of entertainment, with its annual “silver charity teas”—where people would bring silver coins to donate to charity—and its third-floor ballroom, which hosted dances for Terrell young ladies and British cadets from the No. 1 British Flying Training School during World War II. The famous Texan and 20th-century speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Sam Rayburn had been a guest here.

We call our stately home “Annandale,” for the Scottish location of Gilbert’s ancestors (who are

輕淑女和英國第一飛行訓練學校的軍校生們舉行舞會。 德州名人,20 世紀的美國眾議院議長山姆 雷伯恩(Sam Rayburn)也曾在這裡作客。

我們將這個氣派的家命名為「Annandale」。這個 名字是吉爾伯特在蘇格蘭的祖籍所在地——他的祖先與 參加過大陸會議代表的 18 世紀政治家塞繆爾 約翰遜 (Samuel Johnston)有親緣關係。為了向我們共同喜愛 的歷史致敬,於是收藏了博物學和探索的黃金年代科學繪 圖家之作品。

曾有一段時間,受到開普勒、牛頓和約翰 雷這些早 期科學家的啟蒙,受過教育、有文化修養的歐洲人與美國 人,開始極其渴望的洞察周遭世界,傳教士般的熱情驅使 他們盡全力去了解造物主的傑作,並傳播知識。閱讀《聖 經》和「自然之書」,以學習、了解造物主創造的世界,這 也是聖奧古斯丁和早期基督教神學家的一種說法。

這些博物學家和藝術家終其一生都沉浸於造物主的 傑作,及其帶來的奇蹟、讚頌和喜悅。如同偉大的音樂作 曲家巴哈和韓德爾,用他們的才能來榮耀上帝(soli Deo gloria),這些先人們也是如此。在著名的昆蟲學家瑪麗 亞 梅里安(Maria Merian, 1647~1717)的第一本毛蟲和 蝴蝶著作中,有她精美的植物與昆蟲繪圖。她寫道:「在

related to Samuel Johnston, an 18th-century statesman who was a delegate to the U.S. Continental Congress). We love history and have honored it by highlighting the work of scientific artists who lived during the golden age of natural history and exploration. It was a time when educated, cultured Europeans and Americans—undergirded by the findings of early scientists such as Johannes Kepler, Isaac Newton, and John Ray—became consumed by the desire to discern the world around them. They were driven by a missionary zeal to understand God’s creation as completely as they could and spread that knowledge to others. They felt compelled to read “the unwritten book of nature,” that is the created world. The written Bible and the “book of nature,” a term used by Saint Augustine and early Christian theologians, were understood as the two ways to learn about the Creator.

These natural history scientists and artists enjoyed a lifelong appreciation for God’s creation, which generated wonder, praise, and joy. As the great musical composers Bach and Handel dedicated their talents to God’s glory (soli Deo gloria), so did these men and women. In notable entomologist Maria Merian’s (1647–1717) first book on caterpillars and butterflies, she made beautiful drawings of plants and insects. She wrote: “Seek not in this to honor me but God alone, to praise him as the Creator of even the smallest and least of worms.” Beautiful, hand-painted prints by these artists were ultimately gathered in leather-bound books. In addition to Maria Merian, others such as Basilius Besler (1561–1629), Mark Catesby (1683–1749), George Edwards (1694–1773), Moses Harris (1730–1788), John James Audubon (1785–1851), and Sir William Jardine (1800–1874) are just a few of these important natural history artists and scientists.

The scientific art now hanging on our walls is set among the beauties of natural objects—minerals, shells, and butterflies—as well as among period English, American, and French furniture, some of which was passed down through our families. The art, furniture, and architecture recreate a Georgian period interior on a smaller scale, not unlike homes of earlier centuries that exhibited this “passion for natural history.” These iconic houses were filled with cabinets of curiosities—collections of striking birds, insects,

這裡追尋不是為了榮譽自我,而是為了榮耀上帝,就連最 小的蠕蟲也是由祂創造,讚頌造物主。」這些畫家精美、手 繪的版畫最終被集結成冊,成為一本本皮革精裝書。除了 瑪麗安外,還有其他的博物學家、鳥類學家、植物學家等, 像是巴西利厄斯 貝斯勒爾(Basilius Besler, 1561~1629)、 馬克 蓋茨比(Mark Catesby, 1683~1749)、喬治 愛德華 茲(George Edwards, 1694~1773)、摩西 哈里斯(Moses Harris, 1730~1788)、約翰 詹姆斯 奧杜邦(John James Audubon, 1785~1851),和威廉 賈丁爵士(Sir William Jardine, 1800~1874)。

現在我們家牆上的科學繪圖作品置於美麗的自然珍 品之間,有礦石、貝殼和蝴蝶,這些裝飾環繞在各種不 同時期英國、美國和法國的風格家具間,有些來自我們 家族代代相傳的物件。藝術品、家具和建築風格讓室內 微微地再現喬治時期風格,也像數個世紀以前,許多屋 主會陳列出「對博物學的熱愛」。這些獨具代表性的屋 子,除了會在圖書室擺滿精美印花、皮革裝幀、附帶彩色 插圖的自然史書籍之外,滿屋子陳列稀世珍品的櫥櫃, 也展示著特殊鳥類、昆蟲、礦石,還有更多收藏。庭院和 壯觀的花園則會種植當時最新發現的植物種類。

吉爾伯特終生都沉浸於大自然之美,他親眼見過六 大洲的自然奇觀,也曾背包旅行、乘獨木舟,行遍北美。

A Georgian-style library cabinet.

minerals, and more—along with libraries stocked with exquisitely tooled, leather-bound, natural history color-plate books. The grounds and spectacular gardens of their homes were planted with the most recent botanical discoveries of the day.

Gilbert has nurtured a love of nature throughout his life, and he has witnessed great nature sites on six continents. He has backpacked, canoed, and kayaked throughout North America.

He subsequently transformed our lot into a nature-friendly haven by planting flowers and shrubs that provide food for butterflies and birds, with many bird baths and feeders. We look forward to seasonal changes because of the different migratory birds that visit our yard. Gilbert has identified over 100 different bird species here over the years. And I can now identify a downy woodpecker!

THE INTERIORS

Today, almost eight years after our wedding, I walk through the rooms of our house and am grateful for our life together. When I was working in the White House, I was constantly surrounded by the beauty of Federal-style decor, very similar to its Georgian counterpart in England. And now, the beauty of the same period surrounds me. Natural light pours in from Palladian windows, filling the ground-floor rooms and illuminating our art.

Nothing is fully appreciated unless it is understood, and for that purpose, Gilbert has placed “museum-like” cards alongside each work of art in our home, explaining something about the artist and how the work was produced. We regularly open our house to others to share beauty and historical information.

However, do not let the word “museum” deceive— our home is anything but. Vibrantly colored walls, true to Georgian decor, warm up the rooms with rich yellow, apricot, and blue hues—which leads me to a word

Left page

Top: The Iceland Falcon, a chromolithograph by John James Audubon, is shown on a display stand in the elegant dining room.

Bottom left: Annandale’s second floor gallery is filled with 18th- and 19th-century hand-colored etchings and lithographs of flora and fauna.

Bottom right: Jardine George Edwards’ Natural History of Uncommon Birds, 1743–51. This was one of the most expensive British publications of its time.

J. Gilbert Johnston

about the decorator. Having known my husband since the 1980s as a master of conservative public policy, an adventurer in the wilds, an art collector, a print dealer and owner of Antique Nature Prints, and a lecturer on the art of natural history (my Renaissance man), I had never known him as an interior decorator! And yet, he set about decorating our home with a sure hand—just as he landscaped our land—suggesting paint colors, purchasing furnishings at auction, and placing the art and furniture so happily together that they seemed made for each other.

Which is just what I feel about us—made for each other. And any beauty in our home is dedicated to the glory of the Author of beauty—the Lord of Creation.

接著他把我們家的空地改造成友善自然的樂園,他種植 花卉和灌木,為蝴蝶和鳥兒提供食物,還擺了鳥浴池和 戶外餵鳥器。為此,我們總能期待季節轉換之際,花園 裡訪客——各種不同種類的候鳥。這些年,吉爾伯特已 經發現逾百種不同的鳥類,而現在我也可認出誰是絨啄 木鳥了!

巧手襯托珍品

婚後至今近八年,走過家裡的房間,我為我們能共度此 生而心懷感恩。我在白宮工作時,周遭總是環繞著聯邦 式風格的美麗裝潢,與英格蘭的喬治時代風格極其相 似。而現在,家園遍布這種單純美好的風格。自然光從 帕拉第奧式的窗戶灑入,一樓的房間盈滿陽光,也讓我 們的藝術品更加耀眼。

理解一件事物後,才能夠全然欣賞它的美好。為 此,吉爾伯特替家裡每件藝術品旁邊設置了博物館式 的說明卡,細緻描繪作品是如何被創作的,並補充了 關於藝術家的資訊。我們有時會對外開放參觀,和更多 人分享這些美妙創作與歷史之美。

不過,別讓「博物館」這個詞彙給騙了,我們家完全 不是那麼回事。鮮黃、杏黃和藍色,家中壁面色彩明亮, 正是喬治時期的裝潢風格,為空間帶來暖意——這讓我 不得不介紹粉刷牆面的最大功臣。 1980 年代認識我先 生後,他就是一位保守派的公共政策專家、一位荒野冒 險家、藝術收藏家、版畫商,也是一間自然古董版畫公 司(Antique Nature Prints)的老闆,一位博物畫的 講師(我博學的丈夫),而我從未想過他還能是位室內 設計師!他熟練地布置著家園,就像替花園規劃景觀那 般,在考量用色後,去拍賣會買家具,然後歡快地將藝 術品和家具擺在一起,就像為它們彼此量身打造。

這也正是我對我們彼此的感受——天造地設。在 我們家任何一件美麗的物品,都是獻給這些美好的創造 者——創造萬物的上帝。

A MAJESTIC RESIDENCE WITH A SPECTACULAR VIEW

Luxury living above a historic Manhattan landmark

改寫歷史 入住新篇

曼哈頓藝文重地豪華公寓

If you take a stroll in midtown Manhattan in the enclave known as “Billionaires Row,” you will see one of New York’s most prestigious residential buildings: 111 West 57th Street. At 1,428 feet, it is the second-tallest residential building in the Western Hemisphere and the world’s slenderest skyscraper. Justin Davidson, the well-known classical-music and architecture critic, said of the building: “It’s practically calligraphic. It will glint on the skyline, thanks to a genuinely opulent exterior finished in terra-cotta and bronze.”

The property, which developed by JDS Development Group and Property Markets Group. It is composed of two structures: The first is the landmarked Steinway Hall, once home to Steinway & Sons piano company and crafted in 1925 by Warren & Wetmore,

儘管曼哈頓頂級公寓樓盤各有千秋,甫在去(2021)年 竣工的「 111 西 57 街」,坐擁其他建案難以望其項背的 一項優勢——即收攬無與倫比的中央公園全景。由於大 樓矗立於中央公園南向的正中央,因而可於高空欣賞對 稱完美的公園全景,從橙黃橘綠到銀白大地,如畫般的 四季流轉,彷彿獨家收藏四幅價值連城的巨型油畫。

無畏疫情衝擊,111 西 57 街就立於頂級富豪爭相雄 踞的億萬富豪大道上。樓頂端如劍般漸層縮進,劃向天 際,高達 1,428 英尺,再次改寫了曼哈頓的天際線。有 別於其他摩天建築的典型玻璃帷幕,著名的藝文建築評 論家 Justin Davidson 盛讚其外觀:「這猶如書法藝術 般,兀自在天際線上閃耀,歸功於外牆由陶瓦與青銅兩 者共組的奢華飾面。」

這座獨具特色的摩天大樓為著名的歷史地標史坦 威大廳所在地,是 1925 年落成的前史坦威頂級鋼琴精 工工廠,當年,享譽國際的鋼琴演奏會都曾在此舉辦。

_David Sundberg

the famed architecture firm behind New York landmarks such as Grand Central Terminal. The second is a new construction tower designed by SHoP Architects. Perhaps the source of such beautiful music has contributed to the soul of the building. The neighborhood is still rich in art and culture. Carnegie Hall is across the street, and Lincoln Center is just a few blocks away.

Award-winning Studio Sofield, led by William Sofield, designed the interior architecture for the history-making development. There are a total of 60 residences: 14 in the Steinway Hall building and 46 full-floor and duplex residences in the 91-story tower. With its bold yet slender silhouette, the tower has redefined the Manhattan skyline. The neoclassical building’s ornate historic rotunda and Indiana limestone façade were painstakingly restored in collaboration with the Landmarks Preservation Commission of New York.

Residents have access to an array of amenities and services, including an 82-foot, two-lane swimming pool with private cabanas, a separate sauna, a double-height fitness center, a private dining room and a chef’s catering kitchen. The building is the only new development in New York City to have a padel court. A private porte-cochère on 58th Street provides residents a gracious and secure entry.

The 4,492-square-foot model on the 42nd floor is priced at $28,500,000 and has three bedrooms, three full bathrooms, a powder room, and direct elevator access. A spacious great hall, which comes with most units, provides a stunning view of Central

Park. Because the building stands at the center of Central Park’s south side, its upper floors provide a symmetrical panoramic view. All things considered, the condominium complex is a residence of unparalleled luxury.

琴聲繚繞的往日,替建築注入靈魂,所在街區時至今日 仍是藝文富庶之地,對街為卡內基音樂廳,往西北方向 前行數個街區,便可抵達林肯中心。

2014 年,改建案正式啟動,由獲獎建築事務所 SHoP Architects 負責塔樓設計,不僅保留了原建築主 體,內部新古典主義建築風格的圓形大廳以及石灰岩外 牆在歷史地標協會的保護下獲得積極修繕。

公寓的室內裝潢由 Studio Sofield 室內設計公司 負責,從奢豪的大廳,到平常未能留心的角落,皆布滿 巧思。整棟建築共有 91 層樓,共配有 60 套公寓,其中 也有眾多富豪鎖定的頂層複式公寓,分為歷史建築以及 擴建高樓兩大主體。以售價 2,850 萬的第 42 層全層公 寓為例。其占坪 4,492 平方英尺,含有三間臥房、三間 浴室,即每一間臥房,各有一間獨立浴室。通往北面客 廳廊上還另設一間獨立化妝間。主臥房裡有私人露臺, 住宅內部有直達電梯,出入返出更具隱私。

在 58 街上,大樓特別為住戶設計馬車門廊,挑高 豪氣的車道,讓住戶尊榮獨享。挑高及開敞的公設空間, 讓住戶能自在優雅地享用休閒時光。住戶專享泳池旁, 設有桑拿以及舒壓診療間,另一面則有引入大片自然光 的健身中心,也有室內球場。此外,還有主廚招待的私 人會餐空間。從個人健身管理到隱密社交空間,皆能在 日常起居空間內一次滿足。

_Peter Murdock Photography

ELITE TRAVEL

A BYGONE WAY OF LIFE

Château-hopping in the Loire Valley

時光漫步 法國羅亞爾河谷古堡巡禮

The scale of these gardens was so sweeping that when I climbed the final step to the top of the belvedere, I drew a breath. The size, yes, but also the remarkable attention to detail. Hemmed in on all sides—by a storybook village, a 12th-century church, a forest, and its namesake château—the gardens at Villandry spread, lovely and ornate, across 22 acres. Just below, are gardens devoted to love, complete with broken hearts, mazes to signify the dance and whirlwind of passion, and even blades and swords to indicate its tragedy. There are labyrinths, ornamental gardens, kitchen gardens, and water gardens built to reflect the heavens above. After rambling around above, and then down on a network of paths that meandered among all the perfectly coiffed greenery, I heard the sound of a church bell, reminding me it was almost time for lunch. On my way back to the parking area, I saw a man walking toward a work truck. I had read that maintaining the gardens at Villandry required the best efforts of 10 full-time gardeners, and as he was dressed casually, I assumed he was one of them. Pruning takes place all winter long—maybe he was just finishing up his morning and was heading to his own hot lunch.

Turning, he introduced himself. “Hello, my name is Henri, and I’m the owner of this château,” he said, friendly and unassuming. “Welcome to my place.”

這些花園的規模非常大,登上觀景臺頂端的最後一階 時,我倒抽一口氣。除了面積之大,其細節也令人讚歎。

維朗德里(Villandry)的花園向四周延伸,優美且裝飾 華麗,占地 22 英畝,外圍由童話故事般的村落、一座 12 世紀的教堂、一片森林,還有維朗德里城堡包圍著。, 觸目所及,有象徵舞蹈與旋風般熱情的樹籬迷宮,以及 種類繁多的花園,裝飾花園、廚房花園,和映出天空倒 影的水上花園等。

於觀景臺後方款步下走,來到了網絡狀小徑,周圍 都是修剪完美的青枝綠葉,遠處傳來教堂的鐘聲,提醒 著我,差不多是午餐時間了。走回停車場途中,我看見 一名男士走向一輛小貨車。我曾聽說,要維護維朗德里 城堡的花園,需要十位全職園藝工人傾心照料,再看他 一身休閒裝扮,心想他應是其中一位工作人員。也許他 剛完成冬季早晨的花木修剪,準備去吃頓熱騰騰的午 餐。沒想到那位男士轉過身來跟我們打招呼,並自我介 紹:「哈囉,我叫亨利,是這棟城堡的主人,」他謙和地 說:「歡迎來我家!」

上述經歷,是我的公路小旅行中一段有趣小插曲。

在我正駕著雷諾汽車,沿著道路蜿蜒向前,計畫穿越羅 亞爾河谷(Loire Valley),造訪一座又一座城堡。

羅亞爾河谷地區被稱為「法國花園」,共有數百個 城堡分布於此,最近的一處,距巴黎西南部約一小時路 程。在奧爾良(Orleans)取得租車後,我便展開冒險, 穿過圖爾(Tours)和附近的城鎮,其中我到訪的城堡, 只不過是零頭而已。

這裡的交通對一個習慣寬闊空間的北美人來說是 個挑戰。有幾次我誤闖單行道,車子擠進了中世紀村莊

APPEARED IN THE EPOCH TIMES.

I was taking a little road trip through the Loire Valley, piloting my four-door Renault along winding roads, tracing this great river and hopping from château to château. Altogether, hundreds of castles dot this “garden of France,” at its closest point about an hour southwest of Paris. I saw just a small fraction, having picked up my rental car in Orleans and then venturing through Tours and many surrounding towns.

For a North American accustomed to wide-open spaces, the logistics were a challenge. I drove my car the wrong way down one-way streets. I squeezed it through tiny lanes in medieval villages. I followed my GPS onto what would, in a couple of cases, end up being not a lane but a footpath. But in every case,

的小路中。有時候,我照著衛星導航的路線向前開,後 來卻進入連小巷都不是的人行小徑。儘管如此,到達目 的地後,每座城堡的故事、規模和美麗之處,都跟上一 座城堡截然不同,每次都讓我覺得不虛此行。

昂布瓦斯城堡(Amboise)

舉個例子,在一個熱鬧城鎮上方的山坡,宏偉的昂布 瓦斯城堡就座落於此,它曾經是一連九任法國國王的 住所。 15、 16 世紀時期,歷任國王會在各城堡間更換住 處,而且會有一萬名隨從隨同搬遷。

「那陣仗就像以前的馬戲團,」我的嚮導 Catherine Reyes 說:「他們甚至會帶著動物——所有物品都同時 一起搬。」雖然歷經革命與風霜歲月,大半座城堡曾經 幾近荒廢,但被修復後的空間,實則訴說著扣人心弦的 故事。

The breathtaking grounds at Château de Villandry. _Courtesy of Château et Jardins de Villandry

the destination was always worth the trip, with each château’s story, size, and beauty completely distinct from the last.

AMBOISE

For example, set on a hill over a busy town, the grand Royal Château of Amboise was once home to a succession of nine French kings. During that period in the 15th and 16th centuries, kings would move from castle to castle, and an entourage of 10,000 would move with them.

“It was like an old circus,” said my guide, Catherine Reyes. “They would even bring the animals— everything was moving at the same time.” And while time, revolution, and abandonment destroyed much of this château, what’s been restored tells a compelling story.

On one floor, royal apartments date back to the 16th century.

“This staircase is a time machine,” Reyes said as we climbed the winding stone stairs to an upper floor restored to celebrate Louis Philippe, the last king of France. His “July Monarchy” was initially popular, and he’s been described as a “citizen king.” His huge portrait hung in one room, showing a man with thick mutton chops. Reyes thought he looked a little like Elvis.

在城堡某些樓層的皇室套房,可以追溯至 16 世 紀。「這個樓梯是座時光機,」在我們爬上彎曲的石梯 時,雷耶斯告訴我們通過樓梯到達的上方樓層,是為了 讚頌路易 菲利普一世( Louise Philippe)而修復的。 他是法國的最後一任國王,被稱作「公民國王」,其「七 月王朝」起初很受人民歡迎。他巨大的肖像畫,就掛在 一個房間裡,那是一位兩鬢有著厚厚落腮鬍的男人,我 的嚮導覺得他長得有點像貓王。而文藝復興時期的大 師,李奧納多 達文西( Leonardo da Vinci),便葬 於城堡的教堂中。

愜意地散步一小段路程,穿過城鎮,會來到一間 規模稍小的城堡——克勞斯 呂斯城堡(Château du Clos Lucé)。西元 1516~1519 年,達文西受國王法蘭 索瓦一世(Francis I)邀請,來到這裡居住,度過他人 生的最後幾年。城堡的主人將建築與庭園改造成一間 科學博物館,重建了達文西的臥室與工作室,還特別打 造了電子遊戲空間,示範他的飛行器啟動的狀態,也再 現一些發明與構想,出自其珍貴的手稿。

羅亞爾河變化莫測的水位,如今淺了許多,但仍是 法國最長的河流。在其水量豐沛時期,船隻可以航行其 中,帶來南部地區的貿易活動,貨物在此集散,運送到 巴黎。從其可觀的城鎮數量和優良的釀酒廠可以明顯 看出,在法國文藝復興時期,這裡是個富裕的地區。

舍農索城堡(Chenonceau)

有一座引人注目的城堡,在謝爾河(River Cher)上形 成了一座橋梁。這裡是舍農索城堡,我參觀了法國有

Left: The gardens at Villandry, which span 22 acres, required 10 full-time gardeners to maintain. _Hannes Klöpper/Unsplash
Right: A dining room in the Château de Villandry. _Courtesy of Château et Jardins de Villandry

Leonardo da Vinci is buried at the chapel here. A short walk away, a pleasant stroll across town takes you to the much-smaller Château du Clos Lucé. Here, Leonardo, invited by King Francis I, lived out his final years, from 1516 to 1519. Recreating his bedroom and workshop, the owners of the château have also turned the structures and grounds into a science museum, actually building a number of his ideas and inventions from his sketches and notes and bringing them to life, with a room full of video games demonstrating his flying machine.

權勢的女士們的領地,如法國王后凱薩琳 德 麥地奇 (Catherine de Medici)和貴族黛安 德 波迪耶(Diane de Poitiers)。我的遊覽路線隨著跨越河流的長廊,穿 過廣大的廚房,再下到平地。接著來到可能是這個地區 最值得拍照留念的城堡,香波堡(Chambord),參觀頂 端林立的塔樓群,城堡向四處延伸的建築結構(也許有 受到達文西的一些影響),一開始是為皇家狩獵行宮而 設計。

維朗德里城堡(Villandry)

當然,還有維朗德里城堡,城堡主人亨利 卡瓦洛(Henri Carvallo)帶我參觀,讓我看城堡內部,裡面溫暖又舒 適,柴火在壁爐裡劈啪作響。「我們嘗試讓這裡保有一 個老家的感覺,」他一面說著,一面給我看他家人的照 片,還說自己就住在隔壁。他指著某個房間的一幅人像 照說:「這是我的曾祖父母。」這對西班牙人和美國人夫 婦在 1906 年買下這座城堡。

這對夫婦傾注了心力、靈魂和財富,澈底改變了殘 破不堪的宮殿,讓它回到以前文藝復興時期的輝煌。他 也帶我看了 17 世紀的藝術收藏、15 世紀由 3,500 塊木 片組合而成的摩爾式天花板,以及周遭精心修剪的綠色 植物,包含房間和走廊。卡瓦洛說,這一切都是為了結 合自然與文化的遺產。

「我人生的目標純粹是提供一些美好的事物,」他 說——這似乎是個使命,他在維朗德里城堡和整個羅 亞爾河谷地區努力實現此願景。

Château d’Amboise. _Ludovic Marin/Getty Images
The Château du Clos Lucé, in Amboise, houses the Leonardo da Vinci Museum. The artist lived the last three years of his life there and died in 1519. _Pecold/Shutterstock

In its heyday, the Loire, still France’s longest river, was once navigable, bringing trade from southern reaches of the country. Goods were unloaded here and transported to Paris. The wealth of that period during the French Renaissance is still evident everywhere, from handsome towns to excellent wineries.

CHENONCEAU

At Chenonceau, with its remarkable château that forms a bridge over the River Cher, I saw the domain of powerful women like Catherine de’ Medici and Diane de Poitiers. My tour winded through extensive kitchens down at water level, with galleries stretching right across the river. At Chambord, perhaps the region’s most photographed castle, I took in the forest of towers atop a rambling structure initially designed (perhaps with some influence by Leonardo to be a royal hunting lodge.

VILLANDRY

And of course, Villandry. Owner Henri Carvallo took me for a tour, showing me the inside of the château,

cozy and comfortable, fires crackling in the fireplaces.

“We’ve tried to preserve the feeling of a family home,” he said, showing me family photos, and noting that he still lives just next door.

In one room, he pointed at a portrait. “Those are my great-grandparents,” he said, noting that the Spanish-American couple bought the château in 1906.

聖誕節期間來訪

對遊客與當地人來說,整個羅亞爾河地區最精采的,就是 每年聖誕節期間了。很多城堡都會有閃爍的燈光、樹木造 景,還有大量富有過節氣氛的裝飾,每座城堡還會有自己 的特色主題。

舉例來說,在阿澤勒伊多堡(Château d’Azay-leRideau),身兼主廚和藝術家的 Veronique Chauvet 將 餐桌和烤箱堆滿紙漿藝術做成的佳餚,看起來相當美味 (火烤的野豬看起來特別好吃)。還有羅亞爾河畔默恩堡 (Meung-sur-Loire)以前的主教宮殿,是一個曾被聖女 貞德占領的地方,在有一些有趣的陳設,展示著聖誕老 人的祕密。

在舍農索城堡,幾位法國頂尖的花匠會花上數週計 畫與安排城堡的準備工作。

Nighttime view of Chateau Chenonceaux on the River Cher. _Guillaume Souvant/AFP via Getty Images

The two poured hearts, souls, and treasure into transforming the tumble-down palace back to its Renaissance glory. He showed me their 17th-century collection of art, a 15th-century Moorish ceiling with 3,500 individual pieces, as well as the greenery all around, including within the rooms and halls. Carvallo says it’s all about bringing together both a natural and cultural heritage.

“My goal in life is simply to give some beauty,” he said—a mission, it seems, abundantly accomplished at Villandry and all across the Loire.

VISIT FOR CHRISTMAS

An annual highlight for both visitors and locals, many of the châteaus across the Loire dress themselves up in sparkling lights and greenery and so much seasonal finery. Each one has a theme.

For example, at Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, chef and artist Veronique Chauvet has filled the tables and ovens with delicious-looking papier mâché culinary creations (the wild boar roasting over a fire looks particularly tasty). At the former bishop’s palace in Meung-sur-Loire, a place once captured by Joan of Arc, playful displays reveal Santa’s secrets. At Chenonceau, some of France’s top florists spend weeks planning and creating the castle’s arrangements.

IF YOU GO 旅遊資訊

Ÿ Getting There 交通

Most visitors to the Loire Valley will arrive at one of Paris’ s two international airports, Charles de Gaulle and Orly. From there, it’ s about an hour by train to Orleans, and just a few minutes more to Tours.

大多數造訪羅亞爾河谷的遊客,會搭飛機抵達巴黎 其中一個國際機場——戴高樂機場或奧利機場。從 那裡搭火車到奧爾良車程約一小時,如果要到圖 爾,只需再多幾分鐘車程。

Ÿ Getting Around 周邊景點交通

While each city in the region has a serviceable public transit system, you’ re best off renting a car, as many of the châteaus are located in small villages or relatively remote locations. Behind the wheel, you can enjoy both the drive and the destination.

雖然該地區各個城市都有可以利用的大眾運輸系 統,您最好的選擇還是租車自駕,因為很多城堡位 於小村莊裡,或是相對偏遠的地點。自行駕車還能 享受沿途風景和景點遊覽雙重樂趣。

Ÿ Finding Lodgings 住宿

While both Orleans and Tours have larger, business-style hotels, you can opt to sleep in unique accommodations for example, Hotel Trogolododo, where rooms are dug into the porous soil of the hillside, or Le Moulin du Port, once an important flour mill and now a warm guesthouse where the owners will serve local wine and cook delicious meals with ingredients drawn from their neighbors’farms. One such dinner featured a hearty, steaming Parmentier (casserole) with duck and sweet potatoes. 奧爾良和圖爾都有較大型的商務旅館,您也可以選 擇下榻一些特色旅店,例如Troglododo飯店,那 裡的房間是從山坡挖掘出來的洞穴;或是港口旅館 Le Moulin du Port,前身是當地重要的碾磨場, 現在則是一個溫馨的旅店,旅館主人會提供當地釀 造的葡萄酒,佳餚則是採用的在地食材。例如,曾 經有特色晚餐是使用鴨肉和地瓜泥焗烤,豐盛又熱 騰騰的牧羊人派。

_JC Coutand

Tiny Doorways to Surprising Delights

The miniature gifts in Advent calendars are carefully curated. Unveiling each little surprise builds up the anticipation of Christmas one day at a time.

為耶誕節推出的各式降臨曆,飽含著各自的巧思與心意。

在聖誕節來臨前的 24天,每天打開一扇小門,取出一件 令人傾心的物品,隨著日子一天一天的倒數,逐漸累積喜 悅,然後盛大歡迎聖誕節來臨的那一天。

1 WILLIAMS SONOMA, CHUCK'S LUXURY ADVENT CALENDAR, $299.95, WILLIAMS-SONOMA.COM | 2 CAROLINA BUCCI, FORTE BEADS 18K GOLD AND MULTISTONE ADVENT CALENDAR, $1,300, NET-A-PORTER.COM | 3 WEDGWOOD, CHRISTMAS 2022 ADVENT CALENDAR, $885, WEDGWOOD.COM | 4 SUGARFINA, 24 TASTES OF A CANDY CAROUSEL ADVENT CALENDAR, $250, NORDSTROM.COM | 5 VOLUSPA, JAPONICA ADVENT CALENDAR CANDLE SET, $158, NORDSTROM.COM

神韻演出在中國被禁止上演, 卻贏得全球無數觀眾的稱讚, 所到之處場場爆滿,一票難求。

中國古典舞融合原創中西合璧現場交響樂團, 演繹愛、勇敢、信仰的經典故事。

神韻涵蓋了傳統文化的精華, 展現出古老智慧非同凡響的深度和廣度, 使五千年的輝煌再現人間。

神韻的美好無法用語言述盡, 您還是親身來體驗一下吧!

「唯美優雅! 富含生命動力與高超的舞藝。」

—John McColgan,《大河之舞》製作人及導演

「神韻正在引領人類的 藝術和精神的新風尚,給人類帶來希望。

她展現的中華神傳文化的內涵令人感動, 尤其是對神的敬仰,這是最為重要的。」

—Christine Walevska,世界頂級大提琴家 「賦予生命更深刻的意義...... 大幕落下後你仍久久不能忘懷。」

—《Stage Whispers》表演藝術雜誌

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