Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year will begin February 8, and 2016 is the Year of the Monkey.  When I was taking Tai Chi, many students from our school would go to Dallas each year to celebrate the Chinese New Year with Grand Master Johnny Lee.  

My favorite at any exhibition (whether for the Chinese New Year or at various tournaments) was always the Lion Dance.  There are tons of examples online, but this one from a junior high school is a favorite.   
 

Back to the year of the Monkey for 2016:

• Characteristics of people born in the Year of the Monkey:

The ninth sign of the Chinese Zodiac, the Monkey, is portrayed by a smart and inventive personality. The Monkey is constantly keen on learning and also on new encounters.

This interest can be found in the Monkey’s whims, and, incautious activities. Regularly disdaining schedule, the Monkey is not above getting involved in mysterious activities. Monkeys are actually very beguiling and witty, which adds to their inborn personality. As the Monkey is a standout amongst the most self-intrigued signs, they may experience issues understanding others and indicating sympathy. In spite of the fact that it might be difficult to understand, individuals from the Monkey sign can be touchy on occasion, particularly when reprimanded.

Socially, the Monkey is garrulous and outgoing. Now and again, the Monkey can undoubtedly be the most chatty individual from any gathering. It is not uncommon for individuals from the Monkey sign to have a considerable rundown of companions and admirers. The Monkey is dependably up for an enterprise, however they are infrequently tackled alone. In this sense, the Monkey may have a few friendly networks that fluctuate based upon the circumstance or trip.  More here.

 I love the following images for the year of the monkey.

The Energy Specialist

I realize now that the above image
(although I found it somewhere else) 
is by  Zen Brush who has an Etsy shop.

So charming and whimsical.

Zen Brush on Etsy

I love these images and realize it takes years to master the techniques of Chinese brush art and Japanese sumi-e. 

But...I've been experimenting with some Chinese New Year postcards featuring the monkey and inspired by Zen Brush's charming work.  I have about a life-time to go!