Busy is overrated
So yesterday I found myself finished an appointment much earlier than anticipated. It was like I had won the lottery! Free time.
Now, if I was true to my character I would have filled that time with being busy doing something. Something. Being busy…
But, busy is overrated, so I decide to explore Calgary’s Chinatown.
Invisible ink
This is what led me Page One Books and Gifts located at Suite 102s-303 Centre St.SW Calgary, Alberta, Canada. And it was here that I met Yici and her wonderful Chinese paper.
This is some kind of paper! The back of the paper (the yellow) reminds me of a cross between very thin velvet and felt. The magic happens when you use the pen—which is really more like a paintbrush—that has been dipped in water to write on the front side.
Wherever the brush hits the paper, it turns black. Then, after ten minutes, it disappears and you can start again. Think etch-a-sketch meets invisible ink.
Reuse, reuse, reuse
Yici shared that many children or adults use the paper (especially the version that comes with grids and letter templates already in place) to practice their Chinese writing.
I couldn’t wait to try it.
The brush just glides effortlessly over the paper. It is actually very soothing and gentle. Therapeutic even.
And, as you can see, it was put to good use reviewing Roman Numerals for exam prep. It was ‘erased’ many times as we tried to remember the value of “XXXI” and “L” saving many sheets of regular paper.
Each hour is a blank sheet
I was thrilled with what my spontaneous adventure led to. It was $15.00 dollars well spent.
The paper still sits on the kitchen table with water and brush ready and waiting. Waiting for someone to create something. It is almost impossible to resist as I walk by it…
What would you do with one hour of unexpected free time?