The Season When Wildflowers Bloom

 “野花盛开的季节” (yě huā shèng kāi de jì jié)

I took a spontaneous trip to Hokkaido this June, and it opened my eyes to a whole new understanding of a Chinese phrase that always caught me off guard: “野花盛开的季节” (yě huā shèng kāi de jì jié).

I’ve been to Hokkaido a few times—twice in winter and once in autumn. Each time, as my plane descended, all I saw was the snow-covered white fields in winter and the golden-red fields in autumn. But this time, it was the green scenery that welcomed me to this far-eastern part of the world.

At first glance, it just means “the season when wildflowers are in full bloom.” It instantly paints a picture—of hillsides suddenly covered in colour, of delicate petals pushing through cracks in the pavement, of nature doing its thing without asking for permission. It’s a reminder that beauty can be wild, spontaneous and abundant.

But like many poetic phrases, its meaning goes deeper than just the landscape.

Emotionally, “野花盛开的季节” can describe a time after tough times. Wildflowers often grow in neglected places—roadsides, ruins, abandoned fields. Emotionally, this season represents a time when, after a long winter of grief, burnout or heartbreak, unexpected joy starts to sprout. You stop waiting for something grand and start noticing small, wild moments of happiness. You don’t need a perfectly cultivated garden; you learn to find beauty in the unplanned and the resilient parts of yourself.

I often think of this phrase when I’m learning something new and things are a bit messy. When you pick up a language, an instrument or a craft, there’s a long initial period of strict rules—the “gardening” phase, full of textbooks and rules.

Then, gradually, you step into the wildflower season of that skill. Ideas start to come to you on their own. You might crack a joke in a foreign language without even thinking about translating it in your head. Your fingers might find a melody you weren’t taught. This is when knowledge becomes a living, untamed meadow in your mind, not something you have to carefully cultivate. The growth feels wild, effortless and full of vibrant chaos.

We spend so much of our modern lives tending to our lawns—curating our careers, filtering our photos and sticking to the paths we’ve already made. But maybe we should be looking out for our own wildflower seasons.

Where in your life are things blooming right now, not because you planned them perfectly, but simply because the right conditions have finally come together?

That wild, effortless burst of growth?

That’s it. That’s the season you’ve been waiting for.

Keep an eye out. 

The wildflowers don’t wait for an invitation.

They just bloom😊.

秋诗篇篇

 還記得以前背著白背包，邁著輕快的步伐，天真無邪地不知道天涯海角，也不知道離愁別緒是什麼滋味.

那時候的我就像浮雲一樣，到處遊蕩，行囊里裝滿了對家鄉的思念。雖然努力的向前走，但鄉愁就像影子一樣，連在夢里也揮之不去。

青春歲月里，我聽過很多關於秋天的歌，那些歌陪伴著我度過了那段懵懂無知的時光。

可惜，我來自熱帶，只能聽歌，卻無法真正體會那冷冷的秋，那足以讓人心情低落、悲傷的季節。

想起當時那顆小小的、充滿希望的心，希望有一天能親身體驗那些描寫秋天的詩句。

我想聽聽秋風如何把春水吹涼，看一看綠葉如何被染成金黃。

誰說秋天就一定愁眉苦臉呢？

煙波林野，也自有它的幽靜之美。

花落紅，花落紅，楓葉紅了，楓葉紅了，總歸是秋天到了。春天走了，夏天也走了，秋天來了，秋意濃濃。

Fall. In love.

 Part 1: Colors

“Fall in love with the colors—golden leaves and the quiet poetry of change.”

Part 2: Stillness

“Fall in love with the stillness—crisp air, soft light, and the pause between seasons.”

Part 3: The Wild

“Fall in love with the wild—deer in the dusk, birds on the wing, nature’s restless heart.”

Part 4: Yourself

“Fall in love with yourself—wrapped in warmth, walking through change, finding beauty in every step.”

My First Birding Adventure at Wachirabenchathat Park

I’m excited to share that I visited Chatuchak for the first time and skipped the bustling wet market to explore the nearby Wachirabenchathat Park, also known as Rot Fai Park.

As soon as I entered the park, I was thrilled to spot a Variable Squirrel!

Next up, I saw plenty of the familiar Common Myna birds hanging around.

There were quite a few Black-collared Starlings pecking at the ground, too.

I also caught a glimpse of a Pied Fantail flitting about near the lake.

You can often hear the Asian Koel, but it’s tricky to spot them out in the open.

Following the sound of the Koel led me to another cuckoo, the Plaintive Cuckoo, which reminded me a lot of the Sulawesi Brush Cuckoo I saw during my trip to Manado.

I also spotted an Indochinese Roller

and an Ashy Drongo along my walk.

After about 30 minutes of wandering, I came across an adorable Spotted Owlet!

It seems like there’s a little family of them in the park,

as I found two more at different spots.

On my way back to the lake, I was lucky enough to witness a Striated Heron catching a fish right in front of me!

Perched high on a tree branch, a White-throated Kingfisher was ready to dive in for a meal,

while an Oriental Magpie Robin was hiding beneath the leaves, seeking some shade from the sun.

Just as I was wrapping up my day, a Black-capped Kingfisher made an appearance. What a wonderful way to end my adventure!

First Visit to Wachirabenchathat Park

If you're heading to Bangkok, there's a good chance you'll find yourself wandering around the bustling Chatuchak Weekend Market. This vibrant market has it all—whether you're looking for fresh groceries, beautiful plants for your garden, adorable pets, or even unique pieces of furniture!

But if the hustle and bustle of the market isn’t your cup of tea, don’t worry! Right nearby, you’ll find not one, but three lovely parks where you can relax while your friends enjoy their shopping spree.

One of these parks is Wachirabenchathat Park, affectionately known as Rot Fai Park. 

It’s a favorite spot for bird watchers, thanks to its incredible variety of wildlife. The park is a peaceful oasis that showcases the rich biodiversity of the area, making it a fantastic escape from the city's buzz. With sprawling greenery and serene walking paths, it's the perfect place to unwind and connect with nature.

Just a stone’s throw away, you’ll also find Queen Sirikit Park. This beautiful park is known for its stunning flower gardens and tranquil lakes. It’s a lovely spot for a leisurely stroll, and there are plenty of benches where you can sit back and enjoy the scenery. If you’re feeling a bit more active, you can take advantage of the walking and cycling paths that wind through the park.

Then there’s Chatuchak Park, which is another fantastic green space right next to the market. This park is great for families and offers a variety of recreational facilities, including playgrounds and picnic areas.

Whether you want to go for a jog, have a picnic with friends, or just relax under a shady tree, Chatuchak Park has something for everyone.

Since I have about two hours before my next appointment, I decided to pay a visit to Wachirabenchathat Park. It’s a great way to recharge, enjoy some fresh air, and appreciate the beauty of Bangkok’s green spaces. Who knows, you might just find your new favorite spot away from the market's lively atmosphere!