An afternoon at the temple

Today is my mother's knitting day at the Xi Lai Temple. She joined a group of women whom share a common hobby knitting. Every Thursday afternoon, all the members meet from 1 pm to 4 pm with their projects to share knowledge, skills and tricks. My time is well spent with a book at the reading room or strolling around.

As Chinese new year is approaching, Monday the 23rd, Xi Lai Temple is well decorated for the holiday.
Yu Lan Hua-Chinese magnolia flower, a flower I remember as a child. It can be bought occasionally for a few pennies, tuck in hair behind ears, a symbol of femininity in the most natural and environmentally safe way, perfume in the most original form as the universe intend it to be. I love this Chinese magnolia varietal, I love the ever green foliage colored like jade, I love the small white flowers simple yet enigmatic, a humble tree yet outstanding. I will bring a thermo cup of Yu Lan Xiang - Magnolia Flower Fragrance Dan Cong to the temple next time.
As for today, I brought a thermo cup of Quin Ti - Osmanthus Flower Dan Cong with me today. Osmanthus tree is not commonly found in the US although it is one of the most common fragrant floral trees in China. It is a must have green in any and all Chinese garden. It is well praised for its fragrance as it drifts with light breeze. The flowers can be consumed as herb in medicine, teasane or pastries. Half a doze osmanthus trees are blooming in the temple garden near the stair cases of the main hall. If you wonder what an osmanthus tree is like, you can smell them here this season. You may also find it in the Huntington Library inside the Chinese Garden.