The Cosmic Tent: Upheld by Wonder

The red notebook is my cosmos of wonder, a cosmic tent that guides my life, ignites my curiosity, grounds my being, and holds precious moments close.

The night before the online tent artmaking workshop, I felt nervous. I did not know what to create. I gathered what I had and made a base using cardboard, imagining it would hold my tent. For the tent’s fabric, I reached into the recycling bin and pulled out old handwritten notes, pages I had once recorded and later digitized.

Just before logging into the workshop, I noticed three small A6 notebooks on my desk. Two of them were gifts from A, given when Pin-Hsuan visited my home, and we had an art gathering last year (December 2024). The red notebook is at my bedside. I write in it on nights when my full schedule keeps me awake, or when quiet sparks unexpected ideas. That morning, I woke at three and could not fall back asleep. I opened the red notebook and wrote down my plans for the day. It helped me release the weight of insomnia.

The red notebook holds more than a list of daily tasks. It holds my life. It is strong, mobile, and with me wherever I go. Inside, it continues to grow with my thoughts and feelings. I realized this notebook is my tent. It shelters my reflections and offers a space for everything I carry.

Next to it, I placed a small wooden house, a gift from A. At first, I did not notice the face carved into it. Today, I looked more closely and saw A in it. The expression on the reed-roofed house reminded me of her warmth and presence. The notebook, the wooden house, and the friend who gave them to me make me feel safe.

Beside them are five red toy cars. They come from a story I love, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. In the story, red cars represent good luck. Five red cars mean a super good day. I want my life, and this shared moment, to be filled with such light.

Last night, I wrote down the names of my closest friends, from childhood to now. Each name is a shelter. Each memory is a tent. I live among many tents. If I could invite anyone into mine, I would invite all of you. I once believed I preferred solitude.

Now I see how much I treasure true friendship.