I never knew my grandmother, but I’ve spent my whole life wondering about her and collecting pieces of her story.
She came to the U.S. as a single mother with two young children and forged her own path; tenacious and a straight shooter who didn’t take no for an answer.
She made her mark as a serial restaurateur, owning Ay Sings in downtown Palm Springs and, more famously, the House of Bamboo, a Chinese restaurant that served Polynesian drinks back in the 1970s.
Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, and Bob Hope were regulars at my grandmother’s speakeasy‑esque watering hole.
The House of Bamboo is also where my mom met my dad while he was working as a busboy.
They celebrated my first birthday at the place that started it all.
I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for her. I like to think she's where I get my tenacity and love of food from.
I never knew my grandmother, but I’ll spend my whole life honoring her legacy by forging my own path. #firstgeneration #storytelling #houseofbamboo
In this season I am learning that life can be joyous, life can be heartbreaking, and sometimes it's both at the same time
Navigating grief, I've never felt this deeply before
In January, we traveled to Japan to meet my moms family for the first time (she was born and raised there, but more on that later)
A long awaited trip as I've always wanted to connect and understand that part of my mom's life.
And exactly a week after we returned, my father passed away.
Grief has cracked me wide open
Experiencing every emotion. All at once. Paying me a visit without warning
Crying because I miss my dad and simultaneously Crying because I'm happy to be alive
May this serve as a reminder for anyone navigating a difficult time, that being human is to experience it allllll
The happy. The sad. The in between.
There is no life without grief and loss
There is no light, without darkness
More to come in due time 💫
My Dad lived a life beyond his wildest dreams 🤍
Born on a rural rice farm in China and youngest of 6 siblings
He was the first and only person in his family to become a US citizen, fleeing from communism in the 70’s and leaving everything he knew behind in hopes of a better life.
To survive in America, he worked numerous restaurant jobs at a time to make ends meet.
At one of those restaurants, he met the love of his life...my mom at my grandmother’s Chinese restaurant in Palm Springs.
They were married for over 42 years.
I consider myself very fortunate to be a first generation, along side my older brother.
Despite all odds and struggles, my dad prevailed.
He taught me grit, honesty, humility, and above all else, kindness.
I was his favorite person and he was mine.
It’s strange to think about life moving forward without him.
And even though he is no longer physically here, I feel more connected to him than ever.
I love you forever and always Papa.
Thank you for this beautiful life.
It's because of you and everything you endured that I am here.
This is not the end, just another chapter in our story 🕊️
happy 1st birthday my Luna girl 🥹🫶🏼 a little ol’ lady in puppy form. ever since I brought you home - life just keeps getting better.
you were seconds away from being a street pup and now you’re thriving as a bougie only child poodle mix, who only eats fancy fresh food, thinks every pillow is for her, will B line it to Starbucks for a pupcup any chance she gets, and it’s entirely my fault.
I love you my sweet snoopy girl 🤍
a very special + intentional day celebrating my 30th birthday ✨
I chose to spend most of actual my birthday alone…
because one thing I have grown to love about myself in my 20’s is my own company, and that in its self is worth celebrating!
my intentions for the day…
〰️ be somewhere new, expansive, and inspiring
〰 treat myself to a relaxing spa treatment
〰 turn my phone on airplane mode
〰 engage in conversation with those around me
〰️ smile and say thank you to staff
〰️ receive everyones messages fully without feeling the need to respond right away
〰️ move slow, be present, and open throughout the whole day
If you are needing a little reset, I highly recommend treating yourself to a spa treatment @ranchovalencia and making a whole day out of it. The attention to detail, service, and vibe here were 10 out of 10.
I was literally walking around in a robe, eating macaroons, and drinking champagne. It was the best. day. ever!!
taurus 〰️ ruled by venus
the planet of love + beauty + pleasure
an early bday celebration, omakase style
which translates to "I leave it up to you"
and a reminder we get to experience life + pleasure in many forms
drove through the night and watched the sunrise in Zion ✨
it timed out perfectly on our 16+ hour drive
we pulled up just as the sun was peeking through the mountains
it was so early they just let us through, giving us the whole place to ourselves
and there is nothing like running through the empty streets of one of the most magical places, the energy was electric ⚡️✨⚡️
#sayyestoadventure #roadtrip #usaroadtrip #zionnationalpark #wunderlust
