Susan Shi

A Vibrant Tapestry of Human Heart & Vision What does it truly mean to belong? Is it the quiet smell of rain on dry ground, the familiar hum of a rice cooker in the kitchen, or the brave act of speaking your mind when you feel out of place? This year, our annual creative contest invited young artists and writers from around the world to explore the theme "To Where I Belong." The response was nothing short of extraordinary. Across 12 countries and spanning ages 5 to 21, our global community...

Introduction: The Two-Week Countdown—Which "Contrast" Holds Your Story? There are only two weeks left until the July 1st submission deadline for the 2026 Tian Hong Annual Youth Poem & Art Contest. Here at the Poetic Life Studio, we often see young creators pausing in deep thought when facing this year’s theme: "To Where I Belong." They ask us: How do I express belonging? Does it have to be a perfect, seamless picture? In reality, the answer often hides within the beautiful imperfections and...

Prologue: The Rocks and Pines of Lovers Point The Rocks Arriving in this coastal town around four in the afternoon, the sky was a soul-cleansing blue, the sunlight dazzling, the water serene, and the sea breeze gentle. I thought to myself that tonight, I would finally witness the long-awaited Pacific sunset. The inn we checked into sat right beside the renowned Lovers Point, just a two-minute walk away. Looking at the map, Pacific Grove is a prominent peninsula stretching into the Pacific...