Shen Nong's Sayings. Simply within

Qingqing Island X Weiwei Rice Rice terraces on the hillside White mist dissipates in the dawn Egrets are playing in the water The sea breeze blows Carrying the scent of the Pacific Swaying rice stalks A golden, bountiful sea The sound of rice Is the song of the earth 🌾 I met Pei-wei when I was living in Taitung. Pei-wei is a natural farmer residing on the East Coast. She cultivates pure food without fertilizers or pesticides, deeply believing that such food brings happiness to people. Every time I hear her speak of her stories with the land, I am profoundly moved. Because of her, I've come to feel more deeply that humans, whether aware or oblivious, are all inseparable from this land. I recall one day when I asked Pei-wei, "What is 'friendliness'?" Her answer then was: "For me, true friendliness is not just towards humans. True friendliness is being friendly to humans, friendly to the land, and friendly to everything in the world." At that moment, I was deeply touched. Because I knew these words were not hollow. They grew solidly from Pei-wei's life, like a seedling planted in spring. 🌾 "When I care for the land, I am also cared for by the land." One afternoon, I followed Pei-wei to inspect the rice paddies. That day, I walked behind her, watching her move along the green ridges, occasionally squatting down to adjust the soil around the water outlets. "Inspecting the paddies" means farmers must daily monitor and regulate the balance between water and seedlings. This balance is a principle that has existed in the universe since the beginning of time. In our world, this small group of natural farmers allows this principle to manifest, without interfering with nature. Watching Pei-wei inspect the paddies that day, simply knowing that there are people in this world who maintain such a beautiful relationship with the land, I felt a magical sense of happiness. Pei-wei says, "When I care for the land, I am also cared for by the land." This reality of working the land allows Pei-wei to feel her own vitality within it. Simultaneously, it moves us, who eat her rice, with this same sense of reality. To me, Pei-wei not only cares for the land but also inspires souls to embrace this goodness. The world is a little more beautiful because of Pei-wei's existence. 🌾 About "Shen Nong's Sayings" Pei-wei's words come from her most authentic experiences while working the land. Every time I hear them, it feels like my soul is gently tapped on the head and patted on the shoulder by Mother Earth. Because of this, we earnestly began to record Pei-wei's words, jokingly calling them "Shen Nong's Sayings." Though it's a playful nickname, the title "Shen Nong" carries our profound respect as those who merely "open their mouths" and are responsible only for eating. This collaboration between Qingqing Island and Weiwei Rice marks Qingqing Island's first time printing words not of their own creation. We truly loved them so much that we wanted to invite everyone to experience the beauty and strength within these words. Of course, it's also to support the authentic life of natural farmers. This collection, born from a place of great affection, is something I deeply cherish. I want to thank each of you who has read this far, thank you for being willing to listen. Regardless, I believe we all have a beautiful heart. May we one day meet in that field of the heart. 🌾 "Shen Nong's Sayings" This series includes eight designs. The text is provided by Weiwei Rice, handwritten and printed by Qingqing Island. The paper is Muffin paper, exuding a natural, earthy texture. The size is postcard-sized, approximately 11x15 cm. The colors are specially selected earthy tones by Qingqing Island – beautiful, and you will love them. 🌾 As I finished writing this set of postcards, I noticed the handwriting had become a little more endearing. I pondered why, and I think it's because the origin of these words differs from Qingqing Island's own writing, which led to a different state of mind while writing. A different mindset brings different handwriting, and for me, this was a wonderful experience. While writing these words, I once again deeply felt the profound meaning contained within each phrase, word by word. As I put pen to paper, it felt as if they were being imprinted upon my soul, and I was repeatedly moved to tears. "Since we've met on Earth now, let's exist well." I will cherish the beautiful encounters in life, as they help me understand more clearly what kind of being I am. I hope that you and I can flow with life, live well, take good care of ourselves, and love this land and ourselves with pure hearts. With deepest blessings.