Making China My Home

[@MiriamFollin]

Check out my Patreon here: www.patreon.com/miriaminchina

[@WEBFundamental]

I posted this somewhere but I can't remember where, telling you that this man who looks much like your husband. As he is with a lady who is not you, so he is not your husband. facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10218456407745406&set=pob.1278429627&type=3&theater

[@MiriamFollin]

@@WEBFundamental he actually looks a little similar to my husband haha!

[@WEBFundamental]

@@MiriamFollin I want to buy a camera lens via your links. Could you tell me when you use the Sony 50mm and when you use the Sigma 16mm? I have a Sony A7iii camera.

[@MiriamFollin]

​@@WEBFundamental Oh wow, that would be so nice of you! I have put the time stamps below for the first 1 minute and 42 seconds of this video and written where the changes are between the lenses. There is a long sequence where I only use the Sony 50mm at 00:34 - 1:40 . Personally I do prefer the 50mm, but I use the 16mm when I need more space, since the 50mm is really zoomed in. But isn't the A7iii full frame? Then you might not have the problem of being too zoomed in, at least not to the same degree. The 16 mm works well for landscapes, in small spaces where I still want to show off the setting, and for "selfie mode" haha. If you buy one, please let me know which one and what you think! See the time stamps below: 00:00 Sigma 16mm 00:06 Sony 50mm 00:17 Sigma 16mm 00:23 Sony 50mm 00:25 Sigma 16mm 00:29 Sony 50mm 00:31 Sigma 16mm 00:34 Sony 50mm 1:41Sigma 16mm 1:42 Sony 50 mm

[@WEBFundamental]

@@MiriamFollin Thank you very much Miriam for the info.

[@nulnoh219]

Your husband knows his way around a brush. His calligraphy looks amazing.

[@roseloh1378]

Home is where your heart is. Home is where your loved ones are with you. Home is a place for memories whether that is good or bad. Home is surrounded with families and friends.

[@MiriamFollin]

Good and bad memories for sure! I think a lot of people, I guess me included, wish it was only good. But life happens in a home, and in life there's both, no matter how hard we try! ❤️

[@zhijunchen9125]

Your husband's handwriting is so good.

[@aliciacarayol6867]

I loved this video so much. I'm from Spain and I have lived in many countries including China. People back home can't understand how much I love China and how at home I felt when I lived there. Right now I live in Denmark, but I have been trying to find my way back to China for a few years now. Thank you for sharing the way you do

[@yjjiang3619]

Say just out of interest. what makes you feel at home in China? Just wondering cuz I'm quite glad to live abroad.

[@AmelieZh]

YJ Jiang each to their own right?

[@yjjiang3619]

@@AmelieZh I am just curious :D

[@moonnight0531]

Yo vivo en España ya 17 años, intento de vivir una vida cómo de my home Aquí, aunque echo de menos a China algún momento; )

[@mustafabaris9681]

Amazing Alicia ..! I am also in the same spot as you now .. I am from Turkey , lived in the USA , China ( Shenzhen ) , Thailand and Indonesia, and my next stop is to live in Spain actually 😊😊 But China has always held its special place for me , I will definitely go back there someday ..

[@conconazarcon6682]

Watching from Toronto Canada, you touched my heart where is home ,I been in Canada for 34 years but still longing for Philippines my homeland , my memories as a child growing , simple things that I did not appreciate before, I am longing to go home to Philippines and do gardening the things that I loved. God Bless you and your family happy and safe.

[@ildiko1vt]

what a sweet thing to talk about...perfect timing for this 72 yr old grand mother who struggles to find her home where she feels a sense of security. thank you for your perspective Miriam. so very true. as they say here in the US..."home is where the heart is"

[@cz964]

This got me thinking about the place I call my home. Your husband's calligraphy is beautiful. In Chinese we call it 字如其人 - you are the way your writing is. He would be a man of integrity, one to be trusted.

[@michelleotani8901]

The best gifts are the ones made from ones own hands ❤️

[@jitmengtan652]

Miriam , You are an amazing person who is so adoptable . You assimilate into a culture that is so different from yours . You have my highest respect 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@whokilledmax]

It's really lucky to see this video before Chinese new year, which reminds me of a feeling that has been forgotten for a long time.

[@laurakelly631]

I love your videos. Thank you so much for making them. I feel like I want your whole family, you, your gorgeous husband and baby, your wonderful mother-in-law and father-in-law and that dear little nephew...all to be my friends. You are doing a lot to spread love and understanding between far away cultures. We need this so much in the world now.

[@gangshan]

Miriam is Talented, sensitive and sensible ! We are lucky to have you.

[@angeleyddemoness]

I am excited and grateful for this chance to experience a small taste of China from you and your family. Thank you💜

[@MiriamFollin]

That's so nice to hear, thank you so much!

[@alvintheng8501]

Your husband is definitely an art person. So beautiful writing and he do it with ease

[@May-le6hp]

Such positive outlook. To me, it is being thankful of the things around me, the kindness I felt, beauty from nature and most importantly, the warmth from which I felt in giving and receiving.

[@alexwong6961]

Excellent very adorable family members. Exemplary couple 💑 with Excellent parents in law from both sides. Beautiful children others should emulate. God bless Miriam and all your family members. Stay safe and healthy always. The best video I've ever seen so far....CONGRATULATIONS

[@lilyliu1309]

Dear Miriam you husband’s brush writing is so beautiful, love you all.

[@thomasngai4230]

Home is where you can find true happiness. Happiness nowadays is underrated

[@TheMandom88]

An adventurous girl willing to venture and find love in a different country with different culture is amazing. Wish you happiness and always love by those you meet. GOD BLESS !

[@wangshu775]

认真生活的人，总是让人温暖……

[@fred5784]

Wow. You and your husband put a lot of time, effort, and thought into this. I really appreciate it. 祝你们新年好。

[@MiriamFollin]

I hope you enjoy all the little gifts from us!

[@fred5784]

@@MiriamFollin I'm sure I will. Now let's see how long it takes to get to the US.

[@janinafisher101]

This is a very beautiful, peaceful and love-filled video. Yonghong does beautiful calligraphy, and your gifts and boxes and thoughtfulness are heart-warming!💝

[@kenstaroz1536]

Poetic and mesmerising visuals. Melodic spoken tone. Enjoyed the video thoroughly 👍

[@MiriamFollin]

Thank you!

[@mfrankful]

Miriam, this is so great and has allowed me to revisit home myself. Thank you for your raw and genuine videos in this fast paced society. Keep up your wonderful content!

[@cindygreenhill2935]

What a lovely explanation of HOME. As an expat myself living in S.Korea, this was so beautiful.

[@ruizhang4231]

I'm really touched by your videos and started to miss my home...you reminded me all the little things that I used to take for granted back in China: Chinese calligraphy, the food, the fragrance of different little spices...Now that I have made a second home outside China, those little things will always bring back memories of my first home, China.

[@gzmama1]

I grew up in a military family, moving every 3 years. You treasure friendships fiercely, absorb all of the cultures and countries, and I think it makes you a more empathetic and resilient person. You realize that people all across the world have the same needs & wants for their homes and families. When people ask me where I’m from, I tell them it’s complicated, haha! It gave me a sense of wanderlust and I deeply love to travel. My husband & I lived in Guangzhou for 3 years (as expats), and my son was born in Hong Kong. I love your videos and they remind me of the wonderful memories we made in China & travelling in Asia. All the best to you and your beautiful family. ❤️

[@leocheung8810]

Your husband's calligraphy is amazingly good!

[@soop4767]

Your husband has such beautiful handwriting ❤️

[@paecpc]

From a simple sheet of paper, Chinese inn, tread, you turned them into something so artistic, so nice that I want one! We learned Chinese as a Language in schools but not Chinese calligraphy, so sad ! Love the way you and your husband have so many artistic elements in your video. Thanks 😊

[@dauntlessbonita9747]

Very poetic. Having lived to other countries other than the Philippines, I resonate with you about home. Its all about the people and the familiarity of the surroundings... Watching your inspiring videos from Singapore, another home for me.

[@et5222]

Thank you so much for your very real, positive, beautiful, and especially non-whiney series on life in China. My wife and I call China, Korea (working there now) and the USA all "home." Showing us your Chinese home life is unique and refreshing. Blessings to you and yours....

[@williamwen6992]

I really like your attitudes towards life! Greetings from a Chinese living in Sweden and watching your video about China. Önskar dig och din familj ett lyckligt och välmående liv i Kina!

[@mrsmithsartroom4kids282]

I spent six weeks and fell in love with China and the love parents have for their children. I admire you and your life. Thanks for sharing. Take care.😀

[@MiriamFollin]

Thanks for watching! And take care, you too!

[@Jessicaisrealawesome]

Wow what an intricate gift for your patreons! The love and care put into those items is so heartwarming

[@jimlin6545]

I like the sense of security and peace from your video and your voice. So glad you can regard China as your cozy home. love you.

[@Poe168]

I can say that you have a beautiful home Miriam. You deserve it. Love you and hugs hugs 😊😊😊

[@choohoh8593]

Thanks Miriam for your video...you are a such a wonderful person and China is very lucky to have you as a resident from afar. Wishing you and your family many happiness and health for years to come.

[@KC_88631]

Cant imagine the amount of time and effort that is being put into creating such amazing videos.

[@stanbimi]

The English Buddhist monk Ajahn Brahm, who lives in Perth, offered an interesting perspective, but from the other angle. He said, "Anywhere you don't want to be is your prison." It applies to jobs, relationships, whatever. To paraphrase Ajahn Brahm, "Home is where you feel safe and comfortable, where you want to return to." If you watch Miriam's New Year dinner with the happy and loving family, it's clear where her home is at this time.

[@catarinatang980]

Love your videos every time!! Great to hear that you are enjoying China so much and really embracing the surroundings!

[@beulahbenade4098]

Wow! This was a beautiful thoughtful video. I'm glad I discovered your channel. I think you have proved that "Home is where the heart is". For you, you had to move away from Sweden to find that home. For me, I can't imagine moving away from my homeland South Africa xx

[@renukabalan4413]

it is one of your most beautiful videos. Definition of home so well put. God bless you and your family. And you are really good with making these gift packets and your husbands writing amazing.

[@kennethl4172]

To me home is where I want to set my roots no matter where it could be. Both you and your husband are very good with crafts and calligraphy.

[@yumeizhu563]

In my view, home is not limited to a physical place, it's where you can feel safe, loved，wanted，vulnerable and also be true to yourself. Home is where you and loved ones are. After all, we are only temporary residents on this planet.

[@esteeinsweden]

Your channel speaks to me, except our geographic location is the opposite way. I am a Singaporean living in Sweden the past 22 years. I fully understand what it's like for you with regards to your perspective about 'Home' I felt exactly the same way too, so you are not alone. I tried to express this feeling in my vlogs, but I wasn't as good as you. I am really impressed about your authentic filming and story telling skills. You have inspired me deeply. I haven't really put so much thought about how to get patrons, and I bet this is the most genuine way of expressing your appreciation for your fans. Good job! I hope you don't mind me copying this ideas. I am a forager for past 20 years, I think giving fans something from the nature is the most valuable! I will share your channel with my subscribers if it's OK for you?

[@edgarho9461]

You're one of the most beautiful women I've ever known, and your husband is truly a good man. You've been giving us inspiration on how to live a simple life but full of joy and love. Best regards, Bing

[@wuttm9019]

I am so impressed with your stories.

[@广西大学阿城]

Happy new year！😆 恭喜恭喜！给你们和粉丝们拜个早年！😀

[@palomasanchis2595]

So beautiful!!♥️ I usually feel the feeling of being at home when I realice I'm secure and accepted. Free to be. 😊

[@latinamarie80]

That was so wonderful of you and your husband- I wish you both health, wealth, and happiness for you family!😉

[@toni2065]

Wonderful definition of "home" ! A poem of words and pictures - thank you ❤ Recently I started studying, i really want to exchange too (and e.g. China is super interesting!) Love to you and your family from Europe, Germany

[@叶尼玛]

提前祝你们新年快乐，祝你们新的一年阖家欢乐，万事大吉！

[@lifestories7957]

Happy Holidays to you, your loving hubby, baby and mom!

[@sonitamong]

I’m struggling at time that I should call USA is my home or not. I got married and moved here 12 years ago but sometimes I miss Cambodia, where I was born and grown up. Last time I went to Cambodia in October, I felt like I do not belong there any more. I feel the gap; it’s hard to explain how it feels like. My grandfather passed away in October last year so I accompanied my parents to Cambodia for his funeral. I felt so helpless as I don’t know much about what to do and how things are done. I wanted to be helpful and be part of the whole process. When I got back to the US, I have this feeling that make me question myself where do I belong, where do I feel like home. What is definition for Home to me is still not clear. I miss my family back home, the foods and places that I used to go. My parents are living here with us now but I still have a younger brother that still live in Cambodia. Maybe when he finally gets to live here with us, I’ll feel at peace and able to find a place that I called home.

[@jcpeters4157]

Of course USA is your home, because Cambodia will change . Or when you retire you can live 6 months there and 6 months USA

[@sonitamong]

JC Peters , thanks 🙏 for a wonderful advice 😊❤️I want to explore the world and trying different foods. I love cooking and eating. I hope I can take my parents to places and have my kids try new foods.

[@meganepelletier853]

I've lived in the same country all my life, but I relate to this in many ways. When my parents decided to move to another city with the rest of the family, I decided to stay behind to pursue my studies. I was in my hometown, yet it felt foreign, because my living amenities weren't the same, the neighborhood wasn't the same, the people weren't the same and my routine wasn't the same. I'd go back to the place I called home all my life, but there were other people living there, and they had changed up the place in many ways. It felt foreign too. I'd go and see my family in their new house, and though the people were familiar, they too had changed, and things weren't quite the same. It felt foreign. I felt foreign. Every other place I live in, work at, study at, it all feels so familiar and so foreign in so many ways. And although it all sounds pessimistic when we put forward these feelings, I think it's also just a part of growing up, and can be a good experience. I think everyone will, to different degrees, as they grow up and out of the nest that cuddled them for all these years, get to a point where something that was home for most of their life starts feeling foreign, distant, even if just distant in time. Yet, nothing has been able to fully become home either. With a foot through each door, and unable to pull through to either side, we have to come to the realisation that as adult we are not defined fully by a single thing, but partially by many things. Spread out over the map of blurry lines that is our life, we have to accept that things evolve, and that we have evolved to be the person who has lived here and there, and not just the person who came from there. It can feel wholesome to identify fully with a single thing, but identifying with many things is rich in its own ways. You may have a feet through each door - Cambodia and the USA, but that is not a weakness. You can keep the doors open for exchange, and act as a bridge between the people from both of your homes . Sending hope that you are able to reunite with your brother soon! 🙂❤️

[@jcpeters4157]

@@sonitamong You know what it means to be truly alive ! 😉 😊 Wish u a fun fantastic memory filled 2020 with lots of tasty food too ! Lol 😊

[@sonitamong]

Mégane Pelletier , you have such a beautiful heart ❤️ I can feel through the words that you have written. Thanks for spending your valuable time writing such a heart warming comments. I want do something for my family especially my parents and Cambodia where my life began. There are many reasons that push me to create my own channel. I want to showcase the Cambodian cuisine to the world and make it possible for people to follow the recipes and eat their favorite food. Like you said I will keep both doors open and I’m so sure that I will continue to go visit my country more often. I have a huge project in my head about cooking journey in Cambodia and includes the traveling tips for everyone that would love to visit Cambodia. I hope I can make it happen in the few years. Thanks so much ❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@snj6669]

Aww thats so lovely to give back ... not sure if ive heard or seen another vlogger do that. X

[@charleneji6759]

OMG! Yonghong's calligraph is amaaaazing, though how he holds the brush is not standard. 😀😀😀 If you go back to Sweden, Yonghong could teach calligraphy.

[@kenstaroz1536]

Your new patreon supporter here. Please keep up the good work. I thoroughly enjoy stories from rural China. I have been to many places in China but mostly in top and second tier cities. I did get out to Guizhou rural area once and enjoyed the serenity of it.

[@MiriamFollin]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your support!

[@kenstaroz1536]

You’re welcome

[@jieliu6522]

I like your definition of home in this video, Miriam

[@saikokandy]

Her videos are so curing. Love❤️

[@liza6162]

Beautiful. Made me want to go home.

[@bningthouja7103]

Wow Miriam! That was deep. You should start writing poems and fictions.

[@galastudio9]

Such beautiful video. I am a Chinese and have been living in the US for over six years. In the first three years I felt like I am having a very long time travel here. Until I met my partner. I guess Home is wherever I am with him. 🙂

[@galastudio9]

Love to hear more about your story, about possibilities in Chinese rural villages and more. Subscribed🙌

[@keawewong6110]

Wow, your husband's writing is beautiful. Hope that passes onto your son (his name is Shan Shan, right?).

[@MiriamFollin]

Thanks, on his behalf! Our son's name is Sansan 三三！

[@rogernguyen1273]

@@MiriamFollin Sansan good name for your son or a Panda !

[@rogernguyen1273]

@@MiriamFollin Sansan good name for your son or a Panda !

[@karenmiller6158]

Home is more than a place , it is a feeling.

[@II-ot5to]

每次看你的视频就是一种享受

[@lucahuang4236]

你老公外表粗犷，但内心却柔情细腻，看壮汉写字的样子还蛮可爱的😉

[@etow8034]

Wow your husband's calligraphy is top notched, symbol of a cultured upbringing !

[@taycalvin8175]

I feel warmest after watching. Life is simple, just enjoy. 🤗

[@busapassion]

Home is with whomever makes your heart overflow.

[@iamcanadianedmonton]

your husband's calligraphy is very nice. Happy Chinese New Year !!!!!

[@juanli5423]

Your husband's hand writing is beautiful

[@indishanoh8240]

IT must be a deep love of Chinese culture and people makes you to find a home in rural China. Even the common Chinese nowadays do not stay in Countyside any more , not even to mention Qinghai province, where it is like " west of no where " to most Chinese.

[@shinesun9797]

你丈夫的毛笔字写得真好

[@glenyscallaghan1195]

Miriam that was so true. ❤

[@somchaybaoloy7773]

Thanks for letting us in to your home.

[@gerryleones3867]

each video is artistically presented just like watching Hollywood Movie .

[@3904763]

永鸿的字不错啊，虽然握笔姿势有点怪

[@heqiutian3282]

好像就是這樣握的，主要看你些什麼字

[@christianziege7373]

@@heqiutian3282 不是这样握笔的！但是我觉得没差，或许这样的握笔会被说不对，但是这不应该是重点。要想写好字是要下功夫千笔万化练出来的，偷不得懒。字写出来了，就可以看见你下了多少功夫

[@heqiutian3282]

@@christianziege7373 也許吧，我不懂毛筆，只是印象中好像看過有人這樣握筆而已

[@cricetus9361]

用钢笔的姿势握毛笔，当然，能流畅写就行

[@whokilledmax]

对于艺术来说 形式是最次要的部分

[@採菊绚麗]

Mariam you are lovely, kind, wise and highly adaptable. A loving and responsible mother, wife , daughter, daughter-in-law. You will definitely enjoy life in China and benefit others beyond your family and your circle of friends with your educational and entertaining videos. Culturally, Chinese people revere learning and Mariam, you have a strong culture for learning！ 加油！妳很棒！ Chinese sage, Confucius, 孔子说得好, “三人行,必有我师 ！”

[@natureadventurist956]

Gosh! Your husband wrote so so well. Wish I have 1 pair of his calligraphy.

[@busapassion]

I think you are a lovely person with a loving heart. Keep up the great work. You are an inspiration to me.

[@rayachan1794]

Thanks for sharing this with me ❤️😇 u r amazing that u can find peace, n happiness wherever u at, I am sometimes afraid to travel to another country, I like India so much but yet feel hesitate to go, anyway Mariam have a bless, n prosperous New year 🙏❣️

[@sansoul8579]

Wowowowow ur hubby's calligraphy wow

[@deanmeixner]

I adore your videos ... such a huge step to take, a new country, a new culture, a new way of life ... I'd really love to see some great Chinese recipes from the region, simple easy to follow and tasty dishes that "us" westerners could make ... 🤗😀🥰😘

[@dehuaxie5679]

书法不错👍

[@Alex-ti1ww]

祝你们新年快乐，你丈夫的书法真棒👍🏻

[@jazeroo888]

You hear about home being “where you hang your hat,” or “home is wherever I’m with you...” it feels like it could be in between. We talked about movies before, when you get a chance, try watching Mississippi Masala. It’s a movie I thought about when you mentioned “home.”

[@MiriamFollin]

Oh, I will take your recommendation for sure (just found it online)! Would be nice to sit down and watch a movie, I haven't done that in ages! Thank you!

[@KY-jh3cx]

Glad to see your videos and your happy family life in China! Coincidently, I was in Sweden last year and now I am living beside Sweden. I want to share with you a piece of poem talking about home feeling by Sushi. Yonghong can translate for you. 常羡人间琢玉郎，天应乞与点酥娘。尽道清歌传皓齿，风起，雪飞炎海变清凉。 万里归来颜愈少，微笑，笑时犹带岭梅香。试问岭南应不好，却道：此心安处是吾乡。 Whish you Happy Lunar New Year!

[@appledai8697]

You are such a gentle and nice lady. I could not imagine how 23 dislike happened

[@ysbh228]

非常温馨，很有深度，值得細細品茗！！💖💖💖

[@vincentlee2107]

心安之处便是家.....nice video.... Miriam.

[@HoHoBa520]

永鴻的毛筆漢字非常漂亮 米粒的手工製作與創作 充滿濃濃藝術養生風韻

[@johnd9135]

OMG，your husband amazing，good handwriting by traditional way👍🏻

[@yiddena]

Love your channel, interesting content and the beautiful lush videography! Keep up the good work!

[@midwestmeiliguo]

Home is where your love is. Love makes a place become a home. 心里没有栖息的地方走到哪里都是流浪。- 三毛

[@NL-od3ur]

you guys are warming me , before the year‘s coming. 如意吉祥。

[@chaozhouhoa360]

Miriam, your husband has great calligraphy. Is she becoming a Eastern medicine doctor yet? Finally, your essay is so much Jane Austen’s in the 21st Century.

[@michaelyoungshaw4481]

Family means responsiblity,sharing and inclusiveness.

[@minkhang]

Just wondering who is your videographer? The shooting is tastefully done.

[@MiriamFollin]

Thank you so much, I'm so happy to hear that! I shoot and edit myself, but my husband helps to film me sometimes, you can see when, since I will be in the shot and the camera will be moving!