Tao Talk was born a long time ago at deja news, then moved to yahoo. The individuals who posted there were people who were sick of the mayhem, trolls, etc. at the usenet group, alt.philosopy.taoism and wanted a quieter place to have conversations about taoism. As all things spring from the Mysterious Mother and all things return to her, any talk can be Tao Talk.
In the bamboo grove
we drink wine, talk tao, and laugh,
pointing at the moon.
During my time at usenet, then at Tao Talk, one of my mentors, George Henry, gave me the nickname Li (short for Lisa.) In my studies of taoism and Chinese philosophy and history, I came across jade, which drew me like a moth to the flame. I studied it, including its physical properties. It’s stone that can be used for weaponry or jewelry. It’s soft enough to shape but tough enough to hold its form. Over time I began to see human qualities held within jade and adopted them as an ideal of character that I strive to possess.
Formless stone waits
shaped between earth and sky
polished on life’s wheel.
Chèvrefeuille is the host of Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie’s Heeding Haiku with Chèvrefeuille.
I love to challenge you to create a haiku or haibun about your “penname” or the name of your weblog/website.
first image: 7 sages of the bamboo grove Wittig collection painting 16
second image: image link
Note: The first haiku takes liberally from Chinese poet, Li Po.
Tao Talk 
Very interesting history!
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Thank you, glad you found it interesting 🙂
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You’re welcome 😉
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So cool!
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Thanks Janet 🙂
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Nice… and a beautiful piece of Jade !!!!!!!
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Thanks Chris 🙂
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i love this Jade, I like to call you this and think I have all this while, hope it is ok?! Jade is an amazing precious stone. in Asia we believe the stone changes colour according to the aura of the wearer? that’s why some people won’t wear jade as it is a character giveaway to those who can discern. I love jade and think it is regal, powerful and strong, like your second haiku, timeless words! The Peranakan culture my mum comes from values jade and it is part of the wedding dowry, the groom to be had better select the most expensive to earn points!! i think Jade suits you beautifully.
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Gina, learning more about jade from your comment and it delights me. I had no idea about the color changes with aura! The Peranakan culture has good taste with the jade. I’m guessing they live in an area where jade can be found in the earth? I appreciate your comments and thank you very much for thinking it suits me. Yes ok to keep calling me Jade, I’m used to it now 🙂 ❤
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Peranakan culture was an amalgamation of two cultures here, jade came from the Chinese influence and i suppose it was found back in the old country but not here in Malaysia, so they were all the more valuable.
glad your writing reminded me of all the good things jade is and you too. be blessed!
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Intriguing.
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Thanks, Ken.
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Very informative giving me new insight into who you are.
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Thanks Jim, I don’t like to shout this kind of stuff out on the mountain tops very often.
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Good history
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Thank you, Max.
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Nice origin story!
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Thanks Irene
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