By Linda Elissalde
Happy New Year! That would be Happy Lunar New Year which started on January 28, 2017 and is The Year of The Chicken (Rooster). The Chicken is tenth in the 12 year cycle of Chinese zodiac signs. It follows The Year of The Monkey and precedes The Year of The Dog. Lucky numbers for this year are 5, 7, and 8. Lucky colors are gold, brown, yellow, and lucky flowers include gladiola, impatiens and cockscomb. Red and blue are also considered lucky colors.
People born in The Year of The Chicken are reported to be honest, bright, communicative and ambitious. Most of them are good looking and dress well. Independent, capable, warm-hearted, and quick minded are more definitions of these folk. They can, however, be impatient, critical, eccentric, narrow-minded and selfish.
I had the honor of being the first Lunar New Year customer to have a manicure and pedicure at I LOVE NAILS in 2016. Kevin Le, owner of the establishment, asked me to be his first customer again in 2017. I asked if I had brought him good luck in 2016. Kevin responded that I LOVE NAILS had a very good year.
Kevin Le escaped from Viet Nam on a boat. He immigrated to the United States in 1980 and became a citizen in 1991. Kevin, along with helpers Mai Le, Katie Nguyen and Tai Nguyen work very hard to sustain this successful business.
Kevin decorated his shop with traditional New Year flowers, fruits and signs. He served special foods and treats. A good luck banner welcomed customers. Mai and Katie were dressed in lucky red. I chose to wear yellow because, not only is it good luck, it is my favorite color.
Mr. Le stated that he loved the freedom of America. Like many immigrants who arrived on our shores, Kevin has, with dedication and hard work, achieved the “American Dream”. We wish him continued success in THE YEAR OF THE CHICKEN!
Customers welcome The Year of The Chicken!
Kevin Le helps Shirley Massey choose a color.
Katie and Kent Snyder enjoy pedicures by by Mai Le and Katie Nguyen.
Linda C. Elissalde enjoys a traditional sticky rice, red beans and chicken roll.
Debbie Ward stands beside a traditional arrangement of fruit and flowers.
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