Long Time Expat In Japan
I just submitted some kana for a level up test. This is the first time that I get to choose what to write, how to write it, and how to arrange it on a page. It was like trying to play improvisational jazz after two piano lessons. I was paralyzed. I finally struggled through and … Continue reading Testing Up
If you want to be a beta-reader, please send me an email or leave me a comment and I’ll share the rest of the story. — On the kitchen table was a dull gray arthropod the size of a mature Pit Bull Terrier. “Ginny Murphy,” I said. “Get here right now and apply this strip … Continue reading Story Excerpt – Springtails
Book Review The Collapsing Empire By John Scalzi I don't often buy books in their pub date. I make only a few exceptions. Scalzi books are often in the exception category. I am, I think, genetically predisposed to liking Scalzi, much like I am genetically predisposed to high blood pressure, kidney disease, and diabetes. I … Continue reading Book Review – The Collapsing Empire
I haven't written about how Japan is weird for a while. My experience last week was one of the better ones. I'd just finished doing my taxes, an ordeal that no human should be subjected to in any country in any language. I'd expected to be done around mid-morning. But the line-- which curved and … Continue reading Japan is Awesome – Honesty
Kanji for Feb, a little better than usual. Still struggling, but at least it's balanced. Kana is still about right. No leveling here, but solid stuff, imho.
A little over 2 years back I started shodo with my daughter. On the surface, it was all about helping her get over a slump at school. She had gotten a bad test grade in kanji, and she needed a boost. Or maybe it was about making it fun, or maybe she could teach her … Continue reading Testing Shodo
It's been a long time since I've leveled up in shodo. I've been plodding along for months now. One or two times, I was at the bottom of the pile even. You see, they rank your submissions. The better you write, the further to the right they put your name. And when they think you're … Continue reading Long Time No See – Level Up!
Robert B. Parker and Elmore Leonard books used to decorate my family's night stands back in the day. They bring back memories of my Dad. They were his indulgence. The covers were unique, maybe a product of the times, like Mary Tyler Moore fonts they scream seventies. A couple of years back, I rediscovered an interest … Continue reading More Nostalgia – 52 Pickup
I usually post about a single book I read, why I liked it, why I didn't. This time, however, I read 3 Spenser novels in rapid succession. They are in order of publishing #s 4, 5, and 6. I could wax on about each, but what I can and want to say about them kind … Continue reading Robert B. Parker Week
Not seeing progress these days. It's been months since I ranked up. Below is my kanji formDecember. While the powers that be didn't delist me, I was at the lowest position among the 6th kyu rank. I actually kind of thought this one was okay. My kana was not at the bottom, but not near … Continue reading December Shodo
B.S. Donovan 