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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
