Back in my college days--a lifetime ago--I spent most of my waking hours in the school's main library. Between classes and my work-study jobs at the cafeteria and at the library itself, there just wasn't enough time to dash back to my bare-bones studio atop an uptown bar. And so I would stake out a … [Read more...]
To most Americans, obtaining a driver's license for the first time is an important rite of passage, one that ranks up there with such events as your first Prom, first kiss, first beer, your high school graduation etc. (though not necessarily in that particular order). In a mobile society like … [Read more...]
Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, was where I spent my first four years in America, from 1974 to 1978. Memories of those early years and college days are still vivid in my mind, and I'd like to share a little anecdote with you. But first, let me set the stage. The picture above is of the Class … [Read more...]
Last year, as we were emerging from the lockdown, I was inspired to attempt a top-down cleaning of my home. Not just the junk that had accumulated over the dark days of pandemic, but also all the baggage I'd been dragging around with me all these years, as I moved from place to place (Ohio, … [Read more...]
The Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh once mused, "I dabbled in verse and it became my life." Some people probably wish they were the ones uttering such beautiful sentiment, and the chosen few among us may even come close to living it. For my part, I realized long ago that the only word that … [Read more...]
It's that time of year again when we welcome Tết, the traditional Vietnamese New Year based on the lunar calendar. In 2022, it happens to fall on February 1st. Here's hoping this is the year we finally will be riding out the Covid-19 scourge. And so I wish all of you and your families a … [Read more...]
Another year's end is approaching at neck-breaking pace. Instead of sunscreen we put on before heading out the door, it's sweater weather all over again, even in Southern California. Fortunately, some great news have just come along to warm my days, and I'm thrilled to share them with you … [Read more...]
Taking a walk the other day, I noticed that the Jacaranda trees in our neighborhood were in full bloom. Profuse panicles of violet-blue flowers that brightened the heart and the sidewalks and further enhanced the cloudless blue overhead. This colorful spectacle screamed summer to me, even … [Read more...]
Writing is a lonely and demanding craft, as made abundantly clear in countless sayings attributed to writers of all stripes, from famous authors who have attained great success to aspiring unknowns toiling in anonymity. Here's a tiny sample of such gems that have struck a chord with me as I'm … [Read more...]
This Friday (Feb 12) is the First Day of Tết, the traditional Vietnamese New Year's based on the lunar calendar. According to the ancient Chinese/Vietnamese zodiac, this is the Year of the Ox (or Bull/Buffalo), coming in succession to the Year of the Rat. A rat, in popular tradition, symbolizes … [Read more...]