Category Archives: This & That

I find no love for the kotatsu

I admit that I do not understand and cannot share the Japanese love-affair with the kotatsu. Continue reading

Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture, This & That | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

High Summer Still

Today a brisk wind all day until mid-afternoon. Steady at 30 kilometers per hour with gusts to 40. Very fresh air before what they say will be another heat wave. I’m glad. Bring it on.

Posted in Around Abbotsford, This & That | Leave a comment

It Has Been a While

How much can happen in almost two months between posts? Lots. A post-leak & restoration project in my condo segued into eye surgery for cataracts and a complete reversal of life as I have  known it since Grade 2. Myopic … Continue reading

Posted in This & That | Leave a comment

Lone Wolf Review in The Globe & Mail

Monday, March 18, The Globe and Mail ran my review of Jodi Picoult’s latest novel Lone Wolf. In spite of my reservations about the book, like others before it Lone Wolf is selling well. I suspect it strikes a chord with … Continue reading

Posted in Reviews, This & That | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Finding My Destination on Tokyo Transit

At first—and even after some experience—deciphering Tokyo’s transit map can be much like navigating a Jackson Pollock painting. Continue reading

Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture, This & That | Tagged , | Leave a comment

The Wild Weathers Book Launch

Sunday, March 11, 2012 The Wild Weathers a gathering of love poems book launch happens at Renaissance Books (43-6th Street, New Westminster, BC) between 1-3 PM. I will be reading “Final Round,” my contribution to the anthology.

Posted in Essays, Fiction, Poetry, This & That | Leave a comment

Abbotsford Rice Field: Year 2

Now as the growing season approaches,Shiroki’s optimistic that his dream to produce 100% Canadian jizake can come true on this field. Continue reading

Posted in Around Abbotsford, Food, Wine & Restaurants, This & That | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Staring at Marie-Gabrielle

After nearly a week in a culture where people avoid making eye contact, a woman holds my gaze in challenge. How refreshing to stare at each other without being thought rude.

Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture, This & That | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Remembering September 11, 2001

In Pacific Standard Time the radio alarm awakened me: We repeat. A second plane has hit the second tower of The World Trade Center. Even in my groggy state I understood immediately what had happened. Not the specifics, of course, … Continue reading

Posted in Essays, Fiction, Poetry, This & That | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

No Post Labour Day Hangover

One upon a time turning the calendar from July to August made me wince. September meant the pending loss of a loved one: summer past.

Posted in This & That | Tagged , | Leave a comment