Blogophilia 49.15: Psychic

Blog topic parameters RIGHT HERE

Blogophilia Facebook group HERE

Are you a fortune teller or psychic? (NOT psycho, but you can write about that too LOL.)

Hard Bonus: Use a lyric from The Guess Who

Easy Bonus: Incorporate the word nefarious

We just want to take this opportunity to thank ALL of our Blogophilian friends for joining in the challenges each week! WE APPRECIATE ALL OF YOU SO MUCH! And to former Blogo writers, we sincerely invite ALL of you to return to Blogophilia and write with us again – we miss reading your amazing writes. Remember that it’s never too late to start writing again!!

Your destiny is waiting for you!

I don’t know what to make of Psychics. A lot of them who utilize the 900 phone lines seem to be a bit psycho, and usually incorrect. I do think there are people blessed with special powers though. Growing up, I always seemed to know if someone died. I remember when my great grandmother (maternal/maternal) did. I’d only met her 2 or 3 times, and only vaguely remember the last time (I think I was about 6?) But we were back in Japan, and I think I was 7, maybe almost 8, and I’d announced she passed. My mother was angry with me as to why I’d say something like that, and I said she’d gone at whatever time it was, and lo & behold, about a week or so later, my mother gets a letter from my grandmother that her mom passed on the date & approximate time that I’d announced it… She couldn’t understand how I knew. When my great grandfather (maternal/paternal) passed, I knew then, too, and instead of announcing it, I ended up just asking if he was ok, insisted that someone call my great grandmother, and found out he’d passed. Again, people wondered how I knew something was urgent. A classmate of mine had bone cancer in high school. While hopeful, we knew it was bleak. Once during a clarinet choir rehearsal to go to a state competition, I dropped my mouthpiece & it broke (10:23 AM). I had this sinking feeling, all the way down to the bottom of my gut, I just knew, and I gasped his name out loud. A little bit later, an announcement came over the loud speaker stating that he’d passed away at 10:23. It’s spooky when you’re young… I wish I weren’t so afraid of it. I don’t seem to get these vibes much anymore.

The Guess Who: The Future Is What It Used To Be Album 2018 Haunted

I’m haunted
Haunted by your voice from the other side
From the other side
I’m haunted
I can feel the light burning inside of me
Inside of me

I’m not a nefarious person, though I literally have 0 tolerance for BS & stupidity… I used to be so much more patient, and I just don’t have it anymore, though with children, special needs, elderly, etc. I can be very patient. As a college student, a casual friend took me to see this elderly guy, who was a psychic. There was another gal too, and we came in, he acknowledges my friend, the other gal, and he sees me, is happily surprised, and blurts out that I have some gifts. He’d offered to help me hone my skills but I never got to talk to him. On the way to checking into the nearest theme park, we decided to stay overnight in a hotel, but being unfamiliar with the area, I’d said there would be one straight up the road on the left – maybe a few miles, making it close to the theme park. I wasn’t sure if that was just good instinct or what, but there it was, the only motel in that area.

I guess maybe sometimes it’s difficult to know if it’s really a psychic experience or a strong 6th sense. Just know that I do not see dead people, though I think I’ve seen apparitions. Maybe I’m psycho, I don’t know…

Run 4 Beer 5k

The Racine Brewing Run for Beer event was today.  For me, it was a huge accomplishment to finish this.  Had you asked me 5 years ago to take part in a 5k anything, I'd have told you No. Effing. Way. In. Hell.  Even 3 years ago, I'd have needed my walking/hiking sticks to make it.

But since 5 years ago, I'd lost a lot of weight, and being on a quest to be more active, I decided to try.  I figure hey, if I can start reading a book called Meeting the Parents that is still in progress of being written (which is actually kind of neat, since it's like I get to watch the wheels turn in the author's head), I figure I can do my own Explorations & Discoveries (Ch44) on my own skills...  It was fun to make my own "bib", instead of numbers, we came up with a name for a beer, if we were to have made our own craft beer.

In the chapter, there are "new" old places to explore...  Intel to discover.  Testing skills of an Ensign stepping foot into field service.  Sometimes, having fun while getting dirty is the best medicine, and it's good to know that my grandma's advice about always being an explorer and trying new things still holds true in the future!  Some of the reminiscings give clues about who the hero and his buddies are as people.  You'll have to come read for the juicy details...  There is a lot of tactical detail happening.  Soldwolf has a knack for making these procedures exciting.

As for me, well, I probably SHOULD have used my walking sticks...  But, they DO donate proceeds to 2 charities each year when they host these 5k walk/run series around the state.

I did get a craft beer after the race, as well as a pretzel, a T-shirt, and some swag...  After losing 2# since this morning, due to sweating out whatever toxins, and hoping the hops from the beer will help kick out any other toxins, I took a nap and now I'm ready for Italian Fest with my son.

Summer Things To Do

It's summer, and of course, I'd love to go to an outdoor swimming pool or the beach.  I always love my water sources...  But then again, The Ren Faire is also going on, and then there are the books/stories that call my name...  And, I heard that GenCon is attracting Star Trek characters this year, and I'd love to go to that too.  It would be neat if I could find someone to go...

Speaking of these types of conventions, I think it would be cool if Soldwolf’s story could end up being published into an actual, real book... The name of the story is Meeting the Parents (Ch 1) is a military sci-fi work in progress. With enough interest and hits on the chapters, especially after it’s all wrapped up, it could get picked up by a publisher who will get a professional editor to look at it and put it forth into something you can hold in your hand and read... This has the potential to be featured at a Comic or Science Fiction Convention, with characters dressed up... I wonder if he’d let me be one of those? Maybe Miyo, the Japanese lady with the bionic arm who loves to gift people, except I don’t think I look Asian enough, nor am I a bionic woman... Or maybe Quen’tra the cute bunny-eared love interest of the hero, who is gentle, sensitive, and in her own way, bad-ass.

I assure you that you don't want to miss The Morning Edition (Ch2) because who knows what kind of Morning Revelations (Ch 7) you will get... Maybe it's to build that BBQ Pit (Ch 13) or to find out what is going on at the SSQH (Ch 14)? Just don't forget to keep your family and friends in the loop when it comes to Plans & Tours (Ch 37). Please take a look, you'll find this to be interesting.

Independence & Foundation Day

Wishing all of my American friends a happy 4th of July, especially to those who are in the service, served, and veteran status!  Love you all!  I really do appreciate your service.

In this country, we like to celebrate our freedoms.  Whether it's to celebrate all of them or our favorite ones or right to party, as citizens of the U.S.A., we enjoy these things, and so we get festive in various ways.  Go for it.  Let's just not forget that our veterans went through a lot to defend these freedoms, including the right to party & be festive.  An author friend of mine, Soldwolf, is a Navy veteran who put in 22 years.

I don't always stand through the parade, but when floats like the Racine Navy Club or other Veteran groups come by, I abide by what I think is the proper action to stand as they go past.  I was thanked by the guy in front and felt connected.  It made me wonder if someday, Soldwolf will be a part of this club, and will he have the group read his story, Meeting the Parents?  Maybe - lol

Anyway, I am a natural American citizen but was born in Japan.  There, they celebrate Foundation Day, which happens to land on my very own birthday.  Because the country was never ruled by another entity, the celebrations and festivities are different.  It's more about being solid as a country and longevity.  Of course, there are parades, fireworks, and lots of food, just like here.  Just please, don't drink too much of that sake...

I decided to go take part in today's activities because this has taken on new meaning for myself.  I've never had a close relationship with either of my parents, as my father was estranged, and my mother is strained, to say the least.  I am in the process of packing up boxes to move into a house that will be all mine, and it's ironic that it was the inheritance from my estranged father that is helping to pay for the house I will be moving into...  What this means is, I will not be renting from the person with whom I have a stressed relationship with any longer.  The strains have taken an extensive toll, to which I will not divulge in a blog, but this move brings me several steps away to celebrate my own independence from those who can be considered toxic to me in more ways than this.

It is also helping to build my own foundation as well, literally AND figuratively.  While it will feel new, to cut out certain aspects of what drains me, it's still a lot of work.  After going to the parade, I went home, packed more boxes, and was glad to break again to go to a Low Country Boil for dinner, hosted by a dear friend who is kind of like a sister in certain ways.  It's kind of nice to be able to adopt & expand family, especially after having to shrink negative people out.

So, what is a Low Country Boil?  It is where various things get well seasoned boiled together in a humungous pot, and when done, dumped on a serving table.  I couldn't help but eat the corn on the cob.  While different people may use different things, this has 2 different types of mussels, shrimp, crab, sausage, potatoes, onions, and corn.  I've heard of these, but this was my 1st experience partaking, and I enjoyed it!  I even got to take leftovers home!

What is independence/foundation day w/o a good light & sound show?  But before we cut out, the next chapter of Soldwolf's story is Matters of House & Family (Ch 42) Huge decisions are being made, and while yes, it is directly regarding staff for the actual family, it's also tied into the fact that these are also military families with a lot of clout within the regime.  Ah, wouldn't it be nice if we could actually have our own staff?  But then again...  *sigh*  maybe I should be glad that isn't my problem.  Then to have to keep briefing everyone...  Stealth can be deadly, but it can also get a ton of intel.  Sh. Be very, very quiet...  Even though these are in a different direction, I relate personally, since I've had to make these types of decisions for matters concerning my house & family as well.

Please check his stuff out.  It's good reading.  Peace out.

Concert Settings:

Back in April, my 19-year-old son treated me to the Billy Joel concert up at Miller Park Stadium.  Yes, I corrupted him...  He loves classic rock.  Other concerts he has gone to include ZZ Top and The Who.  Definitely a boy after his mother's heart.  I am fortunate.

I wonder if it is because growing up myself, I'd always been a music head, and love classical music, jazz, etc.  I even play clarinet and tenor saxophone, sang in the jazz choir, and can't imagine my life w/o music.  My son also is a musician.  As a preschooler, he'd sneak my harmonica and play along to his favorite cartoon shows at the beginning.  He now plays trumpet and is learning how to play acoustic guitar.  Yes, I'm bragging just a little bit...

To make things more interesting, I'd been involved at a young age helping out with various campaigns to get people elected since I was about 9, and got him started around the same age, maybe slightly older.  We also love Science Fiction.  We try to see every sci-fi flick that comes out on the big screen together, even if it's on $5/Tuesdays or at the Value Cinema.  It's pretty fun.  Everything from Star Trek to X-Men to whatever else that comes out...  Plus we love action, thrillers, and so much more.  I hope we can continue to do things together as he goes on, though I realize it will be a lot less often.

So, when I found out that my friend, Soldwolf is writing a military sci-fi story filled with action, humor and even a little romance story called Meeting the Parents, I was interested.  Because I like the story so much, I decided that I just have to share it, because it's too good not to share.  It's a neat storyline featuring a hero from post-unification Earth, where he is serving in the UN military, and his love is from a prominent family on a planet called Tamal, a humanoid race that evolved from herbivores.  This Tamalnii heroine is such an endearing character, you'll be cheering on for her and her people as well as for her and her studly to make it through to the end.

Chapter 41:  Post Takedowns - With so much going on, people need to chill out to make out sensible reports...  Oh, the info collected is huge.  I'm just wondering what kind of smackdown is awaiting in the future...

Happy reading!  I hope you enjoy it as much as I am.

People, Talents & Hey!

I met Soldwolf, the author of Meeting the Parents, a little over a year ago at one of the places I volunteer with.  He'd been regular there for a while, and very established in his role there, and has been very active with the day to day activities that happen.  The place is lucky to have him there, especially in the morning, and even the paid staff relies on him a lot.  With all that he gives of himself to the center to serve the neediest people in the community, he still takes a lot of guff from fellow staff & especially the clients.

Because the clientele is highly needy to an extent, coming in for a variety of reasons, there are those who are thankful to be there to help make their ends meet, then there are those who want to get anything and everything they can get their hands on.  My friend has no issues firmly telling people "no", and often, because he is firm with his principle, some people misinterpret him as being mean, rude, etc...  





It is interesting, because as much flack as he takes, these people get forgiven, and he faithfully comes in ridiculously early to dedicate a part of his day to ensure that things are going smoothly.  Many people seem to overlook that.  Yet I think there are those who go in that makes it worthwhile for him to go in, such as the very talented resident artist who does an excellent job drawing & painting people/scenes there.  There are also a couple of musicians (a pianist and an aspiring fiddler), and I think I remember someone bringing in a knitting or crocheting project along that line.  Being that I'm pretty crafty myself, I understand why Soldwolf appreciates these people who help brighten the day, when others can be stressful.

In getting to know him, I find that he's smart, funny, and very accommodating.  When he puts his foot down, there is always a logical reason for it.  And, if people were to actually give him 10% of the slack he gives everybody else, they'd realize he's a good guy to know...  And, I really enjoy his military sci-fi story, which is still a work in progress (I've posted chapters in previous blogs), and because I think reading is a good thing, I'm sharing since you know, sharing the love is the right thing to do.

Chapter 39 - Fireworks

Now, who doesn't love a good fireworks show?  But who am I kidding?  Us Asian people love our light & sound shows.  It would be neat to learn how to become a pyrotechnic, and the hero's Japanese friend won't miss it, either.  I like how the author captured authentic cultural characteristics in the story.  It is also cute how certain things can sound really strange to someone from another planet when they don't have a basis for reference.  You're going to have to read about which sweet treat it is...

But of course, even during a celebratory fireworks show, not everything is fun and games.  The hero is in charge of some military operations, and of course, there are always things that need to be done, especially with personnel.  Other things are going on in the background.  Do heads roll?  Is there a death toll? You'll have to find out what kind of damage control is being done yourself.

Chapter 40 - Takedowns

Oh, and what a takedown...  I'd really hate to be in the position of this guy...  When a retired military officer comes out of retirement to see you, you know it isn't good!  And the intel that is being dug up, wow...  It's HUGE!

And with the Hero & his lovely (among those there to support them), being that they have pull within the military, still have to balance the work/life cycle delicately...  The tension & excitement grows, as to what will happen next.

The author's highlighted name at the top will bring you to his writing profile, and for those who want to read from the beginning, the title of the story will take you to chapter 1.  With more people stopping in to read, the better chance he gets of having publishers taking his story, once he's done, and actually printing it into a book.  With how he gives his time, also being a veteran, this would be a great way to be able to give back to him.

Father's Day Facts

In the USA, we take for granted that every year, we celebrate Mother's Day in May and Father's Day in June.  Not every country does this.  Certain countries expect that every day, you honor your parents in some form or another, especially when you still live at home.  In Japan, they celebrate Girls' Day on 3/3, Boys' Day on 5/5 - though it's starting to shift to having 1 Children's Day per year.

Here are the countries, other than the United States, which celebrate Father's Day on the 3rd Sunday of June every year:  Argentina, France, Netherlands, Chile, Canada, United Kingdom, India, and Japan.  Other countries do celebrate but on different days.

It is interesting though, how different cultures celebrate.  Breakfasts and brunches are somewhat popular around the world.  Going fishing or on other outings that the dads enjoy are also popular.  One that is underrated yet great, especially for dads who have everything, is to donate to a good cause in his honor would also be something cool.

Speaking of giving to dads, an author friend is a giving dad.  While I don't know how he pulls it off on occasion, but, evidently, his military background helps him keep a good regimen going.  He gets to the Hospitality Center before 0600 all 4 days in the morning and helps set up for breakfast to feed the people who come in, make the coffee for everyone, and all of the things that need to get set up to run smoothly.  Once that is in place, it's taking in and organizing all of the various donations which include food from multiple sources, among other donations for clothing and more come in, on top of getting called to make more coffee, get supplies for the main meal into the kitchen, and everything else...  These people are lucky to have him there helping.  

Would you be a dear, and give this Navy dad of 3 grown daughters a read?  It would cool to be able to make Plans & Tours (Chapter 37) and treat our families, like in Soldwolf’s story, Meeting the Parents. Children can be handfuls. You either know how to handle 'em, or you don't, and they still crack me up to pieces. It's also interesting learning a little bit about Military etiquette. And, just like any place else, you have young ones who wander off, and adults who can't keep track of themselves, much less anyone else... Let's just hope the mischief is kept to a bare minimum!

4th of July is coming up in just a few weeks, where it’s like a Festival (Chapter 38) all by its self. Who doesn't love festivals? And a designated driver? But no, it isn't because of what you might think... It just would be nice once in a while. Of course, with every festive gathering, there are always gifts. Now I'll have to find what happened to MINE (you'll have to read the chapter to figure out what of mine I'm talking about) to show off & take pictures of... And it's so fun to introduce people to customs familiar to me but new to them, so I almost wish that I could be this type of gift bearer! The Lady is also Japanese, so I am relating with her as she gives her omiyage to people (okay, so I'm only half, and was a child in coming here, but...)

Just remember, every read he gets, gets him one step closer to being able to be found by publishers to turn this work in progress into a book. And what would YOU give to a Navy dad if you knew one, anyway? I don't know...

Advocacy & More

As the founder of Youth Voice Initiative, I get called upon often to do advocacy work, whether it's for a single parent who needs a letter written to the courts, or to speak up for a special needs child, or to help see what kinds of programs are available for various things whether it's a support group or just information in general.  It is truly rewarding to know that I can help make a difference for some people, including the lives of children.

Because of the experiences I've had, I'm also a volunteer advocate for Sexual Assault Services, and take the crisis phone to offer peer support as well as to make hospital visits for recent survivors.  It's not always easy work, but very worthwhile, because sometimes as the advocate, I might be the only one they see as being on their side.  One thing I enjoy doing, when there are small children present, whether the survivor is a child or the adult survivor brings their children in, is that I like to read age-appropriate books with them.  Reading often reduces stress and allows people to feel more normal.

In my own free time, I enjoy reading as well, and my favorite genre is Science Fiction, just because it's filled with action, technology, culture, and more.  It fascinates me.  The current story I'm reading is still a work in progress by a friend of mine, Soldwolf, called Meeting the Parents, which is a military sci-fi set in the future, where Earth is unified and has allies culturally and militarily with other humanoid type species intergalactically.  Please check previous blogs for more information, if you'd like.

Parties, Friends & Guests (Ch 33) We all like to eat. Sometimes it's nice to not have to cook, and it's even better when you have your special place with that special someone. The earth hero, Scott, even found a favorite spot on his lovely's planet that he even wants to show off to his family! But the question is, though, are the potential in-laws going to get along with each other? Or will it be a disaster? The dynamics can get interesting, so just read & find out for yourself. I just have to wonder though, where are MY Kyoto hair sticks?

Gathering Friends (Ch 34) It's fun to meet new people, especially when they're going to be important connections. While exciting and comforting, it can get overwhelming. I'm feeling the hero, who is anxious about remembering names, but fortunately, his lovely & her family are there for support. Even with his military friends, it's all about balancing work & life. I'm just wondering though, will they get to introduce Cajun cooking to these nice Tamalnii people? If this chapter doesn't tug at your heartstrings, I don't know what will.

Friends Reunited (Ch35) It's refreshing to find that even big tough guys can have a gentle soul, and how often, they could use a personal hero, too. heartwarming stuff, and when reuniting with friends, who are also formally connected, what better than hosting an official dance? And then of course, what is a dance w/o doing more party planning? So much fun stuff going for sure!

A Circle of Friends (Ch36) Everyone needs a good one of these, and I tell you, the hero and his lovely are lucky to have who they have. I'm really digging the new characters introduced, and how they get back to business on both work and personal fronts! Oh, and some huge things are brewing, so you don't want to miss out on the action!

Now, please be a dear, and click the highlighted areas, they're hyperlinks to where you need to go to read.

I can't want to like that!

Our children are funny.  They all make me laugh.  I can't count the number of times I laughed until I hurt because my son would say the damndest things, and at 19, he's STILL cracking me up.  Plus, being a boy after his mother's heart, he loves Science Fiction and the weird stuff too, so I'm going to try to get him into my friend Soldwolf's military sci-fi story, Meeting the Parents - which so far capitalizes on so many of my interests. I’m hoping to share his stuff, just because the characters are endearing, and while the hero & his betrothed are strong people who can not only steal the scenes but the show and thunder too. Plus, the more hits that are received, the better he can catch the attention of publishers who may end up helping him to get a book deal that could end up on the shelf... I’m linking my previous blogs as a reference for previous chapters published...

Anyway, I remember the time when my son was the ripe age of 2. Yes, 2. he was probably one of the easiest 2-year-olds, since he rarely threw a tantrum. I could count on less than one hand how many he had in a week, and if he had a particularly large one, I knew it would be a while before another occurred. But I digress... Poor lil guy. We did some deep house cleaning one day, and here it was 8 pm and we hadn't started cooking dinner yet, and he was patiently annoyed by the fact that he was hungry and tired. We took out a glass jar of store-bought spaghetti sauce and figured we'd doctor it up. Italian food is ultimately his favorite food to this day. So we get it on a plate, and he practically jumps into his high chair, eagerly grabs his fork & starts twirling the pasta like a champ. It goes into his mouth, and oh, the look on his face! As he's chewing, he throws his fork onto his plate. While swallowing he pushes the plate away and as soon as he catches his breath, insists, "I CAN'T WANT TO LIKE THAT" Ooh, boy!!! It was one of the better brands you can buy, yet, here is this ripe old 2 years who knows it's not the good homemade stuff and refused to have any of it! A food connoisseur at this age? Whoda thunk? Well, he's always hated Spaghetios, too. Go figure. Now, he works at a 5* restaurant.

I think my young chef would like Soldwolf's story, and in chapters 1-4 (listed in my blog I Have A Story About That) shows how a futuristic Earth would have a single conglomerate military that works in alliance with each other as opposed to individual countries being separate, which not only unites humanity but also has alliances with other humanoid species.

Going back a couple of years before my son was even born, I remember picking up my Godchild from kindergarten on a nice fall afternoon, and on the way home, he's pointing out the various trees randomly & casually stating, "Oh, look. That tree is naughty. Oh, and that one, too. Ah! That one is really naughty!"... Just to have the record straight, I asked, "Why are the trees naughty"? and braced myself... "Because the trees are BUTT-NAKED"! I about tripped over my own feet.

My Godson always loved reading active books, and I'ms sure he'd enjoy this, too, especially the hero, who is strongly focused, yet protective over his Talmanii sidekick, who keeps him balanced. In chapters 5-8, posted within Reading, Writing & Tutoring, you'll see the character development of these two.

Then there was the time when my nephew was in preschool... My sister in law and niece lived upstairs, and he'd slept over... I woke up in the morning with my niece knocking on the door to say that her cousin crapped in the driveway... Oooh-wee! And there he is, with this bewildered look, and could have played Calvin from the comic strip, Calvin & Hobbs. My sister in law was called to clean up. It still makes me giggle thinking about this.

Mind you, now, he's kind of like the barbecue master on that side of the family, and he also does yard work & flies homing pigeons as a hobby. He'd love chapters 9-12 from Interesting Tidbits just because it would be interesting for him to learn about the space adventures that happen out there.

Fast forward a few months, into mid/late fall, when my sister in law made lasagna that didn't hold together... My Godson 1st stated it looked like throw-up then decided to call it lasagna soup. At my niece's birthday, she was going to make lasagna again, and the nephew, who'd heard about the lasagna soup exclaims, "I don't want to eat lasagna that looks like throw-up"! I locked myself into the bathroom... fortunately it all came out fine.

I think my niece would like the character development so far because of the main couple as this interspecies being so endearing, as you'll see more in chapters 13-16 in my Rants blog, to cheer this cute Talmanii gal with the cute ears and her studly Earthling hero. Her mother, my sister in law, would fall in love with the romance of the couple, and how her family supports the relationship. Chapters 17-20 is captured in Summer fun & Adventures.

Please read and if you could, keep reading. It is a work in progress, and you'd be helping a veteran break into the business. With enough hits, he can catch the attention of the publishers and possibly get his story published into a book.

I just love these characters in the story, though. The main gal is kind of a contradiction and in some ways. She is strong, capable and independent, yet is close to her family as you read in Goodbye's & Travels (Ch 21). She is also adventurous & curious while cautious in a smart way as you'll see in (Ch 22) Journeys & Preparations. Because she knows how to balance work, family & relationships, she appreciates her studly for his strength and enjoys that he accepts her family the way they do him in Preparations (Ch 23). And who knows what to look for, when there are Deliveries to be made, and are the dynamic duo sending or receiving these in chapter 24?

Summer fun, adventures & ...

It is the middle of May, and the weather acts like it's the beginning of April.  Strange things for sure, but, I am fortunate that it's raining when it's not sunny out.  Living in Wisconsin, it seems as if we can get all 4 seasons in a ridiculously short amount of time.  I'm just waiting for my favorite season, which never lasts long enough, which is summer.  I know some people don't like the temps higher than about 75, but, here is how I figure...  The East Coast gets earthquakes.  The Southwest is desert-like.  The Southeast gets hurricanes.  New England gets terrible blizzards.  The Pacific Northwest and further north can get terribly cold on top of getting 10' of snow at a time, and so I figure being here in S.E. Wisconsin isn't so bad.

Some of the things I like to do in the summer is to go swimming at the beach.  It's not always nice enough, so I do have a pass to the YMCA, so if by chance I'm actually able to get a vacation (which is unlikely) I can use the Y anywhere in the USA.  So for now, my vacations will have to consist of going to places like Lake Michigan, Quarry Lake Park, Root River, etc...  Barbecues are also nice, but, of course, a date night out at a park going all out picnic style would be awesome!

On rainy days, I love to read. Whether it's an actual book, eBook download, online, where ever...  My favorite genres are Sci-Fi, action, thrillers, mysteries, and on occasion, biographies (if I'm interested in the person).  One of my favorite authors is Lee Child, who does military thrillers, so, when I found out that a friend is writing military sci-fi, I was intrigued and had to start reading...  I've mentioned in my previous blogs about Soldwolf, with his story, Meeting the Parents which has its share of romance between an intergalactic couple where the hero is an earthling who is an NCO/UNSC, and his betrothed is a humanoid from the planet of Talminii and she seriously would make an excellent Wisconsinite because she is a cheesehead just like us, even though she looks like she should want to eat salads with those ears of hers...

Please have a read, and just remember, with more reads on these chapters, Soldwolf has a higher chance of getting noticed by publishers and then hopefully published into a real book to get put on bookstore shelves.  Not only would it be cool for me to be able to brag that one of MY friend's stuff is at the stores, but, just think how much more exciting for him to have his stuff out like that?  Don't be a lurker, go ahead and read. If you have any questions for me, please ask. 

Chapter 17 First Night Out is the couple's commitment party, hosted by the bride-to-be's sponsors help show off the couple to their friends, family, and the general public.  Of course, this tall & muscular human doesn't get the reception you'd think he'd get...

Chapter 18 Dessert - well, duh, if you're going to have a party to celebrate, you have to get some good after dinner treats, right?  Of course!  But will it be cheesecake?  Chocolate souffle?  Or my personal favorite, a fresh fruit compote?  Well, read and find out!

Chapter 19 Concert, those lucky people!  I could go for getting treated to some cool music and more!  They might be VIP's, or they might try to sneak in with the regular crowd, and the adventures continue through this chapter, and it's cute how the special couple have a special name for the evening.

Chapter 20 A Mother's Gift is special.  Although my personal situation is from a different angle, it was special to read about how a special item was left for when the hero would find his forever mate, and while I'm no romantic, mind you, it melted me a little as to what & how it had to get delivered.

Happy reading people, and support starving artists of all sorts, which includes painters, musicians, actors, and writers!

Cultural Rant of an Advocate...

Here in North America, today is Mother's Day.  I kind of like the idea of celebrating parenthood.  It's weird, though, because I spent the 1st 8 years of my life in Japan, and don't remember having specific days where we honored our parents of either or both genders.  In Japan, they celebrate Girls' Day on March 3 of every year, and I remember the doll set that would be carefully taken out, in honor of the ancient old customs of the Japanese royalty coming out and placed just right in a prominent spot in the house, to show off to everyone who comes in, to brag that you are proud parents of daughters.  I guess because all children are expected to respect and obey their elders, to the point that even teachers are revered as secondary parents to all in school.  I do vaguely remember celebrating Grandparent's day, but, because I had no living grandparents there, I never got to celebrate.  But my sister & I always looked forward to putting this up, just because it was fun, and it was carried over into our teens even after coming here.

Even though people like to think that Eastern and Western cultures are very different, there ARE similarities.  While specific foods might be different, what carries over is the love of barbecued foods, except those of us who live(d) in Tokyo could never have anything awesome such as a Barbecue Pit (Ch 13)!  Reading is also something that is common, and of course, the most popular types of things were documentaries, biographies, crime fiction, and of course, who can forget Sci-Fi?  I bring this up, because my friend, Soldwolf, the Navy veteran who is writing a story called Meeting the Parents, which is a military Sci-Fi novel with a few other genres put in, and has aspects of work ethic, family values, romance, and humor...  He also spent at least a little bit of time in Japan, and actually trusts my cooking skills in making ethnic, homestyle Japanese food and enjoys it.  I just hope it doesn't get back to the Naval SSQH (Ch 14) because the only thing I might be able to keep up with the sailors is my swearing capacity, possibly... But, I do enjoy feeding people, especially family and friends.



Even though my mother is totally a born & raised American, from right here in Racine, WI (she never left the area until she married my father), and my original language was English, (I actually had to go out to the playground as a tot to learn Japanese from the other children), I basically was raised mostly Japanese while there, so when my mother came here with my sister and I, there was a time where I had to go through Familiarization (Ch 17) to get acclimated to life in these United States.  It wasn't always peaches and cream, that's for sure, and some fresh strawberries have always been my favorite.  Of course, when I had my own family, I have a son, but we've always been here, so I was never able to celebrate Boys' Day, which happens ever May 5th, by being able to fly windsocks like this off my front porch to brag that I am a boy mom!  I'm not sure, but I think I would have 2, a bigger black one to represent my 1st son who I lost in childbirth, and then a red or orange one that is slightly smaller to celebrate my now 19-year-old.



Of course, we shouldn't always be afraid of Cultural Differences (Ch 16) because I think it's fun celebrating many of those unique things.  Think about how fun it is to go to events such as Italian Fest or Greek Fest.  I think we should bring back Afro Fest, and then add Asian Fest or something!  



Anyway, please click the highlighted chapter titles incorporated into my blog.  The more reads he gets, the better chance Soldwolf actually gets to being sold as an author.  Thank you!

Interesting tidbits of Racine, WI

Most people know me as an advocate.  Even if you don't, it's probably one of the 1st things that come to mind, just because I don't ever seem to step out of that role, even during a regular dinner.  That is primary before even my interest in politics.  What people may or may not know, is that I love history just as well.  I love learning about it.

I came to Racine in 1977 as an 8-year-old from Tokyo.  I've always loved being near large bodies of water and learned that Captain Gilbert Knapp is the founder of "Port Gilbert" (where the mouth of the Root River meets Lake Michigan), and has an elementary school named after him, which is the 1st American school I attended.  Neat.  Captain G. Knapp first was a shipmate at the ripe young age of 14 and eventually served in the Civil War.  Here is a picture, potentially a part of his uniform that is displayed in the VFW.  Pretty neat, isn't it?

Captain Knapp did all sorts of neat things, like start a business, served in public office, but my favorite part is that he was a military guy.  Seriously, who doesn't love our brave men in uniform?  Just to let you know, the author and my friend Soldwolf has also served in the Navy for a LONG time, and please, do NOT call him Sir, because he works for a living!  If you wouldn't be so kind, though, please keep reading the chapters of his story, Meeting the Parents, which is a military Sci-Fi with an inter-species relationship along with the humor that goes with life in combat, cultural differences, and everything else that comes with life.  Links to previous chapters have been posted in previous blogs.  You can access them when you go to read the chapters since there is a list to the side you can click on to see where you're at and go from there.  Chapters are listed from newest to oldest, from what I can see, FYI.  The author is also a Racine citizen.

Chapter 9:  Later That Day 
Chapter 10:  Back Yard
Chapter 11:  Outdoor Dinner
Chapter 12:  Grandmother

Please support these stories here, with enough hits on each chapter and story, it's one step closer to being able to get published eventually, into an actual book.  In helping to do so, you're even helping this advocate possibly get a signed copy of the book, which would be so exciting!

Reading, writing & tutoring

I am a tutor for the Racine Literacy Council.  It's fun.  They're also having a new tutor training at the end of the month.  I like tutoring, not only because you get certain perks, like treats and events, but, it's personally rewarding.  It's really neat to see how the students progress, and adult students learning English or polishing up their reading and writing skills is a really neat process to watch.  Each year, a book is written, called Life Journey where the students submit their stories.  One of the tutors is a gardener and cook, and he brings in his goodies.  Many of the students bring in homemade food from the region they came from.  So many good things going on, from chili cookoff, tutor recognition, pot lucks, cookouts, etc. it helps bond the people who are there, and I am fortunate to be a part of this.

And, of course, speaking of reading, I'd like to plug the next 4 chapters of the story Meeting the Parents, written by my friend Soldwolf.  It's a military Sci-Fi with some endearing characters and intergalactic romance where the couple went through a ton of stuff to try to make it last.  I'm getting a connection with the main female character, who is strong and badass in her own right, but still very chick.
Chapter 5 - Big Sister Interrogation 3
Chapter 6 - Big Sister Aftermath
Chapter 7 - Morning Revelations
Chapter 8 - Morning Revelations 2

Happy reading, and any likes & comments are most welcome! Just remember, the more hits this story gets, the better chance there is to get published to a real book.  Thank you in advance!

I have a story about that!

Hello Blogspot bloggers!  It has been a while, and it's good to be back.  I have updates, more advocacy & a story to share.

Since blogging last in August, I'd had several interviews with a ton of interesting and great places, landed a great game, tried to help a couple of people out, kept my side gigs, and lost the game...  Other personal issues are happening, but, nothing I can't handle.  While I loved the paid gig I'd landed, and I really appreciated my time there, sometimes these things are meant to be temporary rather than permanent.  We'll leave it there.

In the interim, I was presented with two different people who needed some personal advocacy and needed a safe haven, so I'd taken them in, individually.  That didn't work so well, either, though it was a learning experience.  Neither of them really had it in mind to better their situations, and I found out that maybe I'm better at generally helping the masses than I thought, on a more basic level rather than the smaller groups I once used to thrive on.

So, it's back to the drawing board after I take care of some personal issues.  In the meantime, to keep active in the community, I still volunteer as an advocate for Sexual Assault Services, a tutor with the Racine Literacy Council, animal care at the Eco-Justice Center, and various duties including administrative work at the Hospitality Center.  I hope to be able to get into further details about each of these agencies in future blogs.  They're all great places for their own reasons.

Anyway, I remember when my son was preschool age...  his favorite thing to say, when he wasn't interested in the conversation, was "I have a story about that"! and the way he used to climb up on my lap and get really close was way too cute.  Sometimes I miss those days, but, today he is a 19-year-old college student at Gateway Technical College pursuing a Culinary Arts associates degree while working as a kitchen assistant at Sebastian's, and he makes me proud to be his mom.

Speaking of stories, though...  I have a few friends who are authors, musicians, artists, etc. and one author named Soldwolf is writing a story called Meeting the Parents, which is a Military Sci-Fi featuring an intergalactic love affair that starts with a series of events, leading to some steamy romance in quest of happiness and the humor that goes with it all...  As of right now, the story is still a work in progress (not quite finished yet), and with enough hits on his chapters, it has the chance to become published into a real book.  I'd like for that to happen, so, could you be as kind as to read, like, even comment, and support the writing?  Here are the 1st 4 chapters:
Chapter 1 - Meeting the Parents
Chapter 2 - The Morning Edition
Chapter 3 - Big Sister Interrogation
Chapter 4 - Big Sister Interrogation 2