Thank You for the Thank Yous

Over the years, I've taught students about writing or would read a friend's manuscript. I might give literary direction here and there.  Or I get the chance to work on a book at my job as a technical writer.  The point is I get to be a part of that exciting and, sometimes, laborious process of writing a book. 

Honestly, I can't begin to tell you how many books or short stories I've read and given feedback on.  For whatever reason, 2015 saw the publication of four books in which I was listed in the "acknowledgement page."  It was truly a joy to see the progression of these writers and their books.  Three of them are first time authors and 2015 will figure into their lives as monumental. 

What made these acknowledgements important to me was the idea that I'm on the right path.  I've been in Buddhist divinity school and this year I made an incredible spiritual leap--I got ordained!  Seeing these books become a reality reinforces that I'm slowly moving along on this Bodhisattva path (or path of being helpful).

I was one of many to be acknowledged (as it always takes more than one person to write a book), but I was honored to be there on their journeys. 

Check out their books. 
 
1.  How to be Brave by E. Katherine Kottaras

2.  The Paper Man by Gallagher Lawson

 

3.  Still Life: Las Vegas by James Sie

4.  The Problem of College Readiness Edited by William G. Tierney and Julia C. Duncheon

 

Why I'm Honoring the Moon Tonight

Tonight I'm going to honor the Moon--a truly rare event is happening. I've explored this theme in my second novel, Talking to the Moon.

 

Before Christians arrived and forced The Philippines to switch over to the solar calendar, my ancestors paid attention to the lunar calendar (like many other Asian countries). When we were forced to quit worshiping the Moon, all the dances, songs and celebrations died with it. In other words, cultural genocide took place. Read about the Popes apology to indigenous people HERE. (Though it was meant for the Americas, I believe it should extend to other countries.)

"Brighter, brighter, shine you moon; brighter, brighter shine you moon/

I will follow the trail to the hot lands; I will follow the trail to the hot lands*/Rocks, rocks to step on/ rocks, rocks to step on/Bamboo, bamboo to hold to; bamboo, bamboo to hold to."

Naboloi Songs, as recorded by C.R. Moss and A.L. Kroeber, UC Press Berkeley, May 10, 1919.

 

*I've pondered what "hot lands" means. I can guess that it means guiding one to another celestial deity, The Sun. Or I've guessed it to mean the lowlands of the Philippines, which is considerably warmer than the mountain provinces of the Philippines (where these words originate). Indeed, that journey down the mountain means stepping on rocks and holding onto bamboo trees for support, something the song also refers to. Other interpretations are welcome.

On Painting Joshua Tree

My agent has my novel now and I'd been in limbo for several weeks now. I am a creative person and feel the tingle to write, but I'm exhausted.  I'm using my creativity in other ways though. I'm painting. Rather than words, I'm using paint, paper and canvas to speak.  I was in Joshua Tree not too long ago and took some pictures.  Yes, I have exact replicas of Joshua Tree via photos, but it's not capturing the wonder and joy that I felt.  I hope these paintings can help exude that.

On Beijing

Summer Palace

I hadn't written about this because to do so meant it was over.

I was in China from March 15 - 20. It was a wonderful, life affirming, life changing trip.  It was great being connected to a history that way.  I was in ancient environments. I climbed the Great Wall and walked around the Forbidden City.  It was really amazing and it will take me awhile to process this.