Today’s Soundtrack: David Bowie -- Bring Me the Disco King

A number of years ago I entered into a short story contest with Writer’s Digest. It’s an annual contest that is called the “Short Short Story” contest. This is likely because submissions are limited to 1500 words or less. Before I started out with this piece, I was convinced that there could not possibly be anything worth saying in 1500 words or less. I literally spent more time cutting down my story than I did writing the original. It was a horrible experience.

Well, I’m putting myself through the whole ordeal one more time. I’m starting with a whole new short story for this year’s contest and will give it another shot. I’d like to post here the entry that never made the cut. After reading it this many years down the road, I can see why it wasn’t publishable; but, it is my creation. Feedback is welcome and appreciated.

CHASING BLUE EYES

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Today’s Soundtrack: Harry Chapin -- Flowers are Red

Pardon the long introduction on the video above. Give it a chance, though; because, the song that follows bares a worthy message.

“Individual” should be emphasized here. Imagine if educational systems around the globe attempted to mold young artists into a sort of stereotypical art that they deemed appropriate. How grey and drab would the future be? What would anyone look forward to? What little art that existed would be artificial and expected at best. And then, we’d have nothing to discuss here.

Have a wonderful day. Folks here never cease to inspire me.

Today’s soundtrack: The Who -- Behind Blue Eyes

I’m beginning to see how folks are becoming addicted to this whole “blogging” thing. I am having so much fun seeing what people are doing and experiencing. Alive Not Dead is proving to be a window worth looking through. I have to say “Thank You” to Mr. Eric Nakamura for mentioning it in my all-time favorite magazine: Giant Robot. Life hasn’t been the same since.

I know it has been a while since my last post. For the first time in a while, my family and I spent my last day off out and about. We traveled East of Seattle, a bit, to a place called North Bend. There is an outlet mall there that has an Adidas shop in it. I’ve been on a hunt for a silly little thing as of late: a black Adidas sweat band for when I’m running and exercising. I know that I could order it from the Web site; but, that would just take all of the fun out of it.

North Bend turned out to be a beautiful place. I’ve driven through it a few times and, regrettably, never stopped. It was a bit of a cloudy day this time, with a threat of rain that never came. It was a nice reprieve from the 28 days, or so, that we went through of pure sunshine. I lived in Hawaii for far too long. I’m really quite finished with the postcard weather. I know that sounds strange to most folks; but it’s the truth. I’ll take a good dark and drizzly day anytime. Please don’t attempt to overanalyze that into mine being a dark and gloomy soul mired in funk, though. I just like the weather; and Seattle generally accommodates my taste.

My wife took all of the photos this trip. I’ll post a few of them here:

The trees were amazingly green. I always feel at home with trees and mountains. The effect of the clouds moving through them was one of enveloping grace.

On the way back, we stopped in Bellevue to check out Uwajimaya for groceries. We hadn’t shopped there yet; but kept seeing it mentioned on the Web. In truth, with a couple of exceptions, the Korean owned and operated store, H-Mart, has a better selection of Japanese groceries. Nevertheless, I can appreciate that there is a Japanese store in our community.

From there, we went over to Lynnwood in search of the latest issue of Giant Robot. We have a mall closer to our apartment; but, the book store there never has the magazine. Borders in Alderwood Mall always seems to have it. It’s just a matter of figuring out where they are shelving it this month. I realize that the magazine is in a class by itself; but a little consistency would be helpful.

Somehow, while at the mall, the vortex that is the Disney store managed to suck us in…again. The spirit of Walt Disney, himself, seems to channel unhindered through my fifteen month old daughter. My wife and I are helpless against it. We left this time with a children’s dish set, two coffee mugs, and two eco-bags. This was minimal damage, really, considering the possibilities.

Well, there you have it. I know it’s not as exciting as most of what you’ll find here on Alive Not Dead; but the experiences are real, nonetheless. Thanks for reading. 

Today’s soundtrack: Dir en Grey -- Vinushka

At work, we are given 30 minutes a day for lunch. During this time, we are required to clock out and leave the premises. So…what do I do with this time? I sit in my car, eat my sandwich, and take instruction from my Japanese Coach.

This isn’t my primary source for learning the Japanese language. However, it is convenient for when you’re sitting in your car waiting to go back to work. Do any of you folks who are not native Japanese speakers; but, who have learned the language, have any suggestions for learning the Japanese language? It is the one thing in this world that seems to consistently elude me.

Well, I suppose that’s enough whining for one post. Seriously, though. If anyone has any suggestions…I’m all ears. If I could speak Japanese, I could potentially move my family to Japan. I can think of no greater reward.

Today’s soundtrack: Death Cab for Cutie -- Talking Bird

Umm…first: the photos. I’m splitting them up into groups, as the upload page was getting a bit unwieldy with so many. At some point, I’ll try to label the photos. I just want to get them posted for now.

So, why so many photos? As can be seen by the quality of the pictures (or lack thereof), I’m not a professional. It’s just that when I am in Japan, I am constantly overcome by a desire to capture the feeling I have whenever I am there. Even with this last visit being three months, I felt my impending departure back to the United States as if it were some unbearable weight. I guess it’s a form of escapism; but, I use these photos and odds and ends from my visit to take me back in mind and spirit.

I keep telling myself that maybe this is a chance for some “creative” time. I have hobbies and interests that have gone neglected for years now. The two major ones are writing and art. (I’m a bit ashamed to call it art, though, when participating in a community that is obviously full of the real thing.) Ideas are formulating in my head while I’m working out and while I’m closing up the store at night. I really should utilize this time, I know.