Aloha! 
I realize I keep saying this, but I really mean it. I am thankful when anyone takes the time to read my book. There are so many great books out there, I am really honored that you decided to spend a little time with me as we meet across the pages. Know wherever you are that it was during those moments of writing that I attempted to pour something of what I feel or believe into those words. It’s a call to connect and to feel.
HEY, HOW ARE YOU? 🙂 HOPE YOU ARE OKAY! etc…
Writer, editor and blogger Deborah Kalb interviewed me about Swimming in Hong Kong — a short Q&A for her blog dedicated to books. I mention my two completed manuscripts (poetry; literary criticism) and the one in the works.
My life has been nothing short of chaotic the past month. This was a much needed positive flash of encouragement and light.
I have been thinking a lot about reading and writing–how I came to read and write, and what I have used it for throughout my life. The act of reading and writing has been this: an attempt to retreat and create myself, to demystify and celebrate the world, and to fortify myself against what I perceive to be a life that is both wonderful and hostile, beautiful and achingly silent. Reading and writing both positively, and sometimes negatively, allowed me a space to dream and become.
To this end, I am thinking about narrative and the stories we tell ourselves to move forward, to escape, to take a leap into a pit or a jump into the sky. And I realize that this narrative, no matter how much we take it within ourselves and hold it close to who we are, is also, in key crucial moments, determined by the people who share with us along the way. We need to recognize those people and respond accordingly. Be thankful we met them. Hope we can do right by them too. How lucky we are to meet those who have hearts of aloha and goodwill, who show us what it means to be tolerant and kind. How grateful I am to have had the opportunity to encounter those who give of their time and spirit to help me along my journey in life.
Mahalo Deborah, to readers, and to friends.
Special thanks to Frog and Toad and to author Arnold Lobel who showed us both friendship and books (illustration above)
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