"You will step on many soils of many countries." Yes, I've been living in L.A. for years, but I never visited the Renaissance Faire until now. Located in a vast recreational area in Irwindale, the official name is The Renaissance Pleasure Faire. I admit it. The word "pleasure" threw me off, and I wondered if the festival would be too risque for me. Well, there is a pub crawl and corseted ladies walking about, but it was actually quite family-friendly when I went. Festival-goers dressed up … [Read more...]
Festival of Books
April 20, 2018 Leave a Comment
Hi, folks! Just a quick note to say I'll be at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books THIS SUNDAY (4/22) from 4pm-5pm! If you're checking out books and authors on the USC campus, come swing by. I'll be at booth #367 (Sisters in Crime). Thanks! P.S. Here's a pic of me from last year: … [Read more...]
Tomb-Sweeping Day
April 13, 2015 Leave a Comment
"Love is a warm fire to keep the soul warm." April 5th marked Ching Ming, a time when families gather together to honor their ancestors. The literal meaning of the festival is "clear and bright," which offers an odd juxtaposition of cheerfulness with solemnity. Traditional rituals include sweeping graves, along with warm weather activities like kite flying (because the festival happens near the coming of spring). I'm not one for mandated holidays, but I think it's important to recognize and … [Read more...]
