I was taught to listen. This meant obeying my parents. It meant paying attention to teachers. Often, I translated this rule as to not talk, to never talk. I once held an inner competition to not speak for a whole day (yes, I won). I’d held back so long I had a difficult time even knowing what my own voice was, figuratively speaking. In high school, I started trying to find out. I wrote lots of poetry (some poems even got published). I did drama (even got some speaking lines). Writing has … [Read more...]
The Magic of Indie Bookstores
November 15, 2021 2 Comments
I recently did a joint book signing with Ellen Byron at an indie bookstore, Mystery Ink. They have a new location which faces a main street in Huntington Beach. I hope a lot of customers spot the store and drop by. It’s a cozy space with great books for readers—and, of course, signed copies from local authors. Indie bookstores, I believe, are magical. The first bookshop I ever visited carried children’s books, and the owner was delightful. I was a kid on the hunt for something enticing … [Read more...]
USC Pacific Asia Museum
November 26, 2018 Leave a Comment
"Education is the ability to meet life's situations." I had the fun pleasure of visiting the USC Pacific Asia Museum recently. Despite being a loyal Bruin, I really appreciated seeing this gem of an institute. The permanent exhibits are organized by culture, so I saw the Pacific Islands, China, Japan, etc. Established in 1971, you can find the museum in Pasadena. It did partner with USC in 2013. For a while, the museum also shut down to reorganize its displays. I liked wandering the … [Read more...]
Vroman’s Walk of Fame
November 12, 2018 6 Comments
"Your loyalties are clear when it comes to friends." I was very excited to witness Naomi Hirahara getting inducted into Vroman’s Walk of Fame this weekend. The Author Walk of Fame started in 2014 to honor authors with a special connection to the bookstore and the community. Other writers who’ve been honored include Luis Rodriguez, Michael Connelly, and Lisa See. Hirahara immortalized her handprints and signature in concrete in front of Vroman’s, the iconic Pasadena bookstore. (She credits … [Read more...]
