New Sheriff In Town

So, winter finally seems to be over, new exchange students have arrived, and a new semester is just beginning.  Apologies for not posting for a while: had some loose ends (finals, visa) that needed tying up.  But!  I have decided, in the spirit of spring and renewal-ness, that I'm going to be refocusing this blog some.  When I first started blogging six months ago, I was like "eh, this isn't really my thing."  Then it was "ooh!  Lots of cool shiny blogs out there about subjects I'm interested in"!  And now, after some soul-searching, I feel ready to join the ranks of the blogosphere.  I've learned about blogging, given myself a new interface, have new followers, and have content that I can condense into something that is readable.  In other words: I AM GOING TO BLOG MY LITTLE HEART OUT LIKE I MEAN IT LOOK OUT HERE I COME.

Yes?  Yes.

Updates are now scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays, unless an asteroid hits earth or I'm too tired otherwise noted.

Tuesday will be something about my life here in Taiwan.

Thursday will be something writing related.

ARE YOU READY FOR EPICNESS?  (The answer to that is yes.  Of course you are.)

See you all Tuesday!
Happy Spring!

We all need romance sometimes.

Here is a portion of the climax scene of my work in progress, in the spirit of Valentine's Day.  Whether you're single, married, divorced, dating, engaged, or recently broken up, I wish you romance and love.

I got down on my knees.  A word of advice to you guys who are proposing: when you kneel, do it slowly.  I dropped all my weight to the floor at once, and I almost busted my kneecaps.

            “You would make me the happiest man on earth if you’ll marry me,” I said.  “But if not, I will spend the rest of my life seeing to it that you’re happy.  If you need me tomorrow, next week, a year from now, ten years from now, I will be there for you.  You wanna marry someone else?  I’ll be first in line to shake that lucky bastard’s hand, right after I cut my heart out with a spoon.  Because your happiness means more to me than anything else.”

            Connie’s eyes misted over.  More people were congregating in the lobby.  They formed a half circle around us. 

            “I don’t have that much to offer you,” I went on.  “I’ve got an incredible little girl who needs a mom, and I can paint so-so. But I will spend every second of the rest of my life thinking about you and wondering if you’re okay, whether you’re in my life or not.  I’ve spent the last twenty-seven years feeling sorry for myself, and I’m not going to waste one more moment thinking about my miserable life.  My life is yours now.  You can take it or leave it, but it will always be yours.”  I took a deep breath.  “Happy Valentine’s Day.”

            A few tears dripped down Connie’s nose.  She squeezed my hand.

            “For God’s sake, say yes!” an older woman cried.  I held my breath.  Everyone else seemed to be, too.

What would you say to this proposal?

Guest Post! New Year! Other Stuff!

Today I'm guest posting on Misha Gericke's blog on my recent admission to the Hall of Writing and My Feelings Thereof.  Misha is lovely and this Friday is the first in a series of guest blog posts.   You should totally check it out.

Happy Bunny Year!  Last night I lit fireworks in the park next to campus with a couple of classmates from my program.  In the U. S. lighting fireworks is totally illegal, so I felt like a rebel without a cause, except in Taiwan fireworks are legal and the cause is that it's New Year's and everyone else in Taipei is setting off fireworks.

Next week I shall be in the sunny south of the island, staying in a Buddhist temple eating vegetarian things and hopefully taking advantage of the lack of internet to write my little butt off.  (After I check Facebook one last time.  Seriously, this is it!  I swear!)


ALSO: THE SUN IS OUT.  I AM SO CONFUSED EXCITED I AM GOING TO STAY INSIDE WITH THE SHADES DRAWN.  (Surely there must be some mistake.  The sun doesn't shine in Taipei.)