Vitality Stories
What Makes You Laugh?
In the light of day
Two weeks ago in the middle of the night, I was lying wide awake in bed. I was too excited–too happy–to sleep. Hours before, unexpected donations for the Tiger Drive Scholarship had started rolling in and the kindness of friends and strangers, and the idea that we might be able to help not one but TWO students, had my head spinning. Continue reading
Vitality Stories
What Makes You Laugh?
Look with your hands
Inspired by author and illustrator Lisa Sinicki’s latest project, I recently signed up for an online comic strip drawing course with Paris Christou at ToonBoxStudio*. Early on, Paris points out it helps to choose a comic concept by considering our own stories or experiences in ‘little strips of gags,’ or punchlines. This makes sense, right? It’s why Garfield, Dilbert, Calvin and Hobbes, and The Family Circus are popular; they are true to life, and therefore, relatable and funny.
So I started writing down all of the silly, short conversations in my own life that have stuck with me and make me giggle. Below is one of my favorites, and perhaps one day, I’ll adapt it as a comic: Continue reading
Vitality Stories
Bonnie
7 Year-old Detective Solves Her First Case In 1942
~~~
I’m excited to continue sharing excerpts of Bonnie’s memoirs. As is my practice, I strove to capture her memories word-for-word out of respect for her voice, recollection, and perspective. Continue reading
Vitality Stories
Leona and Bonnie, April 1935
I’m Glad Dad Wasn’t Fired For Getting Me An Egg
I’m excited to begin sharing excerpts of Bonnie’s memoirs with each of you on a regular basis. As is my practice, I strove to capture her memories word-for-word out of respect for her voice, recollection, and perspective. I hope you enjoy her reflections and memories as much as I did. Continue reading
Vitality Stories
From Brain Trauma to Art
Brain Freeze
Over the summer I found myself in Port Angeles, Washington, killing five hours until the next ferry to Victoria, Vancouver Island. We wandered next door to the Heatherton Gallery which hosts artwork for more than forty local artists. Ted noticed a black and white piece with three hummingbirds. The ink seemed to rise off the paper and the flowers and birds seemed multi-dimensional. Ted walked over to the register to buy it.
The cashier was explaining how the gallery worked like an art co-op and he asked Ted, “Did you read the artist’s story? It’s on the wall.”
I was still looking at Erica McClain’s pieces. There was an asian influence to her work and I had future plans to visit Japan. I found her bio: Continue reading
Vitality Stories
David Wachs and Jack Beers
an interview with
Director, David Wachs
Part One – Behind the Scenes
Who, What, Why
In October, I wrote about Jack Beers and the documentary of his life, Holes In My Shoes. And when I couldn’t get Mr. Beers out of my head, I also mentioned him here.
Vitality Stories captures the life stories of those who have lived and learned, so it’s not a surprise I was drawn to a feature documentary called Holes In My Shoes. 94-year-old Jack’s zeal for life heavily influenced me, and in large part, this is due to the man who met Jack Beers and recognized there was a vitality story to share, someone who had the vision and talent to deliver the documentary in a way that would, indeed, make it ‘An inspirational story for all ages,‘ and that man is Director, David Wachs.
I wanted to better understand the connection between David Wachs and Jack Beers, and as a person on her own creative journey, I was curious how and why Mr. Wachs chooses his projects, which are many and varied, ranging from pilots to children’s series, including We’re Puppeteers! for Nick Jr. He granted me an interview, and after a long conversation with Mr. Wachs, I was rewarded with a life lesson and inspiration as I learned more about his recent endeavors. Continue reading
Vitality Stories
Growing In Tokyo – Day Three
All aboard
Steps Taken: 10,834
Day Three (Day One, Day Two)
Today was the day. The day to brave the Tokyo Metro, or subway, comprised of 9 lines, 184 stops, and with an annual ridership of ~3.217 billion in 2014.
3.217 billion! For the sake of comparison, New York City’s subway had a ridership of 1.751 billion in 2014. ~GULP~
Yet, after two full days of walking, our back and feet weren’t up to taking 20k steps on Day 3, so we found the nearest entrance to the Ginza Line which has been running beneath the streets of Tokyo since 1927. Our destination was the Senso-Ji Temple and Nakamise-dori shopping street in Asakusa, northeast Tokyo. Continue reading
Vitality Stories
Growing in Tokyo – Day Two
Wake and walk
Steps taken: 20,865
The time difference between Seattle, Washington, and Tokyo, Japan, is 16 to 17 hours depending on daylight savings. Exercise seems to help us with jet lag, so after a good night’s rest, Ted and I strolled westward. Our destination was the world famous and busiest intersection in Tokyo—Shibuya Crossing.
Multiple subway lines and trains intersect underground and there is an endless flow of people onto the streets. Shibuya Crossing is also known as Shibuya Scramble. When the pedestrian light turns green, an average of 1,000 people swarm the intersection, scrambling and weaving towards one of the four corners. After forty-six seconds, most everyone has cooperated and reached their destination. And just like that, the traffic zooms by once more and by the time the walk sign flashes green again, there is another 1,000 people waiting to cross.
Vitality Stories
Growing In Tokyo – Day One
First Impression
Steps taken: 19,654
Not knowing much about Tokyo, we were hesitant to book traditional Japanese accommodations and instead opted for a western hotel between the Akasaka and Roppongi neighborhoods. As is typical when staying at a western-influenced hotel, our fellow lodgers were a mix of business travellers and tourists.
Ted and I are walkers. I wear a pedometer on our travels to track our daily adventure (and to figure out how much dessert I will eat) one step at a time. We have struck a fashion sense inclined towards practicality and comfort, avoiding aching feet and backs without feeling underdressed, or barring ourselves entrance to nice restaurants or establishments due to tennis shoes, t-shirts and jeans. Our packing philosophy has always worked—until Tokyo. Continue reading
Vitality Stories
Thanks For Your Influence In Tokyo
Really?
In October I went to Tokyo for the first time. When I told people I was going, the responses ranged from wide eyes to frowns, all followed by, “Really?” Continue reading