After the Rain

Originally uploaded by Champuru.

The rain is coming down in torrents outside. Thunder roars overhead and brief flashes of light pierce the darkness.

It’s perfect snuggle weather for a good book and a cup of hot cocoa. Incidentally, that’s what I’m preparing right now.

The book I’m curling up with tonight is “Untangling My Chopsticks: A Culinary Sojourn in Kyoto” by Victoria Abbott Riccardi. Of course, I’d much rather be snuggled up with Hubby, but he’s busy watching football on pay-per-view: UH vs. Boise.

My hot water is boiling. I’m off to enjoy this lovely thunderstorm in bed.

Flying in a Blue Dream

Originally uploaded by Champuru.

A dear friend, Ms. Aiyah, was kind enough to remember my birthday and gifted me with a generous iTunes gift certificate. My birthday was a few weeks ago, but I finally got a chance to sit down and leisurely browse iTMS for some songs to add to my MP3 collection.

What started as a hunt for favorite songs turned into a fond walk down memory lane. It’s wonderful how old familiar tunes can spark recollections of times past, memories as fresh as if they occurred only yesterday.

“Flying in a Blue Dream” by Joe Satriani brings to mind the outdoor concert at the University of Hawaii Andrews Ampitheater. At age 15, it seemed so surreal. Seeing my favorite guitar god in person, standing there with my boyfriend’s arms wrapped tightly around my waist as he embraced me from behind, feeling his warm breath on my cheek, and the cool evening air on my skin… Continue reading Music Memories