It seems so strange that just last summer, nations were united internationally through the World Cup, and in a season, the same nations declared war.  How soon we forget the peaceful times, the time for the Golden Era, Renaissance, of inventions and creations and recreations that celebrate.

 
My other reading is Reflections on a Gift of Watermelon Pickle, a book of poetry compiled by Dunning et al.  During the hot summers in Busan, Korea, my mother would say "It's Watermelon time!" and all the kids in the neighborhood would get so excited.  I would run with my sisters to the nearest store and bring back a block of ice in a net, dripping along the way.  My mother would get a big bowl, scoop out big chunks of a round seeded watermelon, and mix it with chipped ice, water, and pure cane sugar.  All around the bowl of watermelon punch, kids would line up and wait for a cup or bowl of juicy sweet watermelon chunks.  Late at night while lying awake in bed, we would all think about that watermelon, and wish a fairy would appear and offer us more, until we were fully sated.  This poem made me think of those summers, when knees were for skinning, and unicorns were possible.    (you can find it on my poetry page).  People have asked if I was writing about my memoirs.  Well, after a hiatus from writing prose since 1990 when I finished my project, I started writing with a keen sense of exploring quirky humor while looking back to my Busan, Korea days.

Recommendations:

My Fat Greek Wedding:  perhaps he was there all along, and i just looked elsewhere.... ; )
In the Bedroom:  one of the best directions I have seen in a long time -- new perspectives, fades, cuts, so subtle, each stillness and silence so powerful.
Reflections on a Gift of Watermelon Pickle, Dunning et al  (Thank you Dave.   a wonderful find of 2002.  you are so cute and adorable.)
On Writing, by Stephen King  (got me to finish my play and submit it to a contest.  a wonderful find of 2001)
Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze, by Elizabeth Forman Lewis   (a wonderful find of 2000)
It's Always Something by Gilda Radner  (It's because of an illegal abortion.)
Bad News Bears  (Wasn't Tatum O'Neal awesome!  Pray for her successful rehab.  Who can forget "Hey!  Buttermaker!"  Perhaps if she knew how many fans grew up with her and root for her now, she'll be better and do more films!  I did root for your entry at this year's LA Film Fest.  Who's your agent?  What are you doing in drama?!  You should be in comedy! )
Civil Action  (you may lose against the system, but integrity goes a long way, and justice prevails over time)
The Good Earth, by Pearl S. Buck  (the movie only covers the first cycle)
Bloom County cartoons... , by Berke Breathed (although outdated and my generation--those dandelion days...)
As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner.  (I like this one better than Sound and the Fury because it has this awesome spontaneity about it.)
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by The Ken Kesey  (May he rest in peace.)
Hemingway short stories (Snows of Kilimanjaro, Short Happy Life, etc.  the conversations are soooo funny.  "Love is a dunghill."  Oh, shut up and read a book.  and etc.)
How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell (one of my favorite books growing up... "It was not a worm!  It was beans!")
Harriet the Spy, Louise Fitzhugh  (Good description is a laxative to the soul.  I fully agree!)