This is Not a Valentine's Day Post

Yes it is. I'm a sappy sucker for romance.

Probably because I learned everything I knew about "love" from tv and movies. My parents had an arranged marriage and never showed each other affection. I doubted that they even liked each other for a long long time.

For a short while, I lived up in Guerneville, California - a quirky resort town deep in the redwoods. I worked at a pizzeria called Main St. Station, where they played live jazz music every night. One of their regular musicians, Niles, was a tree cutter by day and double-bassist by night. His girlfriend Tamara would come and listen, almost everytime he played. I was inspired, watching their passion fuel the music and the music fuel their passion...

I hope they are still there, together.

In Japan, PDA (public displays of affection) are not so common - at least when I was there. Friends - even family - don't hug after a long time of not seeing each other. And you never see an older couple touching. Maybe that's why I really don't mind PDA, I think it's rather great. Heck, I think we all need to see it. Young, old, gay, straight, mixed race couples... It happens.


"Love is like a friendship caught on fire. In the beginning a flame, very pretty, often hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. As love grows older, our hearts mature and our love becomes as coals, deep-burning and unquestionable." - Bruce Lee