Rice Pudding or Macaroni Gratin?

"... Like, when something happens, whether it's a big event that affects the whole society or something small and personal, people talk about it like, "Oh, well, of course, that happened because such and such" and most of the time people agree and say, like, "Oh, sure, i see," but i just don't get it. "A is like this, so that's why B happened." I mean, that doesn't explain anything. It is like when you put instant rice pudding mix in a bowl in the microwave and push the button, and you take the cover off when it rings, and there you've got rice pudding. I mean, what happens in between the time when you push the switch and when the microwave rings? You can't tell what's going on under the cover. Maybe the instant rice pudding first turns into macaroni gratin in the darkness when nobody's looking and only then turns back into rice pudding. We think it's only natural to get rice pudding after we put rice pudding mix in the microwave and the bell rings, but to me that's just a presumption. I would be kind of relieved if, every once in a while, after you put rice pudding mix in the microwave and it rang and you opened the top, you got macaroni gratin. I suppose I'd be shocked, of course, but i don't know, i think i'd be kind of relieved too. Or at least I think I wouldn't be so upset, because that would feel, in some ways, a whole lot more real."

A nice complain from May Kasahara :)

May Kasahara's Point of View - The Wind-up Bird Chronicle, H. Marukami,

Witnesses

The photos of "Ballast Point" are like the pieces from different dreams. How many times did i go there just to take a breath? Sometimes at midnight, sometimes in the morning. I was looking at the calmness of the see, the coolness of the birds, and the patience of the fishermen. I was going there to see the dock as if checking it stays there or not. ...and of course you! :) Ballast Point was always a good place to think of someone.

One day, we went to a restaurant nearby. It was a promise. We ordered more than what we can eat! Yes, you remember!.... :) After the dinner, while we were trying to find the dock, both of you were kidding with me when i was trying to describe the "dock". I was saying "bridge' instead of "dock". Then, we all start to say "bridge" :) I got the importance of being fool :)

One day, three of us met again at the same restaurant. We were meeting for my graduation. To be honest, I was not feeling good. I never liked the taste of leaving. It was not a perfect meeting. When i was going home, i saw your car. You were not going your home... You were heading to the "bridge". You remember? It was rainy. It was night.

One day, i was there at night. You approached me. You asked for the photos i took. I showed them to you. To be honest, i was hesitating to talk with you... You told me, there was a moon eclipse at the dawn and your daughter was there to take its photos. It was surprising for me... Later, i was planning to bring some cookies to you. I know fishing makes the tummy hungry! But, this stayed as only a wish.

One day, you and your son were collecting crabs on the shore for the fishes. While you were looking for fish baits, we told about Middle East and the sharks...It was the time i found a golf ball on the shore.

One day, you told me that you were there and enjoying the sunset with your daughter. You sent me a photo of the beautiful clouds... I confess I was there at that time. But, it was not a good time to see you. I said there was a florist on the corner. I left.

One day, we went there to eat some fish. It was the time that she spilled the water on the table accidentally. Do you remember? :) I always liked the way you talk about the food. It makes me smile as i have never experienced before! You talk, i will watch you, agreed? :) ...and then I realized what i really want. Not at that time, but later.

One day, we were there together. The rain was striking the surface of sea. You told me you remember the drawing of your sister... a frame with silence, a frame without the ticks of the time.

One day, i decided to leave Tampa for a place that i couldn't put my intention. At that time, I was there on the "bridge".

One day, you got a gift. It was a postcard. Actually, it was a printout from Walmart :) It was showing a scene from the Ballast Point. If you get one of these printouts, know that it was you! You were the dearest! You were there with me... and we were witnessing to the beautiful memories.

Do not stand at my grave and weep

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I do not sleep.

Mary Elizabeth Frye

Cheek to Cheek

The Nightfly

Thanks AliG! :)

Rain and Umbrella

When the rain strikes the surface of the sea, the umbrella becomes the magic in the gray. There, the time is relieved from its continuous sorrow and we stay young forever.