Writing dilema

 I just had an epiphany. I was listening to a podcast that discussed writing and its different aspects, and one of the topics was "researching" and that's something I have always sucked at, so I listened. And they stated one of the most obvious things -- you have to read lots and lots. And then I thought: Damn, this is why I can't find the urge to write anymore! I haven't been reading anything! DUH.

I felt like hitting my hand on my forehead -- you know, the typical "of course! why didn't I think of that" gesture.

It's so obvious. But the book I have yet to finish is a book where well... I don't have the courage to finish. When I want to read it, it's nightime, and that's the worst time to read it because chances are I won't be able to relax and fall asleep after it. I guess you must pay the price for liking freaky suspense stories and Dean Koontz.

Mommy

There was a time when I avoided talking with my mom. Why? First, it felt just down right awkward to me. Second, I felt like I could never relax because it seemed like I always had to be careful about what I said and how I said it. So I avoided her; I didn't look forward to talking to her. I guess it may seem shameful coming from her very own daughter -- but that's just how it was... how I felt.

I won't say were chums or buddies. But I've finally gotten myself into a regular routine where I chat with my mom almost everyday. Online, of course. See, I figured out how to make myself feel comfortable: just act as friends. You know, the friend with whom you have casual conversation, light stuff. And if it ever gets into serious mode just shrug it off and act cool.

Don't get me wrong. I love my mom a lot! And I even miss her once in a while. But with the separation that occurred many years ago and my mom going her own way (a long way away across the globe) it's like gravity -- you drift apart if you do nothing about it. And for quite a while I didn't. But I've gotten over most of my bitter feelings and all that's left really is the annoyance when your mom still thinks you're a child. That will go away in time, maybe... if I'm lucky.

So, summing up what I wanted to say in the end: I'm enjoying the chats with my mom, however casual they are (I actually prefer it that way, haha -_-;; it must be a teenager thing) and I am happy to see that it's cheering her up. Even my dad, who talks to her on the phone nearly every day (they still work together) noticed her cheerfulness boost. 

Next barrier left is opening myself up to her about deeper issues which I don't see doing for the time being.

I felt a pang of "I miss you" when she FINALLY sent me some pictures of her and Mo (my sister). I swear, she took forever. I started to wonder if she didn't want to show herself or something! 

Anyway, I look sooo different in those pictures! It feels so strange to look at me back then (It feels like such a transformation every time I look at pictures of myself that are a year or two old. In this case, these are from when I went to Germany.)

New layout on writing blog.

Check it out.
Maybe this will inspire/motivate me to write something.

Oishii Kankei - A Delicious Relationship

Listening to: "Walking On A Dream" - Empire of the Sun


     Oishii Kankei is a josei manga I stumbled upon by chance -- or rather, by pure curiosity. It seemed so different from what was out there on onemanga.com, under the category of romance... that I could not help but want to check it out. 

Oishii Kankei tells the story of Fujiwara Momoe, known dearly as Momoe-chan, who lived a life of luxury and affection. She grew up going to eat at the best restaurants with her parents and eating the best food. Momoe always loved to eat the delicious food!


But one day her father dies of a heart disease (most likely because of all the over-eating) and Momoe is heart broken. When she starts to live on her own, while in attempts to support her mother and herself, she can't bare the taste of her own cooking -- for the she never had to cook before. 


One day she walks into a local French restaurant and finds no problem in recognizing the dish with just a taste, for she has had it several years ago, and is immediately swept away by it.  Momoe decides to take a job there as an apprentice under the guidance of the chef, Oda-san, for she is now determined to become one herself.


Feelings of love blossom in Momoe, as she falls for Oda Keiji . But her feelings are not answered, as the chef only considers her as an apprentice-- and an annoying one at that! 


This is a story about Momoe and what she goes through, not only in love, but also in becoming a chef, and in many other aspects of life.

THE STORY: Being a josei manga (manga for women), the story has a more realistic approach, which makes it more interesting to see where it will go. 

Oishii Kankei has a nice, steady pace. It doesn't rush its way into things. And in every romance, there's drama, there's laughter, there's tears-- a good amount emotion for a decent story. Although there are some who may find the pace dull-- I did not. Plus the story really isn't that predictable. All the cards are up for grabs, truly. Just like life in many ways!

THE CHARACTERS: For some reason, I find the characters to be very endearing in this series.
Every character in Oishii Kankei has their own personality and quirks -- pretty much all of them are nicely fleshed out, which makes them pretty human. What I liked about these characters is that they weren't entirely predictable and thank god one-dimensional. They surprise you, and show you new sides of them as the story progresses. Yet they aren't too complex to the point where you find a hard time relating to them. 


THE ARTWORK: Oishii Kankei has a very feminine art style that not everybody will like. But I think it has its charm.
Yes, it's girly. I even thought that it reminded me a bit of Sailor Moon (just a tad), but this is the first very feminine art style that I have found that can make the men still look like real men and not totally sissy looking. I personally find the artwork very sweet, charming and pretty. The lines are very thin and delicate. They flow easily, creating a light, fleeting feeling to the whole thing. And, well... I honestly found myself drooling at the detail of the hair sometimes, because it just had so much flow and paid attention to every strand of hair! 


GOURMET CUISINE, COSTUMERS AND FOOD FOR THE HEART:
Despite being mainly a drama, Oishii Kankei focuses on cuisine as well.
I can't think of much else to address, other than the fact that there is the theme of cuisine. But not to the point of over-kill. The story manages to balance it out fairly well, and hey!-- you get to know about a dish or two.


OVERALL: Oishii Kankei was a great find for me. It just has the right pinch of romance and it's not overly indulgent about it. 
It's a story that has a good balance between romance, humor and drama. A great set of characters and decent artwork as well. This isn't a manga for everyone, once again -- but for those romantics at heart, I think this will serve as a home-run. 


Oishii Kankei is written and drawn by Makimura Satoru and can be found to read online at OneManga.com. It currently has 24 chapters available and is still ongoing. Happy reading!


(Click on images for larger view.)

Not much of a chatterbox anymore

I was looking at the posts from the years back and all I can say is... I was sure talkative! I also talked about pretty much any random thing. I don't seem to do that anymore. Maybe I should! That way I'll post more often, I think. 


I want to blog, but I keep on thinking I have nothing substantial to talk about. I'm always talking about the same dull things.


Ugh, I also was looking at some of my really old "drawings," like back in 2005, and I felt myself cringing at the sight of it. Thankfully I've improved. Which brings me to thinking that I haven't posted any drawings in ages.

I like drawings dudes and faces in that 3/4 perspective, if you cannot tell. Mind you, I drew this on one of my good drawings days, where I'm not rejecting everything I sketch. Oh, and using markers is so much more fun than a pencil!