Random revelations

1) The "Totoro" from the wonderful animation (very possibly) comes from the word Troll. I watched the Japanese version with subtitles and they talked about the "Totoro" from under a bridge. Sounds like it too, don't you think?

2) I was looking into the mirror after my shower, I suddenly knew what I would look like when I am old. (If I am lucky enough to live to a ripe old age) I have a pretty good guess what I would look like. I saw it tonight in the mirror.

3) Mormons on the bus talking to two Chinese girls made me realize that it is infinitely more difficult to win an argument if you have something you believe in. You have so much more to lose. A single question can demolish your argument. I have always felt that skepticism and cynicism are lacking as an academic and intellectual position--they are meant to be starting points not ending points. My heart goes out to the Mormon on the bus. It's hard to believe in anything this day and age.

4)Division of chapters in a book is an art, and Murakami is a master at this.

5)Writing a short story is like making an acquittance. I have yet to make a friend in writing yet--I am working on trying to excavate more. I found two characters I like and decided to keep writing about them. Don't know what will come of it yet.

6) I also found out that ending a chapter in a book and ending a short story are completely different things. Completely. The sense of completion I always find myself doing at the end of a short story must be reserved until the very end for a longer work. The ending of a chapter must be a a middle point that pushes action--it must make someone else turn the page.