"You will outlive yourself . . ."

Big Frank shares below a great poem by Timothy Donnelly from his latest collection of poems: "The Cloud Corporation". And no, it's not just because the title has "Cloud" in it that Big Frank recommends the book. The poems are sharp, they tread familiar territory but reveal it in startlingly pleasing ways. Here's one that Big Frank especially likes on the transitoriness of feeling, but unlike much lyric poetry this is presented as a good thing - not a loss. There are times when we feel we would bet large on the permanence of what we feel; as Donnelly puts it: "You wager too much, small self, on the way you feel." For, as the poem concludes: "you will outlive/ yourself again, and what you feel now, this adamantine/ sorrow, will scatter its dicethrow behind you into swans." Yes that wager that you were so sure of . . . the dicethrow turns into swans!

THROUGH THE WILDERNESS OF HIS FOREHEAD
By Timothy Donnelly

You wager too much, small self, on the way you feel. Nothing
you have thought should last forever can’t be lost.

Even the yellow wind that begins at once to strip the last of the
heart-shaped foliage from the tree across the way

knows that feeling is a spell from which the mind can
rouse itself awake if it would only let itself be taken

leaf by leaf apart. And you have felt this fear before, clung
as to a vapor misremembering what had stood to

live through memory alone. Or was it afterwards among
fog folded into blankets of some self-erasing sleep.

Or when, conversely, focused on the constancy of any given
thing without dispersing, undissolved – an icecap-

white moon or clock-face on a tower – the mind intent on far
too fine a point to take in any more. You will outlive

yourself again, and what you feel now, this adamantine
sorrow, will scatter its dicethrow behind you into swans.

The Magic Lantern's Costume?

Big Frank had to take out the Magic Lantern again. It does seem that there are certain important events that do require its magic. Certainly traveling can always use a little magic from the ol lantern to keep things exciting. Writing is something that Big Frank has not yet used the Magic Lantern for, but it could be useful. However, most immediately - Halloween is coming and with that weird holiday comes . . . Costume Parties! The Costume Party is a a favorite of Big Frank's.

Here's a little history on Costume Parties. In England they are typically called 'fancy dress parties' and date back to the 18th century - really coming into their own in Victorian times in terms of frequency. However, the costumes were pretty simple (basically masks) until after the second war when things started getting a bit more extravigant. Typically you will see current popular characters from the media as the most popular costumes: Lady Gaga, Kick-Ass, Avator, Ironman, Vampires, etc. However, Big Frank and his Magic Lantern go for the costume which is not tied to any one character at all. It will be vaguely familiar but will elude particular identification.

Those with no place to go for Halloween in Spokane are all invited to Bluz at the Bend on Saturday night for the costume party of the year. Costumes are required and Big Frank (incognito) will be there along with the Social Adventurers (all in costume, of course).

NAMBA

Whenever Big Frank is in Osaka he heads to Namba. This is a district in Osaka that is thought of as the core of the south area of Osaka. It is known best for the giant neon signs, the canal, many popular bars, nighclubs, and arcades for shopping. It supposedly was the inspiration for the cityscapes of that great science fiction film "Blade Runner" with its hightech, crowded streets, food vendors, and exotic ambiance. It is all of that. You see some tourists, but even more youth hanging around - making the scene.

The biggest neon sign is GLICO MAN. This has been here since 1919 and is an icon of the Glico Co which makes candy; maybe the most commony know is Pocky - the bisquit stick covered with chocolate.

May I please have this thing I want so much . . .

There is a belief, evidently, in Japan also that there is only one fish in the sea. Big Frank learned this at the Meiji Shrine from the notes/wishes that the visitors left hanging on around the "tree of desire" (well, that's what Big Frank calls it - not sure what the real name is, or if there is a real name). Here's the deal: visitors can take a small piece of wood, write their wish/desire on it and then hand it in a stand around the tree. Then . . . . ?? Unfortunately, there is no empirical evidence about the outcomes of this system. Big Frank circled the tree and read many of the wishes/desires . . . many were generic wishes that everyone in their family be happy and healthy. However, there were also very many lost loves, unrequited loves wishing for the return of their lover, or the acknowledgement of their love. Big Frank has posted photos of these. Yes, Big Frank posted his own note; however, the photo of it didn't turn out:)

Meiji Shrine

Big Frank had some time this evening to visit the Meiji Shrine (明治神宮, Meiji Jingū),located in Shibuya, Tokyo. This shrine is dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken. It was originally built in the 1920s, then destroyed by American bombing during WWII, and rebuilt in the 1950s. It is a Shinto Shrine and is surrounded by a beautiful forest of over 170 acres - right in the middle of Tokyo.

Wheels up to . . . the Land of the SLIDING DOORS

Wheels up tomorrow morning for JAPAN (a magic carpet ride!).

And YES, the magic lantern is back.

Texas Celebrations

Big Frank is back from Tyler, Texas. He was down helping to celebrate his nephew Kyle's wedding on Saturday to Gennie. There was lots of family, lots of fun, and the opportunity to spend some quality time with the Tyler Pattersons - first time that Big Frank has been down there in many years.

Then after all the dancing was over and the bride and groom were on there way, Big Frank and his roomy, his brother Dan, returned to their hotel room which could not be opened, not be Big Frank or his brother, or even the hotel staff. Here they are waiting for some guy with a special key to let them in.