I can read Starting from June, I've read seven books while infirmed.
Angels and Demons, The da Vinci Code - Dan Brown's two thrillers with title character Robert Langdon. Fast and funny. I love fiction with actual history mixed in. Of course, the problem for me is not knowing what was true and what was imagination. Ultimately, I don't care as long as it holds my interest and these books surely did that.
Good Omens - Written by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. Wickedly funny and rather obviously an attack on all humans over the age of twelve. Myself being deeply disappointed in my shaved-ape brethren, I agreed with the authors' evaluation, as well as their resolution. Bloody great characters and hilarious images for the reader.
Autumn Bridge - Written by Takashi Matsuoka. The second of his two book tale set in both Japan and America in the mid to late 19th century. I loved the blatant contrast between the two cultures and the highlighted foolishness of putting pointless custom ahead of one's true nature. Takashi is a student of Zen and that is a strong undercurrent in his books. Very cool books. (the other book is Cloud of Sparrows)
Rainbow Six - Written by Tom Clancy. I'm not the biggest Clancy fan but I do love the John Clark character. The first Clancy book I read was Without Remorse. That one is all about Clark, and it is perfection. Rainbow Six isn't half as compelling as Remorse was because, for my taste, it has too many characters. And frankly I've lost interest in military action. Also, I found myself siding with the bad guys in this one, as I too believe the only way the planet can heal is if humans are removed from it. Go bad guys!
Still the Mind; An Introduction to Meditation - written by Alan Watts. Alan found fame first as a brilliant intellectual and then as a serious student of buddhism and meditation. This is a small book and is very plainly written. Alan is so good at making what can sometimes be very complicated eastern philosophy seem as simple as fire is hot, ice is cold. The core of Ch'an(zen) is illustrated in this book in a manner that provides the unitiated with a very fine introduction to an incredibly simple method of discovering truth.
The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan - Written by Wong Kiew Kit. It is as complete as the title implies. Basic hand techniques, footwork techniques, full illustrated patterns of six major styles. As well as methods for developing internal force, qi flow, and achieving a state of zen. Lots of history and some very useful self-defense patterns using various postures from the forms. Great book for all students of this amazing art.  ¶ 9:45 a.m. 0 comments

  Phoenix Boy At last I have risen from the ashes and three months after the accident I was able to return to my Fu Style class. Bagua is out but I can perform the 105 Taiji set with reasonable grace.
There is plenty of pain felt in the still swollen and stiff ankle, but the taiji movements are very therapeutic and result in a much loosened and happier joint.
My classmates are all learning Bagua Cyclone Broadsword which remains out of the reach of our hero for at least a little while longer. Bastards. However, the advantage of my limited physical dynamicism is that I am almost forced to emphasize the training of internal force and qi flow. Since that is the corner stone of all internal martial arts, I'm glad I am unable to be distracted by the bewitching forms.
I am a power whore by nature.
Good to be on track.  ¶ 9:59 a.m. 0 comments

  Entering Tao Three months after the Falcon and I were forced into a premature separation by a sinister silver Corolla I have experienced the first sign of real development. As I stood in my backyard this morning, after having completed 'lifting the sky' from 18 lohan, while in standing zen, I went into spontaneous qi flow. According to Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit, this type of exercise opens the blockages in the body and enables one's qi to flow smoothly.
Oh man, I needed this badly.
I am still on the hunt for a strong qigong master. I have some names now and am in the process of investigating the legitimacy of each. Hopefully I will be back to serious training within the month.
I will post the name of the legitimate teacher when I confirm one.  ¶ 9:17 a.m. 0 comments