Slow Bullets: A blog site by novelist John Rachel: 2024

Sunday, November 17, 2024

How Did I Arrange to Meet the Mermaids?

Understandably, people want to know how I connected with the 23 mermaids I met. Of course, running into Corinne was a fluke.

It was late — 2 or 3 am — and I was returning home from a bar/restaurant on Anjuna Beach in Goa. I had been dancing and making new friends, but finally exhausted and ready for some serious sleep, was heading back to my guest house. I was of course alone.

I saw something writhing on the beach ahead of me. A beached porpoise? It was dark and hard to make out what it could be.

As I approached it stopped moving. I pulled out a small flashlight and pointed it.

There was Corinne.

She asked me to keep her “secret”. I did. I didn’t take her photo, looking vulnerable and afraid there on the beach, then post it on Twitter. A couple days later, I showed up at her vacation condo and that was the beginning of this unbelievable adventure.

Now what I’m going to tell you sounds like something a crazy, third-rate author would make up. But sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. It’s so cliché, yet so zany … could I even make up something like this?

From that day forward, whenever I planned to visit some seaside resort someplace in the world, all I had to do was put a note in a bottle, just like the one at the top of this page, and throw it in the ocean.

Then wherever I ended up, a note would either show up at the reception desk of my hotel, or be slipped under my door, telling me the whereabouts and time to drop by. I would go and voilà! There would be a new mermaid, either making me an incredible meal, or opening a can of SpaghettiOs. I have no idea how they found out where I was staying, or how the note to me got delivered. It just happened.

Like I said, all of this sounds like a fairy tale — or a big fat joke — but this is how it went.

It only failed on two occasions, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I don’t know what happened — maybe the bottle got swallowed by a blue whale or sucked into an intake tube of a luxury liner — but I never heard anything.

So that’s my story.

Curious to learn more about these beautiful creatures from the deep?

As I mentioned before, the ultimate deluxe full-color paperback is available for a limited time (until December 2nd) for 25% off the regular price . . . order it directly from the printer or from Amazon.

Additionally, this stunning fantasy/travel/cookbook is also available as an ebook, in the format of your choice …

If you act immediately, it’ll be there in time for Thanksgiving. Then you have a choice: Watch football on TV for 12 hours or . . . dive into the fantasy world of exotic mermaids!

[ This originated at the author's personal website https://jdrachel.com ]

How Did I Arrange to Meet the Mermaids? | John Rachel

Friday, November 15, 2024

Life In Japan: “Sasayama Mary”

Meet Sasayama Mary!

Yes, she’s a cat-woman. Or is it woman-cat?

How did this happen? Very interesting story indeed!

Sasayama Mary was a very popular and successful fortune teller. As her success mounted, those around her became envious and spiteful. She found herself abandoned. When her best friend turned on her, it was the last painful straw. She became depressed and withdrawn, not sure where to head with her life.

Then attending a Halloween costume party changed everything, She went to the party as a cat. As she mixed among the guests, the smiles of delight were evident. She was making people happy! It felt good to again be accepted and to spread some joy in the world.

Thus, Sasayama Mary, the feline celebrity of our sleepy little town, was born! Currently, she only appears in public as a cat and can be seen anywhere and everywhere around town.

Masumi reminded me that we originally spotted her at our Dekansho Festival. I remember seeing her but just assumed it was another person dressed up specifically for the occasion, a common practice. But no, this was Sasayama Mary, doing her thing.

How we officially just met . . .

We had guests last weekend and were sitting in the store of our friends, Keiko-san and her husband Yatsushi-san, when in strolled a human-size cat! To put it mildly, I was surprised … amazed … delighted!

Sasayama Mary sat down with us and we got acquainted. Meow!

About the folks in this photo, starting bottom right and going clockwise: Of course, first is my wife Masumi. She’s a public school music teacher, phenomenal piano player and opera singer, is currently studying cello, drums, and ballet. Then there’s Sasayama Mary. My wife loves cats. Maybe that’s why she’s sitting next to her.

Coming around the circle, there’s yours truly. My Facebook Profile says “I can balance a Boeing 767 on my nose while I dance Swan Lake. I see hope where others see soap.” That’s really all you need to know about me.

Next are Yatsushi-san and Keiko-san. They are genuinely amazing people. They have built over thirty schools in Bangladesh. In the background of the photo, you can see pics on the wall of some of the hundreds of students they’ve helped with their education.

Next lady is Yoko-san, married to Gary-san. Yoko used to work for the World Bank. Through her contacts, she was able to arrange a huge grant for Yatsushi’s and Keiko’s NPO, funding the construction of at least five schools in Bangladesh. Finally, her American husband, Gary, is a poet, philosopher, political writer, formerly a teacher.

It’s certainly true that the tiny city I live in, Tambasasayama, is a quiet, traditional, rural town. But don’t think for a minute, it’s only farmers and rice fields we have here. Some rather unique and interesting people live here and come to visit. Does your home town have a cat-lady?

By the way, Sasayama Mary has an Instagram page. It’s truly a walk on the wild side. Check it out!

[ This originated at the author's personal website . . . https://jdrachel.com ]

Life In Japan: “Sasayama Mary” | John Rachel

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

What Do Mermaids Eat? . . . My First 5-Star Review!

It’s short. Right to the point: My first 5-star review on What Do Mermaids Eat? at Amazon.

Granted — not boasting — all of my books get mostly 5-star reviews. But each time, it starts with just one. It’s always rewarding to see that my hard work is appreciated and respected. That first bit of praise is always very gratifying, and frankly, EXCITING!

What I like about this very concise review is that it emphasizes how beautiful the printing of the book is. Of course, the ebooks always look dazzling, since they present the original color digital photos and graphics. But this being only the second time I did this — the first being Live From Japan! — What Do Mermaids Eat? is full-color, cover-to-cover, on deluxe paper.

IT LOOKS GREAT! If I saw this in a bookstore and didn’t know me personally, I’d still be very tempted to own this book. And at home, I’d have it in full view, maybe on my coffee table or kitchen counter. Talk about a conversation starter!

Right now, it’s priced as low as it can be. 25% off the deluxe, full-color paperback. For sure it will be available for only $29.95 until December 2nd. That may be extended through the entire holiday season because . . . well, it’s the holiday season. The season to be jolly, fa-la-la-la-la!

And as I’ve mentioned before, this unique fantasy/travel/cookbook is also available as an ebook, in the format of your choice . . .

Hey! Let’s have some fun! The book is relatively inexpensive and smiling is free!

[ This originated at the author's personal website . . . https://jdrachel.com ]

What Do Mermaids Eat? . . . My First 5-Star Review! | John Rachel

Monday, November 11, 2024

What Do Mermaids Eat? . . . Tanya & Chloe

Meet Tanya and Chloe. I encountered them on Bonaire Island in the Dutch Antilles. Very interesting pair. I think they were an item, whatever that means in the world of mermaids.

Not that it was in any way a problem for me. I have no LGBTQ+ issues.

Chloe tried to explain the way mermaids view the boy/girl thing we topsiders seem to be so pre-occupied with.

“You topsiders sure invest a lot of time and energy …”

Tanya interjected, “And money!”

“… yes, money too, in the whole male-female thing.”

I shrugged and probably looked puzzled. “It’s pretty fundamental for us.”

She swiveled the stool she was sitting in to face me, then stretched her body out. “What do you see? Can you tell if I’m male or female?”

“You have breasts.”

“So do sumo wrestlers. What about down below?”

She was right, of course. No obvious signs one way or other.

“And if you were to meet all two million or so of us, that’s what you’d see.”

“There’s two million mermaids in the world?”

“Give or take ten thousand or so. No one knows for sure. The oceans are enormous!”

“You’re really blowing my mind!”

Admittedly, that was a gross understatement. Every time I met a mermaid, my mind was getting blown. I’m surprised I can think at all.

Do you want to hear more about my unique adventures? How about having your own copy?

As I mentioned before, the ultimate deluxe full-color paperback is available for a limited time (until December 2nd) for 25% off the regular price . . . order it directly from the printer.

By the way, this stunning fantasy/travel/cookbook is also available as an ebook, in the format of your choice . . .

JUST DO IT!

[ This originated at the author's personal web site . . . https://jdrachel.com ]

What Do Mermaids Eat? . . . Tanya & Chloe | John Rachel

Thursday, October 10, 2024

What Do Mermaids Eat? . . . Rahqa | John Rachel

I admit that when I met Rahqa, I was surprised — a little shocked — seeing all of her MUSCLES and TATTOOS!

She was definitely unique.

But beyond being a health addict and alt-cultural, Rahqa was an activist, very concerned and upset about the way humans are treating the oceans.

Rahqa: “Did you know there’s an island of plastic garbage the size of Texas floating in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.”

Me: “That sounds bad.”

Rahqa: “Don’t get daffy on me now.”

Me: “Actually, I do know that but it’s not something I think about.”

Rahqa: “Well, please start. And tell your friends. Stop with all the plastic!”

Yes, she was fiery and beautiful! And a damn good cook. For our dinner, she whipped up Fruit of the Isles Sesame Crusted Mahi Mahi in Pineapple Sauce. I even included the recipe!

As I mentioned before, the ultimate deluxe full-color paperback is available pre-publication for a limited time (until November 2nd) for 25% off the regular price.

What Do Mermaids Eat? direct from the printer. JUST DO IT!

[ This originated at the author's personal website . . . https://jdrachel.com ]

What Do Mermaids Eat? . . . Rahqa | John Rachel

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Life In Japan: An Interview

About two months ago, I was interviewed locally about my book Live From Japan! Anecdotes on the People and Culture of Contemporary Japan from the Perspective of an American Expat.

The organization that interviewed me was the Sasayama International Center of Understanding, aka Kokusai Rikai 日本国際理解教育学会.

This is a non-profit and my connection with them goes all the way back to 2008. I taught English there three times a week for the entire year. The people there are wonderful and we’ve kept in touch.

They have a host of wonderful programs and activities, all dedicated to promoting knowledge and appreciation of other cultures. We have a variety of people from other countries here in Tambasasayama, including Peru, Brazil, Vietnam, South Korea, Philippines, even African nations like Senegal, and of course, the United States (like me!). Japanese language courses are made available to the immigrants, and English is taught to local Japanese who wish to build on the basic skills they got in elementary and high school. That was where I came in.

By the way, here is the message featured at the top of the home page for the organization:

戦争は人の心の中で生れるものであるから, 人の心の中に平和のとりでを築かなければならない。Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed. — Preamble of the UNESCO Constitution

In any case, one of my students from all the way back in 2008 who I’ve kept in touch with — she’s into organic farming, sustainable agriculture, and during her high school years was an exchange student somewhere in Florida — recently took a job at Kokusai Rikai. She alerted them to my Live From Japan! book. Next thing I know, I’m getting interviewed for a monthly publication they do (pictured on the left).

I thought the interview went well. It certainly was fun!

They asked me what page people should visit first. Without a doubt, The Naked American! Then they wanted to know my favorite story. That would be “There is beauty everywhere!” Finally, they wanted to know what my three favorite things were here in Tambasasayama.

My wife.
Riding my bike all around town.
The beauty of Tambasasayama — the mountains, shrines, temples, rice and bean fields.

Here is the interview. It helps if you can read Japanese . . .

Indeed . . . it’s like living in a fairy tale!

By the way, if you’re interested in the book, in addition to the stories about living here in Japan, there are over 450 photos . . .

An Apple iBOOK is available HERE.

A B&N Nook Book is available HERE.

Other popular ebook formats are available HERE.

A deluxe full-color paperback from the printer HERE.

A deluxe paperback is available from Amazon HERE.

A deluxe full-color paperback is available from B&N HERE.

[ This originated at the author's personal website . . . https://jdrachel.com ]

Life In Japan: An Interview | John Rachel

Monday, October 7, 2024

What Do Mermaids Eat? . . . Corinne

Meet Corinne. Read all about her and 18 other mermaids in the most uniquely beautiful fantasy/travel/cookbook ever!

When I met Corinne, I noticed that the left side of her body seemed weak, almost limp. She noticed me noticing.

Corinne: “You’re probably wondering about this. I got broadsided by a nuclear submarine.”

Me: “I’m sorry.”

Corinne: “Well, it wasn’t your fault. Then again. It was American. You don’t happen to drive a submarine, do you?”

And so it went. Every mermaid had unique and astonishing stories. And they all had a lot to say about we land-based humans, out gadgets, our movies, our celebrities, our music, our way of life and priorities. To say it was both entertaining and fascinating would be a gross understatement.

You can read about how I met the mermaids HERE.

By the way, the ultimate deluxe full-color paperback is available pre-publication for a limited time (until November 2nd) for 25% off the regular price. Go HERE for details! Or order it now directly from the printer.

[ This originated at the author's personal website . . . https://jdrachel.com ]

What Do Mermaids Eat? . . . Corinne | John Rachel

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Life In Japan: Clouds

I suspect most people share my fascination. I’ve always had a thing for the sky. When I was a boy, I had a refractor telescope and spent hours looking at stars, planets, the moon. During the day — this will bring back some childhood memories for many folks — my friends and I would lie on a blanket, looking for “special” shapes in the clouds: animals, faces, things of religious significance (I was a completely brainwashed Catholic back then).

Clouds! What a gift! What a wonder!

Not all of the time but often enough, we have some truly majestic skies here in my hometown. Yesterday was just such a day. My bike ride was especially splendid.

I’m sure it helps that Tambasasayama is far from any congested, urban area. Though I have to say, compared with, for example, Los Angeles — I lived there for 15 years — the skies over Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe are pristine.

Anyway, only two hours after these photos were taken, here’s what we got . . .

Did I ever mention how crazy the weather is here? Granted, we don’t get snow in the summer, but just about everything else rolls around, alternating from clear skies to lightning, thunder, light rain, heavy rain, wild windy storms, back to clear skies, beautiful clouds.

It rained for about 40 minutes. Then an hour after that, it looked like this . . .

Could it be much more unpredictable? Shifting? Whimsical?

Returning to clouds. They sure carry a variety of messages, encourage some wild imaginings, evoke a range of reactions and sentiments. I know someone who said it best! One of my all-time favorite artists/singer/songwriters!

[ This originated at the author's personal website . . . https://jdrachel.com ]

Life In Japan: Clouds | John Rachel

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Life In Japan: The Triumph of the Lotus Plants

Five years ago, I posted an article about our local castle and its surrounding grounds. The castle has a moat, of little use now that it’s been over 600 years since the Mongols invaded Japan. These days, it serves as a playground for ducks and turtles, and of course, a reminder of the military history of our town. Tiny as it was, the castle was used by various samurai as they defended their territorial claims to Sasayama.

I described in that previous article how an area elementary school was using the moat for a school project. In one end of a section protecting the castle on its south side, they planted lotus flowers, purely to add some color to the huge puddle. At the time I wrote about it, the quickly growing plants only took up a limited area, maybe 20% of the total surface area of the water.

Their work — or was it an experiment? — has reached a dramatic climax. The entire section, from one end to the other, is now crammed with lotus plants. Here’s what it looks like now.

In the morning, the view is especially spectacular! The flowers open wide to greet the day. They gently wave in the breeze. It’s a gratifying sight.

What is the lesson in this? Well, if your moat is looking drab and uninspiring, or it’s just time for a needed change, consider planting lotus flowers. The rewards are abundant. The flowers individually are extremely lovely. Collectively, they offer a carpet of smileys.

Plus you’ll be doing yourself and the world community a huge favor. You’ll set an admirable example for your neighbors, who will seethe with envy, as they look at their own drab, boring, lifeless moats, damning themselves for their negligence, and hopefully be inspired to get off their lazy asses and do their part in making the world a more beautiful place.

You’ll be improving your carbon footprint to carbon midwifing ratio. And as a related bonus, you’ll be pumping much-needed oxygen into the atmosphere. Look at the size of those leaves! Good grief, they’re like oxygen factories, and there’s nothing that can match a good oxygen high. Breathing is free and oxygen keeps the metabolic fires burning.

You’ll be driving away the turtles — arguably the strangest, if not the ugliest, creatures to inhabit the Earth — and the noisy, repetitious ducks with their incessant and non-sensical quack-quack-quacking. I do worry a bit about the ducks. Where will they go? Are we flirting with creating a homeless duck problem?

Yeah, you can scoff. But it doesn’t hurt to consider both sides of the equation when considering a tradeoff. It’s one thing to leave a human being stranded to fight the elements and eke out survival by dumpster diving and panhandling. But a duck is defenseless, incapable of getting a good-paying job, short on communication skills, small and vulnerable to trucks, attacks by large dogs and alligators, and predatory raids by hawks and vultures.

Friends, brothers and sisters, much as I love our lotus-filled moat, it would break my heart to start seeing these everywhere.

Okay . . . I got a little off track. Whatever. Life is complicated. The world is complex. Truth is, sometimes it’s a fool’s errand to try to sort it all out.

By the way, something just occurred to me, and I’ll close with this. The last time I had a major encounter with lotus plants was when I was rowing a boat on one of the lakes in Srinagar, India.

That was in 2009! Time flies, eh?

[ This originated at the author's personal site . . . https://jdrachel.com ]

Life In Japan: The Triumph of the Lotus Plants | John Rachel