Hong Kong Arts Center

This was an unexpected treat. While walking through Hong Kong Park I came across the arts center. I didn't know beforehand that it was even there. I walked up to the door and saw a guard there with no one else around so I thought it was closed. He then opened the door and motioned for me to go inside which I did. I'm so glad I went inside. There was a poet/artist, K.C. Chow who was exhibiting his artwork in the gallery. We were the only two there and though I speak only a couple of words in Chinese and he a little more in English we were able to carry on a conversation. His art pieces were so creative and he welcomed my taking photos of some of the pieces. He was such a kind and gentle soul and I so enjoyed meeting him. He gave me his book of essays which I didn't realize until I left was completely in Chinese. The only thing I could read was the ISBN number. I'll have to have it translated.

K. C. and the Arts Center

We greet

with a reverent bow

and warm handshake.

Reverent – irreverent

artifacts decorate

desolate walls.

Haunting, amusing

eccentric mediums,

creative illusions

brought to life

upon canvas and paper.

Panoramic calligraphy

vertical poetry

spotlights stories

of rivers and ponds

as K.C. explains

in broken English,

my reply

a reverent bow

and broken Cantonese.

We relate, communicate

in poetic harmony

both poets and artists

from different lands

together as fate

would dictate

the creative connection.

Test Your Reading Abilities

I Could See The Fear In Your Eyes

Twenty five years ago. I was much younger and working a mindless office job which I despised. However, the job was comfortable and I made decent money. I’d take MUNI down to the Church Street station each day and walk up to the office on Market Street. I’d pass this homeless guy every morning in the doorway of a bar on that same street. He’d never ask for money, though each time I’d pass him I’d ask myself, “why doesn’t he just clean up and go get a job?" I guess that came from the disgust I had for myself of working a job I hated, so why doesn’t he? Thank God I’ve grown much wiser in my old age.

It was a warm, quiet and boring morning at the office. I had the door open as I always had on nice days and was sitting at my desk in the front of the office reading a book. Now mind you in that area, on more than several occasions, drunks and the local crazies would walk in the office and I’d have to ask they leave or many times threaten to call the police. On this particular day, the homeless guy I’d see every morning came walking through the door. He walked with a limp – he obviously slept in the street all evening, as I could assume by the scent he brought with him. He walked right up to my desk and stared at me without any expression and without saying a word. I have to admit he scared me. I went to reach over for the phone when he asked, “is Steve here?” Steve was my boss at the time and rarely in the office. “No,” I replied, “but he’ll be here tomorrow afternoon." He then left without saying a word. I wondered why in the world he was asking for Steve.

The next day I did not see him in the morning. That afternoon he walked into the office, nice and clean, with a bucket full of water and a rag. He talked to Steve and then proceeded to take a chair outside and wash our windows. While he washed the windows, my boss walked out of the office, handed him ten dollars, and took off for lunch. The homeless guy finished his job, came in, walked up to me and said, “I’m sorry I scared you yesterday, I could see the fear in your eyes. My name is Darryl, what’s yours?” He then held out his hand. I took his hand in mine and said, “I’m Joanne. And no, I’m sorry.” He then shook my hand, smiled and told me he’d see me next week.

Long story short: I felt like a complete jerk for being afraid of this guy just because of the fact that he was homeless. That day changed me. From then on, Darryl and I became friends. He began washing the windows of everyone on that block and, in a year's time, bought a truck and started his own business as a window washer around the bay area. He got married, had a child, and is now living in Pittsburgh with his family and owns his own business.

I’ll never forget how that incident changed my life and how I now view not only the homeless, but the world in general. Darryl taught me an important lesson that day – one that I will never forget.

A Tribute to Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson

Referred to as the "King of Pop" this larger than life star I remember as a teenager while watching him and his Brothers, The Jackson Five perform on television. I connected to the music and had to have their ABC album - in vinyl. I listed to that album everyday and drove my parents crazy though my Mom always liked Michael and his music as well.

ABC, I'll Be There, Rock With You, Human Nature, Billie Jean, Thriller and the list goes on an on. They were just a few of my favorites. I always so much admired the creative talent Michael had living within his soul. He once said " the lyrics just came to me" and the music followed. He was a true genius and as many geniuses had to bare the criticism and judgment of others. Rumors constantly swirled around the pop star and remember that these were all just rumors and nothing more.

Being such a megastar he obviously found it very difficult to lead a regular lifestyle. He could not just walk down the street, go to a store or to a park without being attacked by paparazzi and fans. Stardom has it's downside. In my mind and my heart I know there will never be another musical phenomenon like Michael Jackson. There have been and always be in my estimation only a handful that have been able to enrich the world with their music and creative talents. Michael is at the top of that list.

Click here to listen to and see one of my favorite videos and song "Human Nature" by Michael Jackson.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



In my opinion Farrah Fawcett was one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood. With those golden locks and golden smile Farrah was rightly dubbed the "blonde bombshell" of the 70's. Who could forget the poster that launched her into the stratosphere with millions and millions of copies sold.



She was the epitome of the "girl next door" beauty whom every man wanted and every woman wanted to be. She was best known for her role in Charlie's Angels yet was a phenomenal actress of which I realized when I saw the movie "The Burning Bed." I was blown away by her performance and knew then that she was a serious actress who could rival anyone in Hollywood.

The most important role of her life was played out in the media. Her battle with cancer was hard fought and difficult. She lived her life the way she wanted, with gusto and pride. She was courageous, determined and confident. It is hard enough to battle this relentless disease but to battle with the whole word watching in order to help others is the most selfless and loving gift anyone can give. She was a true beauty inside and out - through to the end.

Click here for a video with Farrah and Barbara Walters.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One death expected and one unexpected yet both immeasurably tragic. They both were icons who were known and loved worldwide. I am deeply saddened by these losses and want to say that my heart and love goes out to their families, friends and fans.

Goodnight Farrah and Michael - Rest in peace.

Blame it on Peggy Lee by Sony Holland ~ www.sonyholland.com

Sony Holland sings "Blame it on Peggy Lee" a tune written and composed by Jerry Holland. This video was taken during Sony's performance at the Rrazz Room in San Francisco. Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday - The Gardens

More photos from my botanical gardens visit - Enjoy!

Poet & Songwriter Paula Hackett

Paula Hackett is a poet/artist in a class by herself. She has mastered the art of contemporary poetry with a hint of jazz and soulful prose. The daughter of novelist Paul Hackett, Paula grew up in Berkeley, California in the 60's. Her poetry exemplifies the history and experiences of that era with injections of humor, inspiration, melancholy and thought provoking metaphor that will have you captivated and yearning for more. Her imagery laden stanzas combined with her soothing voice and accompanied by master jazz pianist, Rudy Wongozi set the tone for a profound journey through literary excellence in both spoken word and jazz music. The words and music meld together effortlessly like hand to glove.

Billy Holliday
(a lullaby)

Sometimes when nature is quiet
and the moon shines just where you are
I can hear you singing the spirit world to rest
I remember as a child your voice would wrap me in cotton
as you felt the blows for all of us
Born into a country that tried to
make your voice illegal
poise and elegance was your response
And tonight like so many
nights as I wait for morning
I know I can count on
the voice of Billy Holiday

Paula Hackett and her brother John Hackett form the brother and sister writing team who have written lyrics for some of the most well known jazz artists in the business to include the CD "LA After midnight" by Diane Witherspoon. You can click here for more information.

I met Paula a few years ago at a concert at Yoshi's where our friend Sony Holland was performing. I knew she was a poet and songwriter yet I had not seen or heard any of her poetry until I received her latest poetry CD titled Roulette. As a poet myself I have always envied anyone who could recite poetry in front of an audience. As a result I look to Paula as a mentor in this specific area. The CD houses 27 poems accompanied by Rudy Wongozi on piano. I cannot tell you how many times I have turned to this CD for inspiration. Paula has the most soothing voice I have ever heard. She could very well practice hypnotism as a second career. The CD deals with her personal experiences through love, laughter, mourning and contemplation. Her work sees the light at the end of the tunnel and always sets the tone for a fascinating story. Below is a sound clip from one of my favorites.

Sound Clip - Morphine on the Beach

Visit her website at http://www.paulahackett.com for more sound clips.

Paula performs her poetry in various locations around the Bay Area. Below is a listing of some upcoming readings. Set your calendars, as these are "not to be missed" performances.
June 28 the @ Chez Hanny : w/New York based Pianist Connie Crothers. Paula will read in the second set. Show starts @ 4pm, doors open @ 3:30.

Monday, July 6 (7pm) - Bird & Beckett Books, located on 653 Chenery Street 415 586-3733: Paula will join the renowned poet, author & musician David Meltzer for this reading.

The Gallery-- Monday August 3: 7--8:30. Hosted by Kit Kennedy
1200 Mason and Washington.

For detailed information on Paula and the Paula and John Hackett writing team, please check out her website here. Enjoy!!!

New Pathways @ The Botanical Gardens

While attending the rose show the other day I stopped by my favorite spot in the city - the Botanical Gardens. Work is still being done within the gardens. They are paving the concrete paths, building new paths and clearing old brush. I was delighted to see that the wooden and stone paths in the exotic plant area have been completed. As you can see in the above photos there are a maze of paths weaving about the exotic ferns, trees and plants. There are also benches strewn within the walkways and ponds around the area as well. I absolutely love the look and feel of this spot. I'm already planning my next contemplative writing marathon within these exotic paths. More on Wednesday. Enjoy!

The Golden Gate Rose Society

The Golden Gate Rose Society here in San Francisco is comprised of rose enthusiasts and nature lovers from around the bay area who dedicate themselves to teaching and preserving the fine art of rose care and display. They produce free monthly showings around the bay area which consist of planting roses, classes on how to choose roses, caring for roses and creating unique displays. I attended the show yesterday at the county fair building on 9th and Lincoln located adjacent to the botanical gardens. There were not many people there though the flower displays were beautiful. So, I thought I'd share a few of them with you. Of course being right next to the Botanical Gardens I had to spend some time there as well. I will bring those photos to you tomorrow. Enjoy!

Keftethes - Greek Meatballs Recipe

Greek Meatballs (Keftethes)

I love this recipe. It makes 4 servings. Being of Greek heritage on my Mom’s side of the family we would frequently have Greek dishes. This particular dish is a Greek meatball. I have so many fond memories of picnics down in Santa Cruz and days at the beach where my Mom would prepare Keftethes and potato salad and we’d have our feast right out by the water enjoying the beautiful day. I thought about this today because it is a gorgeous day in San Francisco and memories flooded my mind. So I thought I’d share this will all of you.

A. Ingredients

a. 4 slices bread, white or wheat or whole grain - or Bread crumbs - they’re easier.
If you use bread, trim the crusts.
b. 1 pound ground beef
c. 1 egg
d. 1 medium onion chopped fine
e. 1 tbs. crushed mint salt and pepper to tasted flour
f. 2 tbs butter
g. 2 tbs olive oil.

B. Cooking methods

a. Place in mixing bowl and cover with small amounts of water. For bread crumbs you
can omit this step.
b. Add meat, egg, onion, mint, salt and pepper.
c. Shape into two inch patties.
d. Coat the patties well with the flour.
e. Fry the patties in the mixture of oil and butter.
f. Brown on each side then drain. You can make these ahead of time and freeze them then
when you are ready to serve defrost and reheat them at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.

These are absolutely fantastic with potato salad or coleslaw. They’re also great cold and on picnics. You can also use these with a tomato sauce and serve meatballs and spaghetti. A little twist on the traditional. Enjoy!

Po Lin Monastery - Hong Kong

Po Lin Monastery with it's temples and gardens is a must see if you are ever in Hong Kong. Po Lin, Tian Tan Buddha and the Wisdom Path are all in the same area and can be seen in a half day. It is located on Lantau Island. The monastery is also a calm and serene sight with it's large incense burner outside the temple where worshippers burn incense and offer prayer to Buddha. Inside the temple monastery is a sight to behold. I have pictures below so they speak for themselves. I always feel bad about taking pictures at temples and sights such as these because of the worshippers who are praying there but it is allowed and everyone does it so I could not pass up an opportunity of catching these gorgeous scenes. In this area of the monastery there is heavy incense burning so if you are allergic to scents of any kind, this may not be the sight for you. There are also many street vendors around the Buddha and monastery selling their wares as well.

Ya'Sou! Ezine Blog

Hello all,

Ya'Sou! Ezine is now complete. There have been major changes to Ya'Sou! due to my previous host provider making some changes which were not suitable for me so I decided to completely change the look and platform. As of now, Ya'Sou! Ezine is on a blogging platform which means it will need constant content in order for search engines to know that we are out here. Also, because it is a blog it will receive much more exposure and as a result your work will be noticed. There are many ways to advertise blogs and luckily for all of you, I know all of them. So, I will be employing much more advertising in the coming weeks.

What does all of this mean for you? First, this is no longer a triannual ezine. It is ongoing and therefore will have new posts at least every other day, though I am hoping everyday. I want all of you to think of this ezine as your home, your place on the web to share your work. For those of you who were accepted for the Summer issue, you have a permanent page on the blog. If you want to contribute on a regular basis to the main page and I hope you do, then you can email me three poems, or three pieces of artwork or three photos each week and I will post your work to the main page. If you want to add to your existing page, the same rules apply. If you don't already have a permanent page on the blog, you can email me and ask to be considered.

Each post on the main page has a link below the post to share your work with all of those social bookmarking sites like twitter, digg, reddit etc... The link is ShareThis. This is also a big plus in getting your work seen.

I am excited about this new platform because it is a win/win for all of us. The advertising I can do with this blog is limitless and that makes me very happy. This blog will be advertised right along with my blog on a daily basis.

Justin Germino who is the resident blogger for Ya'Sou! will be co-administrating the blog with me. I'm thrilled about that because he is "all knowing" when it comes to blogging :) I learned from the best.

In closing, I want to mention again that this is your website and your place on the internet so feel free to send me as much work as you like.

The new address for Ya'Sou! is at http://yasouezine.typepad.com/yasou-ezine/

Wordless Wednesday - Academy Of Sciences

Swoops - The Dive Bomb Bird

Photo courtesy of Attack Bird Chronicles

This is one of those "Only in San Francisco" pieces. For a few weeks now this not so amused bird in the photo above has been dive bombing pedestrians on California and Front streets in the financial district of San Francisco. That particular area is heavily occupied by workers especially during the lunch hour.

"Swoops" as he has been named has become quite the phenomenon not just in San Francisco but all over the world. His story has been told in China, Switzerland and across the United States. He basically is doing his job as a father. He is protecting his nest in that area. Anyone who walks by is seen as a threat by him and he naturally attacks as any father would in that same situation. You ask, how do I know he is a he? Well the Audubon Society has been called in on the situation and according to their expertise in that area, they have deciphered Swoops to be a male.

This feisty little guy has drawn quite the crowds and media attention. He is all over the local news, airwaves and newspapers. Dozens and dozens of people gather on the street each day to capture the dive bomb escapades. Most who attend the "attack shows" find it humorous yet there are people who wonder what all the fuss is about.

The local pigeon population has their feathers in an uproar and have been very disheartened by this phenom. Why? You ask, well because of swoops they have temporarily lost their territory and have to perch above Swoops on a landing of which they are not familiar. After all the pigeons have been there for quite sometime with their nests as well and they have been totally ignored - I feel their pain.

I know that right about now you are chuckling at this story however this story is very true. I personally feel sorry for Swoops as he is just protecting his family and probably does not like all this media attention though he has not yet been interviewed. I have not as yet been down to the scene to photograph or videotape our latest celebrity and probably will not because personally I do not like going to the financial district unless I absolutely have to be there for some odd reason. As a result, I direct you to the Attack Bird Chronicles blog which by the way receives over ten thousand hits a day. This blog is being maintained by a staff writer for the Chronicle and is as the name implies. It chronicles the day to day activities of Swoop, our local hero and attack bird extraordinaire.

I'd like to wish Swoops and his family well. I'd also like to thank him for putting a smile on my face each day. I'd also like to suggest that people working in the financial district start wearing hats in order to prevent any "swoop and poop" mishaps.

New eBook Release - Dark Summer by Joanne Olivieri

Greetings everyone. I am excited to announce the release of my new eBook titled "Dark Summer." This book was not something that I had planned but rather decided on a whim to publish with some of my newest poetry. I have already published two other chapbooks and decided it was time for an eBook so I went with Lulu.com on this project.

With Lulu.com you can also create softcover books, hardcover books and much more. It is the "starving artist" means of publishing. Since I am literally a starving artist these days this seemed to be the way to go.

So, if you choose, take a look and order. The price for the download is set at $2.50 - such a deal!

Enjoy,
Jo

Dark Summer

Dark Summer

My senses numb
as blistering rays
seep through my skin
cold as ice
stinging my heart.

In limbo I reside
where tears
are my comfort
releasing the pain
like brilliant stars

lighting the darkness.

Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Shop

Ghirardelli Square is famous for their chocolate and rightly so. I am a chocolate connoisseur and believe me when I say Ghirardelli is one of the premier chocolate producers in the world.

The Ghirardelli Square complex hosts two chocolate shops. As you enter the main gate on Larkin street the chocolate shop eatery and store are located immediately to the left of the plaza. The other as pictured above is located on the West Plaza. This shop is my favorite haunt. There are a few table and chair vignettes where you can sit, relax and enjoy some chocolate decadence or you can grab your treats and enjoy them at home. I like this little shop much better because it is not as crowded and actually has more of a variety.

One thing I love doing while there especially on a cold and foggy day, is buying a hot chocolate, which by the way are the best in the city, then buying a little chocolate square and letting the square melt in the hot chocolate. It doesn’t matter what flavor you buy but it is absolutely heaven. You can even buy white chocolate hot chocolates which are equally delectable.

As I mentioned Ghirardelli chocolate is popular all over the world. I even found it in Hong Kong while I was there. You can find their chocolate in various sweet shops and even in some stores such as Walgreens and Rite Aid. If you are in the area however experience it first hand by visiting the square. If you want to buy online you can do that as well by going to the Ghirardelli Square website.

Wordless Wednesday - The Star Ferry in Hong Kong

I am missing Hong Kong again so I thought I would share with you some photos of the Star Ferry which I took while traveling around Hong Kong in 2008. Enjoy!

A Tribute To Sony and Jerry Holland

It was a warm morning in February 2003. I was working at Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco. The plaza was empty and I was sitting in the store reading a book. All of a sudden I hear this jazzy tune playing on the Fountain Plaza. I did not recognize the tune but I loved the melody. A few seconds later I was stunned by what I can only describe as the voice of an angel. The pure, smooth vocals were so engaging that I had to get out there and see who this was filling the square with such beautiful music. I went out, stood by the door and saw this elegantly dressed beautiful blonde in a long black gown and heels singing her heart out in this quiet bare plaza. I was completely mesmerized by her voice and stood there for her entire set without even moving. When I heard "This City Is Mine" which was written and composed by Jerry Holland I fell in love with the song. I waited until her set was done and went out and bought two CD's. I remember telling her that it was so nice to actually have someone with such wonderful talent to be out there performing at the square. What really made an impression on me was after her performance that day this talented singer came into the store to thank me for buying her CD's. We chatted a bit and I thought to myself how sweet to take the time out to thank me. Then again that is Sony. From then on when she would play at the square I would sit outside and watch her during my breaks and time off. One day in particular she was in the middle of a song when tourists surrounded her table wanting information on her CD. She only had one at the time. I thought to myself I better go see if I can help them and walked up to the table and sold a few CD's. After, I retreated back to the bench to watch the rest of her performance when she motioned to me to go back to her CD table and simply said "I want you here." The rest is history. I went on to work for her selling her CD's in the early days of busking on the streets of Fisherman's Wharf and at various gigs around the bay area. I have to say that those early days at the Pier and Ghirardelli Square hold special memories. We would hang out during the break and just relax and enjoy. There were times when Nancy, our friend, would come out and we'd do little "skits" at the CD table in order to draw people over to us though we really didn't have to work too hard. Sony's music always attracted so many tourists and locals alike. Those days though gone, hold a special place in my heart.  

Before I had met Sony and Jerry, I never really listened to jazz. For me it was just a mish mash of notes strewn all over the place. Once I started listening to their songs I fell in love with jazz. With Sony's vocals perfectly blending with Jerry's songs it was a no brainer. You just cannot get any better than that. The video above is a photo montage I created of the early years right on up through today and includes their song "On A San Francisco High." Through these past six and a half years there have been so many gigs, so many good memories and so many fans and friends. It was a whirlwind of music, fun, laughter and towards the end, a few tears. Though I am sad they have moved, I know that being in LA is a stepping stone towards their dreams coming true and that is what is important. I have fond memories that will last a lifetime and beyond :) As was said last night at their final concert "this is not goodbye but only until next time." They will be gigging up here in the Bay Area whenever possible including a date in August for the San Jose Jazz Festival. 

For those of you who are fans, I invite you to post a comment on this blog sharing your memories, first times etc... with Sony and Jerry. For those who are not yet fans and my regular readers, I invite you to view the video tribute montage yours truly created and leave your thoughts and comments with me. 

American Sushi House - Restaurant Review

While I am not a fan of Japanese food I have to say that American Sushi House in Pacifica has turned me into a fan. My friend introduced me to this restaurant a few years ago and I have been back a few times since then including dinner last night before a concert in Foster City.

There are many things that stand out about this restaurant. First the decor is charming with white lanterns and Japanese flower baskets and paintings adorning the walls. I also love all those sake bottles behind the sushi bar and have tasted many of them, thanks to my friend Carmen along the way.

The owners and staff are probably some of the most friendly people I've met in any restaurant. They're sweet, accommodating and are always there to help and serve you.

I do not eat sushi so whenever I go I always order the tempura. Both the shrimp and vegetable tempura are delectable with huge portions. The salad which comes with the entree is very tasty as is the miso soup. The dinners are filling, satisfying and inexpensively priced for the portions you receive.

The sake? Believe me when I say it's all good. This restaurant is only about a twenty minute drive from San Francisco and is well worth a visit if you are in the area. They do not have a website so you can click here for their Yelp page.