Still staying on top of my #NaNaWriMo goals, so let’s have another snack. Couldn’t resist the little angel dude on LONELY GOD Potato Twists – Seaweed Flavor. And a melon ramune, which is the flavor I reach for if Blue Hawaii isn’t available (it usually isn’t). Japanese melon flavor is sort of … honeydew (hence the green), although some brands remind me of cantaloupe.
Siblings Aplenty. In Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal, we learn a little more about Suuzu Farroost, who comes from one of the phoenix clans. Turns out he has quite a few siblings, but one is closer than all the rest.
• • •
Before the elevator doors could slide all the way shut, a hand cut in and they parted.
Another passenger stepped in, looming in the close space and eyeing them narrowly. Utter silence reigned as the doors whispered shut, and then Akira shook free of his shock. Suuzu reacted at almost the same time as they threw themselves at the newcomer.
“Juuyu!” Akira’s nose mashed against silk-draped strength as he was pulled firmly against their visitor’s side. “I thought you were in Europe or something!”
His best friend was tucked under Juuyu’s other arm, his cheek pressed against the lapel of a dark wool suit, his hair gently rearranged by a clawed hand.
An undercurrent of joy suffused Suuzu’s greeting. “Brother.”
—Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal (Amaranthine Saga, #2)
• • •
FoxOfTwilight was messing around with brushes, and some sketchy-sketches happened. I’ll share this one today. (Which is code for “there are more.”) Continue reading
“Miyabe-kun!”
Mr. Fujiwara beckoned her over to the window at the front of his shop and its brightly-lit glass case. Making a big show of looking both ways, he passed her a steamed bun.
“Are you sure?” she asked. The glossy white bread was hot against her palm.
Mr. Fujiwara pointed knowingly at the bags looped over her arms. “Sweets aren’t strength, and you’ll be needing yours.”
“Thank you!” Kimiko broke the bun in half, releasing a fragrant cloud of steam.
—Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal (Amaranthine Saga, #2)
• • •
Hot Stuff. Steamed buns are wonderful because they’re hot. This time of year, I like to indulge because the barbeque pork buns from the local Korean market’s take-away counter are just the right size to wrap two hands around. Varieties range through savory and sweet flavors. I’ve tried the classic barbeque pork, ginger pork, chicken and vegetable, and a breakfast version with sausage and egg. Sweet versions usually involve red bean or mung bean, and seasonal fillings like chestnut or (as shown in the photo above) taro. Both the bread and the creamy filling in these buns are tinted lavender. Bold snacking, indeed! (And pretty alongside green tea.)
Lavender Snacks. Settling in with my NaNoWriMo project, but not before I share another snack. For the uninitiated, taro is a root that can be used in similar ways to potatoes … except not quite. I’ve used it in soups and hearty stews, and it can be mashed and sweetened to create fillings for puffs or fried sesame balls (much like red bean paste or mung bean paste). You can also order taro-flavored boba tea. In the Japanese color-code for foods, taro-flavored items are lavender.
NaNoWriMo is going well. Four days in, and I’m on track with my goals for the month. If you need a buddy, I’m plodding along over here >>
Iconic Snacks. In honor of Kimiko and in anticipation of NaNoWriMo’s month-long writing extravaganza, I raided several markets with an eye toward adventurous snacking. Let’s start with two of the most iconic snacks, both of which can sometimes be found in your grocery store’s international aisle.
Pocky & Ramune
(RAH-moo-nay)
It’s begun! If you want to buddy up, here’s a link to my NaNoWriMo profile >>
• • •
More to Come. The first thirty-one chapters of Lord Mettlebright’s Man came courtesy #Inktober. I posted chapters based on the official prompt list for 2018. But now that we’ve reached November, it’s time to turn my attention to #NaNoWriMo. Jacques will be lulling for the duration, but I’m interested in collecting prompts for the next update burst. Here’s my challenge. Suggest a prompt—either a word or a phrase. I’ll choose my favorites and post the resulting list in advance, in case you’d like to drabble (or drawble) along next time I do a round.
Comment with…
Claimer: I do hereby claim all rights and responsibility for the characters in this series of vignettes because the Amaranthine Saga is mine. (Which means I should probably behave myself since anything I say or do could be taken as canon.) Indulge the lot of us, especially the one who’s grown attached.
31
Concerning Dragons
Lapis Mossberne remained at Michael’s desk, daintily Continue reading
Claimer: I do hereby claim all rights and responsibility for the characters in this series of vignettes because the Amaranthine Saga is mine. (Which means I should probably behave myself since anything I say or do could be taken as canon.) Indulge the lot of us, especially the one whose caste is celibate.
30
Sprout
“Lapis came early at Tsumiko’s request.” Continue reading
Itadakimasu! I live in an area with plenty of Asian markets and restaurants. Tried a new place last week and snapped a photo of my lunch. Ramen served in an iron pot—shouyo broth, soba noodles, poached egg, fish cakes. There was also tempura shrimp to slide on top. Yummm!
Already plotting to go back. I need to sample more items on their menu!
If you’re on Goodreads, you can shelve the Amaranthine Saga. Tamiko and the Two Janitors was added to the series this morning. ::twinkle::
Book Three. It’s been fun to hear a bit of buzz already starting with the announcement of the next book in the Amaranthine Saga—Tamiko and the Two Janitors.
In doing her part for world peace, she puts
one crosser’s whole world at risk.
Conspiracy theories, werewolf scares, and protest rallies have hampered the peace process in America, where social and political unrest keep most Amaranthine from declaring themselves. Those not in seclusion rely heavily on illusion to mask their true nature.
As the newly appointed principal of a small elementary school, Tamiko Reaverson is doing her part for world peace. She rallies her community’s support and applies for Hisoka Twineshaft’s school revitalization project, which will bring Amaranthine to her hometown. Little does Tami realize that Fletching was founded by one of the oldest and largest urban enclaves in the United States. And two of her staunchest supporters—janitors at her school—share a secret neither wants exposed.
July 2019
Claimer: I do hereby claim all rights and responsibility for the characters in this series of vignettes because the Amaranthine Saga is mine. (Which means I should probably behave myself since anything I say or do could be taken as canon.) Indulge the lot of us, especially the unprepared one.
29
Full Measure
Jacques stood there, stranded between opposing desires— Continue reading
Grandpa’s Girl. Before FoxOfTwilight even finished Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal, she was ready to draw Kimi for us. Miss Miyabe is an interesting young lady who lives on the fringes of the In-between because her family serve the Kikusawa community as shrinekeepers. Kimi’s path is set, and her options are few, but she finds little ways to add excitement to her days.
A convenience store caught her eye, and she pulled up short. “Say, do you mind if I make a quick stop?”
“Snacks!” was Akira’s stamp of approval.
—Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal (Amaranthine Saga, #2)
Continue reading
FORTHRIGHT 