Henry's Asylum

Pass the Munchupa

I didn’t sleep very well, last night. Sort of a hold over from Father’s Day. A detailed psychological evaluation of myself revealed a combination of no longer having my own father around (he passed away a little over a year ago) and the lack of any critical success of fatherhood on my own. Introspection is best avoided during certain times of the year. Valentines Day, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day and the Christmas holidays (for Christians – substitute any other main religious holiday where appropriate) come to mind. I think this is why Halloween is so popular. Not only do you get to face your fears, but you get to do it while justifying eating a lot of candy. Or giving it away – I like both. Anyway. I’ve always enjoyed writing the most when I’m depressed, so today is made to order. You’ll know if I become suicidal – my sense of humor will start to kick in. You should have seen me back when my house burned down in Yarmouth, Mass, back in the 80’s. Standing in the Red Cross office with girlfriend and her little boy, I was literally turning into David Letterman. I’m surprised they didn’t sedate me. I think it was looking out the window and watching the snow beginning to fall that really triggered me. Oh well, life is like that.
I did get a chance to watch “The Last Samurai” with Tom “Call Me Crazy” Cruise. A fine actor best seen in the theater as opposed to talk shows (or anywhere else for that matter). The film was extremely entertaining to someone, such as myself, who has actually lived in Japan. But it still seemed like a slightly watered down version of the miniseries “Shogun” and a hugely watered down version of the 2 book set of “Shogun” that I read many years ago. Except for the battle scenes, which were done well. With commercials, it ran over three hours and never really dragged at any point (that’s really saying something with the running time and historical setting). The acting was top-notch and locales were amazing. Highly recommended.
Well, time to get back to my life. This Sunday I fly to Albuquerque to see my mom, sister and various family members. I’m looking forward to my mom’s planned menus of lasagna, munchupa (Portuguese) and fried codfish cakes. All righty, then...

posted by hbrennan @ 4:09 PM