Obon and Spider-Man 2

Coffee takes longer to kick in on Mondays. You might think I'm making this up, but it's true. That is why it's wise to drink an exceptionally strong brew to begin the workweek or simply exercise patience and slowly type a journal entry while waiting for the caffeine to work its magic.

San Jose's Obon Festival was this weekend. Along with the typical food and game booths, there was a flower booth and temporary bookstore, whose proceeds benefited the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin. I purchased a copy of Obata's Yosemite, a collection of letters and paintings that Chiura Obata, the Japanese artist, produced during his trip to the park in 1927. Later, we listened to the rhythm and beats of San Jose Taiko. Their site has some interesting information and article links about Obon.

The rest of Saturday was an extremely pleasant blur (at least in the eyes of this journal).

On Sunday, I went out for brunch and saw Spider-Man 2 with the family. Peter Parker has always been one of my favorite Marvel characters and I say that not just because I used to have a Spidey sleeping bag growing up. He leads a tangled life where conflict and complications exist everywhere and in every relationship, primarily because of his alter ego. This constant interpersonal and internal struggle was one reason why I liked the movie sequel. Danny Elfman's score and Tobey Maguire were two other reasons. One of my favorite scenes had a confused man and an embarrassed Spider-Man taking a long, uncomfortable elevator ride after the superhero temporarily loses his powers. It had awkward exchanges, glances and silences that I thought were so funny, I was busting up like an idiot.

Afterwards, my dad and I finished assembling the three-person swing for the backyard. Now there is a shaded seat, with a somewhat scenic view (beyond the fence line), to read, write, talk and most importantly... swing.

And I am flawed
But I am cleaning up so well
I am seeing in me now
The things you swore you saw yourself