Shogun: The leader of a nation

I have been mentioning how fascinated I am about Japan. I think Shogun is the only novel I read about Japan and it's people that really stuck to me. This is a book by James Clavell and is my favorite book.

I used to read a lot back then. I was influenced by some friends way back in high school: Sweet Valley High, Agatha Christie, Hardy Boys. When I graduated, I would save some of my allowance to buy or rent novels. I remember a store in our neighborhood owns a lot of books. I saw them when I bought something from her store and asked about those books. She said they are for rent and I can return them anytime. I remember paying PHP5.00 for each book. Sometimes when I rent more than one, she would give me discounts. I rent books when I have not enough money saved to buy a new or old one.

I have read and bought novels over the years but not as often but I remember buying the Harry Potter paperback collection but sold that years later.

I can't remember how I cam across Shogun. It could be in one of the bookstores that I visited or from my previous employment. I might have read that twice or three times or more. Writing this makes me want to read it again.

Shogun is story during the samurai era in Japan. It talks about a foreigner (I think Dutch. I can barely recall details) that ended in Japan when their ship caught up in a storm was forced to find land. He and his crew were held captive at first and then were allowed to do what they want but under watchful eye of course and their freedom is limited. This foreigner though (I believe the captain of the ship) was "used" to help leaders in Japan bring down their enemies. It was about politics, deception, sacrifice, corruption, death. It is about power and the ways and means one has to do to be the most powerful one.

It's not all that bad for it paints a picture of how beautiful Japan is and how rich is its culture.

My favorite part of the morning

The fact that I am alive. I am grateful to be able to open my eyes still and breathing. I do like mornings and I like it when everything is still and not as noisy as the day goes on. It is the perfect time for prayers and meditation. I like waking up to the sound of the birds and yes, the crows of roosters. Then to see the sky brighten.

It's a new day and I'm blessed to be alive.

Then comes the preparation of coffee which then the aroma fills the room as it brews.

I am grateful that there is peace. I have roof above my head. I'm healthy and happy.

Simple pleasure but that makes me feel alive every morning and that is my favorite part.

"The same wind blows on us all; the winds of disaster, opportunity and change. Therefore, it is not the blowing of the wind, but the setting of the sails that will determine our direction in life." - Jim Rohn

When I first came across this quote, it did make me realize that we all deal with life differently. That quote easily became one of my faves.

It's like Invictus where it says we are the captains of our souls. We have given the choice how to live our lives. Are we content with where we are now? What are we doing in order to improve? We think we are victims of fate and we are if that is how you want it to be. Don't let your circumstance define you. Don't let your situation now define you.

Changes and opportunities happen all the time and it is up to us to recognize the chances that life throws at us.

Done with the challenges!

Any plans for this weekend? Be safe everyone.