| Regarding
September 2010 Edition |
| "Hopw this piece causes everyone to vote in November" |
|
- Frank Almond
Sacramento, CA |
| Regarding
September 2010 Edition |
| "I'm glad I live in Downey not Bell." |
|
- Fred Angles
Downey, California |
| Regarding
September 2010 Edition |
| "We have to keep awake!" |
|
- Harry Friend
Santa Ana, CA |
| Regarding
September 2010 Edition |
| "You nailed it" |
|
- Joe Gonzales
Los Angeles, CA |
| Regarding
January 2011 Edition |
| "Wow!" |
|
- Gene Broker
El Paso, |
| Regarding
January 2011 Edition |
| "I prefer my menudo without chile, but it's all good stuff." |
|
- Frances Lukan
San Francisco, CA |
| Regarding
January 2011 Edition |
| "Great analogy. "Bring it on!"" |
|
- Al Jardin
Los Angeles, California |
| Regarding
January 2011 Edition |
| "I like this." |
|
- Jane Rigley
Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Regarding
January 2011 Edition |
| "I like the way you weaved this one." |
|
- Vivian Goode
Sacramento, CA |
| Regarding
January 2011 Edition |
| "I bet my menudo is better than yours." |
|
- Joan Bile
Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Regarding
January 2011 Edition |
| "I like my menudo without the chile." |
|
- Betty Wellen
San Diego, CA |
| Regarding
7/16/04 Edition |
| "Herman, I was really impressed- more so than with any other of your columns.The subject was timely, you organized the facts very well,you created the reader's interest, with your usual sense of humor, you maintained a neutral non-confrontational thesis, which has both an "everyman" appeal, and a more sophisticated one which makes your readers feel that you are one of them yet at the same time brighter or more "with it" than most of us, but not the least condescending. You found your forte in current and/or controversial topics. I am looking forward to your next column.
Steve C. Kemiji
Sacramento, CA" |
|
- Steve C Kemiji
Sacramento, CA |
| Regarding
7/13/09 Edition |
| "Hope you know how to swim before trying out the rocket propelled human mover, before taking off from the pier.
The reason for saving G.M was because they make tanks. Not very likely that we would outsource making tanks.
They say that if the price of gas goes up to say $10 or $20 dollars per gallon- the tank will not be used.
That's the view from the tank." |
|
- Alkkkex Jacinto
L.A., CA |
| Regarding
6/21/04 Edition |
| "My good friend, Dr. Kemiji of Sacramento, drew my attention to "View from the Pier," and I agree with him that Herman Sillas's columns are thoughtful, unique, and in the case of his June 21 column also very humorous. Like the great British satirist Jonathan Swift (whose classic "A Modest Proposal" is still standard fare in college lit classes), Mr. Sillas uses humor and exaggeration when he suggests that future wars be fought by the senior-citizen generation! Their lifetime experience in negotiating, questioning, and proposing alternatives might just stop the "angry waves" of global warfare that Sillas deplores. Maybe the likes of Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz, and Armitage could be prevailed upon to set the example and be the first volunteers to experience firsthand the scourge of war and the tragedy of the deaths of America's finest and youngest!" |
|
- M. Chaconas
Costa Mesa, CA |
| Regarding
5/17/04 Edition |
| "I camer across Herman Sillas's View From The Pier, 5/17/04 and read with special emotion his masterful narration. It brought back to memory the Herman I knew in the 70's when we both worked for the Brown Administration in Sacramento. Almost thirty years later, he still keeps that wonderful humolr and compassion intact. San Clemente is lucky to claim him as one of its citezens.
Sincerely,
Dr. Steve C. Kemiji
Colonel, CMR (RET.)" |
|
- Steve C. Kemiji
Sacramento, CA |
| Regarding
3-30-10 Edition |
| "I have thoroughly enjoyed your sense of humor in this article and have passed it on to some of my friends." |
|
- dorothy hinds
, washington |
| Regarding
3/19/04 Edition |
| "Herman, Congratulations on your website. Your view whether from the pier, a boat, a lawyer's chair, in front of a canvas, behind a pole, in front of a bbq; I will always respect and love. You speak from the heart and touch the soul. love, your little sister" |
|
- jeannie lowe
hemet, CA |
| Regarding
3/18/05 Edition |
| "Herman Silla's current "View from the Pier" deals in his trademark humorous-cum-serious style with the subject of the evolutionary processes of the universe and the human desire to improve oneself.His absurd but clever way of dealing with a back itch, of all things, was inspired by a well-dressed woman he saw on the train whose face and eyes kindled his imagination.
Even though Herman omitted telling us that she was beautiful, with his charming Cora as his model, it would be difficult to find another woman as lovely.Note that in no way was he critical or condescending, because knowing him for 30 years, I can attest that he treats everyone he meets with compassion and enthusiam. But he did make the observation that although the woman's face was wrinkle- free, her eyes looked older, and this led to his musing on the vanity of useless cosmetic procedures-the theme to his third arm fantasy.
Herman is well aware that one's eyes do not lie; they are the windows of the soul; they are the unadulteraded mirrors of feelings past, present and future; they may twinkle with pleasure, flash with anger, be hollow or lively, show pleasure or pain, predict promise or dispair, reveal callow youth or resigned old age. Indeed when we want to know the truth, we say we "look someone in the eye."
No matter how one smooths one's skin or reshapes one's body, the two eyes still reveal the inner self. Herman's musing is right on track!
However, I guess he will have to wait some millenea to see his dream of a third appendage come true...In the meantime, could I trouble you to scratch my back-right there, please?" |
|
- Steve C. Kemiji
Sacramento, CA |
| Regarding
3/17/06 Edition |
| "Herman, opening your latest "View from the Pier" column, I expected to read about the renovation of a mansion; after all that's what one expects from a renowned lawyer and an accomplished painter! . . . . Instead I find you concentrating on your children and grandchildren during your lengthy ordeal, which is no surprise. . . . Once, a long time ago, Cora invited my wife Maria and me and our three children for dinner. Arriving earlier than expected, we were all made to feel at home with Cora treating us to a big bowl of guacamole dip so irresistible that by the time you arrived home from the office it was all gone. . . . I still remember your children's smiles when you entered, the cheer from you, and the hugs from your daughters. (I must admit that for a moment I thought their warm welcome was because they were hungry and dinner would soon be served!) . . . . Reading about your peripatetic adventures during the recent remodeling project on your home, I can see that the genuine love your children showed you when they were growing up is now carried on by your grandchildren. . . . Herman and Cora, you are justly reaping what you have sown, and your legacy will live on for generations to come. Congratulations, my friend." |
|
- Steve C. Kemiji
Sacramento, CA |
| Regarding
2-16-10 Edition |
| "Well done." |
|
- Mike J.
, |
| Regarding
2-16-10 Edition |
| "Please. No commericial advertising. I seek my readers' reaction only. Thank you." |
|
-
, |
| Regarding
2-16-10 Edition |
| "out of sight" |
|
-
, |
| Regarding
2-16-10 Edition |
| "NO commercial advertising -Please" |
|
- Herman Sillas
San Clemente, CA |
| Regarding
2-16-10 Edition |
| "excellent point" |
|
- Frank Crane
, |
| Regarding
2-16-10 Edition |
| "Keep writing. I love your stuff." |
|
- Rob Boysil
, |
| Regarding
2-16-10 Edition |
| "looking forward to your next column and weekend travels" |
|
- James Betts
, |
| Regarding
2-16-10 Edition |
| "Tell those jerks that put advertising on this page to buzz off. They will lose business. This is reserved for those of us that dig your muses. " |
|
- Mike Alvarez
, |
| Regarding
2-16-10 Edition |
| "No advertising here. Only for readers' reaction." |
|
- Bobo Russellyn
, |
| Regarding
2-16-10 Edition |
| "loved it
Joe Rangels" |
|
-
, |
| Regarding
2/1/04 Edition |
| "Great column. Now I know if I loose any weight, it will find a good home." |
|
- Hugo Zambrano
Anaheim, Ca |
| Regarding
12-19-10 Edition |
| "Enjoy your columns." |
|
- Georgia Ayala
El Paso , Texas |
| Regarding
12-19-10 Edition |
| "Good masa is the key to great tamales. We make our own and its our secret." |
|
- Rita Jones
Los Angeles, CA |
| Regarding
12-19-10 Edition |
| "Tamales forever!" |
|
- Joe Reilly
Bakersfield, CA |
| Regarding
12-19-10 Edition |
| "NO better soul food than tamales." |
|
- Andrea Smoltz
Tucson, Arizpna |
| Regarding
12-19-10 Edition |
| "Enjoy your humor." |
|
- Jake Only
Tucson, Arizona |
| Regarding
12-19-10 Edition |
| "Nothing like a tamale. Even bad ones." |
|
- Jake Jackson
Detroit, Mich |
| Regarding
12-19-10 Edition |
| "Tamales all year round. That's the ticket." |
|
- Joey Harper
San Jose, CA |
| Regarding
12-19-10 Edition |
| "Hey how about a showdown this year in December. Our Detroit Tamales are the best north of the border." |
|
- Chuey Barrios
Detroit, Michigan |
| Regarding
12-19-10 Edition |
| "This was definitely funny. Enjoyed it." |
|
- Joy Hearns
, |
| Regarding
12-19-10 Edition |
| "Nothing like home made tamales on Christmas" |
|
- Juan Hijos
Pico Rivera, Cal |
| Regarding
12-19-10 Edition |
| "I remember tamales in Texas. Loved them." |
|
- Bud Davis
, |
| Regarding
12-19-10 Edition |
| "my abuelas tamales were the best- throw down or no throw down!" |
|
- Mike Flores
Los Angeles, California |
| Regarding
12-19-10 Edition |
| "Tamales are over bundles of love. Loved this story." |
|
- Jack Hollow
La Mirada, |
| Regarding
12-19-10 Edition |
| "Great story. " |
|
- Joe Johnsen
La Mirada, CA |
| Regarding
12-19-10 Edition |
| "Great family story. Keep them coming" |
|
- Debbie Small
San Diego, |
| Regarding
12/17/04 Edition |
| "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Herman, Cora and extended
family.
Your Christmas theme story is not only delightful and stlystic
but more amusing than usual.
It was the 1975 Christmas dinner at the home of Herman and Cora Sillas where I was introduced for the first time to the Mexican tamale dish.
Being a Greek with a wife from Spain and having just returned from a 13 year stay in Madrid, Spain, I looked forward in anticipation to having a Spanish-type dinner at the Sillas home in Davis, California.
How was I to know that Spanish and Mexican cuisines were so different? I must admit that my first bite of the tamale was not as exciting as I had expected. Herman, who noticed my hesitant reaction to the taste, hastened to assure me that tamale grows on one if one continues to eat it.
I politely ate most of my tamale meal, especially enjoying the plethora of the other side dishes that accompanied it.
Had I known then that Herman made the masa for the tamale, I would have understood my lukewarm reaction to this dish. Cora, on the other hand, is a master chef, an expert in creating any dish that she puts in front of her guests.However, unfortunately, living in Sacramento, it is obvious that I cannot partake of Cora's tamales and the rest of her culinary repertoire.
Herman, count your blessings that you have such a wonderful cook in your household! And keep an eye on Marisa!
" |
|
- Steve C. Kemiji
Sacramento, CA |
| Regarding
12/16/05 Edition |
| "Herman, the Christmas holidays bring back fond memories for me too. . . . In my time and in the little island of Cyprus where I grew up,we did not celebrate with Christmas trees. Instead, we had bonfires! . . . In mid-December, all the school-age children of my village, Karavas, held an unofficial contest. For days we would feverishly scrounge around for wood (a precious commodity then), from wherever we could find it or steal it -- from backyard woodpiles, from the nearby forest, or from rival churches that were accumulating wood for their own bonfires. . . . Then, as night fell on the 24th, dressed in our best, we children would rush to the churchyard to watch the formal lighting of the bonfire. In my mind's eye I can still see the colorful group of boys and girls (separate of course) circling the fire, stoking it when necessary, mesmerized by the flames and their warmth. . . . When the adults arrived, we would go into the cold stone church for the solemn Christmas service, our faces still glowing from the fire outside. . . Later each church would designate a group of four boys to check out our rivals' bonfires, and there was always great joy when my church's fire was judged the biggest and brightest. . . . Looking back, I can see that those days were full of simple pleasures created by innocent children. They found their happiness in providing a bonfire to warm not only their shivering bodies but their hungry minds and souls at an icy midnight service commemorating the birth of Christ. . . . Afterwards my sister and I would rush home, hand in hand with our mother, to devour steaming avgolemono soup and boiled chicken seasoned with freshly-cut lemons from our own garden. . . . Finally, reluctantly, we would climb into our beds. No matter how cold the house was by that time, our bodies were warmed by the wonder of the evening and the thought that the Baby Jesus in his manger bed must have been colder than we were. Drowsy, peaceful, and content e would fall asleep. . . .Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and Cora.
" |
|
- Steve C. Kemiji
Sacramento, CA |
| Regarding
12/16/05 Edition |
| "Herman, as with you and your Christmas tree tradition, this special holiday brings back fond memories for me. However in my time and in the little island of Cyprus where I grew up, we did not celebrate with Christmas trees, instead we had bonfires!
In mid December, all the school age children of the village held an unofficial contest. For days we would feverishly scrounge around for wood,(a precious commotidy then),from where we could find it or steal it-from backyard woodpiles, from the nearby forest and from rival churches that were accumulating it for their own church.
Then, as night fell on the 24th, dressed in our best, we children would rush to the churchyard to wsatch the formal lighting of the bonfire, that would keep us all warm be inside the church or outside.In my mind's eyes I can still see the colorful group of boys and girls(separate of course) circling the fire, stoking it when necessary, mesmerized by the flames and their warmth. When the adults arrived, we would go into the cold stone church for the service, our faces still radiating heat from the fire outside which to some degree alliviated the chill you felt when first entering. Later each parish would designate a group of four boys ages 10-16, to check out the rival churches'bonfires, and there was always great joy when my churches'fire was judged the largest and brightes and secured a greater number of worshipers in the following year.
Looking back now, I can see that those days were full of simple pleasures created by innocent children, who found happiness in providing a bonfire to warm not only their shievering bodies, but their hungry minds and souls at an icy midnight service commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ , son of God. Afterwards my sister and I would ruch home, hand in hand with our mother, to devour steaming avgolemono soup and boiled chicken seasoned with freshly cut lemons from our own garden.
Finally, reluctantly, we would climb into our beds. No matter how cold the house was by that time, our bodies were warmed by the events of the evening and the thought that Baby Jesus in his manger bed must have been colder that we were. Drousy, peaceful, and contend, we would fall asleep.
Merry Christamas Herman and Cora. Steve C. Kemiji, Sacramento, CA" |
|
- steve c kemiji
Sacramento, CA 95825 |
| Regarding
12/16/05 Edition |
| "Dear Steve,
Thanks for sharing your wonderful story. Best to you and family for the coming year,
Love, Herman" |
|
- herman sillas
, |
| Regarding
11/19/04 Edition |
| "Herman, you've done it again. I liked this article, although not as much as when you write on human interests topics. However, this article shows that you can write well on diverse and timely subjects. As always you make your points with the readers, in this article by ably comparing elections to sports.
I was especially impressed when towards the end you made the comment that "the reason for our different expectations..... is that in sports, folks are spectators. In elections we are participants.".... This gave me something to think about, a comparison that struck me as something fresh and different!" |
|
- steve c kemiji
Sacramento, CA |
| Regarding
11/18/05 Edition |
| ""Heart Break" represents a father attempting to comfort a daughter who has had her heart broken for the first time. At that moment life will never the same. The heart will be guarded more carefully and unfortunately words of love from another's lips will be taken with reservation.
Herman" |
|
- h.Sillas
, |
| Regarding
11/17/08 Edition |
| "Your pier view of ll/17 was spot on. Soon the heavy lifting of "leading" will begin. But your positive take on the campaign suggests that Hope and Help are indeed on the way. In that vein, today I met with the son of a friend we have shared. He is now a LA lawyer specializing in employment litigation on behalf of employees. The purpose of our meeting was to encourage him to take a detour to DC and put his good head/strong shoulder to work alongside Obama and his legion of helpers. His first choice is the Dept of Labour where I first put my oar in the bureaucratic waters during the JFK administration. Rep Hilda Solis has signed on for a tour as DOL's next head. FDR also chose a woman, Frances Perkins for this tough assignment. If this bright young man decides to try to join her team, I may ask him to seek your advice and counsel "on the pier". Keep rocking and writing. Solomon " |
|
- solomon robinson
davis, CA |
| Regarding
10/27/08 Edition |
| "A few days ago I received a notice from the DMV that I must renew my driver's license and thought of you.
While your essay is fascinating and in some ways appropriate, Herman, kissing is far from our thoughts these days at our age. In my case, it is the renewal of my license and my apprehension whether my vision will be good enough. Just in case, I am making an appointment with my ophthalmologist to make sure that I have the proper lenses that will allow me to pass my driving test. When I do, Herman I shall send you one of those kisses that you wrote in your essay." |
|
- Dr. Steve C. Kemiji
Sacramento, Ca |
| Regarding
10/25/07 Edition |
| "Even though I returned to California, from a twelve year stay in Spain, in 1975 and missed the events of the Latino turmoil and the writings of Ruben Salazar, que esta en gloria, having known you, Herman,ever since my arrival, I will take your word for the wonderful journalistic works of Ruben Salazar, dedicated to his fellow Latinos in America.Since Salazar's death, there have been many Latinos who continue to carry the flame of promoting and protecting the rights of Latino communities all over America. Along with you, Herman, with your illustrious contributions in so many fields, I mention others whose names deserve to be remembered. PBS essayist Richard Rodriquez, Justices Cruz Reynoso and Appeals Court Justice Arquelles, ALRB board member R. Ruiz, and Mario Obledo, Secretary of Health and Human Services of California, who took the mantle after the death of Mr. Salazar. There is not enough space for me to write about these great Latino personalities, so I shall live it to the future historians. In the meantime, I shall raise my hamd for the US Postal Service to consider all of them with postage stamps as Salazar has been honored.
Dr. Steve C. Kemiji
Sacramento, CA" |
|
- Dr. Steve C. Kemiji
Sacramento, California |
| Regarding
10/20/06 Edition |
| "Hi Dad,
It was good to read your article tonight about how Mom separates the laundry. I needed a really good laugh today and I'm glad it came from you. Thanks for sharing your humor. Love,
Andrea" |
|
- Andrea Nesbitt
Norwalk, California |
| Regarding
10/15/04 Edition |
| "Death is never an easy subject to talk or write about. There is no easy way to die, yet all of us must mourn in the way we were affected by the departed person. Memories brought up as the dead embark on their final journey to the unknown, must be measured and must avoid shallowness.These memories must embody both pathos and humor, to reassure those left behind that there is something more to death than just disappearing from this world. Hope must be invoked to the hopeless, solace imparted in some way to those who need comfort. Herman, your commemoration of Jim was indeed a pearl of wisdom and humor. You know you must have made Jim happy when you told us that, as the funeral procession passed by the Pier, you felt he saw it in its true splendor for the first and last time!
Steve C. Kemiji
Sacramento, CA" |
|
- Steve C. Kemiji
Sacramento, CA, 95825 |
| Regarding
09/24/08 Edition |
| "Herman, in your comical way you practically nailed down our economic mess. That said, I wish you were in charge of our Treasury Department, and as someone who has known you for more than 33 years, I can attest that you would have never let this situation get to where it is now. As for you giving jobs to unworthy people, even as a joke, does not wash. I remember fondly the seventies when you had the opportunity to pioneer ways to give drivers that were about to loose their licenses, a fair brake by appointing the best DMV Administartive Law Judges, you saw to it that indegenous people with language problems, especially cultural morais, you made sure that they were correctly heard, by having the best interpreters help these judges make the right decisions. Your compassion and high moral standards would have never permitted you to get our country in the mess that we face. Unfortunately, there are just not enough good men to steer our country's economic ship." |
|
- Dr. Steve C. Kemiji
Sacramento, CA |
| Regarding
09/16/05 Edition |
| "Herman, your reference to your mother's plentiful beans reminded me of one of my favorite lines from the movie Casablanca when Bogart says, "It doesn't take much to see that the problems of three little people don't amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world."
The same might be said of the "little people" of New Orleans, at least from the viewpoint of most of our tone-deaf leaders when the whole catastrophe began. I for one, even after hearing our President's eloquent speech and his proclamation of September 16 as a victim's prayer day, am not convinced that anything significantly different will happen. We know that the pork has already begun to be distributed, for example, that the man who has been entrusted with the reconstruction oversight of the Katrina disaster is the same person who oversaw the reconstruction of Iraq.
Eloquent speeches do not trump actions. I am afraid that the damage that has been done cannot be right. We cannot bring back the plethora of people who died unnecessarily. However, although you are a lifelong Democrat, you have wisely chosen to avoid blame and look for solutions instead.
I find it especially encouraging that you are in contact with many of the "little people" of Southern California as you ride the Metrolink to your work. You are aware of your humble beginnings, and in your lifetime you have been associated with agencies (DMV) in which policies and practices might be open to criticism. This means that you have not lost your common touch on your understanding of what's important and what is not. Though circumstances are different, you can understand poverty and need, hunger and hopelessness, much better than many of us do.
Herman, I wish that you were the Homeland Security Secretary, and with your organizational skills (and your mother's beans) the outcome of this tragedy would have been mostly avoided.
Steve C. Kemiji
Sacramento, CA" |
|
- Steve C. Kemiji
Sacramento, CA |
| Regarding
09/16/05 Edition |
| "herman,
what does your portrait "Heartbreak" represent?" |
|
- noname
none, east |
| Regarding
08/25/09 Edition |
| "Cora, Cora, having a garage sale was a mistake. Aren't you aware that Herman, is one of the giants of the Latino culture. Anything related to him, even if he only touched an item, it becomes a historic monument. I should know, I was a Commissionaire of the State Historical Resources Commission.
A few years from now, some lucky person that bought any item from your garage sale will find himsel/herself the owner of a very valuable yreasure.
By the way, I have one of Herman's original paintings and even though I was offered an obcene amount of money for it, I will not part with it and left instructions in my Trust that the painting must remain in the Kemiji Family." |
|
- Dr. S. Kemiji
Sacramnto, CA |
| Regarding
08/18/08 Edition |
| "I was googling info on running etiquette and I came across your musings. You're great! It was enjoyable and comical ("You should have seen me in Davis")." |
|
- Eric Schwarz
Washington, DC |
| Regarding
08/18/06 Edition |
| "Herman, your latest essay on funeral arrangements came as a surprise to me, especially since not long ago you had your condo remodeled to such an extravagant degree that it took almost a year to be finished. Is it really finished now? . . . . As for your predicament about what to put on your gravestone, why don't you do as I did. When Maria died 25 years ago, I bought a plot in the Catholic section of the Davis cemetery to accommodate both of us. However, I never ordered a tombstone; and because I did not want people to know that she was survived by me, I just had the cemetery place a simple cement plaque at the end of the grave with her name and dates of birth and death. Upon my death, those whom I leave behind will arrange for an appropriate memorial for both of us. . . . When the time comes of the demise of either of you, just follow my example; and then when both of you are gone and buried in the same place, I am sure your loving children will see to it that you are memorialized with the proper tombstone. . . . Until then, enjoy life in your lovely condo to the fullest -- and when you have time, start polishing the funeral essay I hope you will write when I am gone! " |
|
- Steve C. Kemiji
Sacramento, CA |
| Regarding
07/22/09 Edition |
| "Using a magnifying glass to read your latest essay, was worth the trouble.As you know, Debbie was and is my favorite daughter of yours, and even my oldest son and her went out when they were in High School, Maria and I loved her as our daughter.Maria left us28 years ago, and Emmanuel, my son called me this morning from King Hasan's Pa;ace in Maroocco.It seems that his best friend and quasi business par
in his wineries in Spain, Antonio Banderas is in negotiations to produce a movie on the last Moorish King of Spain and is seeking financial and location sites in Morocco. It seems that King Hasan is enthusiastic about the project and invited Antonio Bandera , who in turn invited Emmanuel to participate in the negotiations, and thought ii funny to call me from the Palace.
Life is unpredictable, Debbie living the tranquil life in a farm with her 4 children and her High School sweetheart is on a junket in the Palace of King Hasan of Morocco. In their way, they both lucked out, and I know that both Emmanuel and I hold Debbie in the highest esteem. Next time you see her give her our regards." |
|
- Steve C Kemiji
Sacramento,, California |
| Regarding
07/20/07 Edition |
| "Hi Herman, Wow! What a great article about Aurora. My mother told me about it so I just had to look it up.
Many memories come to mind of our childhood. Mostly gathering at Mama Mona and Papa Jesus' home. Of course, you remember? Right?
Also, I saw your painting of the Mexican American. You are quite inspiring.
Congratulations on all your accomplishments. I am so proud of you. So proud that you are my cousin.
Please give my best to Cora and the rest of the family.
Your cousin Vera" |
|
- Vera Valdiviez
South El Monte, CA |
| Regarding
05/27/08 Edition |
| "Your May essay made my heart skip a beat. You see, I was diagnosed with the same disease about 4 years ago. My lungs are getting weaker slowly but surely. I admire the courage of your friend, however, I never entertained the possibility of a lung transplant, neither did any of my doctors suggested it. I guess I am a coward and have very low pain thershold, plus at my age 80, I feel I have lived long enough and accomplished most of the things I wanted. In the meantime, I take every day as a gift and hope that your friend will live a long and comfortable life." |
|
- Steve C. Kemiji
Sacramento, CA |
| Regarding
05/20/07 Edition |
| "I was beginning to worry about you, especially since you did not send me your March and April Views from the Pier.
As to your May View, I have only one comment and it is in Spanish: " Te tal Palo tal Astilla"
Best regards,
Steve" |
|
- Dr. Kemiji
Sacramento, CA |
| Regarding
05/19/06 Edition |
| "Sometimes a word , an image, a scent, a sound will bring forth memories that have been long hidden in the recesses of one's mind. That's what happened to me, Herman, when I read your latest column (may 19) about your fishing pier buddies.
My grandfather in the little village of Karavas, Cyprus, where I grew up, was himself a fisherman during weekdays and a barber during weekends. How well I remember him quietly slipping into our home in the wee hours of the morning, waking me up, and then with our little kerosene lantern leading me to the beach where his 10-ft. rowboat was moored. We will first load the baited cages that he prepared the day before, with green from the nearby fields, especially parselyn, place our little bag containg our meager lunch, seat me in the front of the boat holding the lantern and the oars, while standing by the side of the boat pushing her into the deep waters and then at the last minute, with a mighty leap, joining me at the middle of the boat where he attched the oars into their places and began our journey into the darkness of the sea.
For at least an hour, freezing cold, we would row further and further from the shore until we could not see anything but the sprawiling dark green sea. When the sun was up, the cold became bearable and in about another hour of rowing, we will stop and unload the baited cages.
Then on to another couple of miles wher my grandfather saw the markings of the cages he deposited the day before. It was then that he handed me the oars and I slowly guided the boat to each cage mark where my grandfather was pulling them up. My eyes were staring at each cage searching for the catch and when a big fish was caufght we both let out a sound of contentment. We carefully put the live fish into a bucket of sea water and slowly we would make our way back to the shore.
I was eleven years old the last time I went fishing with my grandfather. Shortly after that he died of a heart attack on his boat. People were saying that it was his excitement when he saw in one of his cages a giant octopus. I remember for years people in my village talking about this giant octopus my grandfather caught and propably died for it.
How well I remember my grandmother, mother and aunts wailing and praying, and how well I remember this as the first time I experienced the death of someone I truly loved.
At my grandfather's funeral when the priest calls on the people to approach the dead and give him their last kiss, with tears in my eyes I bend and kissed my grandfather and let one of the fishing hooks he gave me, drop by his side, and in my own youthful way I gave thanks for the lessons he taught me in perseverance and hard work, and I wished that in the oceans of heaven he might be catching the best and biggest fish for ever.
Steve C. Kemiji
Sacramento, CA" |
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- Steve C Kemiji
Sacramento, Ca 95825 |
| Regarding
05/19/06 Edition |
| "Sometimes a word, an image, a scent, a sound will bring forth memories that have long been hidden in the recesses of one's mind. That's what happened to me, Herman, when I read your latest column about your fishing pier buddies. . . . My grandfather in the little village of Karavas, Cyprus, where I grew up, was himself a fisherman during the week and a barber on weekends. How well I remember him quietly slipping into our home in the wee hours of the morning, shaking me awake, and then with our little kerosene lantern leading me to the beach where his 10-ft. rowboat was moored. He would first load the cages that he had prepared the day before with parslane and other greens from the field, next secure the bag containing our meager lunch, and finally seat me in the front of the boat holding the lantern and the oars. Then on shore, standing next to the boat, he would push the boat into the deep waters and at the last minute, with a mighty leap, join me aboard. Attaching the oars, we began our journey into the darkness of the sea. . . . . For at least an hour, freezing cold, we would row farther and farther from the shore until we could see nothing but the sprawling dark green sea. When the sun was up, the cold became bearable and after another hour of rowing we would stop and unload the baited cages. Then we would row a few more miles to the place where my grandfather would locate the markings of the cages he had deposited the day before. . . . . Our eyes were fixated on each cage as we looked at the fish it contained, and when the catch was a big one the two of us would let out great whoops of joy. We carefully put the fish in a bucket of sea water, and slowly we would make our way back to shore. . . . . I was eleven years old the last time I went fishing with my grandfather. Shortly after that, he died of a heart attack on his boat. Some passing fishermen pulled his boat to shore, and the story soon circulated that he had died of excitement while pulling an octopus out of the sea. Over the years this grew into a local legend in Karavas, and I remember people speaking with awe about my grandfather and the giant octopus that had killed him! . . . . How well I remember my grandmother, mother, and aunts wailing and praying when they learned the news, and how well I remember this as the first time I experienced the death of someone I truly loved. . . . . At the funeral, when the priest called on the people to approach the dead and give him their last kiss, with tears in my eyes I bent and kissed my grandfather and let one of the fishhooks he had given me drop to his side. In my own youthful way, I gave thanks for the lessons he taught me in perseverance and hard work, and I wished that in the oceans of heaven he might be catching the best and biggest fish forever. " |
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- Steve C. Kemiji
Sacramento, CA |
| Regarding
04/21/06 Edition |
| "Hi Uncle,
I enjoyed your recent article on the immigration work you did and how it touched your life through Oscar. As I was reading it a funny idea crossed my mind and I thought it may be amusing to you as well. And possibly you have already addressed the issue because of your history of fairness and contending for the rights of the people. In the many years of writing the View from the Pier have you ever covered the view from "below" the Pier - what are the cares and concerns of the fish in the oceans waves below the pier? Just a thought.
On a serious note - our love to you and Auntie - thank you for all your prayers - we appreciate you both so much.
With Christ's love and ours,
Todd" |
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- Todd Callaghan
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho |
| Regarding
03/24/08 Edition |
| "What a brilliant idea. I have been intriqued by the claims of our presidential aspirants regarding their experience for the most powerful position in the world. I remember when Governor Jerry Brown asked me to set up a program to certify interpreters for the Agricultural Labor Relations Board. My answer was that I have never had a background in that field and his immediate answer was, I have never had the experience in governing a state. I am also reminded of a great professor I had at UCLA,who used to tell his class,"When one graduates from a reputable university, he should be versed in most fields." That came into my mind during my conversation with Jerry Brown, took the job and after 14 successful years, I retired. Most lawyers, even though they are trained in the field of law, they are taught critical thinking and reasoning, something which enables them to tackle many fields besides law.
Given the state of affairs in these times, a school that contained a curriculumn geared towards governing a nation will be very beneficial. The faculty of ex-presidents, as well as other international heads of governments from all types of governing ssystems will enhance the preparation not only of the future American Presidents, but will attract students from all over the world who will be trained in the nuances and cultural requirements that a leadr must possess. Your apprentice program, should also include work outside the United States, something which will give our future leaders the hands on knowledge of other countries that someday we may have to negotiate with when disagreements arise.
Herman, just like the Miura wine, which gets better with age, your inquisitive brain is getting sharper." |
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- Dr. Steve C. Kemiji
Sacramento,, CA |
| Regarding
02/19/08 Edition |
| "Your comments on Armando Rodriquez, were as usual, enlightening.I guess I missed him since I came on the Sacramento scene in 1975, otherwise, I am sure I would have treasured his friendship as you do. As you may know, his book is listed on the Amazon and I noticed that no one has written a review on it. I am sure your February essay will will be a fitting tribute and I am sure Mr. Rodriquez will appreciate the plug.
Keep on writing and also keep on putting a new picture on your page, like you did this time. " |
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- Dr. Steve C. Kemiji
Sacramento, CA |
| Regarding
01/21/05 Edition |
| "Three ceturies ago the great British poet John Donne wrote "No man is an island entire of itself, every man is a piece of the continent." And now in the aftermath of the terrible disaster in Asia, a 21st century voice in San Clemente expresses the same idea. Congratulations dear Herman, on again writing words that are both timely and insightful.Although this event happened far away, the ripples of the tsunami figuratively reach every one of us. "Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind " said Donne and to paraphrase his closing lines, ask not for whom the the funeral bells ring, they ring for all of us.
Herman may I suggest that in the future you consider submitting your literary jewels to more publications and eventually including them in a book form so that the world will enjoy your genius.
Proud to be your friend.Steve Kemiji" |
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- steve c kemiji
sacramento, ca |
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