Arnold / Fred,
I've only just returned, but thank you kindly. Spent the
morning in a 'yarmulke' at a Jewish 'kadish', family friend
who passed away. The cantor was quite outstanding.
I do have enormous fun writing 'Aunty'. Goa, and its
gorgeous people and customs provide an oustanding fund
of endless delight. Oh, and I absolutely adore Damon Runyon.
When I was little, one of his bubbly stories in particular took a
certain hold of my imagination, which has lasted to this day.
' "Son," the old guy says,"no matter how far you travel, or
how smart you get, always remember this: Some day, some-
where, a guy is going to come to you and show you a nice
brand new pack of cards on which the seal is never broken,
and this guy is going to offer to bet you that the Jack of
Spades will jump out of this pack and squirt cider in your ear!"
'"But, son," the old guy says, "do not bet him, for as sure as
you do, you are going to get an ear full of cider !" '
That quirky electric image of spitting cider pretty much sums
up Runyon's creative gift. Bierce's economy of language too
remains, with his sardonic style, ideals of which I remain in awe.
Kind regards,
Francis.
...................................
From : Arnold Noronha <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent : October 9, 2006 6:16:31
PM To : [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject : Aunty's Quips
Hello Francis:
I presume you're the brilliant sole author of all these cute
catechisms of rib-tickling Aunty's Aphorisms. I get a big kick out of
these sparking gems of humour and also learn much about Goa's idiom,
jargon and local politics. I hope one day you could compile them into an
anthology of "laughing matters" for bibliographical publication.
Years ago, there was a 20th century journalist/humorist named Damon Runyon
in New York who covered the Big Apple scene during the Great
Depression using the endemic brogue. In his quaint style, Runyon's short
stories were hilarious and tearjerking too with his gangster
imbroglios replete with dramatic enigma,
pathos and humaneness. Hopefully you'll consider someday prod-
ucing short stories/novellas in a similar vein. You've obviously got
the unique talent and are well-versed in both English and Konkani.
It could be the ideal way to expose vibrantly for the world's
enter-tainment and edification the wealth of Goa's rich history and
traditions in the light of its unique customs, sociology and folklore. This
may be the "Open Sesame" to provide a lasting
instrument to preserve Goa's charming culture for posterity.
Keep up the good work.
Regards
Arnold
-----------------
From: "Frederick \"FN\" Noronha" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "Arnold Noronha" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
CC: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: Aunty's Quips
Date: Mon, 9 Oct 2006 23:54:39 +0530
Hi Arnold, You're right. I like Francis' writing too. But it reminds
me of Ambrose Bierce and what little I read of him:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambrose_Bierce
FN
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