Pho What?

I've been asked what a PhoGun is?  It is a clever play on Shogun, James Clavell's first novel.  I was captivated by the story, which led to a lifetime interest in Asian culture and history.  After a 4-year stint in the Navy where I had the opportunity to see Japan, Okinawa, Guam, the Phillippines, Thailand, Viet Nam, and Singapore, I returned home and started the rest of my life.

I knew there was a book in me so I started writing my first novel more than several years ago.  Pho is the main character, a Vietnamese soldier left behind in the evacuation of 1975, abandoned by his American friends.  He escapes by boat and immigrates to the United States.  The premise of the story is that nothing comes easy for Pho, he struggles for what he has, without complaint.  The three important aspects of his character are Courage, Integrity, and Attitude (CIA, clever again!).

Courage to face each day, whatever it brings, good or bad.  He believes that "pushing through fear is ultimately less difficult than living with the feeling of helplessness".

Integrity to accept his own truth, to be his own man, to be independent and free.  He relies on himself to overcome life's obstacles, not on any government or institution.  Integrity also includes Responsibility - responsibility for one's self and for those dear to him, defense of himself and those needing his protection.

Attitude is always positive, he refuses to be a victim, or to waste time on negativity.

Through this blog I will post articles reflecting these three virtues, comment occasionally on current affairs in light of these virtues, and continue writing to finish that novel (I keep telling myself it's the journey, not the destination that is important.  Eventually I would like to arrive).