Hi. My name is Stephen Boyanton. I am a writer, a scholar, a practitioner of Chinese medicine, an incorrigible lover of books, and an inveterate traveler. In May of 2015, I completed my PhD in East Asian History at Columbia University, and in July of that year, I moved to Chengdu with my family. This is my third time living in Chengdu. I lived in Chengdu as an English teacher during my first visit to China in 1996, and I returned again as a student in 1999. I have also spent time living in Beijing and traveling in many parts of China. I confess that my love of China and Asia is both intemperate and shamelessly unsophisticated. I love the people, the scenery, the literature, the history, and the food. I love it all, even when it’s (sometimes literally) a pain. Ever since I came here the first time, this is the place I’ve longed to be … and now I’m back!
My life since coming back to Chengdu has been rich and unexpected. I’ve gone though many changes in the way I see myself and my purposes in life. One of the most striking developments has been the reawakening of my desire to write. It seemed like it came quite suddenly, but looking back on this blog, I’ve realized that it was a gradual process that I didn’t recognize at the time. I have come to see my writing as an important part of who I am and what I’m doing. This blog is one of the manifestations of that realization. I hope you enjoy it!
Ten Thousand Li 
I have bookmarked your post on Keat’s sonnets and felt I needed to see who wrote it. I will be visiting your blog from time-to-time. Keep writing (as if I need to tell a writer that!).
LikeLike
Thanks for the encouragement! I wish the same fir you. I especially liked your Basho-inspired thatched hut poem.
LikeLike
Thank you! Your analysis of Keat’s sonnets is of a higher order, and tells me there is much of substance to be found on your blog. My scribbles are varied and of mixed inspiration, but they are my voice. I write because I cannot not do so. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
LikeLike
As you probably already know, that’s what Faulkner said about writers: “I think if he’s demon-driven, with something to be said, then he’s going to write it.” I think it’s important to write all kinds of pieces from the tidbits (like my bicycling poem) to the masterpieces. I think it’s by writing all the time that you find the great stuff. Some of what the masters wrote is pretty mediocre–and don’t you bet they tossed out plenty of wires stuff! As they say, “A writer is simply someone who writes.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you don’t mind if I stay in touch. I like interacting with people who stretch me. That said; feel free to critique – any and all. I don’t become a better writer hearing how wonderful I am. I’m not in my twenties and I’ve never been afraid of the truth!
LikeLiked by 1 person