Author Archives: Lynda Philippsen

Dark Humour for Dark Days

I wonder whether it might be heartening if people could count while alive—even if only on one hand—family and friends who might be shattered for a significant period of time by their passing. Continue reading

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The Write for Tohoku Project

Though it is difficult to bear witness to destruction and pain of the magnitude caused by the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake Disaster (東日本大震災 Higashi Nihon Daishinsai), the stories of valour and resilience continue to encourage me in spite of the overwhelming … Continue reading

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Transience

Transience seems heavier this year—not the least insubstantial or aesthetic or poetic as drifting cherry petals might suggest. Transience wipes towns from maps. Transience waits on the floor of an evacuation centre surrounded by neatly taped cardboard and folded heaps … Continue reading

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Sakura Season

Matsuo Basho remembers the bloom of youth from toothless age. Continue reading

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Grateful to Vote–Again

Grateful to be called to the polls again, even for less than desirable options. Continue reading

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We in the Mad Spring Weather

Robins mate now. Male birds are particularly aggressive at this time. They will fly at each other, bouncing off each other’s breasts—a mating ritual that is not hurtful but mainly for show. The true courtship is conducted by song, the … Continue reading

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Success Story: Live Your Dream Interview

Recently Crystal Stranaghan and Jared Hunt interviewed me for their Feature Friday success story on their Live Your Dream website.  They (among others) nurtured me as I set out to establish a freelance career. The Buddhist maxim is true: When … Continue reading

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Bearing Witness

Since the quake, tsunami and Fukushima crisis in Japan I have spent several hours each day scouring the latest updates, pictures and reports from Japan. Though it gets harder to bear, I am compelled to keep watching.  I feel it … Continue reading

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Saigyo and Tears for Japan

Friday I had thought to begin the first in a series of blog-posts, sharing vignettes from my November 2010 travels to Japan. Something to ease me into blogging, something I could do with confidence and love for my subject. However, … Continue reading

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Pure Wool: 2010 CBC Literary Awards Entry

Thank you all who responded to my web-launch announcement, for your interest and for dropping by again. Click on the title and read Pure Wool.

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