Category Archives: This & That

A Great Week in Tokyo

I had one Sogetsu Ikebana class on Monday morning and the rest of the week off. A nice change of pace. I liked being an observer rather than the creator. I spent the time taking in art exhibits, city views … Continue reading

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New Variations: Old Rules Do Not Apply

This week I had but one class at the Sogetsu School as the rest of the week was devoted to teacher workshops on the new Book 5 curriculum. With the basic forms and various slanted styles behind me, I began … Continue reading

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Finding a Teapot and a Tree

Bingo! She scores! Banzai! I now have a white ceramic teapot with a strainer. (Finally, I can soothe my soul by making a cuppa during those moments such consolation is needed.) Six bucks. Plus a paring knife and a couple … Continue reading

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Creating a Cozy Home in Tokyo

Before traveling to Tokyo I had done a meticulous assessment of my suite’s floor plan and colour scheme from the photos provided by the rental company. As a result, I brought a few items to personalize the space with me.

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New Mug Shots

It’s been a year and a bit now of sloughing off the skin of the past and undertaking the new on many fronts. On account of getting new eye glasses, into that mix was an update of my business head … Continue reading

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AdrenaLINE (aka High-speed Forest Bathing)

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Shinrin-yoku (Forest Bathing) in Mt. Douglas Park

In addition to practicing pick-up lines for potential nameless encounters during my next visit to Japan, I have begun a walking regimen. I won’t be able to hop in the car to get where I’m going during my three-month stay. … Continue reading

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Happy Thoughts on Father’s Day

For decades I faithfully created a special and memorable celebration for Father’s Day. Now six years after his death, it’s an empty spot on the calendar—like a tooth you’ve lost. It doesn’t ache as it did in the beginning; still, … Continue reading

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PWAC BC Regional Volunteer Award 2016-17

From mid-April last year much of my life revolved around my mother’s hospitalization, death, memorial, selling her condo, settling her estate, selling my home and moving from Abbotsford to Victoria within a period of five months. After that I focused … Continue reading

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Beginners and Beginnings

Last week I downloaded Microsoft’s Translator to my phone. Now I can  photograph, keyboard or speak into the phone and get an instant English to Japanese or Japanese to English translation. Someone with whom I wish to communicate can hear … Continue reading

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