I’m happy to have a few small leaves at home. I love the ivy leaves that I got from Baba-san’s garden. Cloisonne leaves and fruit were made by my mother-in-law. (Michiko)
I enjoyed the cherry blossoms in Kamakura with Sam-san and his wife. We had a delicious Japanese lunch and enjoyed chatting. It was a wonderful day. (Michiko)
The third drum lesson (3/7, 3/21, 4/4). I learned something new. When playing the drum on the right side from the front, I need to “twist my core” to turn my body to the right. To step forcefully on the big drum with my right foot, I need “abdominal strength.” Playing the drums is a full-body exercise. (Michiko)
My favourite pumpkin soup compliments of my slow cooker .. most evenings after returning home from a long days work I’m not feeling like cooking. My solution is the slow cooker.. with 5 to 10 mins of preparation time it’s been an amazing asset for my health and my meal plan. All that is required is cutting upy veges ( pumpkin in this case) and literally measuring and putting all the ingredients into one big pot, turning on the switch and selecting the slow cook option of my slow cooker machine. I then go to sleep to let it work it’s magic. When I awake the next morning reliably the delicious scent of pumpkin soup permeates the kitchen. I open the lid to the slow cooker to a ready made load of pumpkin soup exactly as I love it.
“Semimaru, a Japanese antique shop” is a neighborhood shop in Zengyo that deals in old Japanese folk tools. Over the winter, Mr. and Mrs. Baba redecorated their garden. The garden is gradually taking on a spring-like appearance. Tsutomu-san is creating new items using old folk tools in his production room, and Sumie-san is creating beautiful displays. Their cat is also living happily in this leisurely space where time flows by. (Michiko)
My hair is naturally curly. I have allergies, so for now I can only dye my hair with henna, which is safe for my skin. My hair is dancing and orange, like a rock n’ roll. My ponytail is in the shape of a soft serve ice cream. I hold my curly bangs in place with a headband. This is my own style, and it’s natural. I maintain it at a hair salon. (Michiko)