Author Archives: Lynda Philippsen

Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) in Abbotsford, BC

The fragile, fleeting nature of life underscores all loss in ethereal petals about to let loose on the wind. Continue reading

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Sakura at Fushimi Inari

To my left a distant cloud of pink catches my attention—a lone tree, magnificent for its startling solitude in the evergreen forest still dark with the last days of winter. Continue reading

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Rengeji, Kyoto

This temple visit wasn’t on the original plan; however, the space in front of the gates appeared as if by design and now it’s our destination, if not our destiny. Continue reading

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Autumnal splendor at Nanzenji

The autumnal fires are in full, glorious blaze on this November morning. Continue reading

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Prisoner of Snowflake Falls Shortlisted for BC Book Prize

Readers who love this book will be ones who love the suspense of a stakeout. Anything might happen Continue reading

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3.11.2013

We cry out for what we have lost, and we remember you again. Leonard Cohen Continue reading

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A Day Trip to Maizuru

Though we must wait more than 45 minutes for it (worth every second), we order a set of freshly caught shellfish which is prepared for us on gas grills in the back of the stall. Continue reading

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Nijo-jinya, Edo Period Inn, Kyoto

No doubt we’re probably peeking into private things we shouldn’t. I get a real feeling for what it might have been like sneaking about in the olden days. Continue reading

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International Service Club (ISC) Kyoto

One of Kyoto’s great treasures is not found among the famous temples, gardens, museums, galleries or various artisan’s shops. Rather, it’s a largely unsung and little-known club with no splashy website: International Service Club (ISC) Kyoto.

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Visiting a community onsen in rural Japan

After we wash our bodies we make our way to the rotenburo (outdoor pool), this one rust-dark with iron-rich mineral water. For half an hour we sink to our earlobes in the soothing, restorative spring. Continue reading

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