Words, of course, are the most powerful drug used by mankind.
- Rudyard Kipling
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Category Archives: This & That
4.20 You in Ikebana: Experiments in Personal Expression
In November 2018, I completed Level 4 of the Sogetsu School’s course in ikebana studies in Tokyo. That achieved, I was asked to choose a flower name and granted certification. Afterwards I returned to Canada, bought and moved into my … Continue reading
Tokyo Is Safe–And It Isn’t
Depending on which source you consult, Tokyo, a city of 14 million, boasts distinction as the safest city in the world. Provided that I use common sense and remain aware as I would do anywhere, I am free to enjoy … Continue reading
Cultural Habits From Japan: Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down
After traveling extensively through Japan and living in Tokyo for several months at a time, I’ve integrated a number of habits acquired there with my life in Canada. However, some things done in Japan simply do not fly with me. … Continue reading
Baisoin: Aoyama Neighbourhood Buddhist Temple
I walked the bamboo lined approach to Baisoin Temple on my way home between Gaiemmae Station and my apartment in Nikko House too many times to count the first three months I studied in Tokyo. However, in spite of my … Continue reading
Posted in This & That
Tagged Baisoin Aoyama, Baisoin Aoyama Tokyo, Baisoin by Kengo Kuma
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Lessons in Waste Disposal Japanese Style
Recent news stories have covered nations refusing and returning contaminated materials intended for recycling to their countries of origin. In addition, multiple municipalities have begun to ban single-use plastic bags. Until recently, in my area of Canada clean plastics and … Continue reading
Tadaima! I’m Home.
A long hallway with blond wood floors and white walls leads from the entrance to a doorway which opens to the studio section of my furnished Tokyo home. From this hallway doors open to the shoe closet, the laundry area, … Continue reading
The Way Home
A few days ago a note from a friend (who has also moved recently and like me is settling into her new locale) spoke of feeling a little unsettled now that the feverish busyness has passed. She put her finger … Continue reading
Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture, This & That
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Choosing Chinese Characters for My Flower Name
In addition to choosing Rindou (Gentian) as a personal flower name after completing my Sogetsu Ikebana Level 4 Certificate, I was informed that I would need to select Chinese characters with which to write the name—one for each syllable rin … Continue reading
A New Point of View
4.17 Arrangement with Plants on a Wall In her New York Times best-selling book Stress Less, Accomplish More, Emily Fletcher (founder of Ziva Meditation the world’s first online meditation training program) believes that attempts to judge any creative endeavor and … Continue reading
A New Name
A few months ago, my friend Azusa and I sat with our smart phones in a crowded Omotesando yakitori bar. Between delicious skewers of chicken, various delectable side dishes, wine and Japanese highball (a whisky-based soda drink the Japanese have … Continue reading
Posted in Ikebana, Japan, Travel & Culture, This & That
Tagged Choosing my Sogetsu flower name
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