Category Archives: This & That

A New Name

Posted on April 17, 2019 by Lynda Philippsen

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 →

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Out of This World

Posted on March 19, 2019 by Lynda Philippsen

When astronauts return from time spent in space, how do they react to their return to earth? The Human Research Program at NASA notes that astronauts experience various disturbances to human physiology as a result of sleep disruptions, confined environments … Continue reading →

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Busy Days

Posted on February 10, 2019 by Lynda Philippsen

Since acquiring my new home I have been busy. Creating blog posts has not been priority one. Instead, I revved up into high gear the moment the keys were mine. I immediately called in Fuzzy Wuzzy Carpets a local firm … Continue reading →

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Almost Home

Posted on January 23, 2019 by Lynda Philippsen

Today is much like one of those evening flight, waiting-around-with-nothing-to-do at the airport days. Except that no one is going to bring me drinks once I’m on board. In 9 hours I get the keys to my new home! I’m … Continue reading →

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Merry Christmas from Victoria

Posted on December 24, 2018 by Lynda Philippsen

I was surprised during a visit to a local mall to view a Christmas tree display to find a compass rose pointing to Tokyo more than 7500 kilometers distant. Sometimes it feels as if it were that many days. I’ve … Continue reading →

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Lunch at Lature

Posted on December 22, 2018 by Lynda Philippsen

Over the years Anne has been a splendid dinner companion with whom I’ve enjoyed numerous restaurants in the Vancouver area. There’s never been a dud among the numerous options she’s suggested. She was taking her first trip to Japan in … Continue reading →

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Small Successes in My Ikebana Studies in Tokyo 5

Posted on December 16, 2018 by Lynda Philippsen

4—[18] In a Suiban without Kenzan Alder (Alnus) branches and long-stemmed green roses (Rosa) in a green suiban (flat dish). The morning lesson went badly. Without a doubt it had to be the worst arrangement I have ever made. And … Continue reading →

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Small Successes in My Ikebana Studies in Tokyo 4

Posted on December 8, 2018 by Lynda Philippsen

4—[15] Keeping in Mind the view from Above Japanese witch hazel (Hamamalis japonica) branches and cosmos (Cosmos), also known as the cherry blossoms of autumn in Japan, in a two-toned blue container with five openings. In an arrangement for a … Continue reading →

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Small Successes in my Ikebana Studies in Tokyo 3

Posted on November 26, 2018 by Lynda Philippsen

4—[14] Keeping in Mind the View from Below Asparagus fern and mauve Phalaenopsis orchids in a three-throated, cream-coloured, tubular vase. Some arrangements are placed above eye level and the composition must reflect that point of view. We don’t always get … Continue reading →

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Small Successes in My Ikebana Studies in Tokyo 2

Posted on November 24, 2018 by Lynda Philippsen

4—[12] Focusing on the Uses of Water Fruiting Mikan (Citrus unshiu, or satsuma mandarin) and Pincushion Protea (Leucospermum) in a brown pottery suiban (flat dish). Not fixed with a kenzan (spiky frog). In this arrangement attention is given to the … Continue reading →

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