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Category Archives: This & That
Living My Dream: Tokyo 2020
The other day, after waiting in a short checkout line at Canadian Tire, I put my purchases on the counter and greet the woman across from me. Good afternoon. How are you today? Living my dream, is her deadpan reply. … Continue reading
Posted in Ikebana, This & That, Travel in Japan
Tagged A beginner in Sogetsu Ikebana studies, Living My Dream
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Where–How–Why–to Begin?
In Joke Show on Netflix, comedian Michelle Wolf said that a blog is conversation that no one wants to have with you.
Christmas Lights Butchart Gardens
The closest thing Victoria has to rival the Christmas lights of Japan is the show on view at Butchart Gardens. Keen to view the displays as close to Christmas as possible, I ventured out yesterday around 4 o’clock thinking I … Continue reading
My Love Affair with the Christmas Tree
I must have inherited my love of Christmas trees from my paternal grandmother who kept hers up until Orthodox Christmas in January. After everyone else had taken theirs down and boxed all the baubles and tinsel, the magic continued at … Continue reading
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.
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.
Posted in This & That, Travel in Japan
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.
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