The cherry blossom season is in full bloom in most Japanese cities, and everybody is out because no more Covid restrictions for the first time in two years! This annual collective nature-gazing that reminds us of our connection to nature and eternal life is a celebration of beauty.
flowers
Sunflower Mâché — Photo Art
I saw this sunflower papier-mâché prop in the window walking in Osaka, Japan one day. I loved its originality and the black-and-white newspapers with politicians' photos in the center. I almost walked on by, but I'm glad I didn't. Sometimes it's the little things that turn out to be unexpectedly beautiful.   This photograph … Continue reading Sunflower Mâché — Photo Art
Heaven and Earth Really Are Flowers – Ikebana in Japan for World Peace
A good friend of mine I met when I lived in St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands introduced me by email to a friend of hers. Joan D. Stamm is the author of the new book, A Pilgrimage in Japan - The 33 Temples of Kannon. It's a fabulous read for those of us … Continue reading Heaven and Earth Really Are Flowers – Ikebana in Japan for World Peace
Mono no aware, Japanese Flowers and Living in Accord With Nature
“If I were asked to explain the Japanese spirit, I would say it is wild cherry blossoms glowing in the morning sun!” — Motoori Norinaga (1730-1801), nativist thinker and poet One of the biggest reasons I love Japan is its cultural connection to nature. From its animistic roots in Shintoism, which came from Siberian shamans … Continue reading Mono no aware, Japanese Flowers and Living in Accord With Nature
Sydney In Osaka 