Naoshima, The Art Island of Japan

 An island filled with art in lovely and unexpected spots? Traditional Japanese homes turned into "art houses"? Creative use of local items and striking vistas? Friendly locals? An unusually modern bath house complete with neon and a large elephant statue? Delightful meals and meandering paths? Yes, please. I learned about Naoshima several years ago and had been chomping at the bit to visit ever since we moved back to Japan. Last month, I finally had the chance and it was even better than I had anticipated. Already planning a return trip, I am still savoring the beauty and eager to do some more exploring.  

Indonesian Offerings

Early in the morning when I would sneak out to walk in the rice fields, I would watch the local woman preparing the offerings. Bright pops of petals from the local market or their own gardens, hand-made leaf containers, wafting incense, and morsels of food for the ancestors. Carefully, lovingly placed in front of entrances, spirit houses, and other special spots. A fresh start to the day. A new set of offerings each morning. Did they think about family stories as they artfully arranged each one? Or were they running through the to-do list for the day ahead? Were they exhaling away worries or were they praying? 

Ubud, Bali
April 2018

Adam at 44

I took this photo last week when we traveled by ferry through the Seto Inland Sea to spend the weekend on Shikoku. Adam standing on the roof of a ferry, watching the sun set, and wearing one of his favorite t-shirts ("More cowbell!" from a Saturday Night Live skit). Today is his forty-fourth birthday and I can't think of anyone else with whom I would want to share this adventurous, nomadic, and colorful life. 

Hanukkah 2017

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Autumn on Miyajima

Tour groups, over-friendly deer, fiery maple leaves, grilled oysters, local ginger ale, conger eel, and stunning views around every bend: Miyajima Island. 

Izumo-Taisha And A New Collection

 On our way home from a fabulous weekend in Matsue, we stopped at Izumo-Taisha Shrine, the oldest Shinto shrine in Japan. In addition to its age, the shrine is famous for being a spot where all of the gods gather each October and it is home to Okuninushi no Okami, the central deity in Japan's creation myth. He's also known as the god of relationships and when believers approach Izumo-Taisha they clap four times instead of the usual two time. Twice for themselves and twice for their partner (or desired partner). 

Couples come to Izumo-Taisha seeking special blessings for their relationships. Some place special requests onto little wooden placards or little slips of paper which are hung/tied near the shrine. Another way to get a blessing is by having a priest sign and place a special seal inside your temple/shrine book (shuin-cho or goshuin-cho). It felt right to get a shuin-cho from this important shrine which also happened to be the first one we have visited since our return to Japan. We searched for the small building (they are usually on the side of the main shrine or temple) and near the stand that sells the wooden placards and religious charms.

After waiting in a short line, it was our turn and as we watched the young priest use a steady hand to mark the date and location in our book, Camille said it reminded her of our letterboxing book. I hadn't made that connection at all, but I do love it. This idea of having a physical reminder, especially one as beautiful as Japanese calligraphy paired with an official temple seal, to remember our visits really struck a chord with me. Now we will just have to be sure to keep it in a safe place AND remember to bring it with us on our travels.