Goodbye to Summer

Sarah and I went to beach on Friday. My initial thought was to head to yoga, but I wasn't in the mood. The sea was calling me.

I drove around Coronado until I found the perfect spot. How do I know it was the perfect spot? Well, someone had already been there, and they left their cigar. That's some enjoyment right there! I perched on top of the rock wall and just watched the waves high five the shore.

I've always had this vision of writing on the beach. Like it's some distant 'if I became an author, my office would be the beach'. Just taking the laptop and a beach chair, but I always worry about sand getting stuck in the keys. Maybe just a journal and pen?

What's interesting is that this is a simple vision. Not like I need tons of money or world recognition in order to achieve this goal. Writing on the beach is simple, you just do it and it is free. I once had this conversation with an old boyfriend of mine years ago - 'What would you do if you had a million dollars?' His was just as simple, he wanted to work for REI or Starbucks. I told him to choose one, and with a little coaxing... he gave up his job as a stockbroker and followed his heart. He worked his way up from a grunt to becoming an Assistant Store Manager at REI, and he loves it.

As we come the Autumn Equinox and Summer comes to a close ~ I realized that it's been 5 years, and I'm just now following my own advice. Sometimes I think I need permission to follow my passion. The fact that I'm passionate is permission enough, and thankfully... Sarah and AJ gifted me with the motivation.

Tea Ceremony in the Garden

If you don't know already... I have what I like to think as a 'healthy' obsession with Japanese culture, gardens, and especially the tea ceremony. It started as a child when I was innocently watching Sesame Street and then all of a sudden, they showed a tea ceremony and I was hooked like Velcro ~ I could not take my eyes away from the screen.

The motions are controlled, precise, and delicate. The ritual is mesmerizing, and the best thing is that it involves food. You had me at 'snack.'

Lucky for me, my parents had decided  to participate in an exchange program with our local church and take a Japanese student into our home. Ritsuko, how I adored her! She melted my little 5-year-old heart and opened my big blueberry eyes to a world beyond my own. She dressed me in a kimono and cooked for my family. Rice, miso soup, and the sticky-as-glue mochi. You know how cool it is to eat mochi icecream now? Well, I was cool like over 20 years ago.

Last week, in the Japanese Friendship Garden, they were performing a Tea Ceremony in front of the majestic koi pond. I cannot tell you how geeked-out I was. When she asked for volunteers to participate, my hand shot up like a lightening bolt ~ just like a kid asked who wants to do show-and-tell? I didn't even think twice. It was a sudden impulse and I didn't even hear the question. I raised it when she barely said the words 'who wants...'

The tea ceremony is called Chado in Japanese (pronounced Sado). She made each cup individually with meticulous and special care. A few scoops of dark green powder are put into the cup, and then whisked with a bamboo utensil with vigor. She prepared thick tea which has a very smooth and frothy texture. Not bitter like other green teas.

She says to her honored guest, Please have a sweet. And then the preparation begins. The vestibule (emblem or design) of the teacup is pointed towards the guest. When you receive it, you view the cup, take it in the left hand, and then turn it twice clockwise so that the vestibule is faced once again towards the person who prepared the tea. This action says 'I am honored, but I humble myself and honor you instead.'

Just as the she prepares the tea... I prepare this blog and picture vestibule for you ~ Domo arigato gazaimasu

Releasing the Artist Within

On August 18th I unveiled March on the Bridge. It is my very first piece of art to be displayed in public. Those lovely people surrounding me are my parents and it was a proud moment for sure.

I took the shot one March afternoon during my visit to New York to see my sister. We took the subway to Brooklyn just to walk back to Manhattan over the famous bridge.

My mom's friend, a professional photographer, saw potential and helped it along with a little photoshop magic. I hooked up with a good friend and a great company, Impact Visual Arts, to have the image printed on aluminum ~ that's what makes it UBER SHINY.

 It showed at Mosaic Winebar in North Park ~ my hood ~ for 2 weeks and now it is going to be shipped to its rightful space - my sister's apartment in Queens.

Special thanks to mi amigo, Juan, for coming out and celebrating this special moment with me, and for taking the family photo.