rain

There Is Joy In All

Turns out life as a “writer” ain’t so glamorous, after-all. The eager seven year-old in me is crushed. I opened up my heart and wrote of things vulnerable only to be bullied by someone that I don’t even know. Today, I will practice finding joy in all.

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“There is joy in all” – Anne Sexton
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“I’m learning to be more careful with my words. Words that seem meaningless at the time can end up having a lot of power. Seeds that you didn’t even intend to plant can fall off you and start growing in people” -Humans Of New York
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“Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad. Whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art” – Andy Warhol
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Be Brave

“Saturate your world with courage…”

Pictured: Hydrangea flowers (now everywhere and in all colours), an absolutely gorgeous umbrella (black on the outside, blue skies on the inside) gifted to me by Ashida sensei my hipster bear bell. Yes, BEAR bell. Because rainy season (very humid and often depressing) also means bear season. Bears have been spotted left, right and center around my rural Japanese village so we have all been given bear bells. I hold mine as I walk or place it in my trousers’ pocket. It is supposed to warn off the Pooh bears.
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japanese rain-prevention dolls

And just when you thought Japanese culture couldn’t get any cuter, allow me to introduce the itsy bitsy teru teru bōzu (照る照る坊主). These are traditional Japanese dolls made of tissue paper or cloth and hung in front of the window to prevent rain. Teru (照る) means “shine” as in sunshine, while bōzu (坊主) refers to a Buddhist priest or bonze. Therefore, teru teru bōzu loosely translates to “shine, shine, monk” and alludes to a priest’s magical powers to prevent a rainy day. Ghost-like in appearance, they became popular in the Edo era and were used/are still used by children the day before important events or festivities.

My favourite part of school today was helping my friend the librarian make 20 of these adorable ghosts to hang around the school since June/July (Japan’s rainy season) is approaching. Who cares if they work or not. Be honest, you find them irresistible, too.
Don’t you?!
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