Tokyo’s Most Stunning Cherry Blossoms Spots

BEAUTIFUL. Just to even look at the photos!

Perhaps one of the most frequently asked questions I get about Japan is “where are the best places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo?” and the shortest answer to that is everywhere. Literally. You’ll see canvases of fluffy blooms on every street and at every park, big or small. The city turns into a real flower-land and you are guaranteed to get your sakura fix almost anywhere you go. However, to make your sakura hunting a little bit easier, I put together not only the well-known hanami spots but also my personal favorite, off the beaten path nooks in and around Tokyo that provide stunning views without all the crowds. Whether you are coming to Japan for the first time, or are a seasoned resident, I hope you discover a new place on my list below and get inspired to have hanami there just like the locals do.

Japanese (2) MUST…

View original post 916 more words

April 6, 2018 0

Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway

This is for you, Dale. Rest in Peace or Raise Hell, whatever it is you’re doing now! xo!

Life and Random Thinking

Screenshot of John Wayne from the film Operation Pacific (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

June 11, 1979 The world lost a legend, a man I would add to the classic few. He was born Marion Robert Morrison but the world knew him as John Wayne or Duke.

Some would dispute his ability as an actor, he made dozens of movies but only received one Oscar as best actor in True Grit. I don’t think anyone though can dispute he was successful. He was successful because of the character he played, that swagger, and the scrupled man’s man who expected the most, and brought it out amongst others.

These were the movies that families could watch together, there was enough action in them that guys would watch them, but no swearing. There was usually humor, and even a moral to be learned in the stories weaved by Duke. He stood for honor…

View original post 147 more words

April 6, 2018 0

Edward Hirsch’s How to Read a Poem and Fall in Love with Poetry

O at the Edges

In a nod to National Poetry Month, the Poetry Foundation has posted the first chapter of Edward Hirsch’s superb How to Read a Poem and Fall in Love with Poetry. One of my favorite all-time reads. If you haven’t read this book, dip into the first chapter now.

View original post

April 5, 2018 0

DAY DREAMER

keithgarrettpoetry

DAYDREAMER

Forever lost in thought, imagination running wild,

Always wondering about things that can be, things to see.

Possibilities are endless in a mind that dreams,

Reality is a constant but a daydreamer can escape

And see what he wants to be.

At times a story of fantasy is his dream,

Knows when to open his eyes.

See what’s in front of him,

Never lose sight of that which can really be.

A daydreamer takes a break to catch his breath,

To imagine and understand what is and what is not.

There is faith and hope in his eyes,

Nothing so wrong as to dream, to keep one’s self alive.

Keith Garrett

View original post

April 5, 2018 3

Unexpected Delight

He runs to me with open arms, full of trust and love
and I delight in such expression; the openness undoes me
It’s difficult to translate, into words, the lesson conveyed
when he runs full tilt, arms open wide, and Laughing
never doubting my acceptance, or open reception

It’s a spiritual lesson, learned or unlearned with care
Our babies learn, and pass it on; they learn to love and share
He runs to me from across the room, smiling into the wind
of his own momentum, into the sea that is my heart
into my arms, into the love that awaits him there

My child, you are my heart’s delight.

Painting by Mabel Robbins Harris

April 4, 2018 5

Dear Friends

And this as well.

Living with butterflies

I’m sorry I lied to you. Im sorry I put on a front and never really said how bad it was at the time. I’m sorry I pushed you away. I cut myself off, I hurt you.

I spent so much time trying to maintain a ‘not going anywhere’ relationship, that I neglected you. And myself.

You’d think I’d learn (I learn the most ridiculous facts why can’t I learn my own bloody patterns!) But I didn’t and I’ve been here before.

I’ve pushed a group of friends away in the past. When the dark, scummy well pulled me in and replaced my usual self with anger and self-destructive behaviour.

You see, when you’re not coping, as I wasn’t over the last year. My old pals D&A (I’ve abbreviated them now to be cool, and because we are so acquainted 🤞) cloud up my own judgements and I refuse to…

View original post 235 more words