"Haunted Japanese Summers (Thinking Aloud)"

Professor Masakazu Watabe and I 
sat down with Thinking Aloud on Classical 89
to discuss Japanese hauntings and folklore.
Here's what we had to say:

Haunted Japanese Summers (Thinking Aloud)

It was brilliant getting a native's perspective,
and comparing it with my foreign one.
Give it a listen... And Happy Halloween! ヾ（*⌒ヮ⌒*）ゞ

{image via WeHeartIt} 

"Cherry Blossom Incense Burning"

Akemi-mama gave me 

cherry blossom incense sticks 

and a burning dish from her shoppe.

I wanted to use the first stick 

to welcome in the new semester.

( ｡⌒o⌒｡)人(｡⌒-⌒｡ )

Though sacred smoke 

is supposed to be applied to your body 

on Buddhist temple grounds, 

Kate & I had our own thurification event 

full of giggles and happy meditation.

Though we practice a different religion, 

learning about another's beliefs 

helps crack open their heart to you a little better.

{♪ "Sakura" is a traditional Japanese folk song.}

"Hoppy Bunny Year"

I'm so clever, with my word puns.
Christmas, New Year's, my 22nd birthday.
It's been one continuous party
since I've been home.
And now, I'm moving back to college life.
Resolutions for this year?
♡ Hone my Japanese
♡ Meet new people
♡ Keep good relationships
♡ Eat more greens like a bunny



An unexpected turn has appeared in my path,
settling sorrow on my shoulders.
But the wonderful people in my life
are hoisting me out of the brambles,
helping me regain my step.
Thank you for reminding me that I have feet.
Bless you all, and hoppy bunny year!

{♪ "Starry-Eyed Surprise" via Paul Oakenfold}

"Have Yourself a Snowy Little Weekend"

"When he spoke, what tender words he used! So softly, that like flakes of feathered snow, they melted as they fell." -John Dryden

One of the best things about Utah

{and, sometimes, the worst}

is the snow.

I hope you're enjoying your countdown to Christmas!

{And not too much sangria... ourgh, my stomach hates me.}

By this time, we're usually celebrating (LDS) Advent with our German friends,

but this year is a little different.

For those of you who don't get white Christmases...

I'll send some snow your way! Whoosh!

"Putting Up the Tree"

"Tradition is a guide and not a jailer." -William Somerset MaughamThe week before Christmas, and our tree is finally up.

{We're normally the people who whip out the decos after Thanksgiving dinner.}

Well, better late than never!