I just celebrated my birthday yesterday. Thank you to everyone who sent birthday wishes. When I was younger, I did not think I would live past 40 years old. Everyday since then has been a bonus and as a result, I not only celebrate my birthday, but the day after my birthday. In fact, a …
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It is not often that I get to be a guest at a Chakai. So when I was invited by my friend Christopher Ezzell to a Chakai, I was thrilled and delighted. Christopher lives on Vashon Island in the Puget Sound, about a three hour drive from my house. Since I had not been …
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Broken things can be mended, to be made stronger and more beautiful. In the darkness, there is a light to guide your way. In winter, the turn of year will eventually bring the spring. What troubles you today, will pass.
Here we are at the turn of the year 2020. For so many …
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Here we are at the winter solstice of 2019. Right now the Pacific Northwest is experiencing a category 3 Or 4 Atmospheric River described as a long, narrow plume of tropical moisture carrying intense rainfall across the atmosphere like a river in the sky. “These columns of …
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When we receive a bowl of tea, the etiquette is that we say “osaki ni” to the next guest, thank the host for making the tea, and lift the bowl in “kansha” or gratitude before we turn the bowl and drink the tea.
This kansha is not just gratitude for host making tea. It is …
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