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Saxifraga

10/28/2018

I love gardening but I'm afraid I'm not very good at knowing the names of plants. Some I know only in English, some only in Japanese, and there are the rare few that I know in both languages. I'm getting better, though, although searching for plant names on the internet when you only have a description to go by can be a challenge.

I did manage to track down this one though. It's called "saxifraga" and there are many varieties. The ones I prefer are notable for their 5 asymmetrical petals. I love these plants. They are whimsical and charming, and yet tough enough to survive the Osaka summers. (They don't really like the heat though.)

Here are the two latest saxifraga additions to my garden.
May they live long and prosper! (^.~)/

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Kintano Tenmangu Temple Sale

10/26/2018

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October 25th was an absolutely gorgeous day - blue sky, perfect temperature and low humidity. One of my Japanese colleagues told me that she had heard a weather forecaster predict it would be the finest day of the year. I believe it!

Although terribly busy, I decided to go to Kyoto in the morning to visit the Kitano Tenmangu Temple sale. After all, life is too short to spend one of the nicest days of the year doing house chores and marking homework. Right? A close friend who lives in Kyoto had never been to the sale before and so off we went.

Since it was a Thursday, and we were there early, it wasn't too crowded and we wandered along exploring the various stalls and offerings. I love the quirky combination of old and new, and junk and treasures. I've been many times but it never gets old. My downfall is always the plants and the obis. Just how many does one need? Apparently, the answer is MORE!

I didn't take many photos since I have learned that many vendors do not appreciate photos being taken. (I use a prime lens and I like close-ups so I can't do it from a distance.) However, these might give you taste of what kind of day it was...

I was standing under a HUGE tree on the temple grounds and then I looked up...
One of the lanterns near the side entrance...

If you are ever in Kyoto on the 25th of any month - yes, even on Christmas Day - I highly recommend a visit to the Kitano Tenmangu Temple sale. Go early and plan to spend at least 2 hours. And no need to buy a thing!

Yeah, good luck with that! (^.~)/

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Safe Journeys!

10/24/2018

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Whew! It's been a little busy around here lately! I've been fussing around with spreadsheets, opening boxes, inserting calendars into envelopes, writing messages on cards, and...well, it's finally all done! After several months of planning, and creating, and organizing, the calendars are ready to go on their way. The first set will go out tomorrow and although I'm a little wistful as they leave, I know they will find good homes.

Safe journeys, little calendars!
May your monthly offerings brighten the hearts of others.

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You just have to start!

10/19/2018

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I have a few friends who are serious about photography. (Hello, Bob and Alan!) However, most people I know consider themselves beginners. They often tell me they want to improve their photography skills but they don't really know where to start. It's all a bit overwhelming.

I get it. The learning curve can be very steep. I think I cussed at my camera for 6 months straight before it started making sense to me. However, the important thing is that you have to start. That's all you have to do. You don't have to be good at it. You don't have to be skilled or graceful or confident . You. just. have. to. start.

So, where to start? Of course, if you have friends that can give you advice, great! However, if not, there many resources available on the internet. This is where I began since I had few opportunities to talk "photography" with anyone.

One website I often referred to was Digital Photography School. It's a great resource for tips and tutorials for improving photography skills. and one whole section is dedicated to helping beginners. It's as good a place to start as any!

So, off you go! That learning curve has to start somewhere! (^.~)/

P.S. You might want to start with 11 Tips for Beginner Photographers. It's short and sweet but will get you headed in the right direction.

A Maple Leaf, My Garden, Osaka

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HURRAY! \(^.^)/

10/14/2018

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I am so pleased! The calendar order just arrived! Hurray!

I posted a rather sedate photo of myself on my Facebook photo page but, in reality, I'm more like this! (Although I may look slightly unhinged, I'm grinning like crazy!)

I loved putting the calendar together but, boy, was it a lot of work. It didn't help that my beloved computer was starting to feel its age. (It's basically an antique. Let's just say that sometimes the software didn't quite work as it should and leave it at that!)

Thankfully, I had no way of knowing how much time and effort it would take and I just kept plodding along. Well, the plodding has come to an end and I now have something to show for those many hours of love and labour!

HAPPY! \(^.^)/

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Saxifraga

Kintano Tenmangu Temple Sale

Safe Journeys!

You just have to start!

HURRAY! \(^.^)/

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