Sakura Season

Cherry Blossom season is here and my hubby is back after three months in the States waiting for his visa. Finally we're together and a new school year in Japan has begun. Cherry blossoms are symbolic of beginnings and endings; of change. We can't believe how many trees bloom here; not just cherry trees but Japanese plum trees and some bright yellow ones that I don't know the name of. We have joked that the flowers aren't really real but hand made and glued perfectly to the branches in almost unnaturally dense clusters. Such dedicated work would be a very Japanese thing to do.

Another thing we have been enjoying is finding spring veggies called fuki. We pick them on our walks to eat for dinner. We have mastered fuki tempura. Our poor hearts... It's pretty much the only way to eat fuki and it's so delicious!! (of course everything is delicious if it is fried...)



Lately this has been a good example of my studio time. Lots of Harry Potter on the ipod and lots of time on the floor cutting, gluing and painting. Here's a new one:


The painting really is the wonky shape it appears to be. Other than breaking out of a rectangular shape, I am making an effort to add more space into my paintings. I've been told (by really everyone) that the space will help emphasize the crazy, condensed parts. Although I am stubborn sometimes in taking such good advice, I am finally giving it a try.

I have started to make more Jewelry too, sparked by a commission request from Chicago. Here is what I made for her:



I have a new spark for my future as a self-employed artist. Working a 9-5 job as an English teacher has its benefits (income, excuse to live in another country, etc.) but sometimes it is a little difficult because it feels like my real life in on hold. I need to keep my energy up and my dreams for the future flowing. It will make my time here now even more rich than it already is. It's a good thing that Mikey is back. The one percent of the time when I am not my usual optimistic self, he reminds me of his dreams and our dreams together and it keeps starting new fires in my passion.

Check out new jewelry on my Etsy page soon!
Keep the passions alive!
Drink wine to balance out fried food!
Read The Time Traveler's Wife for a superb love story!