Autumn euphory at the Akiyoshidai plateau

Being on the plateau is like being by the sea as the wind is making waves on the meadow.
Sisko likes to put her body into this landscape and play a dance with the wind.
A small cloud joins in and finds the perfect place. A big heart is harvested in half.
In ancient times this was the bottom of the sea.

                                      "Come to the edge, he said.
                                       We are afraid.
                                       Come to the edge, he said.
                                       They came, and they flew."

Night out at Yamaguchi city

We start slowly, soaking our feet in a hot mineral bath founded by shiroi kitsune, the white fox. Inside a restaurant serving Okinawan food, ten women  are gathering together to celebrate friendship, birthdays and vitalizing their senses.
Drink dassai, the pure abundance which makes you clear, happy and flowing! 
Eat giant grilled garlic, raw ginger and get energized!
After five hours go thanking the shiroi kitsune for all her gifts!

Iki: breath, life, simplicity, spontaneity...

In a bright sunny day we are invited to Yamanaka-san's old house. We are asked to enter the central tatami room of this fine home. Inside, with gracious ease three members of the Iki iki ladies -choir treet us with selfmade delicacies which taste of harmony and joy of living.

The time we spend with them in this precious space stays lingering in us; we just experienced something uniquely valuable and in our tongue we have the taste of iki.

In the mood of iki our host Yamanaka-san takes us to the other side of Schuho-cho village to meet another three ladies who practice haiku and calligraphy. During this spontaneous visit Aura is given a brush and ink and is guided to express her love to susuki, a japanese grass which she has been photographing passionately this week. Aura handles the brush with such realxed accuracy that the old ladies applaud approvingly.

25.10. Happy birthday Sisko!

Paljon onnea! Tanjoobi o omedetoo Sisko-chan!

A very special day. Many years have passed since we celebrated her birthday together. We plan to make another climb to our mountain then dance and sing in the bamboo forest. In the evening we have invited friends to eat a pile of crêpes, served with Finnish blueberry jam and green tea ice cream.

Crab Lounge

We are now residing in the armpit of the lush mountains outside Yamaguchi city.
If you go hiking up to our mountain, you can meditate on the soft green waves of the horizon.
Or you can sing out loud!

Our architectural playground down in the armpit is a monumental complex
of echoing spaces and moss-covered terraces. Our favourite place is the Crab Lounge where we hang out happily in its belly. The fellow crabs inhabit the path to the mountain and are looking annoyed at our passing.

Mementoes

When we wander in wondrous places, our being catches momentous markings.
Our focus shifts and makes connections, discovering spontaneous meanings.

Why does a fox need a napkin? Are bambies that dangerous?
Are we actually waiting for a wagon for women?

Kansha

Showing respect for places.
Connecting with the a tree and breathing with stones.
Feeling awe in front of something so big and vaste it makes the body expand with gratitude.
Shaking the bell to call the gods of forests and seas. Just to say that we are all here.