I love the idea of looking out every two weeks for small changes in nature - thank you so much for sharing about rural Japanese traditions and concepts!
It's always funny to me to read about people in the northern hemisphere be happy about winter finally ending, because they say that right in the heat of summer where I live (south). It's a time where I crave coldness and a break from the suffocating heat. Hopefully some relief comes for both of us soon!
Thank you for your kind comment! It's funny that every time I write anything about the seasons, I always think of those in the southern hemisphere and wonder what they must be feeling. Yes, hope we move into those sweet in-betweens for the both of us!
Such a beautiful read, thank you for sharing! Here in the uk the snowdrops are just starting to come out - one of my favourites moments of the year, it feels like spring is whispering to me 🤍
When I first learned of Risshun two February's ago I was so elated! Just the idea of it being officially "Spring" somehow made the miserably cold Gunma winter seemed warmer! (I'd just moved for temperate-climate Australia, so I was suffering!!)
I'm new to Substack and your newsletter was the first one I subscribed to. It's been such a blessing to read your posts. I've only popped by Takamatsu once and haven't quite explored the other areas of Shikoku yet. I'm looking forward to the next time I visit your lovely island.
Always enjoy reading your writing! And I think seasonal postcards are such a lovely and tangible thing. I'm glad you're beginning to accept the kindness that you so generously share with all of us. Your observations invite us into new perspectives and ways of seeing!
I have loved your posts since I discovered them very early on and thank you for placing them above monetary value. I do the same with my own and am grateful for friendships worldwide.
When I read your words, you invite me into the Japan I would love to visit - rural, beholden to and honouring the seasons, and filled with gratitude between neighbours and friends.
Thank you so much for your kind comment. I am so glad that these posts give you a small window into rural Japan. 'Honouring the seasons', what a lovely way to put it. Thank you again :)
Well done Kana! If we measure value with money, then offering a paid subscription option is saying "I'm worth-y!". And you and your writing (which I have just discovered) are. And thanks also for the generosity of offering most of your writing without any financial strings. The balance between generosity and self-consideration is key, and you are showing how it can be done! 👏
"...roughly every two weeks, there is a moment to pause and observe nature’s quiet transitions." What are lovely, nature-centered way to divide up the year!
Why yes Kanachan, include paid subscripts. I don't and shan't on my substack but different folks different strokes (I've some 60 or more years on you and hence our financial concerns differ greatly.), hence different priorities. One advantage of you're including paid is I suspect you'll write more often, which I'd look forward to.
Having said that no, I won't become a paid subscriber. I visit daily 5 or 10 stacks and monthly maybe 40 or 50, so/and 60 bucks here, 80 there would soon cut into my beer money! OK, I brew my own beer but barley doesn't grow on trees you know! (grin)
If you can fit it in I'd suggest making the 88 temple pilgrimage, Kobo Daishi was one cool cat, of Shikoku. As far as Japan, Tokyo, is concerned Shikoku's the far hinderlands (Read Sōseki's Botchan, and, in my humble opinion, most kanto still feel that way, grin.), but the range of interest, economy, history, etc., etc., etc, just on that one island is, again in my humble opinion, as great or greater than the Canada you know or my U. S. & Alaska, & that pilgrimage will expose you to much of it. OK, having said that, I've only maybe 5 or 6 of the temples under my belt and didn't collect goshuin but I've friends there that have all 88 and one (Utsunomiysan, Shoichi)that has 10 sets of each.
Brewing your own beer?! Very cool! Thank you for the comment. Yes, I also have visited a handful of temples of the 88, but I am looking forward to seeing more of the pilgrimage.
I also brew my own nigori sake. Making the koji is a bit touchy (Time, moisture, temperature and handling all need be rather precise.) the the brewing is easier than beer.
I love the idea of looking out every two weeks for small changes in nature - thank you so much for sharing about rural Japanese traditions and concepts!
It's always funny to me to read about people in the northern hemisphere be happy about winter finally ending, because they say that right in the heat of summer where I live (south). It's a time where I crave coldness and a break from the suffocating heat. Hopefully some relief comes for both of us soon!
Happy spring :)
Thank you for your kind comment! It's funny that every time I write anything about the seasons, I always think of those in the southern hemisphere and wonder what they must be feeling. Yes, hope we move into those sweet in-betweens for the both of us!
Such a beautiful read, thank you for sharing! Here in the uk the snowdrops are just starting to come out - one of my favourites moments of the year, it feels like spring is whispering to me 🤍
The moments of transition are truly the loveliest. Thank you for sharing about what you're experiencing in the UK :)
When I first learned of Risshun two February's ago I was so elated! Just the idea of it being officially "Spring" somehow made the miserably cold Gunma winter seemed warmer! (I'd just moved for temperate-climate Australia, so I was suffering!!)
Amazing what mindset can do 😊
Thank you for sharing 😊
Yes! Having an "it's almost spring" mindset makes me more attuned to the smallest signs of spring. Australia to Gunma is quite a change!!
Thank you for sharing this moment of reflection.
I'm new to Substack and your newsletter was the first one I subscribed to. It's been such a blessing to read your posts. I've only popped by Takamatsu once and haven't quite explored the other areas of Shikoku yet. I'm looking forward to the next time I visit your lovely island.
Welcome, Janet! Takamatsu is quite close by! I hope you get a chance to visit other parts of Shikoku one day :)
Enjoy the world of Substack! I'm grateful you're here.
Always enjoy reading your writing! And I think seasonal postcards are such a lovely and tangible thing. I'm glad you're beginning to accept the kindness that you so generously share with all of us. Your observations invite us into new perspectives and ways of seeing!
Welcome back to Substack! Hope the break was a nice creative rest. Thank you for the kind comment and looking forward to reading your writing!!
I have loved your posts since I discovered them very early on and thank you for placing them above monetary value. I do the same with my own and am grateful for friendships worldwide.
When I read your words, you invite me into the Japan I would love to visit - rural, beholden to and honouring the seasons, and filled with gratitude between neighbours and friends.
Thank you so much for your kind comment. I am so glad that these posts give you a small window into rural Japan. 'Honouring the seasons', what a lovely way to put it. Thank you again :)
Well done Kana! If we measure value with money, then offering a paid subscription option is saying "I'm worth-y!". And you and your writing (which I have just discovered) are. And thanks also for the generosity of offering most of your writing without any financial strings. The balance between generosity and self-consideration is key, and you are showing how it can be done! 👏
Thank you so much for that thoughtful comment, Baird! It means a lot!
"...roughly every two weeks, there is a moment to pause and observe nature’s quiet transitions." What are lovely, nature-centered way to divide up the year!
Right?! We would definitely pay attention to the subtle changes no matter where in the world we are. Thank you, Sarah :)
Thank you kana. Lovely post
Why yes Kanachan, include paid subscripts. I don't and shan't on my substack but different folks different strokes (I've some 60 or more years on you and hence our financial concerns differ greatly.), hence different priorities. One advantage of you're including paid is I suspect you'll write more often, which I'd look forward to.
Having said that no, I won't become a paid subscriber. I visit daily 5 or 10 stacks and monthly maybe 40 or 50, so/and 60 bucks here, 80 there would soon cut into my beer money! OK, I brew my own beer but barley doesn't grow on trees you know! (grin)
If you can fit it in I'd suggest making the 88 temple pilgrimage, Kobo Daishi was one cool cat, of Shikoku. As far as Japan, Tokyo, is concerned Shikoku's the far hinderlands (Read Sōseki's Botchan, and, in my humble opinion, most kanto still feel that way, grin.), but the range of interest, economy, history, etc., etc., etc, just on that one island is, again in my humble opinion, as great or greater than the Canada you know or my U. S. & Alaska, & that pilgrimage will expose you to much of it. OK, having said that, I've only maybe 5 or 6 of the temples under my belt and didn't collect goshuin but I've friends there that have all 88 and one (Utsunomiysan, Shoichi)that has 10 sets of each.
Doing good young lady!
Brewing your own beer?! Very cool! Thank you for the comment. Yes, I also have visited a handful of temples of the 88, but I am looking forward to seeing more of the pilgrimage.
I also brew my own nigori sake. Making the koji is a bit touchy (Time, moisture, temperature and handling all need be rather precise.) the the brewing is easier than beer.
This was a beautiful read. It does feel like small shifts -- I heard a bird the other morning and it made me happy. Wishing you beauty and joy. xx
I also heard birds this morning, such a small joy! Thank you for reading.