Friday with The Truth Stone

I found a nicely polished, perfectly round, coal black stone today. The golden letters on it spelled the word 'TRUTH'. It made me think about it all the way home. What is truth? What do we know about truth? How do we define it?

According to Wikipedia it is as follows:
Truth:tro͞oTH/ 

the quality or state of being true.

"he had to accept the truth of her accusation"

synonyms:

veracity, truthfulness, verity, sincerity, candor, honesty;

• that which is true or in accordance with fact or reality.

  noun: the truth

  
  

  "tell me the truth"

  
  

  synonyms:

  what actually happened, the case, so;
• a fact or belief that is accepted as true.

  plural noun: truths

  
  

  "the emergence of scientific truths"

  
  

  synonyms:

  fact, verity, certainty, certitude;

So it could be that something I believe to be the truth may not necessarily be valid for someone else to be true! Therefore, the fact, the reality is different depending who is perceiving it, and from which point of view it was taken, the context. So instead of searching for the truth wouldn't it be just easier to stop judging people and accept them the way they are because you will never get in their heads and walk in their shoes. So, let them be, let them go in peace. Do your own thing. And the only thing that you can pray for is that they do the same and let you be you and stop annoying you with the eternal search for what the truth is. Their truth.

I found this quote that i particularly like and believe to be true to me. The water in a vessel is sparkling; the water in the sea is dark. The small truth has words which are clear; the great truth has great silence. Rabindranath Tagore

So pardon me if you find me quiet. I am just trying to stay true to myself and let you stay true to yourself. All we need is love with a touch of acceptance! I wish you all happy Friday and a sunny weekend...despite the weather!

Thursday, Mother and Son Day

Don't have a lot to say today. My son and I are having a day off school or a mental health day if you will. We are taking care of some family cats and doing what mom and son should do on a beautiful day like this. Spend time outside, eat pizza and ice cream and who knows what adventure is lurking around the corner. Maybe something incredible will happen today I will surely tell you tomorrow!!

Happy Thursday, friends!

You are Worth It!

What a glorious day it is today. Although, it is a cloudy day, we have nothing to complain. It is a great walking weather. The news this morning has been entertaining as well. I can only imagine the faces of those poor firemen who were called to rescue a woman hanging from a crane at Yonge and Wellesley! I seriously think she was seeking attention. And she's got it!

In the afternoon, I was travelling on the subway home from my mom's place. I got on the southbound subway. I found no seat for myself so I humbly adopted a convenient place to stand on the side. I had my earphones plugged, my music on, so life was good. It was about to get better. All of a sudden, a very well dressed man tapped on my shoulder. He was an older but very elegant looking man in a dark blue suit with an old leather bag on his shoulder. I pulled my earphones out. "Why don't you take my seat," he said. Wow! I was blown away right that minute. Do man like this still exist? I didn't know! I didn't suspect! Again, wow! I asked, "what about you", thinking that he was definitely older than me and deserved to sit more than I did. He assured me that he would be fine standing up. Wow! So indeed, gentlemen still exist!?? They didn't die out like dinosaurs?? I mean, I teach my 9 year old son already savoir vivre of being a man the old European style, and my husband is trying to keep up what he grew up with, but I would never expect that one would still be hiding in the jungles of Toronto!

I thanked him as graciously as I could and sat down. Then, overthinking hit me. I am aging that fast? Do I look that old that I need to sit down? My gosh! I left home so confident with my make up on, my amazing poncho, new shoes...damn! But wait a minute...nah! I look amazing! I must look appealing and sexy! Yeah!! Yup! I am definitely worth giving up a seat! What was I thinking! I have fallen a victim of a false feminism for a moment there! The fact that men give up their seats to women or open doors for them has absolutely nothing to do with the ability to do it for yourself nor with physical or mental capacity! Ladies! We are simply worth it! We are WOMEN!! It should be celebrated with small gestures like that! I drink to that! Cheers ladies and gentlemen!!

Happy Wednesday!

Shanghai is Food for the Soul

In 2014 my family moved back to Canada from Japan. We took the long way home. We went to China by ferry, then in Bangladesh and India we travelled by train. Finally, we flew back to Canada from New Delhi. My husband suffered the most because he had to carry three enormous suitcases everywhere with us. In Shanghai, Kunming, Dhaka, Kulna and through India train stations had no escalators to help us with the weight! But my brave husband handled it like a knight! There were too many things I just had have in Canada with me. And I couldn't have sent them because I needed them with me upon arrival in Canada. The suitcases were packed to the maximum capacity with our personal belongings and remains of our household from Japan.

On the three day ferry from Kobe to Shanghai we befriended a lady who was coming back from a tour of Japan. She and her group were very nice and spend a lot of time playing with Alek and carrying him around the ferry. He was getting a celebrity treatment from them. On the last day before disembarking she asked us where we were staying in Shanghai because she would like to offer us an accommodation at her place. We had no reservations for that one night lay over so we agreed.

Rose was an amazing women. Her command of English was simple but she communicated with absolute clarity and ease. She was so positive and optimistic that it was contagious! We were contracting her power of happiness despite of being tired! Just imagine yourself coming back from a two week long tour. Do you:  a) worry about unpacking b) rush to do the laundry, cook a meal for yourself and go to bed as quick as possible c) invite guests to stay with you and babysit them for two days. Most of us would be too tired to even think about c) I don't know how she got all this energy and patience for us! Not only she had us over for the night, that same day she took us out to lunch and dinner, took us to the Bund (a spectacular place in Shanghai where you can see the panorama of the modern city, all in lights and colour) and paid for everything! She would not accept any money nor allowed us to pay for anything, not even the bus tickets and taxi fare! We have felt so indebted to her. She gave us Shanghai like we have never experienced before. City with a big heart and pure soul, giving, spectacular, mesmerising, charming and breathtaking!

We saw how the Chinese spend time in evenings. They still don't waste time in front of the TV. They ride bikes, go for family walks, Tango, play chess and fly kites. Yes, they fly big, colourful kites as a hobby! It was amazing to see people doing things for their body and soul, and stimulating their brains!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66YWxhAu3L8

Rose was enormously kind to us. I think the film speaks for itself how incredible our experience was thanks to her! The next day when we woke up she took us to breakfast and lunch, then drove us back to her place to pack and get our suitcases and took us on a train to the Shanghai Airport. She gave us a royal treatment because she herself will always be a Queen in our hearts. One can only admire this beautiful person that crossed our paths. Thank you, Rose, for all that you have done for us! We will never forget you for your big heart of gold!

P.S. I think of you every time I buy apples, Rose. I will never forget how you were looking for stripes on apples. You said they were the best. I always look for stripes on my apples!

Meditation for Monday

Last night while I was taking a shower and contemplating on the topic of today's post, I arrived at the conclusion that it would be very useful and highly appropriate to create a meditation. A lot of us struggle with Mondays.

People are born free and good. What happens along the way that changes them? 

My meditation will concentrate on letting go of disappointments with people whom I believed to be genuinely good and concerned with human feelings and well-being. I have met a lot of them in the last three years. But one more is tilting the scales and I have to let go of the disappointment because it is making me overwhelmingly sad.  I am letting go to create space for something much more useful and positive that my body and mind will need. As long as my family and at least one friend believes and loves me for "the good, the bad and the ugly" that I am, I will live peacefully just with that as my soul food. As long as I have my mom, my brothers, my husband, my son and a trusted friend (near or far) who prays for me in my daily struggles, I will be forever the most fortunate and the richest person in the world! I need nothing more!

Usually, they say to start a meditation sit comfortably in a quiet place. I want you to sit in the most crowded and noisy place you can find. It can be a street downtown, a subway station, you get the point. It won't be hard to find. Surround yourself with voiced and sounds. Close your eyes. Listen to the noise and start counting how many times your have been disappointed. I believe that your frustration will grow and you will become annoyed. Think about all the emotional vampires, acidic people that have let you down and brought negative energy into your life. Think about all the things you should have done at this point in your life, all the titles and accomplishments you should have earned so far.  Let them go like a bunch of colourful balloons. Let them fly away. Slowly breath in as much air as you possibly can and imagine you are breathing out all of those together with all the noise that is happening around you. Can you feel how it is beginning to quiet down? Breath some more and more. Now. Start thinking about one thing or person that makes you happy, brings a smile on your face. Breathe in that thing or person and bring it to every inch of your body. Smile. Be happy with what you have. Always go for your goals but be thankful for what you have. Look around at all the objects and material things you possess. Look at your family and friends, neighbours and co-workers that are always there for you. Keep looking within you. This is what's making you happy. Be proud of who you are. Bring it outwards to the people around you. Don't judge, don't envy, don't belittle. We are all enough that is needed.

My son always reminds me of a story taken from the Native American mythology. There was a little girl who lived with her Inuit family. She was always told not to go to the river by herself because the river people would want to take her. However, as all youngsters, she was very curious and she went to check it out for herself. And as she was told the river people did want to take her. She talked her way out of it just by promising to bring all her of siblings with her. They let her go but reminded her that, "Promise is a Promise." She came home and quickly told her mother what happened. The mother, as smart woman as she was thought of a plan that would allow her keep the promise but save her children. Next, the mother lured the river people to the village where they had no powers. At the same time she told her daughter to quickly go to the river and take all her siblings there. They called out the river people a few times, then run back home. This way the river people had no chance to claim what was promised by the little girl. Clever isn't it? This is a bit disappointing to me that every promise can be broken, if you know how to do it. My son however, knows the meaning of "promise is a promise" as it should be meant. If you can't keep your promises, don't make them. 

I daily practice smiling at strangers. It is amazing. There is so much happiness in it. I get different responses depending on their age, sex and social status. Once on my walk to work a man leaned over from his car window and asked me what I was doing for living because it looked like I was a millionaire going on vacation. He was an older landscaping worker on his way to the site. Most of the time people complement on my smile. And I don't have a great smile. It's A smile. But it is so striking and so unusual these days that it becomes "a great smile." Cyclists are natural at smiling back. I love to smile at senior citizens the most. They always return a smile but with a hesitation at first. It's almost as if they didn't know it before and were just starting to learn how to smile. But when I am done with them, we exchange hellos like good friends! My day is made! My job is done! I bring a little bit of smile to their day and for me, I get happy. 

Please do tell, how do you make yourself happy?

Tunneling Waves on Friday

Yesterday morning I had a visit of an old friend for breakfast. We sipped some Cuban coffee while talking about girl stuff and exchanging ideas for personal betterment. I made us some nice French toast and Russian salad. I just realised how international our meal was! Wow!

Tunnelling Waves

It always makes me happy to meet with her because she is my constant inspiration and an object of admiration. She is your regular tigress, an Amazon! Her life hasn't always been carpeted with roses. But she has always kept her crown up and her step firm. In addition, she is a true angel who makes me realise that we should be positive and believe that there is always a solution. Sometime i even suspect she can read mind!

Our last morning's get together surely made me realise that I am a very lucky girl to know so many amazing women who are my saving lights in the tunnelling waves. They don't let me drown. They inspire and carry me above the swelling force just by knowing they are there for me. I stand tall. Thank you! I salute you! I hope I get to mention you all in my blog at some point.

Thursday Carries Babushka and The Star Release

I had a request yesterday from my dear, dear friend to talk about this painting. My Babushka is in her possession, in Japan. I love this person like my own sister! I cannot stress enough, my dear friend, how important you are to me! We had so many good times at work and after work! I can only wish we can have a few more in the future and i will die a happy woman! You crossed my path in the time when i needed a genuine, non-judgemental, honest friend. I have admired your honesty and truthfulness to what you want and and you were not shy to express it. I always knew what to expect from your friendship. Security, loyalty and honesty. Thank you for giving me strength to be the best I could be!

Babushka and The Star Release

Babushka represents me for I am of Slavic by origin. The little blond boy is my son. In most of my mother and son paintings so far the mother has closed eyes. I am trying to say by it that she feels safe and confident, she doesn't need to look to know that everything is all right. Her face is calm and peaceful with a sleep-like expression. It shows that she is gentle but at the same time, she can be like a lioness that will do anything to protect her young. She lets her little son do what he does best, bring happiness to her with his play and his ability. As it turns our he is the bringer of clear night skies. He releases stars from his jar and lets them out into the dark universe. Her son is a miracle-maker without people even knowing that it is he who makes it possible. They are sitting in a nest of daisies. These flowers are pure and innocent like the mother and son. I feel every mother thinks of her baby to be supernatural, amazing child with super intelligence and unthinkable abilities. I am no different. I imagine my son brings peace and brightens the night sky with stars for me. And as he grows to be a man he will do the same for other people in his world.

I painted this thinking about my son but when I was giving it to my friend I was ready to repaint it to make it more applicable to my friend and her son. But my forever thoughtful friend denied the offer and asked me to leave it just the way I originally painted. My dear friend, I hope your children spread stars on the night sky for you every night!

Wednesday with The Dream

I couldn't decide what to write about. After yesterday's post, so emotional and so private, it is hard for me to concentrate on anything. I chose this little painting that was part of and started Aleksander's Dream Box Ehibition. This is "The Dream" that started the entire adventure with displaying my collection of kid-like drawings and paintings. When my son was small I used to sneak a peak in the bedroom and just watch him sleep so peacefully. I would imagine what his dreams were and how he would see them. I wondered if I was in them, if they were realistic or more like Dali's paintings. This is how "The Dream" was born and Aleksander's Dream Box opened.

"The Dream" was given as a present to my wonderful co-worker from Odamaki-chugakko for 

the amazing support she has been to me in school as well as in private life. She had a son the same age. I thought she would find it easy to relate to this painting

In Japan, we lived in a house for two years, then a small apartment on the ground floor. So conveniently we had a back yard all to ourselves. We would have people over for BBQs all the time until it got really cold. But even in winter we would organise pierogi party, Polish Christmas Eve - Wigilia, Easter, or just a get togethers at our wonderful kitchen table. All three of us slept in one bedroom on futons. My son had his own little one and we had a double - sized  one right beside. This was the usual, Japanese family arrangement. Let me tell you, there is nothing better. The feeling of closeness and belonging is enormous! I wish we could do that here in Canada with our beds but I guess it would be seen an inappropriate and strange. In the bedroom, apart from the futons we had a dresser as seen in the picture. It was filled with little boy's clothes. On the wall we had a quilt which I had made with Japanese traditional fabric that went well with the tatami floor in the bedroom. Again, this is a standard arrangement of a house or an apartment. In order to protect tatami from any moisture and mould we had to roll our futons up for the day. Keeping homes intact was a tough job because of a constant humidity all year round. Everything must be aired everyday, closets opened, windows opened, and futons rolled. Japanese women deserve a medal. They do it everyday on top of many other things in their daily schedules!

https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipPaAz87qWbGTr-uqVm5N81NqGwRiAH1LuNTJHq-/photo/AF1QipPEGXx_RQIsiA7rbWHAcimkBFDU9hEr_Ud1SflI

My son had a special place in his heart for the sea and water creatures, as many Japanese kids do. The education system there allows kids' curiosity flourish and be satisfied by hands-on experiences. Net-catching little fish in a stream, catfish, little crabs, and insects was an everyday activity for kids. Still, only a few spent time in front of the TV or playing computer games. As much as the Japanese parents are advanced in technology, they are traditional enough to know what is really good for their children! There is a mysterious and miraculous balance in that culture! We should take notes from them!

Tuesday with My Personal Miracle

We all know the value of our lives. Also, we think that we are the masters of the universe and that we rule this planet. But in fact there are so many different little species that would knock us off our feet, flat on our faces and leave us begging for mercy. For example, lets take a tiny creature, a bacteria like E.coli. I had a pleasure to get to know it first hand after my trip through India. It can attack your system so entirely that your kidneys will fail you ( kidney in my case. I have only one working kidney), you can get anemia, and your digestive system will shut down on you whether you like it or not if it is not caught in time! That is how much power that little living organism can have over us, humans!

 It was April 2014. My husband's god - son's First Communion celebrations. I started experiencing strange feeling of extreme cold, sweat and chills. Then I would get a high fever. Then, back to cold and chills and fever again. It took me 24 hours of feeling better and agony intermittently. Finally, cramps and abdominal pain became unbearable and I decided to go to the hospital. Aurora Health Centre quickly came to a conclusion that the culprit was E.coli. They had me on I.V., two different antibiotics which they changed every few hours because they simply wouldn't work. And of course a humane dose of morphine to cope with pain was in order. That went on for three days. The doctors couldn't find a drug that would deal with my friend from Indian water. So it was obvious that we had to try something different before I slip into the abyss of helplessness of modern medicine. Don't get me wrong, I do believe in it, maybe too much, and I have a full respect for the doctors that save lives everyday. But this time modern medicine needed higher help!

My brother suggested that we consult a person who can help. His name was Wieslaw Jaroslawski. As soon as I agreed my brother dialled the number to pan Wieslaw. He asked to talk to me on the phone. My brother, my husband and my mother in law were in the hospital room with me at the time. Pan Wieslaw, very nonchalantly, talked to me about my trip to India and how I got E.coli. All of a sudden all my visitors could see what I very much felt. A red sea of hot sweat came over me. My face turned burgundy. Somehow I knew very well it was pan Wieslaw's doing. He sent this incredibly hot powerful energy over the phone. I know what you are going to say but hear me out! It is very hard to believe when someone tell you about it. But it is a very different story when it actually is happening to you and you don't understand it! You feel wonderfully overwhelmed, maybe a little afraid that it is too real and you believe!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5piFDF1zX34

The next morning I checked out of the hospital not knowing what to do or what to expect from my future. As we were getting ready to go home a nurse came to me with the news that all the antibiotics that they had been feeding me had absolutely no effect on the bacteria. But how could it be? I felt no pain as before? I admit I was a bit puzzled by that.

That same day Pan Wieslaw requested for me and my husband to come and visit him for a quick session in the evening. He treated me in his office but this time I had no feeling nor sensations. He moved his hands near my stomach and at the back he held a crystal. I remember that we talked about how his energy was discovered and how he had helped people all over the world. I specifically remember how he told us about one of his cancer patients who after a session with him experienced violent vomiting. It stuck in my head. We left his office very hopeful but still with no sensations of some extraordinary feeling of levitation or such. You know, when you are clueless you start expecting that some Hollywood movie plot is going to start happening to you! A burning bush or thunder and lightening. This was my life. No magic! It was peaceful, quiet and ordinary. Maybe we were a bit disappointed because of that but also glad.

That evening we walked home and talked about pan Wieslaw's incredible knowledge about a proper diet and healthy life style. Although, some ideas were very radical but they made complete sense! Pan Wieslaw didn't prescribed anything for me and said very little what to expect next. But I think he mentioned that I wouldn't need his help anymore. We walked home in awe. That evening we watched TV, talked and went about our business as usual. I didn't take my antibiotics prescribed by Aurora Health Centre doc. I decided to believe in pan Wieslaw and not to take the pills that probably wouldn't work anyway.

That night I was awakened by a terrible feeling in my stomach. I hardly made it to the bathroom. I started vomiting. It was a dark night. I wouldn't finish until all the people in the house were awake and it was a bright morning. My husband got very scared and took me to the hospital. At the emergency room I was promptly given Gravol and I.V. , in the light of the history of my illness. As we were sitting there and waiting for the doc to see us we had a lot of nurses come up to us and collect many different samples from my body and bodily fluids. Finally, when the poking was over we were called by the doctor. OK. Are you ready for my punchline? Here it comes. The doctor called us in and told us to sit down. A very nice, tall man of German origin greeted us with a smile. He looked at me as said: "My dear, I am really not saying that you were lying about the E.coli but.....the tests are showing nothing. Not a trace." He got up and left the room leaving me and my husband speechless and paralysed with disbelief.

Since the modern medicine is not going to explain it to me I invite you to my explanation. Wieslaw
Jaroslawski. This man saves lives like no other. Without his abilities and generous heart I would be no longer walking on this world. How on earth do I say thank you for this wonderful gift that is MY LIFE? Thank you, Dziekuje panie Wieslawie! Mam nadzieje, ze dobrze sie wyslowilam o tym niesamowitym darze jaki pan posiada!!

http://www.wieslawjaroslawski.com/

Good Friday - Happy Easter

Easter is a celebration of faith, hope, and love. We are getting ready for it by cleaning, cooking, baking. But is your heart ready for it? I have a great story that illustrates all three virtues.

Thinking and speaking of Vietnam brought many great memories. I was reminded of something I feel ashamed for not mentioning it before. I always talk about having faith in people and humanity. But there is one person who showed a lot of good heart and kindness. I have met with a lot of it all through my life and my travels but this one was very special, unconditional. On January 2, 2014 it was time for my family to check out of the small sea resort in Tien Tran, Vietnam. While I was packing up our things and taking care of our son, my husband went to the office of the hotel to pay and to check out. After a while he came back all distraught and troubled. He couldn't pay because this debit machine required a pin code for his credit card. My husband had been strongly refusing to memorise it. This meant we couldn't pay!! Ouch! What were we to do?? Trouble with a big "T."
Right in front of my eyes I saw missed trains, air planes, and days at work!

There is never use in sitting and crying for me. I always act immediately. We decided to try one more time. On our way out our wonderful and friendly Dutch neighbours stopped us and made us explain our problem. All of a sudden our neighbour just got up and said "let's go and see what can be done". My husband followed him while I stayed behind. I could see them walk away from the hut and think that this man will stand up for us and everything would be ok now. I felt like a child being rescued by a grown up person. I was so greateful that someone would direct us and help us in a dire situation. It had been a long time since we needed anybody's help. We had been on our own for a long time and we had forgotten how it felt to get someone else's support.

My husband came back. I could see relief on his face so I presumed that somehow the debit machine stopped asking for a pin code as many in Vietnamese machines didn't ask for it.  My husband came closer to my ear and whispered, "The neighbour paid for us!!" Just like that! He believed in our honesty. I felt happy, hopeful, thankful and most of all honoured that he trusted us! He didn't have to! He hardly knew us? Why? What connected us? A few evening conversations, a few "good mornings" in the breakfast room! I don't ask why anymore. I just thank everyday that I was given a chance to meet such an incredible, honest, beautiful person!

People who believe in another human being give me so much hope and motivation! They look in your eyes and see you for who you are. They see honesty and the good in you because they themselves are the example of those qualities. Well my friends, there is hope! The light shines through! There are more of us! The world will live... for now! Love and see the best in people, my friends! There salvation is in that!  Happy Easter!

P.S. My son still has the coloured pencils from you! Thank you for EVERYTHING!

"Calineczka" Boats of Vietnam

Are you familiar with the story of Calineczka or as she is called Thumbelina in English. I thought of this story when looking at some pictures from Vietnam. Small scale, rural fisherman have round shallow boats. They move them around by rowing and stirring them not far from the shore. Originally they were made with bamboo but now since everything is provided by Chinese factories, they are made of fiberglass or plastic. Ahh! The modern times!

When you look at the fisherman from the shore they remind Calineczka in her bed made of a tiny piece of walnut shell. As the story written by Hans Christian Andersen tells us she is kidnapped by a toad in hopes that she marries her son. So she escapes and travels through the world on a lily leaf in search of safety and her home.

Hans Christian Andersen wrote Calineczka in 1835. When it first came out, critics where not very impressed with this story of a runaway bride because it was "too pretty" and lacked a moral at the end. So you could say Andersen was breaking the new grounds. Today, we love his style and his stories are admired by many age, ethnic and religious groups. Even my son showed his enthusiasm for this Danish writer. My son was truly moved by the story of The Girl with Matches. I guess we have a lot to thank for to Mary Howitt who translated his stories for children in 1888 into English. Thanks to her great work we can enjoy them today.

I hope you have a great Thursday! I am off to my baking and cooking! Time to get ready for Easter...

Wednesday with Cobra Memory

Happy Wednesday!

Last night my husband and were watching our home videos from our trip to Vietnam. We both realised that Vietnam was the only country where there is nothing happening for New Year's Eve. In Bali, Thailand, Japan this night is very special. People gather together to greet the first seconds of the new year. In Thailand, they have the flying lanterns fill up the skies like huge drops of flaming rain. In japan there are prayers, fires at the shrines. And in all of these countries they have people partying on the beaches, fireworks and music. In 2014, we decided to greet the New Year in a small and quiet beach resort in Tien Tran, two hours by train from Ho Chi Minh city. It was a great place to be if you are looking for a nice hut on the beach with a lot of friendly Russians and Vietnamese as your fellow guests. Beautiful, clean and safe, as most places in Asia. It really was a lot of fun for our family. But on the New Year's Eve we were a bit disappointed to find only a dying bonfire on the beach. No people, no music, no food or drinks, no fire works. Just a dying out flame. So by 11:30 it was quiet and dark all around the resort! And that was ok with us. But surprising.

We did have a rare chance to witness slaughter of three cobras and drink their blood. It supposed to bring strength and good luck if you eat cobra and drink it's blood. And for gentlemen it supposed to bring a lot of stamina. Two Russian gentlemen who were staying at the resort ordered them for their New Year's Eve supper. They had a feast and we had a great show as it was done so theatrically and all the guests gathered to witness the event. Me and my husband only were offered the special drink. 

My son kept saying "Cobra!" in excitement as the cut off heads tried to slither on the table for a good half an hour. Was it humane? I don't know. But that is how things are done there. I will not object, but assimilate to the way of the locals.

This video can be considered graphic to some viewers.

Bamboo Tuesday

All this thunder and rain made me think about bamboo. I remember how we used to go to the mountains near Chichibu or Kodama or Onishi to the bamboo forest. At this time of year it is full of people digging for bamboo shoots. They seems to be the flavour of this season. I can't  say it is my favourite but many people enjoy the flavour in ramen or in other Japanese dishes. 

I remember the sounds in those forests when the tops of the bamboos would bang against each other and create that accoustic, blunt sound that some of the wind chimes do. The main reason for us to be there would usually be to get some bamboo for my husband to make us some nice lamps and lanterns. We would use them for candle holders entire summer as well. There was nothing better that a home party outside our place with some nice cuts of meat, good drinks, a BBQ and a good company. And of course the candles spread out to mark our way to the bathroom and to the other side of the building/parking lot eventually leading to Belc supermarket. Sometimes our Japanese neighbours would join us. It always made me extra happy to see them by our fire. 

Drinking is a big part of Japanese culture. It unites, relaxes and makes people friendlier. It never compromises the safety or good taste of the drinking people. That's why I don't like the law in Canada that forbids grown up from drinking outside. It sort of goes against the grain of "innocent until proven guilty." What's wrong with having a sip of wine a at picnic or a glass of beer at a local festival? NOTHING! if you ask me. I have seen it work in a society! The Japanese society is the most responsible, on time, fun-loving, friendly, non-agressive I have ever seen. Give Canada a chance! Do you agree? Tell me!

The Joy of Food

Recently, one of my friends reminded me of the importance of food in brings happiness. Some people may argue otherwise but it is true. No matter what happens in your life, when you are happy or sad or lonely or with lots of friends, you eat to reinforce good and satisfying emotions. And they do come with food. My family was very lucky to live in Asia. It is the place to be for foodies! Weather you are in Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, China, India or other country you will always experience happiness when you try local food. That is my theory and i am sticking to it!

But let's not limit good food to Asia. Everywhere you go you find good food that suits your palate. We are very fortunately in Toronto. Every ethnic group has a good representation in restaurant business. I have eaten in a Chinese place on Spadina where they make amazing dumpling with a multitude choice of stuffing, Korean black bean paste noodles on Steeles, Ethiopian tibs on Danforth, Polish schnitzel on Queensway. And I could talk about food until I salivate myself crazy! But I'd rather just go out and eat!

We were in Laos a few years back. As usual we ended up at the market in search of good local cooking. We kept walking around the meat and fish area. The ladies were calling our son to show him different parts of animal body parts cut up. One wanted to show my son an eye in hopes that he would get scared and run away. To her surprise my son held out him hand to touch it! I bet she has never expected that from a child! Later at that same market, my son fell into a drainage trench full of animal blood and other thick, dark red mixture of liquids. The sellers laughed at my son while he, in shock, started crying. Poor thing! I was disgusted and scared so I can't imagine how he felt. Luckily, we were surrounded by good - hearted people. Some ladies quickly rushed in with cups of water to wash his foot and his shoe. I wish I had a home video for that. But I promise to come back to that if I find it! From then on, my son has always been looking where he was going on our trips.

There is something inspiring about onions. I love drawing and sketching them. Some people draw circles and lines. I sketch round, shiny, orange onions. When I drew this with my lovely Japanese pastels, I hoped that one day they will be framed and hung in my kitchen in Canada. They are still waiting in my art drawer! I have a kitchen, but still, it is not good enough for my onions just yet...

Have a wonderful Monday!

Art Nouveau Friday

Happy Friday! We have only one more week left before Easter. I am slowly getting excited about Easter egg hunt. I have to stock up on chocolate eggs. I just have to talk to the Easter bunny to strike a good deal on them!

In general, I don't draw myself but this is a portret of me heavily influenced by Art Nouveau style of Hercule Poirot period. When we lived in Tokushima, we watched the Agatha Christie's series almost everyday. And when there were only a few left we would save and watch it only Friday nights. 

In Tokushima, we had been very separated from any other English speakers. We worker afternoons and evenings for a private language school called Sharon Language School. We are talking a very small rural place with only a few stores and millions of frogs and snakes living next door to us in the rice paddies and daikon radish fields of Aizumi. And yes, one of our cats names is the same, Aizumi for the place behind our school where we found her.

So going back to the Neoclassical style and Monsieur Poirot. Every week my husband's student would bring a few video cassettes with the series for us to watch. We were ecstatic every time. It was something in English and something we could understand. At that time, we had known very little of Japanese. It was just a beginning of our love affair with that wonderful country. 

This story of a Belgian immigrant to England in the between wars period warmed our hearts. It is a funny, almost comical plot of a private detective who gets his name distorted and miscalled every day of his life. He gets angry and pride, and is not afraid to correct people in their mistake. We could identify with his character at times. And who wouldn't enjoy David Suchet's acting. If you ever come across the series, please give it a chance.

I even remember the first time I used Japanese at the store! I looked up in a dictionary how to ask for a price. I wanted to buy some sticky note pads at a local stationary store. So after my occasional morning class, I went to the store and with a very shaky and hesitant voice I said: "Kore-wa ikura desu-ka?" I was terrified that the clerk would not understand me but after a split second he replied. Understanding it was easier since I had had some knowledge of numbers. As they say you either memorise numbers or swear words first. I knew numbers. 

I remember how I hurried home to tell my husband about my little success! I was so proud of myself! Wow! How little I had known that we would stay in the country for another 11 years all together and I would get a chance to go a little beyond " Kore wa ikura desu-ka?" 

I feel so lucky and privileged to have gotten such an opportunity to live in Japan. And through that I got a rare possibility of meeting a lot of amazing people whom I would probably have never gotten a chance to know otherwise! You know who you are. I want you to know that you bring inspiration and light to my past, present and future! I am drinking my Friday toast to your health! Have a wonderful weekend!

How is your Thursday

There is a sense of laziness and reluctance today. It seems I am very much effected by the weather. It is certainly not helping with what has been happening with my family and friends this month! We are hanging in there though. And sticking together definitely helps. Maybe if i know that your Thursday is going well will help! Drop me a note. Tell me.

I thought this picture was appropriate for today. It represents my inability to express what is happening in the heart and mind. It is almost as something in your throat is blocking all the words. Once you give up on self-expression your ability to think and see things around you become clouded, blurred as well. You lose yourself, you become irritable, stressed and tired. Whenever I have an idea to draw or paint and have no time to put it on paper or canvas I always say that "I am chocking!" I think this picture is it. It is exactly what I feel when I can't make art when I want and how I want it. And sketching on a restaurant tissue won't cut it.

I think we all feel the same way. Weather we write, sing, dance, or just talk with our friends. We must have an outlet to do it. If we can't, we mentally choke.

I painted this when I worked at a private language school. I worked from 1 p.m. til 9 p.m. Then I would come home, eat something and try to enjoy some time with my husband. My son was not in plans just yet. We had two cats and lived in Kashiwara, Osaka-fu. We would cycle to Osaka on weekends and enjoy the big city life. But there was little time for me to spread out the paints and work on my art. So you see even when I spent time doing pleasurable, fun things, I wasn't satisfied  until I expressed myself artistically. Because that is what defines me. This is how I express myself. What defines you? How do you express yourself? Who are you?

Spieszmy sie...Let us hurry

Spieszmy sie

Spieszmy sie kochac ludzi tak szybko odchodza
Zostana po nich buty i telefon gluchy
tylko to co niewazne jak krowa sie wlecze
najwazniejsze tak predkie ze nagle sie staje
potem cisza normalna wiec calkiem nieznosna
jak czystosc urodzona naprosciej z rozpaczy
kiedy mielismy o kims zostajac bez niego

Nie badz pewny ze czas masz bo pewnosc niepewna zabiera nam wrazliwosc tak jak patos i humor
jak dwie namietnosci wciaz slabsze od jednej
(...)

Let us hurry

Let us hurry to love people they depart so quickly

Leaving only their shoes and silence on the phone

Only what is unimportant tends to drag like a cow

The most important is so fast that happens in split-second

Silence that follows - normal and unbearable

  
Is like a clarity born straight from despair

When we think about someone who is no longer with us

Please do not be so certain that there is still time left

For certainty happens to be most uncertain

It takes away our sensitivity along with happiness

And comes concurrently like pathos and humour

Just like two different passions yet not as strong as one

(...)

Ks. Jan Twardowski

Translated by Pawel Maciejewski

How timeless and relevant.  I took out this book from the shelf. I am looking at it. I am looking at the title. You Who creates Blueberries. I open the cover. There is a dedication written in a fancy handwriting from two priests. "There is only one Master/Teacher - Christ. To the lovely Ewunia as a proof of friendship. Wishing you abundance of God's blessings.  Ks Piotr Trela and Ks. Piotr Rozek"

Today I am moved, sad and disappointed. Yesterday we said goodbye to yet another member of the family. What is tomorrow going to bring?

When I was growing up in Poland I was involved in a circle of young people called Oaza, Oasis. It was organised by the church. We would pray, sing and spend vacations together and learn how to be a better people. The priests who took care of us and guided us in our faith taught me this poetry and taught me about this wonderful poet that Ks. Twardowski was. He conveyed a special kindness and sensitivity to this world. It's been living in my heart since then. I built myself on his poetry or rather i have let his poetry build me. Maybe it is bad for me. Maybe it is making me a vulnerable person. But it is certainly the right influence.


I am reflecting on this poem today because I realise how important it is to have a pure heart and a clear mind. You never know when you are going to go,at the same time, you never know when others will go. And you will never get the second chance! So lets hurry...

Rainy Tuesday

Rain again! I just came back from the outside. I walked my son to the school bus thinking it is amazing that we have four seasons even though they can be very short, even invisible. I love rain because is relaxes me and adds a nice zen background noise. And we all know that after this rain is done with us, the grey and black parks, streets and trees will turn into amazing light green, and who knows maybe even some blossoms!! Rain is never bad and pointless!

In Kashiwara and Kamikawa I used to work with watercolour colour pencils a lot. I would draw things from my imagination like this one. For me, it represents a period in time of my life. I think that it is for the viewer to find a story and a meaning in a picture or a painting. I thinks this is a purpose of art. It is for each of us to find our meaning and our truth that is relevant to us. That is why the viewer, the receiver is as important in art as the artist him/herself.

In 2004, I decided to do something special for my husband's birthday. We had always partied for birthday, but this time i wanted something that would stand out. I made surprise reservations for me and my husband to a Noh Theatre. It is one of the classical forms of Japanese forms of theatre. Another one is Kabuki that is more popular and known among visitors to Japan. Noh has a very elaborate mask and costume design. And it is know for being very long and involves singing and dancing. The story usually is about some hero or heroine that goes through some dramatic events.
I wouldn't take a small child to the show just because the masks can be terrifying to a young audience. They are very vivid and express a lot of emotion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYNFzDN4SJ8

It was an extremely interesting experience to see it live. I think we lasted at the theatre for 3 hours. Normally the play lasts for about 4-5. Just imagine the strength of these actors to last on the stage for so long! People who come there regularly know every single story well because they are very well known traditional stories that are told to children. These people are real connoisseurs of Japanese culture! I wish i knew more about this type of theatre. It is fascinating and the plays are very hypnotic! Do go if you ever have a chance.