Among the many, many, many things to love about the Through Vincent’s Eyes exhibit in Columbus, arguably nothing was as striking as how the galleries were organized. Cue groans and rolling eyes from the oft overlooked curators out there. To which I say, touché. All due wrist slapping is welcome, and deserved. This experience openedContinue reading “Dread of West, Love of East”
Tag Archives: Japan
Gogh East, Young Man
I’ll admit, I had a printed tapestry of this piece hanging on a wall in my first apartment with my then-husband, about twenty years ago — but it was only very recently that I noticed the boats. Not so for Van Gogh – according to the exhibition we visited in Columbus, it was those sameContinue reading “Gogh East, Young Man”
I Do Not Think It Means What You Think It Means
Doing the audit-my-year retrospective analysis thing with the aid of going through old Google photos, and came across this gem. Nothing brightens my day like a good dose of Japanese English.
Know When to Fold ‘Em
In a sea of sculptures of women, gods, goddesses, and creatures, leave it to Japanese artists to give us this. Shot on Pixel 6 Pro, black and white filter.
No RSVP Required
I received an amazing email today: “[Our holiday party] is happening this year. In accordance with Michigan state laws, we are limiting the number of guests outside of our immediate family to zero. […] You are hereby uninvited.” In other words, do not RSVP. Do not BYOB. Please find it in your heart to spread a littleContinue reading “No RSVP Required”
Trivial Things: Sword Dancing (Kenbu)
Every once in awhile, it’s helpful to look back on times when you were foolish. Out of your element in every way, but going for it anyway, and continuing to go for it, just a little longer than maybe was healthy for you. Which brings me to today’s story. I am often complimented — byContinue reading “Trivial Things: Sword Dancing (Kenbu)”
Erubisu (Graceland – Memphis, TN)
It’s true: I am deeply, utterly conflicted. Alas, that which I completely and utterly love is also that which fills me with irreconcilable anxiety. Yet as much as my insides churn with angst, I can’t stop myself from indulging. It’s very much a part of who I am. The itch I must scratch. The elixirContinue reading “Erubisu (Graceland – Memphis, TN)”
Trivial Things: The Dream Within the Diorama
Mawage. Mawage is wot bwings us togeder today. Mawage, that bwessed awangment, that dweam wifin a dweam … And wuv, twoo wuv, will fowow you foweva … “The Princess Bride” – spoken by The impressive Clergyman As a kid, I never questioned whether I would get married. Most of the grown-ups in my life whoContinue reading “Trivial Things: The Dream Within the Diorama”
Trivial Things: Okoto Tsume
I’d forgotten I still had these. Then during the ordinary course of packing and purging for a move to a new, smaller, better-located home, my mother brought over a box of my stuff from my year of teaching in the JET Programme. A box that she’d found that had been moved in their last move,Continue reading “Trivial Things: Okoto Tsume”
Trivial Things: Ukiyo-e (Grandma’s Gifts)
Growing up, I never thought of my grandmother as a loving woman. Intimidating ? Yes. Opinionated and critical? Check and check. A force of nature who changed the energy of every room she walked into? Boy howdy. But loving? That’s what other people’s grandmothers were, sweet and coddling, giggly and cute. The only way toContinue reading “Trivial Things: Ukiyo-e (Grandma’s Gifts)”
Muttering Retreats 