Sunday, January 7, 2024

January 7 2024

 

What is the meaning?


preparing for second semester

I am having a moment. My adult children are giving me the gift of time, living under my roof for awhile. Their presence in my life, while I am on a journey myself that I do not totally understand, registers peace at a molecular level. Or something like this that I can't quite articulate. 

Today they are both working a nine-hour shift together at a nearby restaurant - Wiley in the kitchen with his collection of chef's knives, and Norah earnestly at the prep counter and front of house. Their stories in the late evening at home are funny and illuminating; I am learning so much from them. 

The nine-hour shifts gives me solitude at home, which I am easing into and remembering a time in my past when I had time like this to myself. I have been reading books, listening to music, and today working on lesson plans for second semester. I have listened to all of the grammy nominees for album of the year and am loving Lana Del Rey, Janelle Monae, and Jon Batiste. There is a jazz album as well, from Pat Metheny, that I can only describe as sublime. 

A blanket of snow covering the field out of my window, a fire in the fireplace, living in the moment with art and music as my companions today. The practice of solitude and independence feeds my soul. 



Thursday, January 4, 2024

January 2 2024

 

Sapporo by Train

JR train approaching the Niseko station

A few days before Christmas, Wiley and I took the train to Sapporo to complete his work permit paperwork. I was so grateful to spend the day with him. We walked along Odori Park, visited the immigration building to complete his work papers, and ate lunch at a fabulous ramen noodle shop. 


Ramen shop, Sapporo

The shop reminded me of the book, The Little House, written by Virginia Lee Burton. The shop was tiny, weathered, and sandwiched between modern high-rises and city parking lots. The shop opened at 11:30 in the morning and we were the first customers in the door. 


Cozy inside!


By 11:45 the shop was full of business men in suits - all three tables and the counter were full. There was a cacophony of noodle slurping the entire time we were there. I live for these moments! One bowl of miso ramen and three gyozas later I was stuffed to the gills.


miso ramen

Before getting on the train to return to Niseko, Wiley and I stopped for a coffee in the train station. It was a small moment of peace and gratefulness to sit with my son and just be. 


💗







 

Book of Days 2024

 

January 1 2024


On Mt. Niseko-Annapuri

Last year my son gave me A Book of Days with photographs and writing by Patti Smith. I am reading it again this year because I love this book so much. I am going to attempt my own personal record of days this year. I started off the new year skiing with my family in Japan and it was a glorious, blue-bird day. I love being outside, living in the moment, and having my family - Tom, Norah, and Wiley within arms' length.  


Let's go, 2024!