What I've Been Up To- Happy 2025!

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Happy New Year to you!

  • We started off the new year with Osechi, traditional new years food in Japan. Each dish has a special meaning. My favorite is Kuri Kinton, (which is unfortunately cut off in my photo)- but its the golden candied chestnut on the far left representing wealth!

  • Made my wish/goal for the year with Daruma.

  • And spent the first day of the new year at Golden Gate Park Botanical Garden

I don’t know who to credit with : “January is just a practice month, I'm starting my year in February” but I couldn’t relate more :D

I hope you dear reader are taking care!

Travel Log: Saigon, Vietnam

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Leaving a big part of my heart in Vietnam.

Travel Log: Seoul, Korea

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Travel Log: Tokyo, Japan

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Got to spend some time in my fatherland- Japan! I hadn’t been back in so long so it was a whirlwind of excitement. I had forgotten what a strange, fabulous, weird, wonderful land Japan is.

Hanazono Shrine

Made a stop by the shrine to make my wish for the new year and get charms. New Years is a busy time at the shrines where people get good luck charms and draw their fortunes (omikuji) to ring in the new year.

Kyu Asakura House

A nice get away in Tokyo that helps you forget you are in the middle of a crazy city. This is a historic Japanese residence located in the Daikanyama neighborhood of Tokyo, built in 1919. It is generally not crowded and I consider this a hidden gem!

We also went to Sankeien Garden in Yokohama. A traditional Japanese garden with historic buildings.

Taishunken is a great spot for oden within the garden.

But nothing beats roaming around Yokohama with my dad.

Field Notes: Hakone, Kanagawa, Japan

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Greetings from Asia!

Escaping the bustle of Tokyo is a must after a few days in the city and one must experience the healing waters of the Onsen (which I learned there are so many types!)

Our first stop was Hakone Yuryo-a day use onsen within walking distance from the train station. A private onsen is quite reasonable. I believe the total came to $72.16 USD, which can be split for up to four people. The water I learned is Alkaline type (Tanjun-sen) so great for skin.

I learned about the Japanese Hot Springs Act (温泉法, Onsen Hō), which regulates safety, quality and environmental protection. In short, Japan does not mess around with their Onsens and I think you pretty much cannot go wrong wherever you go. There are different types of water and benefits depending on where you go:

  1. Sulfur Springs (Iou-sen): Milky white, promotes circulation, eases joint pain, and has antibacterial properties.

  2. Sodium Chloride Springs (Shokabutsu-sen): Retains body heat, soothes fatigue, and heals skin conditions.

  3. Carbonate Springs (Tansan-sen): Bubbly, improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, and softens skin.

  4. Iron Springs (Tetsu-sen): Reddish-brown, warms deeply, and helps with anemia.

  5. Alkaline Simple Springs (Tanjun-sen): Clear, gentle, smooths and moisturizes skin; great for sensitive skin.

  6. Sulfuric Acid Springs (Ryūsan-en): Clear or yellowish, promotes skin regeneration and reduces high blood pressure.

I was obsessed with trying a black egg from the Owakudani Valley, which is said to add seven years to your life. The eggs are boiled in the hot springs so they are rich in sulfur and iron and they turn black due to the minerals in the water.

Tasty treat for the train ride back to Tokyo!

(Digital) Studio Notes

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I was hoping to get some pottery studio time before the end of year but things have been busy! Meanwhile, I’m so grateful for digital illustration in all its portability and ease. Squeezing in a little session after work is such a nice way to decompress

Last month I did every day of the Making Art Everyday prompts, but this month I’m only doing select ones. Below: Walt Disney Day, National Llama Day, and Let’s Hug Day.

Thank you Lisa Bardot for all the inspiration!