~~ More about me... ~~

“Love is the dawning of a new day."

2012-01-20T19:53:00.000+09:00

“Love is the dawning of a new day."
~ Anonymous

more later...

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-14T21:07:00.000+09:00

My Christmas tree this year (2011).

Thanks for stopping by
and remember the reasons
for the season...

hugs, Chris

more later...

Autumn Blessings...

2011-11-08T08:43:00.001+09:00

Autumn is a time to give thanks for the bountiful harvest.

Thanks for stopping by and
God Bless,
hugs, Chris

more later...

My Irish Family

2011-09-29T03:42:00.002+09:00

I am back from my trip to the UK. Here is a family photo that was put together using some of my photos from my visit.

Thank you, franomilano (aka Ron) and his lovely wife, Mary, for letting me stay with them in N. Ireland.

And, a big thank you to Ron for making a photo that includes (on the wall) a photo of Joyce [(aka) fantartsy JJ] and her husband, Mike, as we are all family.

left to right:
back: Ron [(aka) franomilano], Fred [(aka) Fred the Man], and Margaret (Fred's wife)
front: Mary (Ron's wife) is holding Roxy, little Lexi is with her Mum, and me [(aka) martian cat in Japan]

more later...

Hugs and Kisses...

2011-09-16T17:48:00.001+09:00

more later...

"With hope people dream."

2011-08-07T10:05:00.001+09:00

"With hope people dream."
~ Charles Sawyer

more later

What Is A Dad?

2011-06-17T02:18:00.001+09:00

What Is A Dad?

"A dad is someone who
wants to catch you before you fall
but instead picks you up,
brushes you off,
and lets you try again.

A dad is someone who
wants to keep you from making mistakes
but instead lets you find your own way,
even though his heart breaks in silence
when you get hurt.

A dad is someone who
holds you when you cry,
scolds you when you break the rules,
shines with pride when you succeed,
and has faith in you even when you fail."

~ Unknown

My Papa loved tulips... they were the start of Spring.

Note: this is the original color of this tulip.

more later...

"As a man is, so he sees."

2011-05-18T21:13:00.001+09:00

"As a man is, so he sees."
~ William Blake

more later...

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-05T13:19:00.001+09:00

created with blingee

more later...

Spring Fantasy (a slideshow with music)

2010-08-20T21:43:00.005+09:00

"Came the Spring with all its splendor
All its birds and all its blossoms,
All its flowers, leaves, and grasses."
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

memories of Spring along the Ookagawa in Yokohama (Japan)

Thank you for enjoying a little bit of my memories...
hugs, Chris

for your listening pleasure:
"Secret Place" performed by Dave Grusin

more later...

"The moment may be temporary, but the memory lasts forever."

2010-07-26T14:18:00.005+09:00

"The moment may be temporary, but the memory lasts forever."
~ Bud Meyer

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To My Dear flickr family and friends,

Thank you for my Happy Birthday Blessings!
I am so truly blessed to have such wonderful memories
from my birthday last week.

And, special thank yous to:
♡ fantartsy JJ (Joyce)
♡ ♫ joyousjoym~Blessings♥ (Joy)
♡ tracyhughes2_7 (Tracy)
♡ ღ ~❀~ CHARMERS ~❀~ ღ (Delta)
♡ mimitalks, married w/children (Mandy)
♡ sylkky2 (Sylvia)
♡ Roxie
♡ franomilano ~ (aka) Roxie's Dad, Ron
♡ forglemmigej 726 ~ (aka) Senia
for the gorgeous cards you sent and made for me.
Plus, there were many others who sent me beautiful email cards, too!

My birthday has been so wonderful with reading all the messages on your cards. And, to the friends who signed the cards that are linked above... thank you sooooo much!

I love you all...
hugs, Chris

more later...

"The heart of the giver makes the gift dear & precious."

2010-07-19T08:51:00.002+09:00

"The heart of the giver makes the gift dear & precious."
~ Luther

To fantartsy JJ (aka) Joyce,

Such a big thank you for creating such a wonderful gift
using my sunset image which is titled
"A Sunset's Diamonds".

This is sooo amazing... I love it!
thanks and hugs, Chris

more later...

My birthday is next week...

2010-07-08T13:29:00.000+09:00

Where did this year go?

more later...

"Sometimes" (a slideshow with music)

2010-06-22T11:21:00.002+09:00

To my flickr friends and family...
You are the best...
I am celebrating my over 80,000 views!
And, I could never have done it without your love!
hugs, Chris

music: "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell

Some of my favorite flowers... turn up your speakers & dance!

You might ask about my choice of music... did you ever wake up and have a song in your mind... something that you just cannot stop listening to?

This is the song that did that to me... I had to search thru my CD's for this song... And, the rest... well, I love flowers... some of these are on flickr and others are in my gallery of flowers on my computer... hope you can dance with me!

I am celebrating...

more later...

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-17T18:22:00.001+09:00

THE FAMILY

"The family is like a book:
The children are the leaves,
The parents are the cover,
Which protective beauty gives.

At first the pages of the book
Are bland and smooth and fair;
But time soon writeth memories
And painteth pictures there.

Love is the little golden clasp
That bindeth up the trust.
Oh, break it not, lest all the leaves
Should scatter and be lost."
~ anonymous

The above photo is my Dad and my Gram (his Mama) was recently sent to me by my step-Mom. My Gram passed away over 22 years ago and my Dad passed away in 1999. And, I still miss both of them...

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads... you helped create a family book.

more later...

The kind of flower I am!

2010-04-24T08:30:00.005+09:00

Something fun for sharing...

I am a
Sunflower

What Flower
Are You?

"When your friends think smile, they think of you. There is not a day that goes by that you can't find something good about the world and your fellow human."

more later...

"Life is a great big canvas,..."

2010-01-21T15:10:00.000+09:00

"Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can."
~ Danny Kaye

Today (21 Jan 2010), I received my Honorary Life Membership certificate from the Yokohama International Women's Club.

To be eligible, you must be an active member in the Club for 20 years. This last Spring, I became eligible for this honor. I joined the organization within one month of arriving in Japan. And, this March, I will be in Japan 21 years.

Sometimes, it is hard to believe that I have been here this many years...

more later...

a lovely flutter-by

2009-10-29T18:35:00.000+09:00

Dear Ron,
thanks for this amazing and surprising gift...
I cannot believe that he made my butterfly move!
Love ya and heaps of hugs, Chris

using my original mosaic's pics...

more later...

A friend can always make your days worthwhile.

2009-09-07T09:04:00.001+09:00

"A friend can always make your days worthwhile."
~ a friend

more later...

SIMPLE GIFTS

2009-08-20T22:32:00.002+09:00

SIMPLE GIFTS

1. 'Tis a gift to be simple,
2. 'Tis a gift to be free,
3. 'Tis a gift to come down,
4. Where we ought to be,
5. And when we find ourselves,
6. In the place that's right,
7. 'Twill be in the valley,
8. Of love and delight

~ Ninteenth~ Century Shaker Hymn

more later...

Prayers not felt by us are seldom heard by God.

2009-08-17T17:15:00.001+09:00

"Prayers not felt by us are seldom heard by God."
~ Philip Henry

more later...

To Everything There is a Season And a Time to Every Purpose

2009-07-29T17:22:00.000+09:00

I have many handicrafts as decorations in our apartment.
This is a cross-stitch embroidery that I made in 1994.

more later...

"I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks."

2009-07-23T17:27:00.002+09:00

"I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks."
~ William Shakespeare

................................................................

Dear friends,

It seems so hard to imagine that my birthday has passed. I really cannot thank everyone enough for all of the lovely cards and messages.

You always help make my flickr days the wonderful!

Thank you for your thoughtfulness!

Love ya and heaps of hugs, Chris

more later...

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

2009-05-10T12:40:00.001+09:00

WHAT IS A MOTHER
by Helen Steiner Rice

"It takes a Mother's Love
to make a house a home,
A place to be remembered,
no matter where we roam.

It takes a Mother's Patience,
to bring a child up right,
And her Courage and her Cheerfulness
to make a dark day bright.

It takes a Mother's Thoughtfulness
to mend the heart's deep "hurts,"
And her Skill and her Endurance
to mend little socks and shirts.

It takes a Mother's Kindness
to forgive us when we err,
To sympathize in trouble
and bow her head in prayer.

It takes a Mother's Wisdom
to recognize our needs
And to give us reassurance
by her loving words and deeds.

It takes a Mother's Endless Faith,
her Confidence and Trust
To guide us through the pitfalls
of selfishness and lust.

And that is why in all this world
there could not be another
Who could fulfill God's purpose
as completely as a MOTHER!"

more later...

"A single rose can be my garden... a single friend, my world."

2009-05-09T11:10:00.000+09:00

"A single rose can be my garden... a single friend, my world."
~ Leo Buscaglia

more later...

I'm Celebrating my 4 year flickrversary!

2009-04-30T11:06:00.000+09:00

On 29th April, 2005... I joined flickr...

I'm Celebrating! It is my 4 year flickrversary!

It doesn't seem that long ago... How time flies when I'm having fun!

more later...

To my Dad, as little girl, I was always his Princess.

2009-03-18T10:20:00.002+09:00

This is a scanned photo of me (martian cat) at the age of 6 years old.

My Dad always treated me like his little Princess.

I scanned it for use with the 2009 Digital Quilting Project... We are all in this together...

Childhood memories are what you cherish so much!

more later...

To dream the impossible dream...

2009-03-17T10:26:00.001+09:00

a much younger me...

more later...

Habit of Singing

2009-02-10T15:01:00.000+09:00

Habit of Singing

1. Make a habit of singing,
The day won't seem so long,

2. As you sing, or even whisper
The words of a beautiful song,

3. For God has given us music
And has taught us how to sing,

4. To chase away our worries and
Find good in everything.

written by Helen Marshall Van Pelt

memories from a flower museum in Chiba, Japan...

more later...

Our Christmas cake...

2009-01-06T14:41:00.000+09:00

In Japan, it is a tradition to have a special cake for Christmas.
These cakes are lovely to look at and delicious to eat!

This is the cake that my hubby and I shared on Christmas eve.

more later...

To a friend who needs our love...

2008-11-22T09:50:00.003+09:00

Some loving thoughts... this was created because a dear friend's son passed away. I weeped tears the day he he left his Mama.

But, the sentimental meaning happens to be close to my heart.

Please cherish each and every day... they are your treasure...

more later...

Keeping your eyes on the cure...

2008-10-23T09:43:00.000+09:00

Please do not overlook the examinations that everyone (men and women) should have to keep their eye on their own health conditions.

hugs...

memories... more later...

Give your smiles away... they create happiness...

2008-10-16T09:46:00.000+09:00

Give your smiles away... they create happiness...
~ a friend

another lovely memory from my 2007 trip to the States...

more later...

Light a Candle of Hope for the Cure!

2008-10-09T09:30:00.001+09:00

more later...

Take time to dream -- it is hitching your wagon to a star.

2008-10-03T09:39:00.002+09:00

"Take time to dream -- it is hitching your wagon to a star."
~ Old English Prayer

**********************

Cancer has taken so many lives. My Mom passed away in 1971 (when I was only 17 years old) from breast cancer complications. In 1989, my father passed away from complications from skin cancer.

So, now... you know why this type of poster is so important to me. I only wished I had a chance to share my lovely photography which appears on flickr with my parents.

So... let's hope and pray that the researchers can find a cure for this horrible disease.

**********************

The link to my original photo which is titled ~ Daily situations reveal our love of life.

more later...

all little things matter

2008-07-16T09:48:00.001+09:00

more later...

My Mom's college photo

2008-06-08T18:18:00.001+09:00

"One of the blessings of growing older is the discovery that some things I once believed to be a flaw have turned out in the long run to become my strengths."
~ unknown

This is a scanned photo of my Mom. The flaw that I mean above is because my Mom had breast cancer. She passed away in 1971 from breast cancer complications at the age of 44. The strength is that she gave me so much of herself that I treasure her ways now that I am an adult.

This photo is from her graduation from Syracuse University in 1949 and beginning her career at the New York State Health Department Laboratory.

more later...

To my Dad ~~ Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-08T11:45:00.002+09:00

"Happy Father's Day!"

There are many, many things that bring back memories.

My Dad passed away over 9 years ago. And, I did not get too many photos of him from my childhood. Many of them are old snapshots and are full of memories.

This photo is taken of my Dad feeding the birds on a beach. My problem is I cannot remember which beach it is. We so often went to the ocean for vacations and weekends.

Our destinations included beaches between Prince Edward Island (Canada) and the Florida Keys.

Dad, thanks for always listening.

And, this says it so perfectly...

This is from a photo of a photo from one of the story boards from the memorial service for my Dad. So, I apologize for the snapshot's clarity.

more later...

Happy Father's Day! Sharing time with your memories...

2008-06-07T18:14:00.000+09:00

Here is a cup of coffee for both of us...

Today's cup is full of delicious black coffee.

The mugs are part of my Royal Albert collection. The dish (part of my Noritake collection) has treats that are special for Father's Day.

So... Today, let's enjoy our mug of coffee and memories together...

more later...

Spiritual rewards

2008-05-29T09:52:00.000+09:00

"The world needs your help, and you'll love the spiritual
rewards that will be yours when you give it."
~ unknown

more later...

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-12T18:50:00.000+09:00

"Wishing ALL Moms a Special and Happy Mother's Day!"

The teacup, small plate, dish, and spoon are part of my large
Noritake collection.
The creamer and sugar bowl are from Germany.

The mango tea treats are special for this day!

hugs...

more later...

Life... like we never did before!

2008-04-27T11:50:00.001+09:00

1. We should love!
3. We should sing!
4. We should dance!

On 23 Jan 2008, we had snow in Yokohama and the azaleas were blooming, too!

more later...

Anniversary Surprises!

2008-04-23T19:46:00.000+09:00

These were delivered to me from my husband for our Anniversary!

Life is what me make it.

2008-01-09T07:38:00.000+09:00

"Life is what we make it.
Always has been.
Always will be."
~ Grandma Moses

I always love a nice cup of Japanese green tea in the afternoon.

My Japanese Noritake porcelain tea set is trimmed with platinum. There are mountains and cherry blossom petals on it. Each saucer is traditional Japanese reddish-brown lacquerware.

The white porcelain dishes with the traditional Japanese green tea treats are gold trimmed Yokohama china in a shell shape.

The tea treats are cherry mochi (a thin sweetened cherry flavored rice cake) a with cherry flavored Japanese an (a cherry flavored sweetened bean jam) filling and topped with a fresh strawberry. The outer covering is a fresh cherry leaf.

My traditional Japanese tea cannister is covered with cherry wood and has cherry tree branches with blossoms and leaves carved into it.

........................

1. The Japanese green tea is ready!, 2. Japanese traditional strawberry & cherry green tea treats, 3. Japanese green tea and treats for you & me, 4. A cup of Japanese green tea is ready and my tea cannister, 5. Can you come to my Japanese green tea party?, 6. A traditional Japanese cherry wood green tea cannister, 7. Can you join me?, 8. My cherry blossom Japanese teapot, 9. Your Japanese green tea is served.

more later...

It is not easy...

2008-01-07T07:42:00.000+09:00

It is not easy...

"To apologize,
To begin over,
To be unselfish,
To take advice,
To admit an error,
To face a sneer,
To be charitable,
To keep on trying,
To be considerate,
To avoid mistakes,
To endure success,
To profit by mistakes,
To forgive and forget,
To think and then act,
To keep out of the rut,
To make the best of little,
To subdue an unruly temper,
To maintain a high standard,
To shoulder a deserved blame,
To recognize the silver lining--
But it always pays."
~ Ohio Educational Monthly

.........................

1. It is not easy... (1), 2. It is not easy... (2),
3. It is not easy... (3), 4. It is not easy... (4)

more later...

Recipe for a Happy Day

2008-01-04T07:45:00.000+09:00

Recipe for a Happy Day

1 cup friendly words
2 heaping cups understanding
4 heaping teaspoons time and patience
Pinch of warm personality
Dash of humor

Instructions for mixing:
Measure words carefully. Add heaping cups of
understanding; use generous amounts of time and
patience. Cook with gas on the front burner. Keep
temperature low -- do not boil! Add a dash of humor
and a pinch of warm personality. Season to taste with
spice of life. Serve in individual molds.

~ originally published by Marshall Field and Co.

more later...

Glistening...

2007-12-10T08:06:00.000+09:00

"Life has its glistening moments."
~ unknown

Some ornaments are not used as often after I added candles to my tree.

more later...

The BEST gifts are tied with "Heartstrings!"

2007-12-05T07:52:00.000+09:00

"The BEST gifts are tied with 'Heartstrings'!
What is the thought of Christmas?
GIVING.
What is the hope of Christmas?
LIVING.
What is the joy of Christmas?
LOVE.
No silver or gold is needed for giving.
If the heart is filled with Christmas love,
For the hope of the world is kindly living,
Learned from the joy of God above."
~ Laura Hooker

from my neighbor's garden

.....................................

1. The BEST gifts are tied with "Heartstrings!" {1}, 2. The BEST gifts are tied with "Heartstrings!" {2}, 3. The BEST gifts are tied with "Heartstrings!" {3}, 4. The BEST gifts are tied with "Heartstrings!" {4}

more later...

Love at Christmastime

2007-11-29T12:53:00.000+09:00

"There is love at Christmastime that brings
friendships closer and spreads happiness."
~ unknown

This is posted as a childhood memory. My Dad was a man who loved to draw me (choo-choo) trains on all kinds of paper (even restaurant napkins) when I was a child. And, I still have some of the trains he drew for me which are really precious memories from my childhood.

more later...

25 Nov 2007 - Giving Thanks - My flickr Explore Collection including those In & Out

2007-11-25T13:07:00.000+09:00

1. A choice..., 2. Celebration of Thanksgiving, 3. Laughing out loud., 4. It takes a lifetime..., 5. When you wish upon a star..., 6. Hugs for luvmykatz, 7. Happy people..., 8. Now, Meg is a very happy 4 year old!,

9. Happy Birthday Megumi, 10. Find the finest joy, 11. Sharing..., 12. Friends..., 13. Smiles help me..., 14. Kindnesses..., 15. Mizunomori (2), 16. Heartfelt moments...,

17. The real joy..., 18. Strength and resilience, 19. Believe in yourself, 20. If your gift..., 21. Cuddled up and relaxed..., 22. Goodness..., 23. Celebrating..., 24. Today...,

25. Enjoy the little things..., 26. Making it happen!, 27. Admiration..., 28. Making a new friend..., 29. Meiji Shrine's Inner Garden (Tokyo) [9], 30. an amaryllis, 31. Standing alone with thoughts of my own, 32. ~ Wishing you a Great Day! ~,

33. Springtime..., 34. This seems only like yesterday..., 35. Blueberry as a classy lookin' cowgirl kitty..., 36. Two lids made Meg's valley..., 37. the cherry promenade, 38. Meg... my professional inspector..., 39. Meg... her special smile, 40. Tableware Exhibition (2),

41. Meg - every new box is a new adventure!, 42. pink plum... another favorite, 43. Meg on bird patrol!, 44. Megumi & Bird Watching, 45. Megumi - her choice of a pose, 46. Christmas tree 2006, 47. Megumi cannot resist playing, 48. Megumi - a young profile,

49. Megumi's eyes, 50. Megumi - mailing box house, 51. Meg's new blanket, 52. Meg relaxing, 53. baby Megumi, 54. Meg..., 55. lake view, 56. Hey Meg - "Huh... Who me?",

57. orchid cactus bloom, 58. I breathed a song..., 59. cherry blossoms, 60. Another smile..., 61. Megumi - Happy Birthday Meg!, 62. Happy Baby Meg..., 63. Megumi, 64. Meg's first Christmas,

65. Megumi

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Meg and I send on our love to you!

To answer your question before you ask... as my title explains, these are all of my photos that have been "In & Out of Explore". Over last summer, Explore allowed us to keep our photos on a separate heading which I chose to do.

Now is the time for me "To give Thanks to all of my flickr friends." Originally, I wanted to post this on Thanksgiving Day, but was so busy with other things - yes, they were flickering matters. We do not really have a Thanksgiving Day in Japan. Flickr can keep me busy, but it is a happy type of busy!

Then, I realize we should give thanks everyday! The reason behind my saying this is because I've made and met so many beautiful people on flickr.

Living in Japan puts me on a different timetable than everyone. But, you are all so special to me! Thanks for being there and you are all fantastic!

Lastly, thanks for all of your visits, comments, views, faves, and love!

hugs from Meg and me...

more later...

Find the finest joy

2007-10-25T18:55:00.000+09:00

"Get out of yourself into the lives of others,
and new life will flow into you."
~ Joseph Fort Newton

more later...

Believe in yourself

2007-09-08T08:02:00.000+09:00

"It helps if you would like to see your dreams come true."
~ unknown

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

This is also my celebration that today, I have had 21,100 views to my flickr photo stream which is called martian cat. Thanks so much to all of your faves, views, comments, and love.

I was overseas (on vacation this summer) when I celebrated my 2nd flickr anniversary!

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

This is also in celebration of my 1st Anniversary for blogging!

more later...

2007-08-26T10:49:00.000+09:00

This awful disease has taken so many people from us, but there are amazing stories of hope, of support, of bravery and best of all, of triumph. This is for the people we've lost to the battle, the people still fighting the battle and for those who have proven victorious in the battle.

LIVESTRONG Flickr 2007

To learn more about LIVESTRONG Flickr 2007 and/or to post the image to your own stream in a show of support, go here: LIVESTRONG Flickr 2007

This was not created by me. Yes, I'm helping to spread the word. Please add your own to one of your albums. Let's spread the word of hope on flickr!

Meiji Shrine (Tokyo, Japan)

2007-06-07T15:13:00.000+09:00

On 2007, June 1, the Members of Kanagawa International Association's Minami Circle made a trip to visit the Meiji Shrine inTokyo.

1. Meiji Shrine (Tokyo) [1] the main entrance to the Shrine;
2. Meiji Shrine (Tokyo) [2] the lanterns along the path;
3. Meiji Shrine (Tokyo) [3] the wall that surrounds the Shrine;
4. Meiji Shrine (Tokyo) [4] the first entrance to the Shrine;
5. Meiji Shrine (Tokyo) [5] the main building;
6. Meiji Shrine (Tokyo) [6] an inner entrance to the Shrine;
7. Meiji Shrine (Tokyo) [7] the outer entrance;
8. Meiji Shrine (Tokyo) [8] sake barrels presented to the Shrine;
9. Meiji Shrine (Tokyo) [9] a closer look at the torii.

For more details, please look at...
visiting places

more later...

a quiet moment

2007-06-02T10:34:00.000+09:00

"We don't have to be perfect to be a blessing. We are asked only to be real..."
- Gigi Graham Tchividjian

Today was a day of meditation. Admiring the beauty that is around me; thinking how lucky I am to still keep learning more about me, myself,
& I.

Many times I am too busy rushing around and overlook plans to enjoy more quieter times...

more later...

A bit about me...

2006-11-25T01:02:00.000+09:00

Welcome to my world... I am a lively New York-born American who has her own very big cookbook collection from many different regions. I love to cook and love fine china. In Japan, there are so many beautiful things... however, my love for china appeared during my youth. I began the concept of my collection during my younger years. Of course, if you love china, you keep these things forever... yes, this early collection moved with me to Japan. My lifestyle is a mix of Western and Japanese cultures.

I met my Japanese husband overseas. We moved to Yokohama after we were married. I remember packing everything and arranging the shipment to Japan. Just the planning and all of the packing took me 4-5 weeks.

Currently, I am an active member of Yokohama International Women's Club (YIWC). In addition, I am a member of the Association of Foreign Wives in Japan (AFWJ). Both of these organization helps give me a structure for my life in Yokohama, as well as, all of Japan. Through these groups, I have experienced many different activities and have made some very good friends. This Fall, I am going to rejoin the Minami Circle... this is a group sponsored by Kanagawa International Association. They provide an opportunity to learn more about cultural exchange from all over the world through their membership.

Over the years, I have enjoyed volunteering for many different organizations. And yes... even though Yokohama is a big city, it has become my hometown.

In Yokohama, I volunteered for 10 years at Hodogaya International Exchange Center (leaving there in March 2001) which is located not so far by train from Yokohama Station. I was their English speaking foreign staff member. This experience enriched my outlook of being a foreigner in Yokohama. At that time, I organized a monthly International Washi Handicraft activity for more than 8 years.

My hobbies include making washi crafts (using a traditional Japanese paper), patchwork quilting, counted cross-stitch embroidery, cooking, watching movies on DVD, listening to music, reading tarot cards, making jewelry, and chatting with friends. I enjoy keeping in touch with friends and reading their news in emails. My collections include a few antique Noritake and then a few books describing many lovely dishes.

I still live by one type of philosophy:
"We are who we are..."

The most important things are to like yourself... be yourself... and don't forget to laugh or smile!

Below is a more detailed summary of my career...
Web Summary of Chris Ishikawa

more later...

a photo of me...

2006-11-17T06:48:00.000+09:00

This was taken on November 8, 1987... My husband and I arrived in Japan in March 1989.

more later...

As a cookbook editor...

2006-10-28T11:35:00.000+09:00

I am a member of Yokohama International Women's Club (YIWC). In 2000, an interest group was organized for recipe sharing. As this group began to talk and meet, we soon realized that we could collect enough recipes to write an international cookbook.

The more recipes that the group collected, there became a pattern. We selected a topic that became the theme for the cookbook. The idea of preparing food that could be taken out of the home was chosen. The group decided that Food for Furoshiki would become the title… Our next task was thinking of the chapters of the book that would carry on the theme.

I volunteered to become the English Editor of the cookbook. Another member, who was Japanese, became the Co-Editor.

As the typing began, looking at a specific style was important. Some conversion of recipes was necessary to keep measurements uniform. How to make every recipe appear in the same type of template, using the same descriptive words was important.

"Food for Furoshiki" - A YIWC Cookbook
Originally uploaded by yiwcphotos.

To help make the cookbook more useful, additional sections such as a glossary of vocabulary was added with foreign words translated into Japanese. Another fun part was to put in a list of tips. These additional sections kept me busy because being the Editor meant that I was actually designing the cookbook.

We were so lucky to have an artist draw some illustrations for the cookbook. These illustrations were placed on the chapter dividers. Another volunteer on the committee made some smaller illusrations which could be placed throughout the pages of the book. YIWC found a printer who helped with making the book complete... color covers, binding, paper and ink color, and the ISBN number made the Food for Furoshiki were the finishing touches towards completing the book.

Members of YIWC sold the book to their family, friends, and contacts. There were even colleges in the area that taught cooking and added the book to their classes, too.

This was not the first cookbook that YIWC had made. I was given a copy of a previous cookbook. Thinking that there would be the second cookbook was exciting. However, just recently… another cookbook for YIWC that was published many, many years before was discovered. One of the Honorary Life Members of YIWC gave me a copy of both of the previously compiled cookbooks. So… actually, Food for Furoshiki is their third cookbook.

Food for Furoshiki has 250 recipes and is 250 pages. YIWC printed 800 copies of the cookbook Food for Furoshiki and it was such a success that all of the copies were sold. All of the proceeds went towards the charities that they support.

I love to collect cookbooks. Now... I feel so lucky because are 3 YIWC cookbooks in my cookbook collection!

More later…

October... breast cancer awareness month

2006-10-26T10:44:00.000+09:00

My mom passed away in 1991 because of breast cancer. I wish I could share this with her...

made with flickr toys

How a lovely young lady joined the family...

2006-10-25T08:23:00.000+09:00

Here is more history about Megumi (Meg) the kitten (now full grown young lady) or should I say the best thing that has happened...

In November 2003, my husband asked me what I wanted for our Anniversary. He also mentioned that I could combine it with Christmas if I wanted. Well... on one Saturday morning, as we were going to the supermarket in the car, I mentioned that I wanted to get a kitten. The first reaction was that if we have one... "It is your responsibility!" "Do you have the time to take care of one?" and so on and on were the questions. The outcome was that he agreed that I could have a mixed breed. We went to a reliable vet and they mentioned that there were no kittens available until April/May from the strays that they receive from the neighborhood. I cried after we left the office.

I mentioned that my husband should read some books about cats. He never had a cat and had no knowledge of what to do or how to take care of one. The books from the library showed different pedigrees and he was mesmerized by the Russian Blue's grey color, temperament, and kept staring at the intense green eyes of the adults shown in the books. Well... I began thinking and in January 2004 decided that we should get a kitten and enjoy her during the winter days and nights. I had to go to the Greater Area of Tokyo with my car and decided to check all of the pet stores on my way home. I found 3 kittens at 2 different pet stores. The first Russian Blue female was a little scared of me, her brother was ready to jump down and run around... so I decided that I should go on to another store in that chain. There... I was introduced to another Russian Blue female who immediately began to purr in my hands, moved to the elbow area of my arm and sleep until I had to put her back in her cage (because the store was going to close). So... for 30-40 minutes I was in a dream-like state with what I believed was the kitten that should be mine.

I returned home and explained my day's experience and that she was expensive (but was 10% off because of a January sale). My husband said that it was too much money and again I was disappointed because I thought Meg wouldn't be mine. (We had already selected the name during the first discussion.) He said he needed to think about it until the next morning. At 5:00 the next morning, he turned on the light and announced that he had been thinking and if I am so sure with this kitten, I should go get her as soon as the store opened. I cried because it was true... she was going to be mine! However, my husband demanded that a scratching post, food, litter box, litter, toys, travel case, bed, and so on should come home with Meg, too. Well... off that morning in the early morning, I went with the car to a DIY store for the major purchases before I visited the pet store (just as the store opened).

I arrived and there was Meg. I had to wait till they fed all of the animals and watch her to be sure that she was really the kitten that I wanted. The staff were so helpful with making this possible by moving the cage closer for me to watch her. I held Meg 2 more times and knew she really was the one because she was so happy when she was with me.

Now, she is almost 3 years old. I really realize that Meg is a different type of kitten than typical Russian Blue cats. She absolutely adores people who come for a visit. (I had lots of people over for lunch during her first 2 weeks to get used to having people here.) I stayed home with her for the first 10 days to get her to trust me and feel at home with us. Afterall, we were almost 50 and with a lifetime of a well cared for cat being 14-20 years, we might only have the chance to enjoy one pedigree cat because of the cost.

more later
... there is always another day...

My cat teapot is ready for a cup of tea!

2006-10-13T15:07:00.000+09:00

In August, I painted this teapot while on a short trip. This is what it looked like right after I painted the decorations in underglaze. If you would like to read that story, I described it in martiancat's August 18, 2006 blog.

This is a photo of showing the underglazed teapot.

Today, it arrived from Nagoya... it had to be fired in Nagoya and it was shipped to my apartment. This was the first time in 20 years that I used underglazes on porcelain. One of the biggest mysteries is how your painting turns out after it is dipped and fired.

I am so happy to say that it turned out "lovely..." Now, it is ready for me to make a cup of tea in it! I can hardly wait until tomorrow to use it...

more later...

More of my hobbies

2006-09-16T14:51:00.001+09:00

During my childhood, I began making different types of crafts. I have always enjoyed sewing, embroidery, patchwork quilting, crocheting, and on and on my list could go...

Before coming to Japan, I was very busy making different types of ceramic type crafts. Sometimes, I even taught friends to make different things. Below is a lamp that is still one of the favorites that I made during that time. When you turn on the light in the bottom, the leaves light up because they are covered with crushed glass.

After I arrived in Japan, I learned that this country has an abundance of different types of popular crafts. I volunteered for ten (10) years at Hodogaya International Exchange Center (HIEC). During that time, for more than eight (8) years, I organized and taught Japanese crafts in Yokohama to foreigners and Japanese ladies at an HIEC sponsored craft activity.

This is an arrangement of many of the Japanese crafts that I have made over the years.

Of course, Japanese wooden dolls are adorable to collect and give as presents, too. I am still adding to my collections…

more later…

Making pearl jewelry

2006-09-05T15:47:00.001+09:00

There never seems to be enough time in one day to complete all of the things I enjoy doing.

I enjoy making jewelry using freshwater pearls. There are so many kinds of freshwater pearls...

It is so nice to wear original jewelry with a design that comes from my heart...

more later...

Balcony Gardening

2006-08-29T15:11:00.001+09:00

Soon after I arrived in Japan, I decided that I would try gardening in pots on my apartment's balcony. I used help my mother with her large flower gardens at my father's house during my childhood years. I loved helping with my father's vegetable garden, too.

During those the first years, I tried tomatoes, cucumbers and numerous flowers. However, the heat from the mid-day sun is just too hot on my balcony. I live in is concrete apartment building and it just retains the heat from the sun. In mid-summer, the soil in the flowerpot dries out too quickly on my balcony. There were numerous insects that attacked my balcony garden and all too often the plants died.

I love the delecate flower of a blooming orchid cactus. As a result of numerous trials with many varieties of flowers, I found that the plants that grow with very few little problems are numerous varieties of cactus and amaryllis.

I have been growing amaryllis from the large bulbs and enjoying them because the parent bulb has baby bulbs. These baby bulbs grow after transplanting them to a larger flowerpot. In a couple years, the baby bulbs grow large enough to have a large flower.

I have given many of the lovely plants to family and friends. They are all having successful flowers, too. I think one of the reasons that I can grow amaryllis so successful is because they flower before the very hot summer season.

No matter how small of a space you have, watching a flower or plant grow brightens your day.

more later...

my hand-painted teapot

2006-08-18T15:09:00.000+09:00

On our recent trip to Yamanashi, we stopped at a place that sold teapots that were ready to be underglazed (decorated). This place would send it to a place with a kiln to be finished. Then, these pieces would be dipped in glaze, fired, and shipped to the address of the artist.

my hand-painted teapot, originally uploaded by martian cat.

I was so lucky to have the time during one morning. Everyone mentioned that I would have only 15 minutes to make the decorations. However, I actually had to spend almost 1 hour to make the sketch, decorate, and make any of the final touch-ups it needed.

The underglaze was a natural pigment. Taking the time to do this brought back many, many memories. Imagine... it is more than 20 years ago that I did type of pottery decorating in the States. There are actually two different colors of blue that are on this teapot. Then, by adding water to the glaze to "thin out the color"... highlights were added. It will be fun to see how it turns out.

I can hardly wait to have it for my morning cup of tea. Imagine... an original decorated pot for my morning tea. It sounds like a good plan to me!

more later...

yesterday's challenge

2006-08-10T15:50:00.001+09:00

I love to collect porcelain china.

Yesterday's challenge was to rearrange dishes. To accomplish my task, I had to make space in the closets, shelves and drawers to make some safer space for my collection. It is not as easy as it sounds! This is always fun because it means that I can revisit my favorites. Even more fun is to put away one friend (a cup) and bring out another older friend.

Life is always a challenge. Yesterday was no different!

Every day is lovely if it begins with a delicious pot of tea which is served in a beautiful porcelain cup. It does not matter if it is European style tea or Japanese tea. I have beautiful cups and tea pots for both... It is the relaxation time it takes to drink the tea that is very important. Some days, this time could be only minutes... it depends on how busy my schedule is...

more later...

~*~ More about me... ~*~

“Love is the dawning of a new day."

Merry Christmas 2011

Autumn Blessings...

My Irish Family

Hugs and Kisses...

"With hope people dream."

What Is A Dad?

"As a man is, so he sees."

Happy Mother's Day

Spring Fantasy (a slideshow with music)

"The moment may be temporary, but the memory lasts forever."

"The heart of the giver makes the gift dear & precious."

My birthday is next week...

"Sometimes" (a slideshow with music)

Happy Father's Day

The kind of flower I am!

"Life is a great big canvas,..."

a lovely flutter-by

A friend can always make your days worthwhile.

SIMPLE GIFTS

Prayers not felt by us are seldom heard by God.

To Everything There is a Season And a Time to Every Purpose

"I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks."

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

"A single rose can be my garden... a single friend, my world."

I'm Celebrating my 4 year flickrversary!

To my Dad, as little girl, I was always his Princess.

To dream the impossible dream...

Habit of Singing

Our Christmas cake...

To a friend who needs our love...

Keeping your eyes on the cure...

Give your smiles away... they create happiness...

Light a Candle of Hope for the Cure!

Take time to dream -- it is hitching your wagon to a star.

all little things matter

My Mom's college photo

To my Dad ~~ Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day! Sharing time with your memories...

Spiritual rewards

Happy Mother's Day

Life... like we never did before!

Anniversary Surprises!

Life is what me make it.

It is not easy...

Recipe for a Happy Day

Glistening...

The BEST gifts are tied with "Heartstrings!"

Love at Christmastime

25 Nov 2007 - Giving Thanks - My flickr Explore Collection including those In & Out

Find the finest joy

Believe in yourself

Meiji Shrine (Tokyo, Japan)

a quiet moment

A bit about me...

a photo of me...

As a cookbook editor...

October... breast cancer awareness month

How a lovely young lady joined the family...

My cat teapot is ready for a cup of tea!

More of my hobbies

Making pearl jewelry

Balcony Gardening

my hand-painted teapot

yesterday's challenge

~~ More about me... ~~