Christmas Lunch

Local Woods

London Town

Rainbow in the Garden

Dark Valleys

North Wales

One of my favourite places in the world.

Dream House

I just love these old Japanese farm houses, maybe one day...   The snow makes everything look particularly picturesque.

Japanese Junk Store

Surrounded by Colour

I do believe in the importance of the colours we place around ourselves, this is my favourite place to practice yoga right now.

Rescue Bike

This bicycle was on it's way to the dump, I begged the owner to let me try and see if it was rideable.  First changed the brakes, then the cogs, and gear wiring, was given new wheels and finally a year on, the finishing but essential touch, a new saddle.  Very happy cyclist here.

Akebia

One of my favourite things to eat right now.  Inside the flesh, although filled with seeds, is deliciously sweet.  The skin, bitter, but am hooked, especially when fried and smothered in garlic, the fact that it is the most beautiful purple hue helps in the attraction of this strange fruit.

Okama Lake

This gem is at the top of Mt. Zao. My local boarding mountain in Yamagata City.  It is a dormant volcano and this is the crater, fingers crossed it doesn't wake up anytime soon.

Beautiful Coloured Rocks

Looked even better through my polaroid sunglasses, oranges, purples and gray-blues.

Way to the Lake

Tip Top of Mountains

Tinged with Autumn

Still in Sakata Museum

Blown glass scattered with garden back drop.  This was all so much better than the actual exhibition.

Sakata City Art Museum

Just loved this building, it was made to feel as though you are taking a walking through the forest.  Very nicely done, inside yet out.  Had a mini nap on the sofa!  Mind you, would much prefer to actually be out in the forest.

Log Design

Practice with a View

Found a Mountain

Had a few minutes to spare, went down a new road, and saw a different view.  Perfect prelude to work.

Last of the Summer

A long summer full of lots of sweaty yoga practice. Love the way the sun filters through the bamboo.

Six Years

Restaurant Window

To a late summer's dinner.

Surfer

Preparing Kimono

Take them apart, wash them, iron, fold, cut and eventually sew!  It's a process.

Rippled Stone

Yamagata Paradise

Nothing like a swim in a mountain river when it's hot in town.  Refreshing for body and soul.

Hasu

Dragon Flying

Looking fierce.

Beer Goggle View

Little Snake

Peering out at me.

O'bon

When the spirits return to visit and we head off to Temples to meet them.

BBQ Backdrop

Snuggling Watermelon

Every Cloud

Has a silver lining.

Budding Lotus

Found round the back of a Shinto Shrine in the most peaceful setting.  Can really understand all the spiritual symbolism surrounding these blooms.  Rising up gracefully from the muddy depths.

Zao Dam

Beam of Sunshine

New Incinerators

Five shiny new incinerators to burn all the tsunami debris. Piled so high, we walk through it all to the surf spot, a constant reminder.

Fifteen Months On

Back to my regular surf spot.  Amazing how nature creeps back in and fills all the empty spaces with flowers, fish and insects.  Beautiful.

Rooves of Tendo

Fun

Summer

Best thing to eat when it's 37 degrees celcius indoors!  Phew, hot, do love it though.

Last Coffee

With a housewife.

Yamagata Vegetables

Absolutely delicious darling ; )

Table for Tea

Was very impressed by the laquer work on this table, very original.

Temptation

Sunday Morning Practice

Was just lovely, who could ask for a better start to the day.

Retro Kimono Fabric

Farewell

Could be time to say goodbye to these old boots.  As much as I love them, I just don't wear them anymore. Have done so for the last 10 years.  Hard to let go though.