cherry blossoms in Japan

Baby Lavender loves a bit of fresh air, so we try and go for a walk everyday since she is about ten days old. I think she was born at the perfect time of year to allow for that to happen: the air is full of hope for warmth to come, there are explosions of colours and scents at every street corner, and of course, lovely bucolic cherry blossoms - my favourite!

in my neighbourhood - this week

This recent article reminded me of our trip to Japan three years ago, and made me all nostalgic of the lovely time we had in Kyoto during the sakura season...I can't wait to visit this country again!

hanami in Kyoto - three years ago

Christmas project

These little Christmas ornaments are now finished, but you get to see them in the process of being assembled together. I used the same pattern and idea (inspired by the yukata I brought back from japan) as I had two years ago when I made an enormous batch of favours for a December wedding.
This time I embroidered "Noel 2012" or "Christmas 2012" at the back for keepsake.

I will show you the whole "batch" of this year's lavender bags (last year's is here)before they go and find new homes next week.

longing for autumn

To continue with my last post, here is a set of small bowls I got from Anthopologie the other day. They really remind me of the kind of cups we had tea from in Japan, and no wonder- that's where they were made!

I long for autumn now. Summer is just not my scene, even if I appreciate its offerings, it's time to move on. This morning for the first time in ages when I got up the windows had a bit of condensation, a clear sign of a cold night, and wow, that put me in a good mood straight away. I just can't wait to make 2 or 3 pots of tea a day, cosy up on the sofa, go for walks and feel the crisp fallen leaves under my foot. Come soon, autumn!

I (heart) Japan

- The mythical deer of Nara park -

Near the pretty folk village of Takayama, a proud owner parades his paragliding dog. And before you think I've lost it, it's true, I've seen the TV footage of them both flying!

My dream come true - snapping some maiko in Kyoto. The light was just so good, and the two cheeky ones on the first picture were only too happy to pose for me...

- Spotting a wedding couple posing for their photos -

* wish wall*

sakura time!

Here are more of my delicious cherry blossoms for your mid-week enjoyment. I hope they bring a smile to your end of day.

(sakura calendar - they're literally dotted all over the place from late March)

(Kyoto, canal near Pontocho)

(Miyajima shrine)

(full blossom, double petal, Shinjuku park, Tokyo)

That's it for now, but I have so much more to share...the adorable snow monkeys, the maiko and geiko, the impromptu wedding spotting...Keep tuned!

cherry blossoms

I'm finally managing to sort myself out now after a few days. I am still going through my photos but thought I'd share some of my cherry blossoms with you. We were so lucky, our holiday coincided perfectly with the main *sakura* weekend of the season, the one when everyone is out and enjoy the ephemeral beauty of those tiny flowers. Enjoy!

(Kyoto, zen gardens)

(Kyoto, Maruyama park)

(Kyoto, near Gion)

(Nara)

(Kyoto, Kiyomizudera temple)