Spring in February

Spring in February
Originally uploaded by deena_in_tokyo.

This is a photo I took outside my office during lunch. What a gorgeous day! I should be outside reading a book in the park with a latte in one hand, not inside at a desk!

Remembering

Today would have been my grandmother's 90th birthday. Happy Birthday, Grandma!

I was very close with my grandmother and grandfather, and they played a huge part in who I am today. I regret that I didn't call them more after I went away to college...I didn't have the money, but I should have found a way to call. My grandfather passed away my first year of college, and my grandmother shortly after I came to Japan.

There many ways I remember her, though. I miss my grandmother's curiosity, her eye for detail, and her appreciation of things handmade. Every time I crochet, knit, or embroider something I immediately wish I could show to her to see what she thinks. I have one lipstick I haven't worn for years but cannot stand to get rid of because the smell of it reminds of the scent of my grandmother's makeup.

Sometimes I wonder what she would think of my life, living so far away for so long. But then I remember how she always supported me and I smile.

My morning coffee

Lately my morning cup of coffee just hasn't been doing it for me. It doesn't rev me up like it used to, and instead I am left needing more. Caffeine is truly a drug.

But I have found a new way to get that same high feeling I used to be able to get from my morning cup of java.

Recently I can't get enough of Aretha Franklin!

I bought one of those "The Nice Price" cheap-o compiliations of her music on sale at Tower Records back in college, and I have recently rediscovered it. It's amazing how a few minutes of "Spirit in the Dark" on the train can help one forget even the worst back-to-work blues, and even just the first few bars of "Without Love" take away the tension in my shoulders after a stressful day at work. The other day in Starbucks "Rock Steady" (warning: link has sound!) came on while I was waiting for my latte and it was all I could do not to break out in dance.

Wonder what will happen on the day I forget my iPod on the way out the door...might not be able to get any work done!

P.S. Check out the awesome crowd on that "Rock Steady" clip. Man, I miss Soul Train!!