Here's more!!!

 I've finished my first three days of private sessions. My heart is full of sharing, profound connection, healing and gratitude. This box of treats was given to me by a client who I had never met or worked with. Several clients came from far away in Hokkaido, the northern most island. I feel so good, on so many levels, for this opportunity.

I haven't made it out for the usual tourist excursions, though I am enjoying my time here in a very different way. With local sushi (see below) which I bring back to my room, and more social activities, I am feeling more at home here. Almost like a local, but always a geijin (outsider)!!!

The weather has been tremendously brisk, but I am very comfortable in my room, or bundled up in my hooded down coat! Last night I listened to wind howling outside.

I am learning and experiencing more about the Japanese culture. One day, I watched with delight a group of unescorted school children. Perhaps only 6 or 7 years old, the three of them were walking together from the subway to their school, which was at least 4 blocks away, through heavy traffic and crowded side walks. They were chatting and giggling, dressed in identical school uniforms, complete with matching umbrellas and backpacks. A sight unheard of in America. I actually watched for some time, thinking I would see an adult, but they truly were on their own, and I am sure it only seemed unusual to someone like me.

This is the shrine which I walk past everyday. The street here is very narrow, perhaps only enough room for a car and a pedestrian. The heart on the bulletin board is a rare example of graffiti, which is conspicuously absent.

Here's the Obama bag I mentioned last time. I just had to go back and catch the photo op! Anything American is immediately taken as a pop culture icon. Good, bad, or indifferent. I wonder if he knows he's hanging next to "Hello Kitty"????

Last night, I had the great opportunity to join a group of people who have formed a volunteer group. Called Intrepid Model Adventures, it was begun my a young man (model) who has devoted countless hours and his own money to regularly gather and deliver food, goods, and hope to the folks in tsunami areas. An inspiration to be with so many who are energized by the idea of making a difference in the world. Looking forward to connecting with them again. Perhaps to join them on one of the excursions north. Dean, the model and instigator, is on the left. I now have one of these shirts, which doesn't really haven't any significance for NY. I imagine they were donated, so they just printed around the idea, to include "& Japan" after the NY part. They raised the equivalent of 2000 dollars last night. Pretty impressive.

Today, I had the delightful surprise, on my day off, of going out to lunch with friends who I know from Marfa! Talk about a small world. Yummy sushi. Here's Andrew and Christine, as photo proof!!

I'm resting up before another 3 days of private sessions. Will write more again before too long!

Love Daeryl

Hi all, (notice conspicuous absence of "y'all")

Love having a view! I sit up in bed in the morning, to drink my coffee and this is what I see.

Yesterday was one of the most intense days of my life! ... filming a 2 hour DVD. I've been working up to it for a couple months, with writing scripts, figuring out how to do make-up for camera (yup - ole hippy Daeryl wore lipstick!), picking out the right clothes, and generally having anxiety about what would be involved and how I would do on camera! So I was relieved when all went well. A great team of photographers, translator, and staff assisting me. From now on, the rest of my work here is going to see super casual and easy by comparison!

So, here's more photos as promised. Wandered around the neighborhood. This pond and waterfall are part of nearby Arisugawa Park. Lots of young mothers with kids, older men lined up for fishing, foot paths, bridges, and trees almost ready to bust out in leaves and blossoms. I know I'm going to enjoy coming here quite a bit, just to be in a bit of nature. I love walking around - there's so much to see.


This new neighborhood is great. Lots of shops and restaurants, and a variety of grocery stores. More geared for all of the nearby embassies. I've had sushi several times, yum. After my Ustream seminar on Monday evening, I had the pleasure of sitting next to an older Japanese man, who was hesitant to speak English with me, but once he got going he was quite charming. I constantly amused and delighted by the graciousness of the Japanese.


I'm still trying to master the photo/text layout issue with this blog format. Sorry if it's wonky doodle.

In my shopping, down little alleys, I saw a "President Obama" shopping bag, next to Hello Kitty and other bags.

Speaking of Hello Kitty...here's an ole dude I spotted just sitting and staring at me. I call him "Go Away and Leave Me Alone" Kitty.

Tonight, I'm presenting an introductory seminar, which I really enjoy. It'll be great to talk to a real audience, as so far this trip I've only been on camera! Then I have a day off, before three days of client sessions.

This building caught my eye. Covered with a layer of frosted glass, and with the gray sky, it almost looks like it's got a sheet of ice on it. The architecture here is amazing modern art.


Thanks to those who send me emails letting me know you read my blog! Great to have a little back and forth, especially in English, while I am over here.

Rots of Rove!
Daeryl

Back in Tokyo!

Saturday morning, I woke to fresh snow on tile rooftops, a clear blue sky and brisk wind. I've got a cute little studio apartment with a great view out the 6th floor window. Spent most of the day wandering around, exploring the new neighborhood, and shopping for groceries. Also preparing for my DVD filming which will be on Tuesday. That's why it's taken me so long to write my first blog post!

Sunday was filled with amazing wild experiences. My fear of missing out often leads me to either being brave or a bit crazy. Today was a good example. Azabu Court, where I am staying, offers a day pass discount to a local fitness club. So today I participated in a disco dance class, even though I couldn't understand much, except..."sexy pose" "boxo stepo" and "ichi, ni, san, go (1, 2, 3, 4)" The perky young man leading the steps had "Super Monkey" words on the butt of his pants, which kept me grinning even though I was stumbling to keep up with the steps everyone else already knew. "Everybody Dance Now!!!"

The experience of the ladies locker room and bath was another unknown now conquered. With the assistance of a new acquaintance (I met an Iraqi diplomat in the class), I was guided to the protocol for lockers, showering, and using the jacuzzi, as well as the hot bed sauna. That's where you lie down on rocks that have been heated - I'll try that next time. Good thing I'm not that modest about nudity, but still a bit self-conscious about being the only older big Geijin (outsider) among so many thin young Japanese! Sorry, didn't get any pictures! Use your imagination!

Later that afternoon, I met up with my friend Mina. On our way to share a meal, she took me to a little kimono shop to show me the traditional custom. The lady in the shop greeted us like honored friends and I was invited to pick out a kimono to try on. After selecting a soft blue floral print, she led us into a tatami (straw mat) room and dressed me in white cotton under layer first. Then the silk kimono, followed by the obi around the waist. It was explained to me that there was no pressure to buy anything, that she was honored to show me kimono custom. The one I tried on was priced over $600 just for the kimono. The obi was another $300, with additional silk wraps and cords. Mina took some pictures with her phone...hope to post later. I did finally get to buy the tabi (white split toe socks) I've been wanting! They were only 1050 yen (about $12). Mina was purchasing an obi for a kimono she already had, and it was fun to see all of the beautiful silk fabrics that were brought out. So gracious, this was nothing like shopping in the mall in El Paso!!!

The next few days are very busy, with a UStream lecture, DVD filming (all day process), and the introductory seminar. I promise I'll get out there soon for some photos!

Love to you all,
Daeryl