-
Before social media
This morning, I saw the headline of an article in The Atlantic, “The Age of Social Media is Ending” by Ian Bogost. It’s behind a paywall, so I didn’t read it, but… It got me thinking about the pre-platform days. How did we connect with people online? If social media dies, what will we turn…
-
Nearly drowned
Three days ago, I nearly drowned in the shower. That sounds pretty dramatic, doesn’t it? But it’s true. A combination of hayfever, a lingering cold, and jala neti almost did me in. I came home from several joyous hours at 555 on Saturday afternoon covered in cedar pollen which was making me itch, so I…
-
Kobayashi Mikan
Mrs. Kawasaki introduced me to the Kobayashi mikan tree on one of our early walks around 555 in spring of 2021. It’s a compact tree with low branches that sits to the west of the house. This was clearly a fruit she liked, because she lingered a while to admire it. “It’s good for jam,”…
-
Kakishibu
What color is the house going to be? Since our Facebook group exercise in exterior colorways in March of 2022, I have visualised the exterior walls of the house as a medium-dark brown to contrast with the silver roof. The tonal change creates a visual bridge between the roof and the black window frames and…
-
Rant on Vague Encouragements
I have to get this off my chest, and it’s a departure from my usual fare of cats, house building, and other projects. I won’t be offended if you don’t read or listen this one. I have had enough of vague encouragement on social media. I beg you, if you are going to share, please…
-
Windows on my world
The past few days completed the installation of the window that arrived last week. OMG. What a house this is going to be. They unlock yet another flurry of realisations as I walk through the house. I am starting to see the furniture placements and how we will circulate through the space. I decided on…
-
City Getaway
Tod works one week a month in the Tokyo office, but this month he is doing a two-week trip so that he can cat-sit Honey while his colleague, Will, is on a business trip. I decided to go see him on the in-between weekend and hang out in the city. It was a pleasant change…
-
80% great
I was talking with my friend and neighbor, Hitomi, at 555. I’d given her and Kengo a tour of the house thus far and we were talking about how amazing it is. I also mentioned how I sometimes feel fraught with anxiety over decisions. 555 should outlast me and I don’t plan to move (though…
-
DIY Custom Daybook
Do you use an appointment book, journal or diary for your daily planning? From the time I started working in an office (last century!) to my current life as a freelance designer, I have used an assortment of calendar books, diaries, and executive planners to keep track of tasks and appointments. Though I have updated…
-
Distal Focus
This morning, I watched an Instagram Reel about shoulder pain that got me thinking. A Tokyo-based physical therapist, Sam Gilbert, demonstrated how the body increases or reduces pain depending on how you focus attention. If you lift your arm to test the injured shoulder, your mind is focussed on the painful part and it hurts.…
Archives