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Christmas 2024
I seem to be starting a tradition of taking Maura to the vet on Christmas. Last year he had an abscess that needed surgery; this year I have avoided that with prompt medical care. Mai-kun from Oyama Senmaida came over on Christmas Eve and got in a roiling fight in the storm drain with Maura.…
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Weave 2025
Every year since 2009 I have selected a word to guide me. My theme word for 2025 is weave. It narrowly beat out color, draw, muse, and present. I want to weave community through creating connections and weave beauty in patterns. I want to weave my ideas into the rich history and culture of this…
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Ending Notes
Am I obsessed with death? Perhaps. Any of my friends will tell you that I am deeply aware of the passage of time whether it’s mere moments or long ago futures. I am always thinking ahead and looking back. Planning and remembering. That’s who I am. I can’t help it. One of my goals this…
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Pegboard
Pegboard is a total delight. I really want to have my tools where I can see them. They have lived for a decade inside boxes in an attempt to keep rust and mould at bay. Now that I have an enclosed workplace, I can array them neatly and make that dream come true. My father’s…
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WTF is Neoliberal?
I find political theory confusing. For example, what’s up with the “neoliberal” label? I keep seeing it used in reference to Trump and his band. Those guys are certainly conservative, not liberal. Are they trying to “own the libs” by co-opting their label? So I asked Claude.ai for an explanation and as usual, Claude gave…
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Bonenkai
Last night was the Oyama Senmaida year-end party. It filled my heart with happiness and my belly with good Chinese food. I am sure my table laughed the most and the loudest. Was it the alcohol? Maybe. Our conversations ranged from looking up how to say fried rice in Chinese (chǎofàn) and French (riz frit),…
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December rush
Yesterday the calendar page turned to December. And because I sauntered through November, hobbled by a bandaged hand, now I am feeling the rush to get all the things done to tie up 2024 with a ribbon and make holidays happy for myself and others. Pressure builds as I resist this highly active wrap up.…
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Community Center Festival
This weekend was the Kamogawa Kominkan Matsuri, a gathering of all the clubs, circles, and hobby groups that meet at the city’s community centers. Each showed off their activities at the city gymnasium. It was like the craft hall of a county fair. There are so many interesting hobby clubs in this town. Who knew?…
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Camera Roll
Looking at the world around me and finding interest in the mundane. Let’s start with cats. They are always interesting. The weather is cooling down so they are seeking warm places and changing their daily routines Nature continues to provide beautiful moments. I have played in my studio lots this month. For every project I…
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Cat bite
Friday night my friend from Oyama Senmaida, Mai-kun, trotted over to 555 and tried to enter the cat door. I am sure he wanted a snack and cuddles, but Fritter on the inside of the door was having none of it. They were both growling and angry. I ran outside to send Mai home. He…
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