Empty Nest Ikigai

This year, as I chart my way into new waters,  in search of my ikigai , I decided to pursue my passion by finding like-minded friends and  start a craft club for adults.   My goal  was to find people who are open to learning and/or sharing creative outlets.    I truly believe we all have a creative side that needs an outlet. I've explored mine throughout my life in different ways: teaching, hosting my daughters' friends for different projects, and of course my own creative pursuits. Hosting craft nights for my daughters and their friends is a cherished memory.  Now, my daughters have their own craft nights with friends. When they send me pictures it makes my heart happy and it makes me wonder, do we ever really outgrow crafting with friends? The answer is NO! When I ask people if they have hobbies they always say no or they are quick to say they aren't creative. But what I have discovered is we are all creative in our own wa y. I think the t...

        I made it to the halfway point of my first year of Empty Nesting, and guess what, it flew by, so fast that it snuck up on me. I have been so busy with work and all my personal pursuits that it's time to clean up Maria's room and prepare for her return. It is crazy how time keeps moving forward and when you look back you can actually see how far you have come. That is something that I enjoy about life's journey. Sometimes we are so busy living our lives we don't always see it happening.  Sometimes, I like to timestamp my life and take inventory.  Ichigo Ichie —the practice of being fully present in the moment—is something I strive to live by. I know I won't be able to recreate these days, so I’m committed to living in the here and now, embracing the journey as it unfolds. The magic that has transpired in the past few months fills me with pure happiness. I’m incredibly grateful to be in Japan, living this life. In this time, I’ve m...

Sashiko: The Japanese Art of Slow Stitching Since moving to Japan, I’ve discovered so many wonderful traditions, foods, and customs, but my favorite of them all has been the discovery of sashiko . I’m not quite sure how I stumbled upon this beautiful art form, but the more I have learned about it, the deeper my appreciation has grown. There’s something captivating about the rhythm of the tiny stitches, the meditative process of sewing, and the stunning indigo fabrics that have now become a part of my collection. It’s more than just stitching—it’s a practice, a way of slowing down, and an invitation to embrace the mindfulness of mending/creating. What is Sashiko? At its core, sashiko is a traditional Japanese form of hand-sewing that involves stitching simple, repetitive patterns on fabric. The word “ sashiko ” translates roughly to “little stabs” (刺し子), a perfect description of the delicate, precise movements used in the craft. Sashiko originally emerged out of the necessity of mendin...