Returning after a brief hiatus, I am exploring the world of trees today. We grow them and climb them and chop them down for toilet paper. And it turns out, Japan is the best place to see them!
Thank you for sharing your love of the forest! We didn't get to connect on this as much as I would have liked, but my soul also belongs to the woods. Highly recommend Overstory as well, thanks for sharing the tree love. I need to learn more about forest bathing now. Off to do some research! ❤️
Thanks for the comment, Kat! I recommend Friedrich Wilderness Park as the perfect place to get a little nature in the middle of your city life. For an easier walk, Phil Harburger Park has some super old trees and was a favorite haunt of mine back in TX. Enjoy!
You're right ... people are either yama or umi people. It was highly interesting to read about your experiences with mtns and trees. I used to be a tree surgeon with the City of Orlando in an earlier life and do appreciate them. But, I am, after all, an umi person. Being from Florida, I spent a good amt of time on the beach and in the water. Then, I was stationed in the AF near Saitozaki and Shikanoshima, Fukuoka, Kyushu and in the daytime, if I wasn't at work, I was mostly snorkeling and continuously amazed at the clarity of the water and the things I saw underwater, including just born octopi and squid. So yes, when (not if...) I hit the lotto, you'll find me in an abode on the beach, preferably on an island.
Music: That was a very nice piece you included. I listened to it in my computer room, but hey, I have a vivid imagination, so it worked well, I think. If I may, let me include a link here to some music I just recently came across of Ribale Wehbe, "a young talented Lebanese singer and chanter born in 1999 in Beirut, into a family of musicians. Even though she is well versed in oriental singing, Ribale has a deep love for Byzantine music." I believe she's a Lebanese Christian, but whatever . . . I just follow a good voice and good music, regardless of other variables. Hope you like her: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWNH_4UvThc
Trains: I got some of the same joy riding the bus from Fukuoka to Shikanoshima, looking out and watching both life and nature. As for trains in Tokyo, it wasn't the scenery, but watching people; watching different generations and how they all presented themselves in public. I was, in my own mind, a good and intuitive psychoanalyst, forming possibilities as to who they actually were, the difference being one's tatemae and one's honne.
Yummm on the okonomiyaki. Have eaten my fair share and then some... A soupier version is monjayaki - twice the work and half the fun. More than a dining experience, it was a battle btwn me the frying plate. :o
On a rainy day, when it might be better to stay in town, suggest going to a loose tea shop, chat with the owner and/or employees, and hopefully you'll be able to sample different teas. It's mind-blowing how many varieties there are: some are 'meh', others are 'OMG, where have you been all my life? Come to Mama!' :)
Looking forward to your next missive, as I/we live vicariously through you.
I love hearing about your many adventures through the years. I had no idea you worked as a tree surgeon -- sounds like a hard job! I am not surprised that you are a umi person, considering your experiences with beach life in Japan. Your stories make me want to head south to warm waters and sandy beaches!
I`ll give your music recommendation a listen. I always appreciate hearing about new albums, genres, artists, etc. Maybe I can find it on my next train ride so I can people and nature watch to the sounds of lebanese music. Fun!
I love your idea about finding a tea shop. I know of one up in Nagahama, but I can try to search for one closer as well. Food, tea, music -- so much to find and try!
Thanks again for your comments and the read! Always great to hear from you, 先生。
Love this post!! It's nice to hear about the relation to and interest in nature that you observe in your students and school. I unfortunately have to report that the high schoolers are a bit less interested.... there is, though, a Biology Club that manages a small garden next to the PE field. I've joined a few of their meetings and have been gifted potatoes and onions in return!
In terms of books, I recommend Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake! (I will admit I am only halfway through). So far it's been a super cool dive into fungi and how they are all around us. I am learning lots.
The heat is upon us.... hope you're staying hydrated!
Thanks for your comment and ideas, Miranda! I am sad that the bug-catching enthusisasm drops off by high school, though I guess I am not surprised. How awesome about the garden club though! That does seem up your alley, so it's nice that you've been able to sit in from time to time.
Your book rec is noted! I have actually seen that book in shops before, and a friend of mine bought a copy a while ago to read. Now I have to read it so I can learn all about the actually crazy world of fungi :)
Best to you in the Osaka sauna -- see you soon I hope!
Like mother like daughter! My favorite place growing up was my grandparents’ cabin on Lake 27 in northern lower Michigan. It was nestled in the deciduous forest and had lots of mice in the attic. Every summer, I spent long hours in the woods, mostly alone, picking berries, catching toads (there was a place I called Toad Heaven where all the baby toads were found), and a hidden pothole that seemed magical. I truly do not remember looking at houses when you were eleven! But I understand and share your love of trees. I would recommend Walden by Thoreau (mandatory reading for Science Camp in 8th grade). And I also recommend pure maple syrup from sugar maple trees. And pinyon nuts from pines. And hickory nuts. Tulip trees are beloved by honeybees here in Pennsylvania. Our current house is surrounded by trees and golden chanterelles grow underneath in the summer after a rain and when the Mushroom God smiles down.
You have some great food and book recs! It's nice to know where my love of the woods came from, even if I am the only one who remembers that cool house we looked at! I promise it would have been awesome had we not ended up back in Michigan instead :)
Thank you for sharing Laura. You pain such wonderful pictures of your experiences with words. I look forward to your next post. Enjoy your time!
~Ray
Thank you for sharing your love of the forest! We didn't get to connect on this as much as I would have liked, but my soul also belongs to the woods. Highly recommend Overstory as well, thanks for sharing the tree love. I need to learn more about forest bathing now. Off to do some research! ❤️
Thanks for the comment, Kat! I recommend Friedrich Wilderness Park as the perfect place to get a little nature in the middle of your city life. For an easier walk, Phil Harburger Park has some super old trees and was a favorite haunt of mine back in TX. Enjoy!
ローラ先生、サブスタックありがとうございます。おもしろくて、２かいよみました。
You're right ... people are either yama or umi people. It was highly interesting to read about your experiences with mtns and trees. I used to be a tree surgeon with the City of Orlando in an earlier life and do appreciate them. But, I am, after all, an umi person. Being from Florida, I spent a good amt of time on the beach and in the water. Then, I was stationed in the AF near Saitozaki and Shikanoshima, Fukuoka, Kyushu and in the daytime, if I wasn't at work, I was mostly snorkeling and continuously amazed at the clarity of the water and the things I saw underwater, including just born octopi and squid. So yes, when (not if...) I hit the lotto, you'll find me in an abode on the beach, preferably on an island.
Music: That was a very nice piece you included. I listened to it in my computer room, but hey, I have a vivid imagination, so it worked well, I think. If I may, let me include a link here to some music I just recently came across of Ribale Wehbe, "a young talented Lebanese singer and chanter born in 1999 in Beirut, into a family of musicians. Even though she is well versed in oriental singing, Ribale has a deep love for Byzantine music." I believe she's a Lebanese Christian, but whatever . . . I just follow a good voice and good music, regardless of other variables. Hope you like her: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWNH_4UvThc
Trains: I got some of the same joy riding the bus from Fukuoka to Shikanoshima, looking out and watching both life and nature. As for trains in Tokyo, it wasn't the scenery, but watching people; watching different generations and how they all presented themselves in public. I was, in my own mind, a good and intuitive psychoanalyst, forming possibilities as to who they actually were, the difference being one's tatemae and one's honne.
Yummm on the okonomiyaki. Have eaten my fair share and then some... A soupier version is monjayaki - twice the work and half the fun. More than a dining experience, it was a battle btwn me the frying plate. :o
On a rainy day, when it might be better to stay in town, suggest going to a loose tea shop, chat with the owner and/or employees, and hopefully you'll be able to sample different teas. It's mind-blowing how many varieties there are: some are 'meh', others are 'OMG, where have you been all my life? Come to Mama!' :)
Looking forward to your next missive, as I/we live vicariously through you.
先生
ロジャー先生、コメントしてくださってありがとうございます！
I love hearing about your many adventures through the years. I had no idea you worked as a tree surgeon -- sounds like a hard job! I am not surprised that you are a umi person, considering your experiences with beach life in Japan. Your stories make me want to head south to warm waters and sandy beaches!
I`ll give your music recommendation a listen. I always appreciate hearing about new albums, genres, artists, etc. Maybe I can find it on my next train ride so I can people and nature watch to the sounds of lebanese music. Fun!
I love your idea about finding a tea shop. I know of one up in Nagahama, but I can try to search for one closer as well. Food, tea, music -- so much to find and try!
Thanks again for your comments and the read! Always great to hear from you, 先生。
Best!
Love this post!! It's nice to hear about the relation to and interest in nature that you observe in your students and school. I unfortunately have to report that the high schoolers are a bit less interested.... there is, though, a Biology Club that manages a small garden next to the PE field. I've joined a few of their meetings and have been gifted potatoes and onions in return!
In terms of books, I recommend Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake! (I will admit I am only halfway through). So far it's been a super cool dive into fungi and how they are all around us. I am learning lots.
The heat is upon us.... hope you're staying hydrated!
Thanks for your comment and ideas, Miranda! I am sad that the bug-catching enthusisasm drops off by high school, though I guess I am not surprised. How awesome about the garden club though! That does seem up your alley, so it's nice that you've been able to sit in from time to time.
Your book rec is noted! I have actually seen that book in shops before, and a friend of mine bought a copy a while ago to read. Now I have to read it so I can learn all about the actually crazy world of fungi :)
Best to you in the Osaka sauna -- see you soon I hope!
Like mother like daughter! My favorite place growing up was my grandparents’ cabin on Lake 27 in northern lower Michigan. It was nestled in the deciduous forest and had lots of mice in the attic. Every summer, I spent long hours in the woods, mostly alone, picking berries, catching toads (there was a place I called Toad Heaven where all the baby toads were found), and a hidden pothole that seemed magical. I truly do not remember looking at houses when you were eleven! But I understand and share your love of trees. I would recommend Walden by Thoreau (mandatory reading for Science Camp in 8th grade). And I also recommend pure maple syrup from sugar maple trees. And pinyon nuts from pines. And hickory nuts. Tulip trees are beloved by honeybees here in Pennsylvania. Our current house is surrounded by trees and golden chanterelles grow underneath in the summer after a rain and when the Mushroom God smiles down.
You have some great food and book recs! It's nice to know where my love of the woods came from, even if I am the only one who remembers that cool house we looked at! I promise it would have been awesome had we not ended up back in Michigan instead :)