Life

" Life is like a Roadtrip

enjoy each day

and don't carry

too much

Baggage."

Growing Like Weeds

 Three of my four grandchildren have birthdays in June. (From down under) Julian will celebrate his 1st trip around the sun. How fast the year has gone and how many changes in that time. His older brother Jude turns 4 and my grand-daughter (the Dallas girlie),Sofia will be 9 years old. Mike (who is the gardener in our family) often points out these particular weeds that grow so fast in our yard. So when I say to myself these children are growing faster than weeds I have to chuckle. I just looked up that saying. “The phrase "growing like a weed" is used to describe children who grow very quickly. For example, you might say "Wow! You are growing like a weed!" if you visit your nephew and he's taller than usual. The phrase is based on the weed Nutsedge, Nutgrass, or Watergrass, which grows quickly and taller than the average turf grasses. “ 

Jude almost 4 years and Julian 11 months
 

Rocco preschool end of the year May 2024 

3 1/2 years

almost 9 years old

Being Patient- Birthday card to Amanda

 "Be patient towards all that is

unsolved in your heart. And try to love

the Questions themselves.  Do not seek

the answers that cannot be given you.

Because you would not be able to live them.

And the point is to live everything.

Live the Questions now.

Perhaps you will gradually- without

noticing it, Live along some distant day into

the answer." -Rilke

May this day be the beginning of a Joyful Life, one of freedom

for Heart and Spirit, and the ability to see the beauty in your world.

Memories and Music from the Sansei Rocker Concert

 

 

I have been walking down memory lane since the "Sansei Rocker" concert I attended on Saturday. I guess music is the universal connector for all of us. It's when we hear a song and it makes us think of someone or a time or place in our lives and suddenly we are with that person or transported to another time in our life. Music is magical in that way. That is what happened to a whole audience of attendees at this past Saturdays concert. Songs that flooded radio stations during the 1960's and '70's. Songs of my youth and songs of a generation that loved Rock 'n Roll. A huge thank you to my dear friend Harry Manaka whom I first met a few years ago when he was doing research for his book "Chronicles of a Sansei Rocker". One of the members of Harry's band in the late 60's into the 70's was my cousin David Jingu. Harry looked upon David as a friend and as a brother. They played music in the band and even became business partners in a club called "Baby Lion". This was a hub for many young people to listen to live music, dance and gather. My cousin's life tragically was cut short but Harry has never forgotton David and keeps his memory alive to this day through the music Harry plays. A portion of Harry's book documents the highs and lows of the life they shared as aspiring musicians. During one portion of the concert on Saturday Harry poignantly talked about my cousin, telling of his expertise as a guitar player and their life together as band mates. I've been told many times how people admired David's musical skills. I guess a part of what I'm trying to say is thank you to Harry for playing songs that reminded me of my cousin. That took me back to seeing him as I did in those years. That was the walk I've been taking since the concert. Reflection on those that were part of my life and being transported to my youth. Music, especially live music with the band on stage is transformative. David Jingu you are remembered and loved.

Thoughts on Mother's Day 2024

 I think, as many of you feel, one of the greatest gifts in life is that of being a parent. On Mother’s Day I think of my mother and how by her example, I learned to give love. I think of my own daughters, both of whom are dedicated to raising their own children. They are loving and caring and dedicated to being the best mothers they can be. On Mother’s day I am always reminded of the wealth I have been given by having a loving family, and to have been surrounded by kind and loving parents. I am grateful to have been given the time to watch my own children grow into adulthood and continue to pay the love forward to their own children. The circle of life is full of love

 

Happy Mother's Day

 

"A mountain keeps an echo deep inside.

That's how I hold your voice."

~ Rumi

Above all things my mother held complete and enduring love for her family. Her three children and her four grandchildren were among the fortunate recipients of her endless love.

"Apart from love, everything passes away.

The way to heaven is in your heart. Open and lift the wings of love!"

- Rumi

 

 My wish for you: A Sweet Life

 

Sansei Rocker Concert 2024

 So we have been planning and looking forward to the “Sansei Rocker” concert which was happening today in Little Tokyo Aratani theater. We decided to take the metro from Long Beach to Little Tokyo since it’s a straight shot from our city. We left at 9:30. It’s takes about 50 minutes to get there. We had fun walking to the markets and shops before our lunch meetup with my sister brother in law my brother  and his wife. We ate at the newly relocated  Suehiro Cafe.  It’s a wonderful family owned restaurant that has served this community for over 50 years. Food is great. After lunch we all walked to the theater in the heart of J town. The concert was lively, nostalgic and filled with great songs of our youth. I bumped into my friend Vivian and after the concert I was completely taken aback to see three friends I knew in high school Richard his wife Diane and Joanne . It was a great reunion and such a perfect way to end this walk down memory lane.  Sansei Rockers  thanks for the memories! Such a wonderful happy day! Music brings all the best memories together.