A few weeks ago my husband and I signed up as volunteers for a local Japanese Cemetery Cleanup Day (Organized by the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California), so last Saturday we headed out to Colma (south of San Francisco on the peninsula) for a half day of work and connection.

This weekend, I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Itsukushima Maru, a Japan Coast Guard ship visiting San Francisco, where I met some inspiring young cadets who live and study aboard for four years.

I love giving back, so we’ve signed up as volunteers for a local Japanese Cemetery Cleanup Day (Organized by the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California).

Last Friday, I found myself in a situation that many outdoor enthusiasts can relate to: the dreaded decision to cancel a camping trip due to a rain forecast. This would have been our first camping trip of the season, at a spot we've visited at least once a month from April to October over the past few years.

Spring is the time for my husband's family to repair shoji screens, and I wanted to share how I find mindfulness and playfulness in this everyday task.

In Japan the changing seasons are a big deal, and I really appreciate how I felt encouraged to slow down and enjoy nature while I lived there. I got into the habit of appreciating nature and whatever what was in bloom during my daily walks to and from the station.

In Japan, house gods, or Kami (神), are a big part of the culture. People believe these spirits help protect homes and keep everyone safe from bad luck and nasty spirits. I don’t have a fancy 'kamidana' shelf, but I do have a place in my apartment on my 'memory shelf' for a cute trio of bronze Jizo statues.

Even though the weather was a bit meh this weekend, I decided to change my wardrobe to its summer version. It took me about an hour to exchange the highly seasonal items like fleece pj's and fluffy winter socks for tank tops and dresses and shorts.