Ah, Spring Comth!

Spring in Japan means cherry blossoms.  The calendar may say spring, but it is not spring until the cherry blossoms emerge.  Sometimes they are early, sometimes later.  But always they signal spring. This signal of spring is fleeting.  Last week the cherry blossoms hit their peak.  The trees seemed heavy with blossoms that delicately fluttered in the breeze.  Here and there were delicate pink blossoms and an occasional deep pink blossomed tree. I was outside three days last week.  Wednesday I rode in the car under arches of cherry trees in full bloom, making a cherry blossom tunnel. Thursday I was volunteering at a daycare facility, and we played at a park surrounded by trees festooned in cherry blossoms.  Friday I went horseback riding among the blossoms.  The horse I rode is tall so astride the horse I was surrounded by blooms to peer through the flowers to see a clear blue sky.  What beauty!  What an Artist who planned and crafted it all. I cannot begin to take it in, much less express it. 

Now the bright green leaves are pushing the dainty pink flowers away to make their bold entrance.  This year’s signal of spring is passing away to make room for other glories.  This year’s spectacle has drawn to a close.  But I take heart, for next year’s production is already in the making.  I praise you, Lord, for letting me visit your private gallery.  I eagerly await the next showing.

Music Extravaganza!

I am a music lover.  I am not skilled in producing music, but I love to be surrounded by music.  I think my favorite genre is jazz, and I am really excited about the music of Nat King Cole.  I am, however, really explosive about live concerts.  I do not get to go often enough to my thinking.  A few weeks ago I went to a Hakase Taro concert in our town with my family.  We live in a smaller town, and just the fact he came to perform here was amazing.  Hakase Taro is a world class violinist and composer.  Maybe even more amazing is that we got to go to the concert. 

Dad got tickets months beforehand.  We looked forward to this a long time.  One always worries with so much anticipation if there will be a let down at the actual event.  This concert began about the time I wind down for the night.  Maybe I would sleep through it all.  That would be a waste.  This was a senseless worry.  Mr. Taro is a master showman.  He surrounded himself with other first class musicians in a band that played with him.  Each of them probably could have performed a magnificent concert on their own.  This concert had humor, class, dance, lights, as well as wonderful music. As the concert closed, the audience was on its feet dancing along.  Music and lights were exploding about the auditorium.  The band did a fantastic dance.  Then some picked up their instruments and danced while playing them.  This was especially spectacular as the cellist played and danced with his cello.  We did not want it to end.  They played two encores.  I wished it had been more.  The final song was a gentle song written by Hakase Taro for those affected by the disaster.  I especially liked his verbal reminder that there is still much to be done in restoring that area to health.  His song, “A Smile for You” touched my heart.  

I got home far past bedtime, but sleep was elusive as the strains of music and sights of that concert played in my mind.  What a fantastic extravaganza I had beheld.  It still evokes a vivid memory. 

Hey, Dad, when is the next concert? 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCnGx-GuJM4

(Take listen!)

Salad for Lunch

Today I am just relaxing.  This morning saw me escorting my mom to the local mall, well, mini-mall, and getting my crooked glasses straightened out- a result of taking a nap with them.  Once that was done my mom was in shopping mode, but not me.  I was in “Let’s get home” mode, but shop we did.  Fortunately, I was able to convince her all we had time for was groceries, like bananas, mikans, grapes and some meat.  Next, as I was thinking “Home, here we come” she was driving me to another store to buy some household items.  Boring, but necessary for life.  I was so exhausted I came home and took a nap, without glasses, and then I was sure lunch would be ready, but not!  Oh dear!  Starvation was about to set in, but Dad saved me with a snack.  At last this fantastic lunch showed his face, but he was only salad.  I hope dinner is a better fare, or I may waste away.  However, I am chagrinned to remember those who only eat once or twice a day.  I have three meals and nourishing snacks through the day. How dare I grumble.  Lord, forgive me for not appreciating Your abundant supply in my life, even if it is just salad.  “Give thanks in all things, and Jeffrey, that means you.”

“Okay, Lord.  I will work on this.  I want to obey.”

Now to get my stomach to agree.