Just Us
January 30, 2011
We returned home on Friday from Tokyo. Although we left at 6:30pm Tokyo time Friday, we arrived in Los Angeles at 11:30am the same day. Since then I have felt good in terms of jet lag, even thinking that maybe because it was such a quick trip it wouldn’t hit me so hard. Until this morning, when I slept in until 10:30 ~ which never happens ~ and even then the only reason I pulled myself out of bed is because my husband came up to rouse me. I am now sitting in our kitchen practically gulping my coffee, willing it to fill my body with the energy of a brand new day. Ah ~ jet lag ~ a small price to pay for adventures abroad.
Our first morning in Tokyo my husband and I went down to breakfast, where he promptly ran into someone he knew (in Tokyo!) It was a colleague of his who later introduced us to one of his colleagues ~ a young woman who works for him. After this introduction, the gentleman said something along the lines of this to me: “Too bad I need her today, otherwise she could go shopping with you!” My knee-jerk reaction was to take offense and say, “How do you know I’m not heading out into the city to do research for my thesis or documentary film or embarking on an archaeological dig?” But then it hit me ~ I am going shopping! That’s my entire purpose for the day ~ to shop. Till I drop. At the shoppiest of all Tokyo shopping areas ~ the Ginza. And I won’t be satisfied until I have bags bulging and arms weighed down with the long list of procurements I started working on the minute I knew I was going on this trip.
I don’t usually think of myself as a mega-shopper, but on this trip I was going for it. Thank goodness the things I like to buy are small and light ~ papers, small books and art supplies, stationery, and the small washcloths presented in colorful displays at the big department stores. My morning and evening ritual is to wash my face, and these little washcloths are extra soft and smaller than usual, so they are perfect for such a ritual. They are a big deal in Tokyo ~ women use them to blot their faces in humid summer months, and also at public restrooms where disposable towels for drying hands are not available. I came home with a rainbow assortment ~ with paisleys, stripes, flowers, daisies, and even Burberry plaid. It’s always the little things that bring joy into the smallest of moments, so even though these are nothing more than basic bathroom linens, I treasure them.
One part of Tokyo I discovered for the first time is the used bookstore area in Akihabara. Tokyo is all about these concentrated neighborhoods that focus on certain themes ~ antiques, electronics, musical instruments, and even motorcycle gear. The used bookstore section has more than 150 small shops filled with stacks of old books from floor to ceiling. Should I have the privilege of visiting Tokyo again someday, I will be sorely tempted to bring an empty suitcase in order to fill it with items found there.
More stories and snippets will be forthcoming this week ~ including a series of recorded sounds from all over the city. I’ve taken zillions of pictures in Tokyo, and on this trip I left my camera at home, wanting to release myself from the pressure of trying to record every detail that caught my eye. Armed with only my iPhone, I was able to take a few photos here and there, but was more focused on capturing what I heard versus what I saw.
In the meantime, today’s Give Away is for my “Quiet Spaces” Wall Art ~ pictured above. Tomorrow will be the Big Give Away Extravaganza, when I will post photos of all the Tokyo Give Away Goodies, announce each day’s winners from this past week, and also post the final Give Away of the month. After spending the week in a city with as many inhabitants as the entire state of California, I have been savoring the quiet few days my husband and I have been sharing with little Tilda in our home (although at more than sixty pounds, she’s not so little anymore.) It is so rare we get such a long stretch of time when it is just us ~ reading, resting, and letting the day unfold slowly ~ and I am grateful for these rare occasions. There is nowhere to go, nothing to perform, no errands to run, and no schedules. Only time, and the easy sharing of space and silence.
mmm, just thinking….I have never been to Tokyo, or anywhere else in Japan for that matter….it sounds so enticing! I too am not really a shopper, but love the sound of just seeing it all and soaking it in!
This is simply beautiful.
I saved this quote to journal later!
Welcome home to your quiet spaces, dear friend.
xo,
Meghan
the shopping sounds wonderful and the quote is beautiful–thanks for sharing so much!!
Welcome home! The wall art is beautiful, I’m sure whoever wins it will treasure it. I’m glad you had such an enjoyable time in Tokyo. Looking forward to hearing more about it – and seeing more of your photos of course. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.
Love the photo of all the yummy loot that you brought back. Enjoy the memories and getting used to being back in your time zone. Looking forward to hearing about all your adventures. Love your “Quiet Spaces” wall art. Wouldn’t it be nice to win it. Thanks for the chance.
Best, Barbara
I am positively SMITTEN with your art, your work, your blog, your EVERYTHING! Today I shared it on FB and Twitter, bought your book, put your blog on my blogroll and am sharing it everywhere I can. You are amazing. Thank you for being there and being you!
)
Maitri
NO NO NO!!! That was supposed to be a
! I’d edit it but I don’t see how!
Maitri
I see tape!
And a very beautiful piece of art.
Don’t you love those days…I am having one myself today, my scheduled plans fell through and I am just enjoying the bliss of moving through my day at my own pace getting small bits and pieces done and completed off my long-term to do list. It feels like heaven having the house to myself and doing what I want to do without interruption.
Sounds like a wonderful trip!
I just found your blog and love it! I hope we can follow each other my blog is
http://hipchickdesigns.blogspot.com/ I love tutus and art, vintage stuff and creative people. I hope you have a great trip
Carrie
another wonderful piece of art!
LOOKS like a wonderful trip! I’m SO envious!
Oh you have found some Japanese treasures, even tiny funky washcloths! What about socks? Please tell me you found some keepers.
I’m saving you some original and artful ephemera. Cigar bands. They are beautiful. Some Cuban, some Nicaraguan, Dominican. All artfully done and pretty for something I’m sure. I’ll get a few together and send them along to you.
Talk to you tomorrow! Yay!!
xoxo
Welcome home!! Time to unwind, have some quiet time, and process all the inspiration from your trip!!!
I’ve always wanted to go to Tokyo. I’m going to be on the look out for this legendary used book section when I go
By the way, why is it that Jet Lag sometimes hits days later? That just happened to me on a recent trip to Paris.
Goodness, Christine, I truly don’t know how it is that I haven’t been here before, but I am so glad I found it. I love your book and this, too, is a beautiful space you have created. Thank you for so much thoughtful inspiration!
Denice
Thank you for sharing your travels…it brightens my day!
space and silence sound SO wonderful! enjoy it! ciao!
Wow, such restraint to leave your camera at home! It sounds like you had a fantastic time exploring and shopping. Those books! (Swoon…) Can’t wait to hear more about your adventures. xx
oh my gosh what fun goodies. shopping extravaganza = really cool finds.