I am a woman who has spent a better part of her life in the Northeast U.S. All my childhood friends are here, and I have had the bittersweet experience of seeing small tranquil cow farms turned into raging metropolises of corporate parks and roaring transit trains. Luckily, I befriended people who were older than me, and they had a chance to relate to me the stories when they were young, and how the cow farms used to be a thick fertile forest with undisturbed trees!

I wanted to list my passions, but then I thought: can anyone have anything they believe in to the point that is beyond question? I guess I’ll settle for what I like. I like quality. I like taking the trouble to do something right. I like making an effort and caring for what I produce. I like putting my best into making something work. The idea of excellence is like a forest in one’s memory; most of us can no longer see it, but we carry on the tradition, implicitly knowing it is worth the commitment and dedication. We have faith.

I set up this space to jot down observations, ideas, and passing thoughts that inspired me. How do I become a better human being, spiritually, emotionally, and conscientiously? And let’s not forget happiness and love. Negativity is abundant on the internet, but it is not the only way. I will take joy and optimism with my serving of skepticism.

One of my favorite phrases is the Japanese greeting Okaerinasai, which means “welcome home.” In this day an age, with latch key kids and dual income homes, it’s such a whimsical thought to be at home, and welcome your loved ones to a peaceful haven where they are loved and taken care of. I was astonished when I first saw movies and tv shows where Japanese people welcomed their families back into their homes. I adored that idea from the moment I saw it, and try to apply it to all aspects of my life. So, it applies here as well, on my website. Anytime you visit here, you are welcome into my home. Okaerinasai!