Notes from the 'Nog

On the weathered shores From once a proud navy sailed, Cats sleep. On the turntable: Madne ss, " S even"  

An old couple Sits upon the waters Discussing what time has brung. On the turntable: Matthew Sweet, "100% Fun"

Homesick windmill Disperses summer clouds Over Japan's Aegean. On the turntable:Everything B ut T he Girl, "Acoustic...

Upon sandy shores, Brick towers stretch to their full heights, Giving glory to the blue of sky. On the turntable: Wings, "V...

Days amongst the waters had spoiled me, had created a space within for quiet to fill.  It was little wonder that I felt so cooped up i...

Shodōshima greeted me with a rainbow, and now sees me off with rain.  This area supposedly gets the least amount of rainfall in Japan,...

Much as it had with the feathers of yesterday, my day begins with an encounter with an angel.  Not only is my first stop a place calle...

Descending the steps, I watch a pair of feathers brushing a young woman's shoulders.  She is wearing these feathers as earrings, e...

"I ought not to have been born in this century, I think sometimes, because I live forever in dreams of other centuries and other faith...

"It makes no difference which side wins, if peace does not win." On the turntable:  "Skaboom!"

I walk the streets of the city, amidst the wreckage of another weekend night.  A crow plucks noodles out of an abandoned box in front o...

Vigilant sentinels Stand enshrouded, Above the playground of the gods. On the turntable: "Putumayo Presents Louisiana Gumbo...

"In this day and age, it is becoming increasingly difficult to believe in a benevolent God.  The daily newspaper wounds that on a dail...

A summer day so perfect Even the kamuy are pleased.  Me-Akan-dake. On the turntable:  "World 2003"

Chasing Amaterasu From end to end, Admiring her dimples. On the turntable:  "God Save the Queen"

The hills of Kyushu, Have no awareness of Rainy season. On the turntable:  "Red Hot + Rhapsody"

"Tradition is tending the flame, it's not worshiping the ashes" On the turntable:  "The Rough Guide to Scandanavia...

Awaiting the rains, Lilies hold their proud heads Above Basho's summer grasses. On the turntable:  Pink Martini & Saori Y...

To sleep in the bosom of green, Lulled by the pulse within my own, Which originates in the throbbing engines Of the ships that pa...

Plum rains Fall unnoticed Beneath the changing tides. On the turntable:  "Playlist"