Yakimo

You must see this creative, delightful video put together by Isabelle and shared on one of my favorite blogs, Hello Sandwich. In a very short amount of time, it somehow manages to say something quite meaningful about the people, food, and culture of Japan. The "yakimo" soundtrack is a recording of a yaki-imo man--that's the guy who goes street by street selling the most fantastic roasted Japanese sweet potatoes. These guys and their little trucks (I suppose there may be some who still go around on foot with a cart) can be found rolling through neighborhoods all across Japan, mostly during the colder months of the year. The sound of the yaki-imo truck is a happy memory for my family.

By the way, I'm sorry I haven't blogged lately; I just have been a bit lacking in inspiration. I do plan to be back next week with a couple of book and magazine posts (even possibly a Magpie), and then my family be on spring holiday for a week. After that, I should have some beautiful photos of the French Riviera to share with you! Can't wait!

3191 Love

Are you a 3191 fan, too? I'm not sure why it took me so long to notice that Maria and Stephanie had started a little quarterly print publication. It's reminiscent of their blog and their book--and every bit as lovely as both. You know how you feel when you look at their photos--the way very simple, everyday things in life seem to attain a new but rightful level of importance? It's the same with the publication, which is not quite a zine, book, or magazine, but something delightfully (and simply) different. There are recipes, projects, stories, and--of course--photos. Somehow--again, with the simplicity--after you read it and look at the inspiring photos, you feel enriched, but not overwhelmed; you think, "Hey, I can do this! I can bake this bread, dye a scarf, and find beauty in concrete." Don't we all need to feel this way?

Trust me, each issue is a gift. I can't wait for the next one. They're all keepers.

By the way, I've been really sad all week about Japan and just haven't felt much like blogging. Thankfully, all our friends there are okay, as are other military and civilians on U.S. bases in Japan. I'll be participating in Friday's Day of Silence for bloggers. You should check it out:

Please click here to join in or to donate via Shelterbox. Arigatou gozaimasu.

Morning Light

The Husband took this just down the street from our house, before buying eggs and jam from a neighborhood family farm. It was the beginning of a beautiful Saturday.

Magazine Love: Book Decor

Books in any form just make me happy. I surround myself with them, so it makes sense that I'd love every one of these decorating ideas from Living & More's Country-Träume wohnen. I'd especially like to do a lampshade like the one in the top photo.

I had a couple more posts in the works this week but didn't quite finish them. Ah, well--there's next week! Happy Friday!