Davidrhysking

A new job and too long since I last wrote

2009-11-27T07:14:00.000-08:00

Ladies and gents, boys and girls...It has been a while...

As I last wrote, I am only going to be writing here as and when I feel "inspired" (or get bored searching the world through the web), so no rants at me for not blogging.

Yep it sure has been a while...David goes to check...6 months!! Wow!

Where to start, I guess first things first, Love to you all! That is the most important thing to send your way, my love.

♥♥♥ Love, Love, Love♥♥♥
Don't you just love love? ^_^
This weekend marks the 2 year anniversary for Michiko and I! 2 magical and wonderful years with her, and we've never been happier. This is love.

We recently moved into a spectacular new apartment here in Sapporo...yep, we finally saw out the end of our previous lease in the shoebox! Congrats to us! That place was smaller than small. One would have to invent a new word to describe the small-osity of it!
This is where we are now This is where we are now

So since May....
this happened.....

I ran my first half marathon. Chitose Marathon, June 2009. 1hour 36minutes.

I ran another! Sapporo Marathon, October 2009. 1hour 37minutes.

Madness.

I used to enjoy running as a younger lad, and I was always half decent at it, so it has felt amazing to get back into it.
When I first started, I was lacking in any kind of build, and struggling to cover 3km. Yet with some dedication and focus, I was able to train myself up for both races.
Running 21km is something else. Fighting to finish, pushing one's body to the real limits of strength....amazing. A real natural high....and I am addicted!
I plan to run another one or two next year, and I am even thinking (if I have enough time) that I will tackle a full marathon!!

Between races I treated myself to a wee break. With one race under my belt and another training plan ahead, I decided to hop out of Japan for a week.
Where better to land than Thailand!

Some major fun times were had!

It had been a really long time since I'd ventured to a new country alone (Michiko had to stay and finish her studies). It felt thrilling to be stood at the doors of the airport in Bangkok and knowing I had to make all the moves and efforts to get to Koh Chang. A foreign country, understanding 0.32% of the language, no clue as to what I was doing or where I was going....simply perfect! I was in my element!

Next year, I plan to return to Thailand and take in more of the country and surrounding countries. Can't wait.

August came and passed, as did September.

October...now that was a busy month. I had my second half marathon one weekend, moved apartments the next and then had myself another little trip. This time was down to Tokyo with my good friend Barney.
We had a wonderful long weekend in the city doing what mates do best...afternoons of sightseeing, people watching, and getting very, very drunk and meeting some awesome people...plus an Arctic Monkeys gig (that being the main reason we went down)

Fun, fun, magical fun.

And that about brings me up to November.

Ah yes.....I did lose my job!
That's what else happened! The school which I worked for was owned by a company called ELS-Japan Inc. and needless to say, they went belly up and so 4 schools (Fukuoka, Nagoya, Shinkuju and Sapporo) closed and all the staff were laid off.
What sucked the most was that we all got 2 days notice...yep, 2 days!!

Since then, I've been teaching some privates and looking for a new job. This leads me to my final piece of good news....
I got a new job today!

I am finally going to be a full-time ALT (Assistant Language Teacher). I will be working for the board of education in an area outside Sapporo called Kita-Hiroshima, teaching at 10 elementary and 2 junior high schools!
This is just what I wanted...and so much more.

How lucky I am. Really....I am so very very very lucky!!! It is mind-blowing!

I am taking Michiko to England and Spain for a 3 week holiday at the end of December and I'll begin my new position upon return to Japan.

And that 'bout sums up my 6 months!

I am so very, very fortunate to have all this love in my life from Michiko, my work (past, present and future), my dear dear friends (yes you!), my adoring family, and my delightful and ever rewarding surroundings.
Thank you everyone. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you.
Without you all, I'd be nothing. I owe all of my love and fortune to the endless and selfless love and support you give me.

Thank you.

In love

Golden week

2009-05-07T05:13:00.000-07:00

4 days without work.
1 rental car.
1 David.
1 Michiko.
2 small suitcases.
2 ipods.
1 ipod car adapter.
1 small bag of juice and snacks.
2 pairs of new and pretty funky sunglasses.
4 cameras.
1 tube of sun lotion.
2 big smiles.
1 beautiful, grand and spectacular Hokkaido with endless roads to explore.

...Golden Week is here!!

Michiko and I

Lush Hokkaido greens

The sun was on our side

This is Hokkaido

I have so much in my life which is worthy of jumpin for joy over. I am so lucky.

We made it to Shiretoko.

Shiretoko Pass

We were even lucky enough to drive through some mist. One of my favourite weather types.

Even back in Sapporo with time to go admire the Sakura (Cherry Blossom)

What a delightful time! I still have two days in Sapporo before I return to work on Saturday. Time to kick this sore throat. Fighters game tomorrow evening.

Please take a moment to look over my pictures on Flickr.

Many thanks, and as always...lots of love to you all.

Back track, forward track, which track? my track?

2009-03-17T00:44:00.000-07:00

I have come around to the conclusion that this blog, wonderful as it is, shall only be updated as and when I feel inspired to write something. Going on that fact, I think that works out to about 4 entries a year. The rest of the time I am here but not here at all, which is the way I like to be :D

Looking back through my past entries I noticed that I have wrote nothing since my parents visit. "Time for an update David", I hear you cry. Well cry no longer, here it is (sheesh I am building this up a wee bit too much!)

So the winter has come and now is on its way out. It has been a glorious season to live through. Temperatures this year were a touch higher than last year, but that didn't stop the snow! We had spectacular amounts as always. Which lined the way for countless days snowboarding.

Waking up with a shiver tingling and dancing down my body before the heating kicks in, making a hot cup of tea and opening a fresh packet of biscuits (some including chocolate chips, if I have them) to dip as i drink. Warming my undies, socks and vest next to the stove, then wrapping up tight in layers of clothing. Putting on a hat, scarf and gloves then stepping out onto the street outside my apartment to be instantly blinded by white snow covering everything in sight.
That is a morning I never get tired of!
David, how about a snow themed painting?

Now those mornings are passing and in turn opening the way for a different type of magic. Spring. Spring in Sapporo is not long, it only lasts 6 weeks, if that. Then it develops into a bright, glowing summer. I am sure this shall put a smile on my face too. Fingers crossed I get around to sharing it all with you.

Michiko has been living with me now for almost 4 months and what a delight it has been. We got off to quite a rocky start. I had not lived with anyone since my relationship with Abigail, down in Ehime.
When Michiko moved in, it was new for the both of us. She was finding it hard because her life was down in Osaka and she had very little here in Sapporo (aside from me). I was finding it hard because I had the past looking over me, and I did not want to walk the same path again. I have no regrets of my time in Ehime, none at all, but the way that chapter closed...yes, I do regret. Anyhow, we soon ironed out those bumps and have grown closer as of it.

I think she is beginning to settle into Northern life. We both know that this is not our final stop. She wants to move back to Kansai at some point and I could quite happily go for a stint in Kobe. We both also have a keen interest in Spain. This is all a fair few years off though.

To the future. Road trip around Hokkaido this Golden Week (and this time I promise to get the film. which I make, onto youtube), Fuji Rock Festival, Rising Sun Festival...and several more threats dotted around in between.

Oh, and also this July and October, I shall be running half marathons! One in Chitose and the second in Sapporo. I have been going to the gym about three times a week to run/swim/do weights, I am really enjoying feeling in shape and fit again. Once the last of the snow leaves, I will be able to get out onto the road and run. Tanoshimi!
Wish me luck, and keep an eye on my flickr around that time to see some photos.

I do hope that I shall be able to update this blog again within the next few months.

I miss you all, each and every one of you!
Please take care of yourselves whichever part of the world you might be in.

With love.

Oh how it has been a while, seasons have passed since i last wrote.

2008-11-15T19:24:00.000-08:00

Good morning,
As I write this blog, from my window I am watching a magnificently dark cloud creeping in from the South and completely engulfing Mt.Moiwa. Engulfing her in a whirl of mist and shadow, i want to climb, i want to play.
Mt.Moiwa is about 550 meters in height, just thinking about the size and beauty of this cloud pushes my mind to explore sizes and shapes, of which it has never done so in the past. Hello Sunday, you are so kind. Time to go lose myself in the clouds as i attempt to climb to the top. Back before you can say "Badger"...?!?

Back. Ohyayo one and all. That was fun.

As always I have been extremely slack in my bloggerwritingness©, sorry.
I hope you are all well, smiling, singing, cheering, and dancing in what is a true blessing of life. I sure am!

Geeeeeeeeeebus, where do I start? Seriously, there are bound to be things i miss out...it has been so long! Check out my flickr pics too, these will fill in the gray patches..

September would be a good place I guess. September was amazing, like seriously dudes! It was f'king out of this world...why? For this reason;

My beautiful parents.

Yep, after almost 3 years over here in Japan, they came to visit!
And how amazing it was!
It had been about 2 years since I saw them last, so I was feeling a light sense of nerves running through my body as i traveled down to Tokyo to meet up with them. This was soon extinguished the moment I saw them appear through the gate at Narita. "I know this glow, i remember this feeling"

We soon fell back into the relationship of parents and son, great friends. I have come to truly cherish this as my greatest and most favorite relationship in my life.

Our adventures took us all through Japan, absorbing the county as we went.
Oh the journeys, oh the times we shared! How darn bloody fantastic it all was!
We spent 3 amazing weeks traveling from Tokyo down to Okinawa, via Nikko, Kamakura, Hiroshima, Osaka, Nara, Koya-San and I can honestly say that I loved every moment of it!

I especially enjoyed introducing them to Michiko. Michiko and I have been together for over a year now, and I really believe that i have found my rock. It goes without saying that my parents adore her, good job P! They could clearly see how much we care for one another. She is one of a kind, I cannot explain, she makes me feel so happy all the friggin time! We laugh daily, we smile daily, we have so much fun and share so much love together.

The trip closed with a bang! A bang in the form of a Radiohead gig in Osaka!!!! Those of you who know me best know how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE Radiohead, so needless to say, I was in my element at the gig! Singing away, wowing at every moment, losing myself in the music...all to the delight of Michiko who was stood next to me. Seriously....what a gig!!

After this gig, a few days passed by, I returned up to Sapporo, back into my apartment, into the cold, and into work again. Back to the old, but enjoyable flow of life in Hokkaido. Happy times continue to flow my way.

hmmm...ah yes, there was another trip down to Osaka, (Seriously I must keep the flight companies in business!) for a Sigur Ros concert! This was a different kind of gig to the Radiohead one. This was chance to see a mighty fine band make some heavenly, dreamy sounds. By the middle of the first song I was away. Soring high into the sky, drifting back and forth into and out of reality. What a show! What an experience.

Since then a few more months have passed by, several rainstorms have come and gone, the sun has risen and fallen each and every day and the winter snow has begun to fall. Weather.

I have been up snowboarding just once so far, but mark my word, there will be many more days of riding the powder! You can count on it, hehe.

oh oh oh....I got a promotion at work!!! I guess this is the first real promotion I have ever received, and it has made me smile a lot! Berlitz has always been a job I enjoyed, and now, to be rewarded for all my hard work it feels fantastic. This means I have at least another 12 months set out for me here in Sapporo! Wonderful! I have never been happier than I am here in this awesome city.

Now the final, and most important news to share...
Michiko and I are officially living together!!! wooooo! She moved up to Sapporo about 2 weeks ago.
I am over the moon, I am so lucky to have her.

Japan has changed me in so many many different and mind blowing ways, one of which has been my approach on love. I have learnt so much from past mistakes, I have learnt that I have truly been deeply unkind to others in the past. My actions once boarded on venomous, i am disgraced by some of my past actions. Yet here i am, a changed young man, blessed from the heavens with Michiko. She is a real keeper!
I love her.

I love you all too. Thank you for stopping by to read about my world.
Take care in all you do. Be proud of yourselves, I am proud of you.

Empty space

2008-08-06T07:16:00.000-07:00

By the time you finish reading this blog you shall have changed, grown, evolved. We are forever changing, growing, evolving. It is all quite fantastic.
If you were not alive, none of this would exist. It is here all because you are.

All that surrounds us is empty. All that surrounds us is full of space. Empty space. Simply waiting to be filled. Delight. The space that is inside you is filled as you grow, every action in turn flows into that which has previously been experienced. Feel it change, feel yourself grow, smile as you evolve into something we are all truly proud of.

Love.

Tickets for the October Sigur Ros in show Osaka go on sale on the 17th. I shall be picking up a pair for myself and Michiko. Those of you in the area join us!

Gettin my Sk8 on~!

2008-06-23T23:38:00.000-07:00

Afternoon one and all,

This shall not be the longest post I have wrote...then again I guess I am never really one for the long blog entries. This one is just to let you all know that I am alive...so very alive and still very much in love with the life I am having. It is just delight after delight after delight! ne! And isn't that just pure magic!
The sun is out and has been out here in Sapporo for a few weeks now. From time to time she leaves and the clouds move in to provide shelter. I guess she needs it. Is it is alright to refrer to the sun as she? We all need to take our moments where we allow our clouds to drift in and out of our lives. It is after that we can really radiate and make those who feel our light truly smile.
Following me?

The winter snowboard has been packed away now for several months, this means that my skateboard has come out and is starting to get some decent use. I am yet to really have a decent thrash on it, but riding down into Odori along the beautifully paved sidewalks is a treat in itself. Arms aloft, the air rushing past. Great!

I will try get out with my camera over the next few weeks and get some snaps or short movie snippets. Until then, have a look at this opening scene to a new skate movie which is came out a while back. I think this could stand as my favorite skateboarding movie.
Lakai's, Fully Flared skate video opening credits.

Skateboarding IS an art form! Wow!

I am taking a well earned weekend away from this coming Friday, I am off to Osaka to spend a few days with Michiko. Whilst we are apart time seems to jump in these 3 week bursts between our time together. I am really excited to see her again. Sure long distance is hard, but she is so very, very worth it!

I hope you enjoyed this post and the short video.
Thank you for shining over me, and if your clouds are in, then I am looking forward to you coming out to glow soon.

Nude

2008-05-21T06:43:00.000-07:00

I simply cannot get enough of this song. Nude by Radiohead.

It is so amazing.

Michiko and myself will be off to their first show in Osaka at the start of October. I am already extremely excited!

The last time i saw them, i was somewhere in here...

...about 25 rows back. Glastonbury 2003.

Let the heavens bless the path you walk along.

What the hell is happening??

2008-05-11T03:57:00.000-07:00

I have just finished reading the news on the BBC website and yet again the front page news for England is another murder of a youngster in London.

What is going on!!

I am so disgraced at the response of my country to the escalating crime and violence, which plagues all of England. It makes me sick in the stomach to see that these incidents are becoming more common.

Why? Why are the people of England so bitter towards each other? Why is there this growing minority who insist on treating others in this world so badly? Why do the English feel they must throw their weight around and hurt others?

It is amusing when I meet people from outside England, such as here in Japan. Many of them and others around the world, still have this impression of good old England with her fish n chips and cup of tea. The truth is becoming quite the opposite. I am saddened by England's steady slip into a violent, dangerous and depressive country, where rudeness is the the norm. Oh how I wish England was a happier country, where man had real respect for his fellow human-being. What does it take for a great leader to step forward and make the steps towards helping?

I am, and I shall always be proud of my nationality, but darn it something MUST be done to control this violence.

Rant over. Thank you.

Thursday

2008-05-08T04:16:00.000-07:00

Thursdays have always been the day of the week which I find to be the hardest to wakeup to. I am unsure why this is, perhaps it has something to do with the origins of Thursday. Thursday is taken from the name Thor, who in Norse Mythology is the god of thunder.

Thor. Quite a fella!

Perhaps it is he who casts bolts into my morning? or perhaps it is something else? Anyhow, Thursdays have always been the day of the week on which i find it hardest to wake from my sleepy a.m state.

How are you all this Thursday, feeling my tiredness? Or are you the bead of light helping us sleepy beings through our day and on to tomorrow?

It has been a while since my last real blog. Gomen about that. I have been pretty busy here in Sapporo. Working hard and enjoying the burst of life that come between the delights of work. I have also been pretty tied up in my studies. I am aiming to take the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) level 3 in December and I have quite the mound of Japanese to tackle if I am to be anywhere close to giving it a good crack.

Also, Golden week has just finished here and what a break I had!! Wonderful. It overflowed with the joys of life!

I began my journey on a flight from Sapporo to Osaka, where I spent the first couple of days with Michiko. It had been about 5 weeks since we last saw each other, so it was magical to see her again. She is so angelic in her ways. I feel so blessed to have met her.

I then had a day out alone in Kyoto whilst Michiko was working. I love Kyoto. It is a fantastic place to lose oneself in, amidst the temples and the surrounding forests. I discover a new treat with each returning visit, this time it was Maruyama Park. I found it by chance and throughly enjoyed the silence as I walked the paths and took some photos.

The following day, Michiko and myself jetted out to Okinawa. Wow! What a place, and what a great time we both had there. It really does feel like a different country down there compared to way up here in Hokkaido. Please do take a moment to have a look at my photos on Flickr (link to the right), my pictures paint a picture of the time we shared.

After Okinawa, the two of us ventured out to Himeji to visit David's gallery and surprise him with a semi unannounced appearance. Unfortunately this backfired, as David was away in Kyushu casting his glow over others. We still had a very pleasant time admiring and losing ourselves in his beautiful paintings. Thank you David, and also thanks for the info on the path around the castle, we took you up on that suggestion and greatly enjoyed a sunny afternoons walk.

What a Golden week!

I am now back in Sapporo and back in Berlitz. the future holds some tip-top times to be experienced, walk with me, hold my hand, join me on this road.

A few shots from my trip (but don't get all cheap on me now...get over and look at my Flickr site ^_^)

Osaka

Geisha in Kyoto

Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto

A slightly overcast Okinawa

Michiko

Moi

Manta Rays

A Whale Shark

Heaven

David's Gallery

Address

2008-03-29T18:51:00.000-07:00

Just a super fast post. I recently heard news that mail was not making it all the way to my apartment, here is my address again for those lovely ones out there who like to send me things.

Ivy Palace612 #201
Minami 6 Nishi 12 1302-4
Chuo-ku
Sapporo Shi
Hokkaido
064 0806
Japan

Thanks. Love to you all on this bright and sunny Sunday morning xxxxxxx

I promise to make you smile

2008-03-27T05:51:00.000-07:00

Good evening all,
Thank you for stopping to read my blog.
How are you feeling? Smiling? I hope so ^_^

It is raining hard outside, I can hear the rain beating against the windows of my apartment here in Sapporo. I love it. I have always felt a real buzz for the weather. I cannot pinpoint what it is, but there is something in the weather that really makes me smile.
Something else that is making me smile and laugh out loud is this;

Eddie Izzard.

I recently had a delightful weekend here in Sapporo with Michiko, it is always such a true pleasure to be in her company. This weekend did not hold the same jam packed schedule, but that was the treat this time. Just lazing around movie after movie after movie after movie with the odd break for a baseball game in the Dome. Great.
It will be another few weeks until we are together again. It's back to work for a few weeks.

Golden week holds a trip down to Okinawa! I am very much looking forward to this, i plan on making a short movie. I will share it with you all here.

Anyhow, time for dreams. Hope you enjoyed this posts ramble and video.
Love with no limits xxxxx

Jeff Buckley

2008-03-16T08:09:00.000-07:00

If you have an hour, please watch this.
It could be an hour of your full attention, or an hour whilst you prepare a meal.

This is the BBC documentary on the late Jeff Buckley.

I am currently playing some music from Grace to Michiko as she sleeps next to me ^_^ Beautiful.
I hope you enjoy this.

STOP, breathe, smile, contiune

2008-03-07T04:04:00.000-08:00

The snow outside on the streets is turning into mush. The morning chill is subsiding. The need for the heating in my apartment is soon to be gone (till next winter). I think these are the first few signs that spring is just around the bend.
My what a beautiful winter it has been. It has been a late season this year, with snowfall only really starting to belt it down mid November. Still, that puts the winter at around 4 months, quite enough.
Below i have posted a video which was shot here in Hokkaido. I found it whilst browsing youtube earlier today. It paint a delightful picture of the sheer depths of snow i have been blessed with this season.

Riding over powder snow, wow, it is a feeling of its own. A true delight.

Sat on the lifts, sat next to great friends, riding up to the top of the mountain. We all smile and laugh with delight at the snow under us, all picking out the lines we will take as we descend.

Snowboarding feels me with such joy. I am so happy i took the time to learn, buy my own gear and enjoy the greatest of winter seasons.
Luckily there is still another month of riding to be enjoyed, and i plan on doing just that ^_^ Kokusai this Sunday.

My love to you all. Come join me in the powder xxxxx

More music and life challenges

2008-02-29T04:02:00.000-08:00

Again, I would like to open this post with a couple of music videos.
The first of which is from a very talented young man, Fionn Regan.
Put a penny in the slot.

Music makes our worlds go around, everything emits a sound.

The second video post is from Flight of the Conchords. I am unsure how many of you have come across FOTC, but they are extremely comical. Enjoy.
Issues aka think, think about it.

The final video to share this evening is from Massive Attack.
Teardrop.

If you pray to the heavens for love, are you given it? If you pray for happiness, are you suddenly blessed with the power to be happy? If you pray for change, are you automatically realigned onto a path of change? If you pray for better days, are you days instantly brighter?
No.
Unfortunately it is not that easy. I am so thankful of this.

The delightful powers of life allow bless us by placing our souls into a specific place at an exact moment in time, thus providing us with the opportunity to reach that it is we pray for. The powers of life then take a small step back and watch ^_^

I have been a busy little recently ^_^ I went down to Osaka the weekend just passed, Feb 22nd-26th, and it was as dreamy and delightful as i had previously imagined. Perfect. I was able to spend time with Michiko, which is never short of heavenly.
The trip south included evenings lazing around cooking for each other, watching DVDs, a trip out to Kyoto in the snow and it was topped off on Monday night with the Bjork concert. It was phenomenal! Sex to my ears ^_^
Here are a couple of photos from the weekend.

A shot from the window of the plane.

Heiyan Gingu in the snow.

This photo is titles 'I will help you overcome any difficulties which you might encounter'

Bjork

Michiko and I, feeling so very alive after the concert.

I hope you have all enjoyed this new post, the music and my photos (more await on my flickr site, there is a link to the right)

My love shines out to each and all of you. Let the wind stroke your hair and tickle your face.

Things will turn out the way you want, if you stop doubting that I love you.

2008-02-17T05:11:00.000-08:00

I would like to open this post by sharing a couple of music videos with you all.
The first is taken from the new Radiohead album 'In Rainbows'. Weird Fishes/Arpeggi.
Wonderful.

The second movie is from Bjork, whom i shall be seeing Live in Osaka this coming Monday. Unison.
I cannot wait.

Well, good evening everyone ^_^ and how are you feeling today? Feeling much like yesterday and much as you expect of tomorrow? Or is there something different about today? How do you plan to feel tomorrow?
As i began to write this blog I had a thousand and one things I wanted to share with you all. I have forgotten them all.

If they choose to return to mind I will share them with you soon.

Everything up here in Sapporo is wonderful. Life is still on the up.
If you have a moment, please take the time to have a look through my photos on flickr. These paint the best picture of what I have been doing recently, including a lot of snowboarding and a delightful weekend in the city with Michiko.

I shall be traveling down to Osaka this coming Friday for a nice weekend with Michiko. I miss her very dearly.

I am pretty sure we miss each other, thats lovely.

Anyhow, enjoy the music videos, enjoy my photos, enjoy your life! It is all a magical adventure, really, it is just amazing!!

Love to you all x

Happiness

2008-01-31T03:36:00.000-08:00

David Titterington sent me this in the very early hours of my morning. My eyes had been open for a few minutes, long enough to climb down my ladder, turn on the heating, switch my computer on and put the kettle on to boil.
I logged into my gmail and received the link to this video.
It is so lovely.
Also, please take the time to read his blog and view his beautiful art, thank you.
Davids Blog link
Davids art link
Thank you David.

I am doing very well in life at this point in time. As i promised myself, 2008 will be a great year full of happiness. I truly hope it is for you too.
2007 was a year full of hardships, this is why i plan to make 2008 a great one.

The weather in Sapporo is in her full winter. It is so beautiful.

I am filling my time with the pleasures that life blesses us all with. Doing my best to maximize my waking hours, as well as my sleeping ones. Life awake and life asleep.

Love to each and every one of you x

January 4th 2008

2008-01-03T20:32:00.000-08:00

Good afternoon all,
And a very happy New Year too! How lovely to see life move across into the new year. I have really been looking forward to making a fresh start in 2008.

2007 was a strange year for me. I was blessed with some real gem moments through the year, Golden Week, Summer travels, Visiting England, Meeting some lovely new people, New apartment, New direction in life, Harry and Rozs visit to Japan.
But it was also a year of hard times too, Unhappy moments in Japan, Relationships, Being let down by others and letting myself down, Comnfusion and loss.
But i think this is the way life goes. Life simply flows along like this.

I recently read a blog which focused upon the notion of Karma,
One definition:"The total effect of a person's actions and conduct during the successive phases of the person's existence, regarded as determining the person's destiny."
Is it possible that Karma is not this simple, the actions we conduct now determining our future? Is it possible that we can also change our past through the actions of present? I truly believe that whist our actions at present do shape the preson we become in the future, they also shape where we have come from.
I also feel that we should remember to view Karma not only as the negative things we have done, causing negative things to occur in the future or appear in our past, but also to view Karma as the power to cause good from bad.
Does Karma stop at our actions? Or do our thoughts and intentions also play a part? I think they do.

I can feel myself changing. I have been noticing the changes in who i am. 2007 has really taught me a lot, and i have vastly matured from all the new experiences, action, thoughts and intentions that i have experienced. I feel these becoming part of the person i was, the person i am, and the person i will grow into. I like it.

I can see you all changing too. You are such beautiful people. Thank you.

Panic attacks are a discomfort. Time.

2007-12-08T01:01:00.000-08:00

"You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection."

-Buddha

Time comes and time goes, it is lovely how time moves.

I never been the most confident person. In the past I have been through real self-confidence issues and this has, and always will cause me real discomfort in certain situations.

Yesterday, I was Santa for 218 children, plus parents in a local school.
The idea of standing in front of 300+ people would have had me running for the hills. I have really worked hard at coping in these situations (to be honest it would not matter if it were 300 people or 2, same issues apply), yesterday was a real shining light.

Stood backstage listening to the kids singing their hearts out, filled me up with such joy. I then found myself in total control of the situation. It was amazing. I throughly enjoyed the whole event, especially interacting with all those wonderful children. I adore working with children.

I really look forward to the day when I have children of my own.

I am also happy with life because recently I have found someone who I really care about. Michiko is an angel. She came up from Osaka to Sapporo a couple of weeks ago and it was a most delightful time. I posted some photos from her visit on my flickr page. It was better than wonderful. I love how time seems to change in shape when we are in the company of those whom we care about. I really hope that this relationship has a long beautiful life.

I have had extreme difficulties with understanding emotions since I made such foolish mistakes in my relationship with Abie. I will always be ashamed at my behavior. I am now learning that we all make mistakes, we all do things we later regret and wish to erase, but we should not erase these events. Look back, feel pain and regret, they are emotions that can teach us a lot.

I shall be traveling to Tokyo in December to meet my dear friend Harry and his girlfriend. I have not seen Harry for almost 2 and a half years. I can see the affection we will shall share will be nothing short of magical. We are going to spend 2 weeks traveling around Japan. I am so excited!

Life continues to be wonderful. Even when I have to work on both Saturday and Sunday, boooo. Snowboarding tomorrow.

Feel my love, hold my love, enjoy my love. You are all humans in a life, our lives have met. I am so grateful.

My body is alive

2007-10-31T07:48:00.000-07:00

Good evening all,
Good afternoon all,
Good morning all,

Hope i included everyone there. If i missed your current timezone i am sorry.

My feet are cold, my fingers are cold, the city is full of ゆきむし (snowbugs). Small little white midges which swarm upon Sapporo a few weeks before snowfall. So with the current chills in my toes and fingers, coupled with the presence of the snowbugs, i feel that the turn of winter is a mear few weeks off. This makes me smile, a smile which is large and wide and glowing for you.

I simply adore the winter here in Hokkaido, the blanket of snow which piles in her meters across the city, makes for a delight upon the eyes. Be sure that many new pictues shall be uploaded to my flickr site (link to the right...oh and i shall renew my membership soon so all my old pictures shall return).

I am all set for my season of snowboarding too! And i just want to take this moment to let out a small "whoop-e-woo".

Life seems to be pearched on a most delight fun sunray. I feel alive, i feel excited, i feel in love with that which surrounds me. I dearly hope you all feel the same too.

Happy Halloween!

Until photos of the snow arrive, i hope you enjoy these photos i took recently.

Godspeed

Sexual Healing - Mr.Gaye

2007-10-23T06:30:00.000-07:00

Good evening,

I sit and write on the tail end of an 8:30am-9:10pm day. These days come around now and again, i used to dread these days, but recently i have decided that there is really no point in feeling negative about something like work. Hell no. So i awoke this morning a delightful 2 hours early. This gave me lots of time to wake up so slowly, eat some breakfast, do some morning exercise and take a super long shower :o) That's what it is all about :o) These special little treats we allow ourself.

and i quote Detective Dale Cooper "I'm gonna let you in on a little secret. Every day, once a day, give yourself a present. Don't plan it, don't wait for it, just… let it happen."

Today my treat was my morning. I liked it so much i might just do it again tomorrow ^_^

I would like to share these photos with you. I took these yesterday in Odori Park.

The colours of autumn are the delights of my day! My jaw has drops several times a day as i see the new colours. And if that wasnt enough, isn't it simply amazing how each days colours are different from the last and different to the next.
Reflect on that.

I am settled in my new place. It is lovely to have the place to myself. I am really enjoying watching movies alone.
Recent gems; Blood Diamond, Little Miss Sunshine and Office Space.

My new address is;
David Rhys King
Apartment 201
Ivy Palace612
Minami 6, Nishi 12 Chome
Chuo-Ku
Sapporo
Hokkaido

I would love love love some (any) mail from you :o)

Please take care of yourselves. I love you all dearly, thank you for being humans!

Take me somewhere nice

2007-10-15T08:29:00.000-07:00

Walking

Waiting

In love

The weather is starting its turn towards winter, the delightful warm summer sunshine filled days are slowly subsiding to the cooler temperatures of autumn. The skies are loosing their clouds, the trees their colours. But i have always been a fan of autumn. I adore that mid-afternoon, early evening time in the city, When the sun is starting to set and the temperature starts to drop. It feels so fresh. Beautiful. You feel it too, right :o)

“ God is the Sun and when His rays fall upon your heart, not impeded by the clouds of egoism, the lotus blooms and the petals unfold.”
Sri Sathya Sai Baba quote

Look up to the sun when times are hard, use the light, it shines to guide you on.
My love to you all.

Apart-from-ment

2007-09-27T23:36:00.000-07:00

This is me, David Rhys King.

With up comes down
With left comes right
With north comes south
With light comes dark
With life comes death
With death comes relief

I am not afraid of dying.
I am not afraid of life.

I am fascinated by creation, creation of life, creation of death.

Under your blanket

2007-09-13T20:18:00.001-07:00

I felt very upset lastnight. I found myself feeling angry and upset. I felt ran down. My mind was awash with feelings of bitterness and hate. I did not like this at all.

I wonder why we feel hate like this, it came from nowhere, just a creation in my mind. By removing the reason and notions for this anger i was soon able to calm down and sleep. I am just curious to know where this sudden bout of emotion came from. Where emotions start.

I awoke this morning with a heavily bloodshot left eye. At first i thought it was bleeding.

The sun shone through my curtains and i looked from my window down onto the streets below. I decided that today would be a better day. I sat and allowed my mind to drown itself in positive thoughts. Focusing on the delights of life.

Today is better.

Life is so interesting.

I have decided that further change is needed, so I am going to move from my current apartment. I am tired of sharing my space... a little selfish i know, but i want somewhere i can be alone when i need it. And having my own place will provide wonderful reason to invite others over.

I am also finally starting to sit and start piecing together my next zombie movie :o) it will be set in Sapporo, but unlike my other movie, this shall be a serious attempt at fear. I am writing some of my own music for the film. All in all, i am feeling very excited about it. Should be done by December....maybe ;o)

Recently i have been listening to Bach, I am very much in love with his Orchestral Suite No.3 Air (I think that is the correct title) I strongly recommend you to take a moment to find and listen to it.

I adore you all.

I guess you just told me what i had been thinking for a long time

2007-08-30T05:43:00.000-07:00

As the sunflower turned from the weight of the breeze, you turned and spoke to me.
My being, my whole soul, focused on nothing but your silent words.
With this silence you told me what i had been thinking for such a long time.
I love that these words of silence were for me and never to be heard by anyone else.
It is a secret what was said but can you see it in my smile?

"So, tell me again how embroyding sheeps bladders prevents earthquakes"

2007-08-23T20:55:00.001-07:00

Isn't the sky so beautiful.

I always enjoy my days alive in this world, and i especially enjoy the days when i decide to open my arms and do new things with my time.

Recently life has been lovely. The summer has began to cool down, this allows me to get a decent nights sleep (though i have had a few bizzare dreams recently) The cooling of temperatures means that my burning skin infection (yep it made a brief return) is now starting to calm down. That calls for a woop-woop!

I decided today that i am going to start doing the following for myself;

1. Study Japanese harder, each day sit with my books and study for atleast 30 minutes. I am still tired of not understanding things. I plan on staying here for now.

2. Shift my tummy. I downloaded an 8 minute workout video yesterday. 8 minutes a day shall be spent sweating my abs off ;o) I want to built my body strength for the snowboarding season.

3. Take more walks outside. Evening or mornings, free afternoons, anytime will do.

4. Eat more vegetables. I shall still pig out on chocolate and crap food and beer, but balance it with a salad or two along the way.

Lets see how it all goes :o)

I hope whoever you are reading this, you are smiling and full of love.
xxxxxxxx

This is the worlds pool

2007-08-21T19:09:00.000-07:00

Join me for a swim. Lose yourself.

I still have no idea what i am doing, but hey ain't that wonderful!

2007-08-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

thinking...

Dance to the music that plays in your mind

2007-08-03T02:16:00.001-07:00

Find your beat and smile.

Here for now, floating as a cloud

2007-07-31T00:36:00.001-07:00

I see it has been almost 3 months since i last wrote here. I know i dont recieve too many comments but it is worth writing here for those brief moments when a pair of eyes will glance over this page to see whats up in the world of David.

So yep, here i am still here floating in a cloud within this universe, and it is light and full of air.

Sapporo is blessing me with happier times through life. My job is now a pleasure in my life as apposed to the stress that it was becoming a few months back when i was balancing the old 60 hour weeks.

The summer here in Sapporo is simply fantastic, the 6 months winter really fill the ground with love and life. The sun comes out bright and early and stayes till my watch tells me that the evening has arrived. And whilst it is up and shining, it provides a glowing feeling to shine from all it touches, this includes you and I.

I spent some money recently and got myself a Macbook. It has always been a dream of mine to get a mac to replace my IBM ways and now i have.....wooo i rule. I can now make a start on some new movie ideas, the next one i have planned it a dreamy short movie about Sapporo. And i am still set on making a real Zombie movie soon, perhaps when the grey skies of Autumn arrive.

I recently took a short break away from work to travel South. I stayed in Tokyo for 8 hours, as much as i love and adore the buzz and feel of the city, my plans were to get South. I spent around 3 days in Nagoya with a friend of mine, a friend who makes me smile and reminds me that life can be and really should be all fun! We made it down to Kyoto for a day and for the first time i really fell in love with the city and was truly captured by the delighs and air of the place.

I have decided that i am going to stay here in Sapporo. There were previous thoughts surrounding a move South, but i soon saw that this was not to be the path i was going to take. It is here in Sapporo where i am most happy. Surrounded by the love of my friends.

I have work this evening, so i should be off now.

All my love to each and everyone of you. You are all part of me, and for that i thank you.

It has been a while, does anyone read this?

2007-05-07T08:09:00.000-07:00

Evenings gretings to you all,

I am sorry that i never seem to update life through this channel of typing, i guess i just fall back on the power of my pictures to carry my lifes stories across to you all.

Well here i am, and an update is needed i feel. A lot has changed over these past couple of months.

I am still over here in Japan, up in Sapporo and yep, still enjoying life over here. The snow has melted and the green is returning to the city. It is so beautiful to see the grass again, i forgot just how magical and lush this city is when in bloom....and lacking the several foot of snow that settled over it for the last 6 months.

I have been out walking the paths through the park, head tilted towards the sky, enjoying the blues and whites, greens and yellows. Have a look over my flickr, i seem to have the nack of capturing the sights that my eyes see.

I have had a rough patch recently though. A seperation in life. Never an easy thing to live through, and this was the worst its ever been. Tears, doubt, sadness, the sense of being alone, the worries, the frustrations, the anger, the crushing feelings, the random times which it all creeps up. I wont go into too much detail because it truly is a private matter.
We are in a great deal of pain and sadness still, anger and love. A real pickle to be honest. But life will sort it all out for right, whatever happens will make us happiest in the end, whichever path life puts us on. I wish eternal glowing light to cast over you in all you do Abie, and i shall forever love you.

I am simply living day to day, trying to plan for the future as i go, but as you who know me best will agree, i suck at keeping settled on one plan. Tempted by the grass on the otherside. I will keep you posted on all that....someday ;o)

Well, this was never going to be a long blog, simply a note to bring you up to speed on the colours around me and the sights i am in love with.

I wish happiness to kiss you all.

Snowboarding

2007-02-20T06:47:00.000-08:00

Just another quick blog update.
I spent an amazing Sunday morning and afternoon up on the tops of Mt.Teine with my great friends Paul and Misha.
I have posted a few pictures on my flickr account. It was a great day and i guess you could say i am totally hooked on it!

Love to you all xxxx

Earthquake

2007-02-16T22:42:00.000-08:00

...just a quick note.....there was an earthquake in Hokkaido this morning!
Nothing too big, but i felt my classroom shake.

Eathquakes carry a certain element of woooo with them, but they do last a lot longer than you expect and the woooo factor is soon lost after the first 15 seconds and replaced with a certain sense of fear.

I was a little scared this morning.

Ah well snowboarding tomorrow....

Love to you all xxxxx

Time for an update

2007-01-21T20:19:00.000-08:00

Well hello to you all, and first apologies for not writing in here since…..well a very long passing of time.

Well I guess now and here would be a great place to bring everything up to speed. The question is where to start…..there is a long blog to come…

So my last blogs were generally bouts of random zaps of excitement. The snow and my new camera, my lovely new camera. Well that was perhaps 2 months ago.

The snow is still falling; though be it at a fairly slow rate, the locals say this the amount of snow that has fallen is extremely low in comparison to the norm. With the snow festival just around the corner I expect they will be pulling in snow from all over Hokkaido. The scenery that the white from the snow creates continues to capture my eye.

I spent December working extremely hard, Pulling out all the stops to save that extra bit of money for my visit home. It really began to run me down, I was seriously feeling the stress and strain of it, and I soon found myself in serious need of my visit back to England. It is hard to lead my life when my world is forced to revolve around my job, trying to find those precious times to release myself from it.

Christmas came and went really. Japan builds up the festivities through November and December, yet come Christmas day…not much actually happens. People go to work, and children go to school. It really is one of those Western influences which has taken on a life in the Eastern world, one which confuses me and a subject which I cannot seem to find an answer for when I ask friends or students. Why? there must be more of a reason than KFC chicken!? Note: in all class exercises for Christmas I would ask student to tell me about what Christmas means to them, and why they feel Christmas is celebrated, the answers…top 3 were as follows;

1. Presents

2. Santa

3. KFC

Puzzling.

New Year was glowing and warm to me. I had the most delightful company of Yoko, who was up in Hokkaido from Ehime for her family holiday, and we managed to time her visit into Sapporo perfectly for New Year. She is a beautiful and kind hearted human, and a dear friend. The two of us were also surrounded by the excellent company of my friends here in the Sapporo. We all gathered in Odori Park for the countdown, before retreating to a small café style bar. Perfect. In the bar we proceeded to write letters to ourselves and notes to each other that are sealed in envelopes and are locked away until January 1^st 2008, notes about where we are, who we are with and what we are thinking. I look forward to reading mine.

I celebrated my birthday on January 3^rd, a fairly quite turning of 24. I went out for dinner with some friends before a sing-song in karaoke. A pleasure.

Then came January 5^th, a day which had been circled then double circled and surrounded by stars on my calendar. My holiday back home to England, the first of its kind since arriving in Japan 16 months ago, I was jumping with excitement, and shaking with nerves. It was incredible.

I found myself once again surrounded by the beautiful love of my parents, whom I dearly miss whilst away from home on the adventure of my life. The highlight of the first few days was the walk we all took along the beach in The Mumbles, Wales. Walking along the beach, taking pictures of the sky above, writing my name in the sand (in Japanese too, to impress the family), looking into the reflections in the rock pools, playing with our shadows, throwing stones into the sea, and just being together.

The start of the new week home was blessed with a visit from an angel. My shining angel and really the other half to what is my life, Abigail. A trip which was long overdue and really something that we were both highly nervous over. The nerves were soon thrown out as soon as we caught each others eye in the airport.

We ate beans and ravioli on toast with cheese on top for our first meal together, a very special moment for any Englishman who has been deprived of his usual limitless supply of canned beans. Abigail almost finished a piece of toast, the term ‘almost’ was there in to become the butt of many a joke during her stay.

We took a trip down to Lyme Regis, got blown away by the winds. The most charming point was the two of us eating our pre packed sandwiches on a wet bench behind the sea wall, sheltered from the wind and rain. Simple yet very special.

The two of us took a most enjoyable day out in London together. The Tate Modern was a real extravagance to the day as it was housing The Unilever Series by Carsten Höller, a series of slides from the various floors of the Tate. A real modern art interaction, hands on and most importantly….slide-tacular fun!

London also shone for us as we walked along the River Thames, treated to a beautiful sunset of clear blue skies and vanilla clouds above which threw all the cities high-rise buildings into an enchanting silhouette. Someone was smiling upon us.

The end of the week saw a return to the city of Portsmouth, the city where I attended university. This trip, oh this trip, how I had been looking forward to seeing the love shine from my friends. I was really moved that so many of my friends came out for my first night back in the city, and there on in, treated me to a royal bottoms up. Seeing my close friends Caroline, Imogen and Mark brought a heavenly feel to rush through me, I really cannot place into words how wonderful they really are, and how much they mean to me.

Abigail and I stayed with Caroline and Imogen for the weekend and I spent the whole time smiling, laughing and feeling completely in love with those I was surrounded by. I dearly miss my friends.

After Portsmouth we returned back home, it was important to me to take the last few days back home to be with Abigail.

We talked, we watched movies, we took walks with the dog, we cooked together, we laughed together, we reminisced over the good times in life and also those that had been hard on us, we hugged, we slept, we cried, we made tea, we wrestled, we were very silly and immature together, we planned for our future together, we shared the moments together,

And most of all fell deeply in love all over again.

I miss her dearly.

Now back in Sapporo home and my visit almost seems like a dream, the most amazing dreams we have the dreams which we live. I love these the most.

Please have a look over the 100 odd photos I have uploaded onto my flickr, these paint the pictures behind the brief stories I have shared.

A world of love to you all.

Got a some new toys

2006-11-25T00:57:00.000-08:00

So a fast blog, i just wanted to say that the empty uploading tool in my flickr account will now be up and running again because.........i have a new camera and i am back taking photos

Enjoy, and please comment on my flickr account.
Thank you.

All my love to you

Oh the weather outside is snowing..

2006-11-22T05:06:00.000-08:00

So i just have to blog this.....it is really snowing now in Sapporo!
I think this might be the start of the snow....the winter long snow!
I went into work after lunch at 1pm and when i came out at 9pm it was already about 3-4 inches deep! wow! and thats in one afternoon!
Lush!
Tomorrow is a national holiday, so i am going to enjoy the snow! I might buy my new camera and then go play somewhere with friends!
Snow, Snow, Snow!
Beautiful!

A thousand tears in one drop

2006-11-20T06:32:00.000-08:00

So as I wait for my washing machine to decided the right time in its evening to drain the water and actually allow me to recover my clothes, i can sit here and write an update to those who pass by here to read.

The title of this blog comes from a tear i shed earlier today. I found myself with an hour before work and I decided to visit Hokkaido shrine and Maruyama Park. A place I often like to find myself. I went to the shrine to say a few quiet words and to allow myself a pray and the opportunity to open my mind and release. I said a word for my health, the strength to do what is write for me in this life, a word for love and happiness for my friends, a word for my family and an extra deep and special word for you mum. As i was leaving I began to cry. They were no tears of sadness, just tears of....well I dont know but they felt wonderful, round and crystal clear.

Life is going well up in the beautiful prefecture of Hokkaido. I recently moved into a new apartment closer to the centre of thecity and I am just finding my feet here.

I had been very unwell for several weeks.

I came down with a very bad cold which then decided to develop into a flu-like bug, which took all my energy and really brought me down a peg or four. I think half the problem was that my old apartment was constantly cold. There was almost a constant breeze running through! I was forever having to wrap up warm against it, run the gas stoves at full to heat the air, which in turn dried all moisture away, thus adding to my illness....and well with Sapporo temperatures falling, i needed a break!

So yep, i have upped and left Nijuyoken and moved across town to near Nakajima Park. It is a sweet place, and most importantly, it is warm! I have a spectacular view from the 10th floor, photos to come......which reminds me....

I lost my camera about 2 weeks ago! gutted! I couldnt believe it! A simple stroll through the park, snapping images of the sky...and i loose my camera! what a plonker I am! But i shall be replacing the sorrow in my heart with a lovely new camera asap!
Once i have got it i will be back on the picture taking front, so please keep your eyes peeled over my flick account for new images from my eyes. Also i shall be finally able to start work on my new movies (i have free internet connection in my new place)

I am still working away up here. Winter is coming, we have already had several days of snow, but still awaiting the start of the 5 month snow storm......almost got all my snowoard gear ready, with the amazing help from my friends who have pretty much totally kitted me out for free!

I still have those bad days where I become lost in the notion of what I am going to do with my life....but you know, its best to keep an eye to the sky on these days and just find a smile.
.....that or remember the love I am surrounded with from friends.

Until next time, I send you lots of love and warmth.
I hope you are all surrounded by the most beautiful of spirits.

xxxxxxxx

The beauty of life is innate, just like the light you shine

2006-10-26T00:41:00.000-07:00

Much love to you all whom are here reading this blog update.

My how much time of this life has passed by since i last sat here and actually typed out some words for you all to read.
It must be several weeks....months even.
But really life continues along the beautiful path of my life. There are areas and points where the path becomes darker and more twisted, but i am continuing to keep walking, and set the demons to rest in dust.
Life is beautiful. Life is wonderful. Sapporo is in full colours of autumn and wow, it is magestic! Please stop by my flickr site www.flickr.com/photos/david_king/ for a treat of colours upon the eye.
Life is designed to be this beautiful.
I am still taking enough pleasure from my work to make it enjoyable. I am showered with love and kindness from my friends. I am still in ore and affection for the changing seasons around me. Isnt it beautiful how the world ages.
It is fantastic.
Sorry this is such a short post, please write to me soon, all of you. I look forward to hearing from you.
I will write soon.
Love and peace.

Its like a long head scrub, whilst watching a sunset and feeling a warm breeze pass your face...

2006-09-07T19:05:00.000-07:00

.. thats how wonderful life can be. Head scrubs, sunset skies and warm breezes.

It is Friday, and I really have the firday feeling running through my body, the artificial feeling we are fed to feel as the week approaches its designed ending. The feeling that we are at the end and today for this one day life is better than it has been through the week....yep! I got it!

I have had a wonderful week, it has been full of wind and sun, which brings smiles.

I am allowing myself to appreciate this day moreso than the others of my week because i have my holiday time just around the corner! Yep Mr. Working till his arse bleeds snot, is finally giving himself a break...and let me tell you all.....i cannot friggin' wait! I am dancing inside and come the end of my day tomorrow i will be dancing on the outside too, skipping my little heart out.

I am starting out my holiday on Saturday night with dinner and drinks. Sunday i shall be exploring deeper into Sapporo, i have plans to do some walking and breathing. If i am not too hungover on Sunday morning i shall be making my morning Zen visit. This shall be followed by a visit to say good morning to the trees in the parks. Walk amongst them, place a hand on them, feel them, look up to the skies at their splendid brances....see how they grow to the light, to the sky.... the trees and i share this in common, a love for the sky above.

And that will nicely lead into my 9 day holiday time! woop!

I will be away for a while, exploring the beauty of Hokkaido, i will be posting pictures here and on my flickr soon after my return.

Today the sun is out, people in the street are smiling, heads are high.

I hope your heads are high, feeling the love. During your day today, i think you should all allow yourself some quiet time. Be it in your garden, on your balcony, anywhere you will feel alone. Sit or stand, close your eyes, and breathe deep, oh so deep, fill your body with air, fill every part of your spirit with a fresh feeling. Go on a small journey, open your mind. Open your eyes and smile.

I am looking into your eyes, smiling at you.

When the dark sets in

2006-08-25T02:36:00.000-07:00

Allow the light within your inner core to shine out and illuminate the world around you.

We live in such a beautiful world.

Today the sky was a lush deep blue, the clouds danced upon the winds and i smiled...this is it for me, as long as i can continue to find happiness in what i am surrounded by then i can grow to the sun.

Like the summers of secondary school

2006-08-20T04:30:00.001-07:00

Today i have mostly been.....drinking water....enough water to over hydrate the thirsty of fish!

Why might you ask have i been flooding my body with cold fresh water?
Well aside from that water tastes great......i am terribly hungover.

Lastnight was some real beer guzzling action!
Nomihodai (drink all you can) and vast quantities of food makes for a fat drunk!
And boys and girls let me tell you i sure made the most of the nomihodai.
It was a leaving do for some of the girls in Berlitz. It was such a great night, i was surrounded by great company and felt very calm....which is great coz normally i dont do mass group things too well. But i had a fantastic night.

Post dinner we all went to the store to collect some more alcohol to drink in the park. Just like back in the day when i was too young to go to bars, and we would buy cheap booze and guzzle it down in the parks.

So i drank more than i knew, and by the time i arrived home...a blurry part of the night i was very drunk.

Let me tell you about my new toilet seat cover, it was decorated with peach and white stripes and it really tied the bathroom together. I was my new purchase for my apartment and i was very proud of it......was......past tense. For lastnight upon arrival through the front door....i felt the urge to discharge some of the alcohol in my system...via my mouth.

Slurght....all over my bloody new toilet seat cover.....bollocks!

hehehe, the joys of being a drunk mess....

Listening to lots of Jack Johnson today, amazing. Love you all.

In the passing of this life we must listen to ourselves.

2006-08-14T19:43:00.000-07:00

And a warm greeting to all whom are reading this post.

I have chosen this time in my day...in my week...in my life to write this update as i have found myself with a nice double break session mid morning...awsome...i was tired, i needed a break..i got one...i rule :o)

So how are you all doing? How is life treating you? holding you upside down by the ankles or holding you close with wrapped around arms?

Life in Sapporo is continuing to prove quite the blossom of my recent life. It has been a long time coming....and now it is here i am surfing on the wave of security.

I had a really tough time through university, i never really found myself there. It is a place where we are 'supposed to' have the times of our lives, yetI was always struggling against the tide of work and overall happiness. I found the whole experience amazing fun but also one of the lonliest times of my later teenage life. The stuggles to place myself in the surroundings just proved too much a lot of the time. But i got through it and when i peaked over the otherside i saw a lush green field with the sharpest, crispest sunlight shining across it asking me to run in its fields feeling the tips of the grass.

Now my time here has been far from easy but as I settle into almost the third full month of full time employment in Sapporo I cannot help but smile and look at how life has pays off. Life is a beautiful dream we have all been inveted into, we all share this dream, breathe the beauty of its colours and experiences.
My eyes in this dream see such lushness, life is so powerful. It is so deep, some complex and also so simple and kind. There are nightmares within all our dreams, it is an aspect which is required to show us just how magical the flowers, the sky and all other sights of greatness are. It is a case of applying our lucidity of this dream, to the aspects of life that bring us individual joy, love and happiness.

Love your dream, realise the nightmares which are part of it, but dont ignore them, use them to increase the pleasures your spirit gains its warmth from.

Enjoy your view on lifes dreamy world. I will meet you under the green tree.

9 Hours in the internet cafe

2006-08-06T07:05:00.000-07:00

I am sat here in the internet cafe in Kotoni (a district just a short walk from my apartment). Anyway i have been in this internet cafe now for almost 9 hours!! Geebus!

Internet cafes in Japan are amazing, you can use the internet (dur), Play on Playstations, Watch DVDs, Play pool, Play darts, Play tabletennis, Have a shower, Free drinks, Massive private booths to relax in...and well one just gets wrapped up in the fun. Especially when you add to that equation a dirty hangover....well its my home for the day.

It is 11pm and almost time for home :o) It has been an electric generated afternoon.....electric generated afternoon, that can be the name of a song :o)

Arguments and Disagreements, it is best to leave those to others

2006-08-02T01:12:00.000-07:00

Good Afternoon all,

The heading for this message was part of my pray note which i opened this afternoon upon a visit to Hokkaido shrine. I like to visit this shrine at least every week if possible, it is a short walk through beautiful Maruyama Park. I enjoy taking the time away from noises and surroundings to walk, breathe and just look without pressured direction to my actions. I love to say a pray and then walk around the inside grounds at a nice slow speed, it is so nice to walk so slowly that it feels unnatural.

This afternoon was one such visit. I opened my pray note and sat down to read it slowly. I love that everything inside a shrine is done at the slowest speeds, which is such a nice break from the outside, where lives are modelled around the quickest times and speeds.

My note had warm words to allow me to focus my mind and think in a new way for this day. Thats what it is about, allowing ones mind to function in new ways....do it today, you will find it very satisfying.

After leaving I walked through the park, watched some artists at work, watched a man shaping patterns into the gravel. And then I returned to work.

Here I sit with my cup of coffee, work kicks back in an hour so I must prepare the lessons.

Dance. Smile. Cha-Cha

"Your a window, i'm a knife"

2006-07-25T03:24:00.000-07:00

I spent last night learning some more Jeff Buckley on the guitar, he is so amazing. I love listening to him and find all his work a real inspiration to my playing and life.
After learning songs and feeling calm i set out for work. Above me was the most amazing sunset. Glowing with whites and blues. It really does show that he was an angel in human clothes. Rock on Jeff.

My past few days have been filled with a sensation of what I think is frustration. I rarely feel this sensation so I cannot fully pinpoint it, but i think that is what it is. My students have been extra slow, and I am finding my tollerance for student whom fail to do their homework wearing thin. I feel tired lots of the time, but there are these triggers in the day that just annoy....annoy the crap out of me. Slow walkers, Sapporo drivers....enough!

I just think that the heat, coupled with my long working days are putting a touch of stress upon the soul. Alas it is just something to swim through.

I am off swimming

Lady luck will have her way, do not try to stop her, we are powerless.

2006-07-17T19:47:00.000-07:00

Good morning everyone, or as i feel right now, goodnight!

I am just soooo tired. All this mega working has really caught up with me and today it has been kicking me up the bum!

So my weekend, wow! How amazing. Sundays are usually reserved for my day of rest, but this weekend brought a Monday holiday with it too and so i felt inclined to do something special, give my body something to smile over. It likes to smile.

Saturday was a great day, i did work over here at Berlitz and in Maruyama (both my schools) lessons were as great as ever and i was on the high that life gives us all when the sun is shining. In the afternoon i went to my highschool students highschool festival, and it was so....nice. I went with my friend Tsugumi and her friend (now my new friend) Maiko. We met my students and they were glowing to see me. Their light shone through me and filled my spirit with such delight. They really are arse-kicking students. So i watched them singing and playing the piano, giving my full support. It was a really pleasurable afternoon. Photos to come soon.

After work was over on the Saturday evening i went out with Tsugumi and Maiko into Susukino. I don't have the chance to go out much because i work all the time and am forever tired. But i buckled it up and went out for some beers. Great evening, in a gaijin bar, it was just so cool. It was a small palce so it was possible to have all customer around the same table, chatting, laughing and enjoying their nights.

Sunday i awoke with a mild hangover (i loved it) and continued upon my quest for the weekend.

I went to a school called EFL Club over the other end of Sapporo, i was giving my services for their summer camp. 24 hours away from home, 9 teachers and 67 children ages 6-11. I had a group of 7 girls who were all around 10 years old. We played limbo, PSR (paper, scissors, rock), potato sack racing, skip-rope, baseball, football, stuck-in-the-mud, tag...and all other games. We played on the grass, in the river, in the playground. We ate crisps, sweets, marshmallows (on the BBQ), copious amounts of Aquarius (energy drink). Slept in a real woodern cabin in the outdoors. It was so great. My kids were all so well behaved and really enjoyable humans to talk and be with.
We were there for just over 24 hours and after leaving I felt deeply happy, and actually quite lonley once i was away from everyone and their faces. It was fantastic weekend. Also, i was offered a job working for them! apparently I am just the kind of 24-going on 5 year old they need. I am definatly going to consider their school if longer term plans ever change. And infact it has sparked off the little light inside of me that reads "David you really do enjoy being a teacher".

I got home to my apartment and crashed, the rain came down so heavy, it was like a shower outside, i actually couldnt see across the street due to the amount of water falling from the skies above.

Beautiful

Tired

This morning is when lady luck decided to give me a wee (small) shake. I woke up...fine. But as i was stood on the subway i notice i am wearing my trainers...no big deal...but....i have forgot my smart shoes!! CRAP! The feeling of panic grips my body, and i begin to break. i have a little over 40 minutes to get home and back into school (which takes about 46 minutes) So i jump off the tube and across onto one heading back home. I belt it home, got my bloody shoes, i almost fainted several times i was rushing so fast, back onto the subway and into Odori. I was such a mess, i was late for work, close to tears through pure exhaustion, close to being sick i had pused my morning body too hard. Luckily my student was later than me...what are the chances!!! Well they are really slim, like...less than 10%! Anyway i was saved by that lady of luck. But still i feel shaky and so tired. I am pulling, as they call in the game of real life, a sicky from my afternoon school. Don't tell them :o)

Goodnight i will continue this day in my dreams.

I'm gonna let you in on a little secret. Every day, once a day, give yourself a present. Don't plan it, don't wait for it, just...let it happen.

2006-07-14T19:44:00.000-07:00

Quote: Special Agent Dale Cooper FBI.

Twin Peaks, watch it!
Its so good, lastnight i watched 5 episodes, back to back :o)

My day today, well i woke up late, i am hungry, but i am doing pretty well. Just finished my first stint of lessons here at Berlitz. Next stop the Highschool Festival :o) I am looking forward to supporting my students. Do i wear my shirt and tie or my casual clothing?
I think i am going with the casual look :o) After all its not really work, so sod it :o)

Finish tonight around 9, gonna chill out.....tomorrow is the kids summer camp day and night...its gonna take the lifre outta me....roll on!

I am in my dream soul today.

Our language is the product of a world of numbers and individuals of yesterdays and todays and tomorrows.

2006-07-13T18:28:00.000-07:00

Just a blog in light of those i read, outlining the tings that are making me happy right now.

1. Biffy Clyro, i have just been listening to it and altho some might think the tunes are too loud, i simply love them all. It has put a real skip in my step.
2. Twin Peaks, i have just begun to watching season 1 again, and it rocks my socks everytime. I need season 2!
3. My job! I am having such a great time in my job! My students are great and i feel so good teaching. I have 2 famous students. I chap who will be the first person to climb the big 7 peaks of the world solo (hes doing Everest next year), and the second is a news reporter for a Hokkaido t.v station. Wooo!
4. The weather. It is so warm here in Sapporo and tonight the fireworks festival begins! It will make for a pretty sky.

Yeah so i am feeling quite good today, a suprise in fact that i had a 14 hour day yesterday!
Roll on the weekends fun!
Love.

New Photos

2006-07-10T23:27:00.000-07:00

I havent uploaded any photos to my flicker for months and months, but finally i have had use of a USB port here at work and have uploaded some new pictures, there are many more to follow but i dont have the time yet to do them all. Keep those eyes of your peeled.
Enjoy the pictures and please comment on them, thanks :o)
p.s address link is over to the right :o)

Having a haircut

2006-07-07T22:03:00.000-07:00

Just a quick Saturday blog.

I love having my hair cut, and i love love having it cut in Japan, getting the head massage, ears, neck...attention to style and care over every individual hair! Had a chop this morning and my head is smiling at the sky and those stood behind me :o)

The sun is high in the sky, and it is a really toasty day here in Sapporo. Working like a beast today...as usual.

have a great day all.

Watcha watcha watcha want!

2006-07-04T21:20:00.000-07:00

So today be a fuuny-olde day.
I had a mega bizzare sleep and awoke in the middle of the evening, 64% asleep, opened the windows and put on the t.v......ok.....sat down in the chair for like 4 seconds then got up, turned of the t.v, closed the windows and then returned to sleep.

So i awoke this morning and was like....did that really happen, and due to the off balanced curtain setting...yep it did. Cool :o)

The morning sun instantly warmed the apartment and got me up and into the shower with no efforts.

I then set out for work.

I love the city in the morning, the temperature is beginning to rise and there is this amazing feeling as people awake and begin their days.

Ive a killer day here at work 11 times 40 minute lessons! But it will fill out the wallet in no time....which is the point of all this working lark.

I have been in a state of comings and goings over Japan, and i really do think that another year here will be enough for me. I cannot see myslelf here longer than that. There is just too much else boggling around inside of me waiting to be done.

Anyhow, all seems to be in a state of smiles :o)
Also today i have a big break so i am going to start looking into working in America, again, if anyone has any info to share please email me.

Love the sky.

Life plays out like a scene from the skies

2006-06-30T20:49:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon to you all from Sapporo on this day, this bright blue day, crystal skies and a light of light bouncing off those who walk below.

I am currently sat up here in the 5th floor, preparing for my afternoons lessons.
I am into my second week here at Berlitz and its all going rarther swimmingly. I feel at place here, and i can develop myself and grow further.

..Enjoying my work, and finally starting upon the path of full time work! Wooop!...cash is needed.

Each day brings a different emotion. We learn through lifes days, each new occurance will add further shape and colour to our souls.

I dream different, and in that i awake different. This leads into a different day, all that surrounds me and is encaptured within is also different.

Today is dreamy.

Tonight i am proposing the opportunity for my Highschool girls to make an English movie, i think it will be pretty bloody spectacular! And a barrel of laughs along the way. I will put it out on the net once its complete.

Smile everyone and enjoy todays new state.

Movies

2006-06-20T19:19:00.000-07:00

2 nights ago i saw two new films, both were fantastic and I think you should all watch them too :o)

1st - Pieces of April (Dont be put off by Miss Dawsons Creek, its a great movie)

2nd- Twin Falls Idaho (I cried, very amazing film)

So next visit by blockbuster, Tsutaya etc pick em up :o)

Hi today, see you soon tomorrow

2006-06-19T21:02:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

So I am sat in an Internet cafe right now (my home from home from home) and i have a few minutes here to write a few words about how i`m diddly dooing.

After reading friends blogs, i realised i dont ever write here enough. Sorry.Well life is good....now thats not right. Life is great! I have no money, the stresses of work, but after the rough times i have been having in the old present, they be nothing i cannot handle in this present. Life is really good.

The weather here is simply amazing when it comes out to play, the sky is deep, i can reach out my arm and swirl it in the vast blue that is above.I have no money and so i now walk to and from work, it is about a 45 minute walk, but along the way i see faces, faces on those human beings and faces in the trees, sky, road and all else that my eyes decide to look at.It amazing, and although a pain in ones arse after a day at work, it really provides a sea of visual rewards.

I take such pleasure from the sky, i dont know why, but the sky, oh the sky, how it fills my eye :o)

Also i am feeling pretty good right now because well.....living in a foreign country is really foreign!! its forever a battle to make oneself understood, but, just now i went to the local ward office to soprt out my registration card and i did it!! I actually asked questions, understood answers, and its getting sorted!

Woooo! Wooo for me :o)

Feeling quite happy for myself.

Anyway this week is a tough un, i got a job at a company called Berlitz and i start my training...eeek! It comes across as the GAP of English teaching, image first. I really hope that once im trained i dont feel this. I used to work for GAP and i really grew to dislike the atmosphere and attitude. Im sure Berlitz will be just fine.

Well i`ve waffled and waffled, and its time for me to go outside, breath, walk and continue into my day.

I pray an air of peace surrounds you all.

Smile

Hello Wonderful World

2006-06-07T20:52:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I am still alive.....just.

Still smiling,

Feeling pretty good,

Just drank some Sprite,

Working today,

Plodding on in this life,

Hope everyone is fantastic, beautiful and in a complete air of peace.

I will write again soon

Still feeling warm

2006-05-26T21:58:00.000-07:00

Wow what a few days can do for ones spirits....no really, its amazing!

I guess Japan has really taught me the power of ones inner bits and pieces, and the way we can realise why bad things happen at times.....the answer is because they have to.

Times of depression, times of sadness, times of anxiety, times of real pain, they all happen to us because they have to. We need these times, its the way our lives build up their running starts to better times. I also know that the weather is something which really can bring light to our lives. And right now i have a glow about me which i havent felt for many many weeks/

Right now here in Sapporo the sun is so high in the sky. Its warm, the wind is amazing as it blows through me, the flowers...the flowers..never have i seen such an aray of colours! The sky is blue, im wearing shorts and t-shirt, and really i am upon that cloud we number 9.

2 days ago was i guess a spin in the road. The spin i so needed. I went to the post office to pick up my visa application results and i was so expecting a rejection, but no. i didnt get the no. I got the yes! And for the first time in many weeks something right happened! I couldnt believe it and there on the subway station platform i began to cry.

Tears not of sadness but of relief and endings to my recent hardtimes. I must have looked super bizzare, crying, laughing and glowing.

So yeah i got the first part of my visa approved! Wow, and since then life has been in flow. I walk to a crossing in the road and the light turns green, the clouds follow me, the sun strokes my back. All is pretty great right now. And im allowing life to just.. be.

Yesterday i saw a lady around her 40s, she was playing in the childrens park, swinging away on the swings whilst her husband looked on lovingly. It was so cute....everything in japan is called cute, but really this was so sweet.

There were children playing in the fountains in Odori park, kids playing guitars, catchball sessions, i had my hand kissed by a high school student, i have been walking around smiling, feels pretty good.

Cool.

The sun is shining and i feeeeeeel gooood!

2006-05-26T21:56:00.000-07:00

To turn away, to guard myself from the bitterness.

2006-05-10T20:03:00.000-07:00

I just want the feeling that somewhere is home, the feeling that I have comforts in my life, and the large hand of security. Right now in my life I don’t feel as I have these surroundings I so deeply desire.

I am truly unhappy where I am living right now, both emotionally and physically, the walls weep with depression, boredom and loneliness. The family I am with are strange, quiet…so quiet it’s haunting. The home is full of broken clocks, a broken clock simply sits and waits to become a moment of time again.

There is no love in the air, no real bond that a happy home needs. The silence I try to bring light upon, just reflects it back with a cold breeze. I talk to those around me here and am returned with moans and other such unpleasant, unfriendly noises from all those who live here, sisters, and fathers alike. Maybe a selfish move upon my part, but now after a month of fighting to raise some warmth here, I am giving up, I no longer can push myself to smile, when all I receive is the glum looks and the rudeness of silence.

Next week I will find a new place to live, I must if I’m to remain focused upon my life here and holding onto my happiness. I cannot do this whilst here under this roof.

I still have the mound of life’s difficulties ahead of me. I’ve apartment hunting, visa applications and all the rest, it could make for a time of difficulties. I can feel this on my back again. But I am going to keep my head high, fresh air in my lungs and move again forward into the sun.

As for the future, another thing settling itself upon my mind. Japan? England? The States? Thailand? Where…? I just don’t know. It makes me sad, a tear forms if I think about it too much, for the first time in a while I don’t see a plan for the future. I am looking into Thailand, but its only a start. I need a backup for the possibility that I don’t get the visa in Japan….if that happens I will be moving countries in just over a month….wow.

Not the happiest of posts, apologies. The rain will come soon and as fast as these issues have stuck themselves to my mind, the beauty of the rain will flow through my inners and wash them away, leaving in their wake, a refreshed, peaceful state of being. I hope, I pray, I smile.

Long time waiting, Short time past

2006-05-03T22:02:00.000-07:00

Well it has been quite some time since i last made space in my life to sit and write with an update.

Those keen followers of you would have seen ive posted some new pictures at my flickr account....link over to the right.

So its been quite the busy few weeks since i last posted. My times have been full of better days than in the past. I have begun to settle down to life up here in Sapporo. The clouds are forever beautiful and the dusk sky is always a sight to stop me in my tracks and look up.

Please look across my recent photos and i`m sure you will agree, the clouds shape the mood of the people below.

I have been enjoying work and making sure that i surround myself with those who make me smile.

I've been shooting some more of my movie.

Having a real blast with it and the finished product will be out soon :o)

I have been really just getting my head down and really having a crack at this whole, life settling business. Apartment hunting, more job hunting etc etc etc it can be quite stressful at times but i seem to have this air about my movements where i am really tired of feeling pressured by the surroundings. I'm now taking the steps to place myslef at a medium where i can keep a smile on my face and tackle all that seems to pose a difficulty.

Enjoy life, make those omens to look around and see all that is beautiful in the world. At times there can be this screen which seems to cover our vision of what really is important in life, yet i feel it is from the smallest of things which we can really find ourselves, and those all important smiles.

What light touches becomes light, and let your soul be something that projects this glowing light over your life.

Harry potter, the bike rental service and the body of spellcast

2006-04-19T19:11:00.000-07:00

So today I will blog a quick description of my recent dream cycle.
I have been sleeping every night, yet my brain is awash with troubles, confusion and perhaps a small amount of distress. Over the past week I have had numerous “Nightmares”. I add the quotation marks, as they haven’t been terrifying dreams, just so bizarre that they have felt uncomfortable. They have been full of anger, frustrations and battles against my surroundings (yeah pretty much what’s being going on in my waking life). They have been full of various people, faces I know, and faces I don’t. The most wide journeys, down to dreams taking place in a single room.

Last nights secret journey is still mulling itself over my brain.

I was the owner of a bike rental shop, or I think it was something such as that. On this particular day I was looking through the body of someone else, using different eyes, not my own. I saw some people breaking up a bike, hanging it over a lamppost and bending it and pulling in all directions until it snapped apart. I ran to stop them, and they floated out of my dream. My dream continued. Later on I found myself in a large mansion, there was supposed to be a party or gathering, but alas in the large dining room there were few people, all of whom were on opposite ends of the room, the air was dark with an orange light.. Suddenly my dream took on a new sight. I was Harry Potter, of all people. I was battling against some dark lord, which turned out to be the person I earlier told to stop destroying the bike. I was cast under spell and suddenly I was full of all the devils evil spells, and curses. I remember a vivid image from my dream. I was screaming out, crawling across the floor of the mansion, my eyes were burning, My insides were a dark red churning colour, I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t walk, I was helpless. There were these swirling black and yellow colours all around, I never found out if I survived. I woke up.

What this means I have no idea.

I love to dream, I adore the feeling when I awake and think about where I have just been, and what I have just done. But after nights like last night, I feel tired, rundown and really just ready to rest.

Today I’ve a busy day, I’m so tired.

Old soul song for the new world

2006-04-14T18:46:00.000-07:00

The weekend reaches me, and the sunlight breaks the beds of dark clouds that have been looking upon Sapporo for some time now.
The air is cold upon ones face. The sun warms the back of our neck.

If the sounds of today were to be played upon the air, it would sound like an atmospheric calm. I might write a piece of music about how the weather follows our inner movements, yeah i think i might just do that :o)

So finally a medium of almost stability has been achieved for the time being. I have been working and it has really given me a deep feeling of hope and happiness. It is only part time work, but its a thousand times better than the working conditions I was subject to in my old job.

I have several bosses....i think everyone is a boss really :o) They are all great people, and really, they just keep themselves to themselves. Always open to a chat, but they never intrude upon what i do. Such a nice change. They give me a big smile when i arrive, and a warm farewell when i leave.

Im teaching all ages. Small groups and seriously, so far all the kids have been amazing! Such bright cheerful children. Their positive　happiness simply flows around the room during class.

Also yesterday, whilst feasting upon clazone (get some of that Abie :op) i was approached by a young lady, and after a small chat I have got myself my first private student. Excellent.

Yesterday, I had many an hour to fill in Sapporo. I took a long walk through Odori Park, saw some BMX dudes busting their trickz, i saw some faces pass by, i saw the wind carrying the trees in dance, and i really found that moment to sit, breathe, and smile.

Pictures will come once I can get use of a computer which is post Windows 98....yep im using 98` with dial up connection. Not only does the computer have a seisure when its on the internet....i also do as I wait minutes for webpages to open (it cannot even hack flickr.com)

Today the sun is warming my back, its lifting me up and finally shining upon the next few steps ahead, i can see dark clouds ahead, i will do my best to use the sun and guide my spirit through these times.

I hope you are all feeling this turn of tides and the coming of seasons is giving beauty to your lives. Just look at the skies above now and again, it really is amazing.

When a smile will do

2006-04-12T23:01:00.000-07:00

Even as ones heart becomes muted by its surroundings it can still find those things that raise its spirit and giveth warmth in our souls.

These things come in such small packages, require such basic human responses, yet when unleased cause such beautiful and powerful reactions.

A smile.

I have just returned from a tour of my host fathers work place, nothing special. Out of the darkness of my morning came a beam of light which shone deep into me. There i saw a young lady, small, shy...very japanese. Her smile was so true and honest it cast the most amazing yellow glow over my heart. I returned her smile, and since then I have felt so much better.

Peace begins with a smile. ~Mother Teresa

A thump of the heart, a blink of the soul

2006-04-12T18:25:00.000-07:00

The brightest of days to you all, I trust you are in fine spirits.

Life for me in Sapporo has already proven a sea of highlights and lowlights.
I guess now I am finally coming around to the fact of where I am, and to be honest it isnt filling me with the type energy I need at this moment in time.

So I awoke this morning in a kind of panic, the moment my mind awoke to my living life, I was overcome with a sense of feeling offbalance. I have a thousand and one things to get through each day, and this morning the mental list began to form once i opened my eyes. It really took me off my feet.

That was 2 hours ago, yet i still feel like i cannot keep up with my bodies need to get through the day.

I guess it is my inner body telling me something, yet through the mist of tasks which lie directly in front of me, i cannot see what it is my body is asking of me, and what light it is i really should be walking towards.

I am still searching for somewhere I can be.

I need to find a little quiet area, somewhere i can be alone, somewhere I can climb aloft of my daily surroundings and really find myself.

11:16

2006-04-10T19:17:00.000-07:00

Again just a brief update to you.
As i become more at ease i feel the need for more. I need to find a quiet place where i can sit, close my eyes and capture myself.
I have set up a job, which is great news, it is part time in a small school. It should bring in enough bacon to cover my rent costs and food. I am still looking for another job to help me save for my future.
So today i continue upon my path. It is a dark coloured path, a dark shiny stone, dark red in colour. It is surrounded by sights of real beauty, the lushest greens and yellows. I can touch some of what i see, the leaves and the soil, yet i need to rise higher, allow my inner spirit to grow, in order to reach all that i am surrounded by.
Today i will grow a little more.

I miss you all, and Abie I promise to find time soon to call or write.

Sat watching the crowds move past

2006-04-09T18:39:00.000-07:00

Hey all,
So after 40 hours of sitting, waiting, wishing, i have finally arrived here in the ever expanding, creative and positive life that is Sapporo.
Life now begins to shine upon the streets here, and hopefully upon my actions.
I feel lost, and my mind seems to be racing around the challenges which lie ahead. im happy to have this sense of lost.
Everything is new, everything is beautiful. It is time to use the Earth and grow towards the lights above. Here i go....

The hands that support my every step

2006-04-06T03:41:00.000-07:00

A short update.

The bags are packed, the lists are made and I’m ready to give this all a hell-o-a decent crack.

I feel this warmth inside, these hands which are supporting my back and guiding me forward.

Whose are these hands? Those of my parents.

Being so far from home I miss the opportunity of spending time with two most amazing people in my life, my mother and my father.

I am blessed with caring, loving and wholly supportive parents, who I love very deeply.

My mother is so kind, gentle, funny and really, the one person in my world who can give me the best spiritual and life guidance. I get such enjoyment from speaking with her, and my inner soul grows at these opportunities.

My father is simply wonderful, a man who I aspire to. If I can become anything like the father figure and outstanding friend he is to me, then I have achieved a holy goal. He is so incredible.

Today I had the chance to speak with both parents of mine and they have given me such strength. I am so proud of them. They are my existence and I love them very dearly.

Fly, from the alone to the Alone.

2006-04-05T22:07:00.000-07:00

My light shall now move on to a new area of life, yet i shall never cast my past into shadow

Times are changing, the wind is behind me

2006-04-05T04:25:00.000-07:00

Life can deal us the most unusual cards at times, yet we take what we are dealt and do our best. Today I was dealt a bad hand.

So, after many weeks of being without a job and committing myself to the stresses of job hunting, life planning and the uncertainty of my close future, I have been knocked back once again.

This time it was most difficult.

A brief up-to-speed…I was working for a small school here in Japan, yet as time went on my boss became unprofessional and a challenge to work for. As time progressed the initial niceties soon dissolved into the air of hostility, a situation to which I could not control.

Alas after Christmas had passed, things became a great deal harsher and personal. It escaladed to a degree which, I as a being felt uncomfortable. A level of discrimination which I felt I had no right to be subject to, and thus I quit, on quite unfriendly terms.

Forward to now and still to this day my past prevents my movements into the future. As today I was dealt a job rejection. Why was this? Because my previous boss has no answer other than priding herself upon past bitterness and thus preventing a movement away from all that was once difficult. A bad reference was given and as fast as my job hopes had rose, they were taken away.

Enough to fly into a sea of resentment and revenge?

No thank you,

“I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.”

The news has been given. It is like a large boulder has been placed on my back, the initial weight has taken me off my feet. But it is now, when I am face down, closest to the earth that I can find the strength to lift this weight. And once this weight is eased, I like to think I will emerge stronger and more compassionate.

“Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.”

Dalai Lama

I like to think that our inner spirits directions are part of a tree; we have been given the most beautiful of branches to walk along. During our walk we encounter many different branches and many challenges of growth. We cannot see how out branch will grow, but we know it will.

Right now my direction in life has become a little harder than it has been. We cannot appreciate the finer times in our growth without these moments of hardship. My arms have been faced downwards at the ground, but now they are ready to spread towards the sun.

I’m leaving for Sapporo on Friday morning; I will miss all those who I hold close here in Tanbara and the surrounding towns. I promise to keep in touch.

Opening entry

2006-04-03T23:05:00.000-07:00

As I sit looking outside, it is the trees which spur me into contemplation of where I really am in this world.

They say, you won't realize the distance you've walked until you take a look around and realize how far you've been.

I look around and I realise I am currently 5983 miles from home, to which flying the distance would take 13 hours, to drive would take 5 days, and to carry myself in step would take 1247 days.

So,

I’d like to outstretch my arms and welcome you to my blogsite. It shall be a place I will write about my comings, goings and thoughts, for those of you with the time to read. As my life is quite the movement of time and I am so poor at the group emails, it will be a place I can share my detailed events and journeys away from home.

“Life is a challenge, meet it! Life is a dream, realize it! Life is a game, play it! Life is Love, enjoy it!”

(Sri Sathya)