Michigan and Tokyo connected by Owls

 I've had owls in my home. I couldn't resist buying them because they were so cute💕

Owls with Rose in Tokyo

Then I gave a name to each colored owl. I have moved to a new place but the owls are still with me.

Owls with Collie in Michigan

There are also owls in Collie's house. Living far away from each other in Michigan and Tokyo, it is comforting to know that we have the same owls in each of our homes. It is a wonderful gift that our hearts are connected through owls. I love that way of thinking.：）

Michigan

February. Although it is still cold in Tokyo, the sky is clear and sunny. Meanwhile, it is snowing in Michigan, where Collie lives. You can see a smiley face in the photo above☃

He is like, "It's a long cold gray snowy winter here in Michigan. I like winter...but also it is difficult", "I'm sure you have sun. I hope it shines upon you".

He frequently goes to his mother's house to help care for her. While a nurse and a care helper also visit, he often looks in. I would be a liability if I went to Michigan now.

He is in my prayers when I am here in Tokyo. I will keep learning. We cherish the owls and they are watching over us. 

You can have a great time on Valentine's Day even if you are alone.

Dear people who stop in my blog,

Some of them, I think, are people from when I used to write my first, another blog in Japanese (the link to it can be found in my profile).  I'm glad you found this follow-up blog in your search.

I believe some of them are readers from this present blog. 

To all of you, many thanks for coming back despite my long absence from the blog.

May you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day💖  Whether you spend time as a couple or alone, whether you are a male or a female, please accept my heartfelt Valentine's Day greetings to you all. 

If you spend time alone, give yourself what you love to cherish yourself.  It's the fact that you are a very special person just the way you are.  If you are a man with a crush, show her how much you think of her, otherwise your girl would feel snubbed by you!  Let's all have a pleasant day😉  

Dear Saint and glorious martyr, teach us to love unselfishly and to find great joy in giving.

Enable all true lovers to bring out the best in each other.

Let them love each other in God and in God in each other.

We pray through the intercession of Saint Valentine for those we love

to keep them safe, to protect the love we share for each other.

 Lots of love on Valentine's Day...  Rose

The illness could be a sign to have second thoughts.

Apparently I am physically weaker than most people. When I pushed myself too hard, I would often develop a fever or headache. There are some items on my bucket list, but it doesn't go as smoothly as I would like. At such times, I feel frustrated by the fact that I am not achieving as much as I should be compared to the outstanding people in the world. Sometimes the life doesn't go the way you want.

However, I realized that I don't have to be as good as other outstanding people, after I have done the best I could in my own way. Having worked on it, if you realize that where you are is not the one you want, you can always change your direction. You can achieve happiness and fulfillment in life by following different paths, not sticking to the direction you originally decided to go. Your way of thinking will change over time as you continue to practice and grow.

When you catch a cold or any kind of illness, your body might be telling you that the path you should be going is not there. Then you realize that what you've continued to do because you thought you had to was more stressful than you thought. The mind is intimately connected to the body. So...

Let's rethink how we can achieve our dreams in a less stressful way than we are now, and get closer to our dreams in a way that makes us happy! We can accomplish our bucket list items at a more comfortable pace.

Each person has a unique talent. It is a special gift given by God. 

That I will always try to remember, when I feel like losing myself.

Renewing my mind with my favorite miniature rose, 

  Rose

Do pets show up to thank the people who cherished them after they passed away?

今は天国にいるじろちゃんです。実家に行くといつも会えるのが楽しみでした。実はじろちゃんは実家のお隣さんのねこなのですが、よく実家に遊びに来ていたのです。

長い年月が経ち、じろちゃんが天国に行ったことを知らされました。

その後のことです。私が眠っている時、じろちゃんが私と同じ枕にいて、温もりを感じました。じろちゃんはいつものように私に寄りかかって寝ていたのです。じろちゃんがごろごろ喉をならすのが聞こえたので、私はじろちゃんはここにいるって安心してまた眠りにつきました。

最近とあるSNSで知ったのですが、ペットは、この世から去った後、ありがとうを言いに可愛がってくれた人のもとに現れるそうです。その人が現れたペットに気づかないこともあります。

私は、確かにじろちゃんがごろごろ言っているのを聞いた！　私の頭に寄りかかっているじろちゃんを感じた！

それとも夢の中の夢なのでしょうか？

しかし私は思うのです。じろちゃんは本当に私に会いに来てくれたのではないかと。

じろちゃん、大好きだよ。

私はまだ、ここにいてやらなければいけないことがきっとある。もう少しだけ頑張ってみるよ。じろちゃん、いつか会えるかな？　それまで、天国で元気でいてね。

This is "Jiro", now in heaven. I looked forward to seeing him every time I visited my parents' place. In fact, Jiro-chan is my parents' next-door neighbor's cat, and he used to visit my parents' house often.

Many years later, I was told that Jiro-chan had gone to heaven. 

It happened afterward, when I was sleeping, Jiro-chan was on the same pillow as me and I felt his warmth. Jiro-chan was sleeping leaning against me as usual. I could hear Jiro-chan making a rumbling sound in its throat, which reassured me that Jiro-chan was here, and I fell asleep again.

Pets, after they leave this world, appear to those who loved them to say thank you, that I've recently seen on social media. The person may not even notice the pet showing up around. 

I'd definitely heard him purring! I'd felt him leaning on my head! 

I wondered, "Is it a dream within a dream?"

I thought it over again, but I still think Jiro-chan really came to see me. 

I love you, Jiro-chan.

I am sure there are things I still have to do in this world. I will try a bit more. Jiro-chan, "Can we meet down the road?" Until then, may you be always happy in Heaven.

A little house surrounded by greenery in the northern suburbs of Detroit

I noticed a little house behind. The side mirror showed it to me when I was in the car. It's pretty❤︎

It was a light blue house surrounded by comfortable greenery in the northern suburbs of Detroit.

What is it like inside the house? I know it's not possible to see it actually, though. The residents of the house might not live a sumptuous lifestyle, but I surmise that there is a cuteness and ingenuity that can only be found in a small house. Wouldn't you agree? 

I was just imaging things...😄  We're about to go out for lunch. See you then!   Rose

Rochester Train Depot & Elevator → Catching Fireflies

What do you think this wooden building is? 

203 E University Dr, Rochester, MI 48307, United States

It's the one I saw when I passed by this morning.

What a fairy-tale-like atmosphere this building is creating! 

And it has a healing effect. I wondered what this place was?

This small historic building was a train depot in the past.

There used to be a railroad next to it!

The original train depot is now being used commercially as. . .

a unique & cute gift shop, Catching Fireflies🌼

The historical building has been passed down and used with care to this day.

It's wonderful!

Click ❤︎here❤︎ for flying soap bubbles♬

Sweet Polish Pottery ♡ CERAMIKA ARTYSTYCZNA

Maybe you've seen these plump tableware with pretty pattern anywhere. It's Polish Pottery handmade in BOLESLAWIEC, which is known as the city of pottery, located in the southwest of Poland. 

It just feels nostalgic, sweet...and like, brings back memories. Nordic design is cute, but cool & stylish, on the other hand, these Polish Pottery design is heart-warming and as if it brings us back sweet memories. I am more of attracted by Polish patterns than Nordic patterns.

Among CERAMIKA ARTYSTYCZNA, there is something noble about above dark blue tableware. Though it was gone when I made up my mind to take in some Polish Pottery to my house. However, I bought 1 small bowl and 2 soup cups (can use like cafe au lait bowls, too!) with pretty handwritten patterns.

Pottery from CERAMIKA ARTYSTYCZNA is durable and ovenproof. That's why it's a little heavy.   

When Collie comes to my house, I will show him the 3 I chose. Collie is Polish American. That makes me like Polish Pottery more (and is the reason I bought some for me), although I think Polish Pottery is pretty.

Printed Lovely ❤︎ Toilet Paper Rolls

I tend to buy printed toilet rolls. So a shelf of my bathroom is like this. I opened it to show you♪

💕　💕　💕

💕　💕　💕

Maybe I'll buy plain stuff next time. It's like I'm playing with toilet paper..😂

When I opened Google Photos tonight, I saw this picture featured as "Spotlight".  Ah...it's the one taken in Detroit by Collie. We were waiting for Lady Detroit to show up. It's been years...

I wish I could go on a trip again instead of playing at home with toilet paper.. Actually, want to live in Michigan. Sigh... I will buy lovely printed toilet paper next time again after all.   Good day! Rose

Heart-shaped silicon cupcake molds

I don't bake cakes as much anymore. 

But these heart-shaped cupcake molds are what I want to keep.

One night, I made cornbread in my own way as I didn't have any bread at home.

It didn't rise very much, but it became a good evening meal of mine with a glass of wine.

I hold on to one item for a long time.

These heart-shaped silicon cupcake molds are my cute body as ever.

Very lovely wine glass for a sparkling wine, of course a champagne too!

What a lovely wine glass to taste a sparkling wine! This is the most lovely wine glass ever for me.

It used to be a place I visited from time to time to enjoy a glass of wine. A sparkling wine was not always served with this glass, actually, it's only one time, I think. However, I really liked this lovely glass. The sparkling wine was so delicious and popping bubbles made me feel happy.

Since I had an unpleasant memory given by a friend at the time there, I'd gotten not to visit the place. It was like, my innocence was offended by her heartless, smug word.

Now I don't go there because of a different reason. I started trying organic wines, which broadened my horizons. My life is becoming more natural. 

I don't have to see a person dressed up, but lacking in intelligence and always late. It's been 1 or 2 years since several incidents I had growing doubts about.

Here I am at the moment, and know, staying away from those kind of persons is treating myself well. I can be myself.

a variety of double cherry blossoms near my condo（I could show Collie on video!）

 Hi.. I've been uploading cherry blossoms taken in Gotanda, and it ends at this post. Thank you...

Look at these lovely blossoms! Double cherry blossoms are blooming gathering together. It's absolutely pretty and gorgeous. Oh..and this charming pink is breathtaking!  

Truly, how many kinds of cherry trees there are in my town! Different kind of cherry blossoms are lining alongside Meguro River and they delighted my eyes each day.  

It was a sunny day when I headed for a train station in the morning, and it came up to my mind that I could show Collie those lovely blossoms on Duo! While I was trying to record a video, Collie showed up on my smartphone. Yes! I ran to show him all of those blossoms closest to my condo!

I was (We were) lucky. It rained two days in a row after that sunny day. I appreciate I could show him my lovely double cherry blossoms in full bloom. He said, "I wish I could be there with you!"

Sure it is. I'm really hoping the day will come soon in the near future.

Snow-white NIVEA Cream is excellently all-purpose.

NIVEA blue can is familia to everyone. It is affordable, but superior to other costly cream in quality. 

Nivea brand was founded locally in Hamburg, Germany in 1911 and belongs to the German group Beiersdorf.

Sometimes, I use singular oil itself, but I feel NIVEA gives skin softness because of its glycerin as a moisturizing ingredient in addition to jojoba oil, squalane oil. NIVEA seems to be overall excellent. 

Generally, cream requires a surfactant. One of the great things of NIVEA is －

it doesn't contain a surfactant. How great it is!

① lanolin alcohol

② aluminum distearate, magnesium stearate

By mixing ① and ②, oil and water get to mix. This technique is called "oiserit".

It is amazing, this prescription hasn't changed from 110 years ago! 

Snow-white NIVEA Cream... Origin of the name comes from Latin 'nix' (snow) and 'nivis' (snowy). 

The secret of the pure white is crystalline aluminum distearate and magnesium stearate. So our akin get slightly whitish when applied to. It must be a good idea to apply NIVEA Cream to a face when not exposed to sunlight since it can be a touch of make-up.

And hidden know-how is, NIVEA is made non-sticky in coordination with magnesium sulfate.

A great product remains no matter how many years has pass. My face, hands, nails, body, and even hair are all protected by it. Snow-white NIVEA Cream is one of my favorite items.

I feel happy even if I am alone on this day because I have a dream.

 💚Let me share with you the cutest bouquet sold in front of the flower shop in Ginza, Japan.

Hoping each of you have a great time on this sweet day.  Happy Valentine's Day💕  Rose 

Classy display of apples & 2021 Starbucks Christmas Blend

There are a lot of pictures I'd love to write about, yes, I do like blogging! If it is possible, I want to write every day. But I'm swamped with work on weekdays and my eyes get tired from using the computer continuously. I should rest my weary eyes after the long day. We need to take a digital break.

Today is Sunday. I chose some from my recent photos.

Wandering around the streets, I came across a classy display of apples. How charmingly they placed apples on display! The shop seems to be a florist. Going for a stroll to explore my surroundings, I enjoy looking at the architectures on the side streets as well as the main ones.

     ☆

Christmas Blend is already in season at STARBUCKS.

I had a Starbucks employee grind 100g of coffee beans for home use. I purchased CHRISTMAS BLEND ESPRESSO ROAST. To my delight, she gave me CHRISTMAS BLEND DARK ROAST as a sample. I'm glad about it!

CHRISTMAS BLEND ESPRESSO ROAST

Bold & Decadent

featuring sun-dried Ethiopia

CHRISTMAS BLEND DARK ROAST 

Spicy & Refined

featuring rare aged Sumatra

I'm not sure about "Bold & Decadent", however, it must be saying about Indulgence, I think.

Regarding 2021 CHRISTMAS BLEND of STARBUCKS, I like DARK ROAST better than ESPRESSO ROAST. CHRISTMAS BLEND DARK ROAST is elegantly aromatic, and CHRISTMAS BLEND ESPRESSO ROAST is a little flat for me.

Let's enjoy this festive season❤︎  Rose

relaxing days with wild roses & a couch with a rose pattern

 I found wild roses from my parents suited rose patterns of my couch very well. I should take a shot.

Actually, the cover I'm using as a sofa cover is a stole Collie sent me in return for a chocolate bar & a handkerchief for Valentine's Day a few years ago. It is a stole made in Poland. It must be a unique way to use a stole, but I hope he is happy about it. You can see a white race I bought at Canterbury Village in Michigan...☆

From time to time, I buy a lunch box near my living place and sit on a couch. It is a rice bowl with ginger pork stir-fly and a great variety of vegetables on top; one of healthy lunches shunpachi.jp（旬八）sells. I'm buying strawberries too, there.

Also, I found a cute sized cookie box at Gotanda Tokyu Store. A small gift is a nice way to express "thank you". :)  It's easy on the wallet (about 2 bucks each!), but looks fancy❤︎

My brother sent me half-a-dozen red wines as a housewarming gift. I'm making open-faced grilled cheese sandwiches for supper, enjoying a glass of wine, already!

There is a day I feel, like, "I'm not going to do anything today and just relax." Or, after a long day at work, I often have a leisurely evening, feeling chilled-out.

It will be 3 months soon since I moved in here. Though I still miss my old apartment, things have finally calmed down recently and I'm getting used to a new dwelling. 

Everyone, I'm really glad I bought my house...

☆R ethical☆ inspirational rings designed in New York, crafted in Tokyo

I have 3 rings of "R ethical" https://r-jewels.com that is a jewelry brand designed for a feminine, yet dignified beautiful woman. 

R ethical jewelry are mainly made from fair-minded 18 yellow gold with gemstones, collaborated with non-profit organizations in order to contribute to a sustainable world.

Ruby                         Color Sapphire          Morganite

I am lucky to meet these lovely rings I pictured to myself from dropping by Matsuya Ginza (the department store) after work. R ethical set up a booth there during last Christmas season. 

I've been working from home since this pandemic. I don't have a chance to wear them very much. 

Color Sapphire is one of the popular products and is not resized because of its elaborate design, so it is called "Cinderella Ring." I purchased it in December 2020, but one day in March 2021, I found the gold rim surrounding Blue Sapphire cracked. I seemed to have been careless when I removed the ring. In April 2021, my Color Sapphire was repaired. It cost me pretty much, so I will have to handle my delicate jewelry carefully.  

R ethical is designed in New York, crafted in Tokyo, and ships worldwide. ---> R ethical Instagram

Maybe we can wear jewelry during this pandemic? We must be encouraged by the ancient power.

                   

Let's dress with a hope❤︎  Rose

Happy Valentine's Day to Everyone!

In Japan, women give chocolates to men. I think Feb. 14th is still a day when a woman confesses her love to her special someone with a chocolate. A woman who already has a husband or a boyfriend gives him a chocolate. 

On the other hand, fancy chocolate for myself as a treat is getting popular. Plus, a chocolate can be a small gift as a token of gratitude to people (both males & even females).

So I'm expressing my gratitude with a lovely chocolate picture, to everyone who visits my blog. (Sorry, it's a picture and not a chocolate itself, but...)   Let's open it! 

Happy Valentine's Day to Everyone💚 

How do you celebrate Valentine's Day in your country? In Europe and the United States, men give presents to women, such as chocolates, candies, flowers...right? We all have our own way to spend this day, and it's all right. Having said that, I wonder how it is like in Poland because Collie is Polish American, although he was born and raised in America. :3  I received a poetic message from him❤︎

Still cold, yet it's a sunny day and I feel the breath of spring these days.

May you always have a smile on your face, love in your heart and peace in your soul.

Also, celebrating Saint Valentine on this solemn day, 

Rose

The sophisticated at first glance yet strong flower. Is it like someone?

It is a pleasant surprise to me that the flower arrangement delivered to me about one month ago is still lively and giving me a comfort in my room during this time of isolation.

　The 2nd stage☆

The following picture was taken on December 26th when it was delivered to my apartment. Lately, switched over from several flowers that finished blooming, white & pale greenish white flowers started blooming. I wonder where so many buds were inside! I realize the buds had been waiting for their turn during purple/white roses and orange gerberas(maybe?) were blooming. How elaborately created this flower arrangement was! 

　The 1st stage☆

The shape of the frilled white & pale greenish white flowers resembles rose's. I googled it, and is it Eustoma Lisianthus Double? I got very interested in this flower. While it looks clean and sophisticated, it is strong and amazingly long lasting! I felt a sense of intimacy. LOL 

　The 2nd stage☆

Then what is this cute flower? I've never imagined an initial small bud would grow like this and bloom a pale pink flower. It is also pretty yet strong! 

Dear friends, would you kindly let me know if you know the name of this pretty pink flower?

Though I don't have a physical strength, I am mentally and physically strong ultimately in the long run. However, I am a woman who feels happy when I am cared about. Got that, Collie!?

So everyone, I'm happy you visited my blog. Wishing you a wonderful week❤︎　Rose

high-quality flowers arranged with the image of neat and clean, sophisticated, feminine someone

 I spent my New Year Holidays quietly at my apartment. Just once went out to gather at an open square with my family. We had sushi lunch and after that, enjoyed baked cheesecake for dessert with coffee. My brother boiled water there. Outdoor wood tables made us feel like trying a little camping. Tasting a hot coffee in the cold air is exceptional. It was a sunny winter day of the year end.

I almost stayed alone, however, this beautiful flower arrangement has been with me at home.

These gorgeous flowers were sent from my friend F on December 26th, 2020. Now little buds are blooming pretty flowers. I've never seen such an elegant arrangement in my life. Truly amazing!

I also sent her a flower arrangement in return out of gratitude. But it couldn't be such a refined one like this. Still, Lady F praised it like, having a good sense of style, and said red is the color she loves.

I appreciate her kind words. 

Having a good sense of style... Dear Lady F, you can say that again about this arrangement. I really learned what high quality is from your present. Rather, more of a "great" sense of style than good. 

Later, she told me that she asked the florist to base the design on my image. She described me as neat and clean, sophisticated, and feminine. Oh, wow! I learned how you think of me. I'm very honored. 

I didn't make New Year's resolutions. I will continue studying English naturally, and continue moderate daily exercise / moderate improvement on my skill at work. Those are what I have been doing until now. 

I don't work frantically, otherwise, I can't keep my youth while glowing old. Though I might not afford a high quality lifestyle, I will simply do the best I can. 

Eternal, Pure, Loyalty...  Rose

My Charming Morganite

Twinkle,  pale,  bluish pink ♡

Love --- Pureness --- Daintiness

Durable, lustrous, transparent, and various pink...

Touching affection  ⭐︎  deep personality  ⭐︎  so much charm  ⭐︎  sophisticated elegance

Cloche Instagram ⇨  💎💍🔮

Delicate and beautiful design