Inside Meijer: Sweet & Funny Moments of Grocery Shopping with Him

One of my favorite things to do in Michigan is visiting a giant local supermarket like Meijer. The store is massive, and it’s packed with so many colorful American items!

Even a simple grocery shopping trip becomes a special memory with him. 🍓

Collie took the mission very seriously.

I told him that I wanted some shrimp to cook at home, so he was carefully choosing the best one for me. He looked so serious! 🤣  He explained to me that pre-cooked (boiled) shrimp is safer than raw shrimp to avoid food poisoning.

I just couldn't resist following him and snapping photos of his back profile. 🤭

Inspecting every single detail...

I caught this adorable moment of him staring at the items so intently. 🥰  Look at him focusing on choosing the best one! 

He was actually looking for a convenient sensor light for me to use during my stay at his house. He wanted to make sure I felt comfortable every night.

However, we had completely opposite ideas about safety! I thought having a light on would be safer because it scares away bad guys, but he said that a sensor light actually makes it easier for them to see inside the house.

Meijer is definitely a very helpful place for us. Collie took care of me so well, going back and forth between his mom's house—whom he always cares for—and his own house where I was staying. He is just so adorable and reliable.

Rose🌷

【Michigan Travelogue Special Reels Vol.11】Mackinaw Crossings Mall

This is a special spin-off featuring video reels from my earlier days in Michigan, prior to my ongoing travel blog. I hope it brings back the beautiful atmosphere of that time.

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Rose | Charmed by Michigan(@jophielrose1)がシェアした投稿

Capturing the entrance of Mackinaw Crossings Mall and the lovely shops🏠 around it. As evening approached, I was just about to head back to the hotel where Collie was in an online meeting.

【Michigan Travelogue Special Reels Vol.10】Camp 33 Gift Shop, Tahquamenon Upper Falls

This is a special spin-off featuring video reels from my earlier days in Michigan, prior to my ongoing travel blog. I hope it brings back the beautiful atmosphere of that time.

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Rose | Charmed by Michigan(@jophielrose1)がシェアした投稿

When going up to the second floor at Camp 33 Gift Shop in Tahquamenon Upper Falls, I filmed this staircase adorned with so many stuffed animals. It's adorable❤︎ how they hold onto the pillars, isn't it? Downstairs, the Brewery & Pub offers amazing craft beer. And guess what? This place is in a town in Michigan called "Paradise"!

【Michigan Travelogue Special Reels Vol.3】Catching Fireflies, Downtown Rochester

This is a special spin-off featuring video reels from my earlier days in Michigan, prior to my ongoing travel blog. I hope it brings back the beautiful atmosphere of that time.

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Rose | Charmed by Michigan(@jophielrose1)がシェアした投稿

On a beautiful sunny day, I captured bubbles 🫧 bursting out from a machine with the sound right at the entrance of Catching Fireflies, a whimsical gift gallery in downtown Rochester. This is a precious piece of footage of the shop before it was renovated with its current red exterior.

【Michigan Travelogue Special Reels Vol.2】Old Rochester Train Depot

This is a special spin-off featuring video reels from my earlier days in Michigan, prior to my ongoing travel blog. I hope it brings back the beautiful atmosphere of that time.

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Rose | Charmed by Michigan(@jophielrose1)がシェアした投稿

When walking from the Royal Park Hotel to S Main St, where the downtown cafe is located, I used to stroll down E University Dr past this very building. I often found myself wondering what this cute, house-like shop could be. This is a precious piece of footage captured before the walls turned red. 🌺

Charming & Fluffy: The Adorable Magic of Tokyo's Yaezakura

Yaezakura (Double‑Flowered Cherry Blossoms) 

These lush, layered blossoms bring an almost heavenly charm to Tokyo’s streets in late spring…

As the single‑petaled cherry blossoms fade away in late spring, the double‑flowered cherry blossoms begin to open, as if gracefully taking the baton to continue the season’s beauty.

Delicate pink Yaezakura double‑flowered cherry blossoms in full bloom, fluffy petals creating a romantic canopy over a tree‑lined street in Shinagawa, Tokyo.

Some sections along the quiet route are lined with various types of Yaezakura among many other cherry trees along the Meguro River, and it’s the Yaezakura that always puts me in a dreamy mood.

The single‑petaled cherry blossoms have a fragile, fleeting beauty, yet I am especially drawn to Yaezakura with their strong, lively, and adorable charm. Fluffy layers of Yaezakura are so lovely💕

The bouncy Yaezakura, where pure white and soft pink blend, also look dreamy.

These Yaezakura overflow with adorable fluffiness, yet they feel powerful and uplifting!

Pink petals gather along one side of the walkway beside the bridge.

Looking from that walkway toward the main avenue, I’m amazed at how such a cute, natural world can coexist with the city.

This season, why not discover the adorable fluffiness of double‑flowered sakura? A leisurely walk under these blossoms is the perfect way to fall in love with Tokyo’s springtime magic.

Rose

My American Everyday Treasures + A Belated ☆Message to Rose☆ Reply

When I go to the U.S., I like to bring back little everyday things—some dental floss, a tube of toothpaste, a lip balm or two... Nothing fancy, and I could buy similar ones from Japanese brands here. Still, I like having those small American bits around me in Japan. It's a gentle way to keep a bit of that U.S. feeling even while I’m back home.

My little American everyday essentials

Several packs of dental floss, a tube of toothpaste, and a couple of

smooth lip balms – tiny reminders of U.S. life back home in Japan.

The two tiny round dental floss packs are something Collie got from the dentist—they're so adorable, and really tug at my heartstrings❤︎  I also picked up a small tube of toothpaste😊♪

I'll keep sharing my Michigan travel stories from Japan. I'd love it if you cheer me on!   Rose

◇ Quick Update ◇

I realized I hadn't checked ☆A message to Rose☆ on my blog. I've just discovered your sweet message from November last year—I'm so sorry!!!

In this article, I wrote: "There were curious sounds of cats meowing—probably someone had smuggled a cat on board." You asked me: "Delta Airlines allows small pets to travel in the cabin. Do you think that cat was smuggled by its owner?"

I wrote that so casually...😅 I meant “smuggled” playfully, like “someone secretly brought it onboard.” Turns out, even on my Haneda-Detroit international flight, small pets are allowed in the cabin. They need advance booking with a fee, and there's limited space. Thank you so much for taking the time to write!  In retrospect, that cat was probably legit after all, not smuggled...🐱mew.　I'm really hoping this reaches you.  

I'll take a gentle break throughout March. Looking forward to resuming Michigan stories in April🌿

Google Duo's Magical Animations: Cat-on-Head Moments Close to My Heart

Google Duo's cat animation feature: 

A comical animated cat clinging to my head, moving its head and expressions

Remember Google Duo's magical animations? I used to record my own videos using the fun animation feature and send them to Collie—pure joy! Here are some screenshots I captured back then. Sadly discontinued now, but let's cherish these memories. What was your favorite Duo moment?

My favorite was the cat animation. When I tapped the cat icon🐱 during recording, a cat would appear, clinging to my head, and move its head while changing expressions!

The Google Duo app featured playful effects for video messages. When Google Duo was integrated into Google Meet in 2022, Duo's core features were temporarily carried over within the Meet app but were gradually phased out.

The comical cat expressions were so much fun! I took the video in February 2025. The animation effects were still available then, but sadly, you can no longer send personal animated videos like this at all today.

Look at the cat rubbing against me! This one is my absolute favorite. (Sorry about the apron-over-bare-skin look in the Collie video—I was just goofing around in my room😅)

Apparently, the reason Google Duo disappeared wasn't because it was free, but because video messages were a niche feature limited to some users. For us in a long-distance relationship, Google Duo was such a convenient feature... That's why I'm cherishing these memories.

Today, I've shared these precious memories to save those happy times. Thanks for joining me in reliving them—let's cherish our Duo memories together😺✨

Love, Rose

A Little Angel, Pink Roses, and Tender Struggles of the Heart.

✼  ✼  ✼  ✼  ✼  ✼  ✼ 

When I stayed at my mother’s house, I took her out for a modest birthday lunch. That day was her birthday, so I bought a stem of soft pink miniature roses. “They’re expensive — just one is enough,” she said, and I took her up on it, buying only a single stem. But that one stem had several side branches, each with its own tiny roses, so when I cut it short at her house, it became three little stems — like a small, delicate bouquet. I placed it beside the little porcelain angel she treasures at home.

Sometimes, I feel as though my mother treats me more like a helper than a daughter, or that she needs to put me down, or to declare that she’s “won” in some small way, in order to feel that she is worthwhile. And yet, I also know that pulling too far away to protect myself might leave me with regret later — because I’m so grateful that she is still here, alive, and that simple presence feels like a quiet miracle from God.

There’s a teaching from God : “Honour your father and your mother, even when they are wrong.”  I don’t always agree with them in everything, but I try to hold this teaching close, because I believe God is saying: honour them, even so, for there are still things in them worth respecting.  God’s teaching is profound.

What I’ve come to believe is this: the kindest thing I can do for her is to gently help her depend on me less, so she can find more joy in her own life. And for that, distance matters. Not cold distance, but a kind of space — close enough to feel the good things about her, far enough to protect my own heart.

I try to keep her good qualities close in my mind, and to accept that people don’t change in the ways we hope. Within that space, I look for balance.  If these reflections resonate with you even a little, may they gently encourage you on your own journey.

Wishing you a gentle and grace-filled Christmas. May this season remind you that even in complicated relationships, even in tender struggles, there is room for love, for growth, and for quiet miracles. May you carry light into the new year, and may your heart feel a little lighter, too.

✼  ✼  ✼  ✼  ✼  ✼  ✼

 

Adorable Mini Pumpkins in Whimsical Swirls of Nature's Wonder

Visiting my mother back home at dusk, I brought along some small decorative pumpkins and a mini bouquet as gifts.

Surrounded by these adorable mini pumpkins, the mini bouquet shimmered tenderly in the warm room light.

I arranged the mini bouquet and marveled at so much floral variety in one small bunch! Now, let's capture the pumpkins from another angle too.

The following day, in the soft morning light, I took fresh shots. These small decorative pumpkins fill me with wonder at nature's mysteries. How do such whimsical patterns emerge? Notice especially the one split in color between top and bottom.

Adorable mini pumpkins in whimsical swirls of nature's wonder. 

Around autumn, these adorable pumpkins of all varieties begin popping up around town. They keep delighting our eyes for over half a year, sometimes shifting in color along the way. Nature's wondrous creations leave us in awe, unable to do anything but marvel.

Tiny Treats, Big Flavor: IKEA Harajuku’s Plant-Based Soft Serve

When you’re in Harajuku, even if you don’t have any particular plans, it’s hard to resist dropping by IKEA. And no matter how chilly the weather gets, it’s easy to feel tempted by their tiny soft serve. Believe it or not, this little treat is PLANT-BASED SOFT SERVE!

It made its debut on October 19, 2023. Until then, IKEA served a regular milk-based soft serve, but after kicking off a plant-based project, the team spent nearly two years perfecting this new version before finally launching it. 

PLANT-BASED SOFT SERVE at IKEA Harajuku

Instead of dairy, it’s made with soy milk. The soy milk used here has hardly any of that distinct bean aroma, and the balance between sweetness and a hint of salt is beautifully tuned. It’s amazing how creamy it tastes—hard to believe it’s soy-based!

You can find this PLANT-BASED SOFT SERVE near the entrance on the first floor of IKEA Harajuku. It’s only 50 yen, which makes it even more delightful♡ The frozen CINNAMON BUN you see in the background of the photo is adorable too. You can easily grab both at the first-floor stand — the Swedish Bistro.  Feel like adding this to your list of Harajuku treats?

The Tender Struggle with Miniature Roses

I am enthralled by small roses. While large roses are gorgeous and classy, small roses are so cute that they gently make my heart flutter. Their dainty appearance truly touches my heart.

I usually tend to be frugal, so I don't buy flowers to decorate my home. However, one day I thought, if I could grow miniature roses in pots, I could enjoy them all year round! So, I bought a miniature rose that captured my heart at the flower shop and brought it home.

I also bought another miniature rose. Watching the small buds gradually open each day lifted my spirits. Truly, these adorable roses warmed my heart. Arranging cut small roses in a little container must be adorable too!

However, these miniature roses were difficult to grow. When I put them out on the balcony, the sunlight caused the flowers to droop, and even indoors, the sunlight from the west into my room didn’t seem suitable. Watching the little roses weaken day by day was painful and disappointing, so I gave up on the dream of growing potted roses.

With an apology for not being able to grow them well, please allow me to share photos of these delicate roses that warmed my heart.

Since then, each time I catch sight of a potted miniature rose, I am captivated by its cuteness and at the same time feel a little pang of the feelings of not being able to nurture them. Yet, I cannot help but look. These tiny roses hold a special place in my heart, as my most cherished flowers. 

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