There are words that lift me up whenever I need courage. When I read them silently, my heart feels steadier, gaining focus and calm determination. These words remind me that strength is not always something we create on our own. Sometimes, it feels as though there is a power greater than what we can fully comprehend—an unseen force that opens unexpected paths and offers answers beyond logic.
Whether you call it faith, intuition, resilience, or simply the mystery of life itself, there is something remarkable about recognizing that we are not left without help. This thought gives me courage in the midst of uncertainty, and the confidence to keep moving forward.
One day, as the sun sets and the city lights begin to shine, I look at the skyline before me: the buildings standing clear against the fading light in the evening sky, their windows glowing brightly against the dark silhouette of the buildings. This image is not just concrete and glass; to me, it is strength in form, hope in motion.
These are the words that give me strength.
God will give you strength for every battle, wisdom
for every decision, peace that surpasses understanding.
At the end of the day, before you go to sleep, think of 3 things that made you happy on the day. Any little thing would be OK. For example, relaxing with a rich cup of coffee, a fine piece of cake, or an unexpected kindness from a stranger...anything.
It's like a gratitude journal that you write in your heart. What will happen to you if you do that?
The effect of remembering 3 good things from your day before going to sleep
🍎You can acquire positive thinking.
By focusing on even the smallest happiness and good events in your daily lives, you can alleviate stress and develop a positive attitude.
🍏Fall asleep in a relaxed state.
Remembering what made you happy before going to sleep will calm you down. The brain is more likely to feel a sense of relief and fulfillment, which improves sleep quality.
🍎Life is enriched by making it a habit.
A sense of good things happening to you. If you continue to look for and recognize even the smallest successes and joys, you will unconsciously bring more happiness into your life.
How was it? This is the topic that has been featured in various reports. In fact, I have only recently started to put this into practice. You can try it too, if you like.
I would think, having a heart that appreciates each small blessing in life tells me that I am already happy, and can be even happier in the days to come.
June has arrived🍀 It's already early summer. How are you all doing?
"I'm good. How about you?", "Can't complain.", "Surviving.", "I'm hanging in there.", "Top of the world!" or "I'm doing better. Thanks for asking me."??
I have many goals, but I'm not making as much progress as I'd like. When I focus on one thing, it feels like time passes only for that one thing. Several things are added to the pile each day, but it's not easy to do everything.
What if I did everything as planned, but didn't actually learn how to do it myself? That'd be awful🙀
Improving efficiency is one thing, but that alone may not solve the problem. The thing is, the list of things to study English must be too many for myself, and I'm not sure how to manage it all in one day. Of course, there are other things I want to do besides English.
Flexibly🌠 reduce the number of items to be done each day. Rather than focusing on completing the daily to-do list, let's focus on what I am doing right now. Enjoy it. Otherwise, the pile of things to do afterward will distract me while I'm working on something else. Focus on the present moment.
Matcha Latte💚
Studying isn't the only important activity. Relaxing is important, too.
Taking a more leisurely approach and savoring a few things I do would be more beneficial for me than pushing myself to accomplish an ideal, exhaustive number of tasks on my list. I think I would learn more that way.
I'm going to change my lifestyle a bit. I hope you all have a wonderful life that's right for you. Rose
A Google search of my blog, Charmed by Michigan, does not yield any hits. That's a shame...😔
Yesterday, I discovered that someone had come to my blog via ChatGPT. So I gave it a try too. I typed [Charmed by Michigan blogger] into the ChatGPT search window. Then, surprisingly, ChatGPT presented me with the search results for my blog. My blog got a hit in a search!
My heart was truly delighted by how ChatGPT captured my blog with a thoughtful insight.
Below is an expanded version of the text.
I was encouraged by the results of ChatGPT. ChatGPT is amazing!
I'm glad I kept the screenshot. I did the same search a few more times after that, but I never got the same results again. Nor did I get any emojis like the ones in the screenshot I uploaded here.
For Japanese people, here is a reference.
・encounter (思いがけない)出会い
・introspection 自己観察
・recount を詳しく述べる、順を追って話す
・spontaneous 自然に起こる、自発的な
・lighthearted 気楽な、愉快な、陽気な
・whimsical 奇抜な、ふざけた
・showcase を披露する
The ChatGPT results above are screenshots, so the links to the blogs in '✨Blog Highlights' do not work. I've placed each link below. Please take a look if you'd like😉
I just happened to see the insightful content produced by ChatGPT, which documents thoughtful words and analysis about my blog. It encouraged me when I was a little lost in myself. For me, this search result was like a gift. I'd like to save this one search result that I encountered at that moment in time. It will also help me learn more about myself. Surely it was a comfort. With gratitude, Rose
Just the other day, the first official Influencer Briefing took place at the White House. Speaking at the Briefing is a hot White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, who is now well known to all of us.
In her own words, "The Trump White House started speaking to all media outlets and personalities not just the legacy media.", "Tens of millions of Americans are now turning to social media and independent media outlets.", "A select of D.C. based journalists no longer have a monopoly over press access at the White House."
Image Source: Official White House YouTube channel
After this new effort, the second and third rounds... are continuing already. How energetic! The US administration is moving fast "at Trump speed" at this scene, too.
Let me upload the very first official Influencer Briefing to commemorate this groundbreaking event. For me, it was a very impressive one to kick off the first 100 days of the Trump White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Briefs Original
【Members of the New Media - the first round】
It was a stark contrast to the usual Press Briefings filled with legacy media. No one made any attempt at all to nitpick stories, nor was there any attempt to be associated with fake news, hoaxes, or lies. They are trying to cover the truth with the correct facts for law-abiding American citizens.
There was a calm and friendly atmosphere among the social/independent media people invited to this room. They are doing the right thing. These are people who think and act with "common sense". I really admired the gentle atmosphere💕
English subtitles and Japanese translation are below👇 Very helpful for better understanding!
【オールドメディアの独占取材に終止符！】
キャロライン報道官の記者会見 英語字幕/日本語訳
There are a few places where you may see a mistake in the Japanese translation. As an example, "take something with a grain of salt" means "半信半疑で聞く / 話半分に聞く" in Japanese, but it was written "慎重に受け止めています" in the above video. But we are very grateful to them, as they are always quick to provide Japanese translated and annotated videos as well as English subtitles.
I hope everyone enjoys this beautiful Influencer Briefing, whether you are an English speaker, someone whose native language is another one, or someone from Japan☺
What does happiness mean to you? Is it being rich? Is it having a sweet partner? Of course they are very nice! To live happily, however, these things are not always necessary. In the process of saving money, there are discoveries to be made. The ideas that come from the original imagination, or the sudden discovery while trying to be wisely thrifty, enrich our lives on the contrary.
This is just a small example. How about serving your usual salad with a colorful beet dressing?
Isn't it beautiful? My usual salad is now festive. It feels like my day will be different from the usual😊
The red-violet anthocyanin in beets is called betacyanin, a type of polyphenol. It has a powerful antioxidant effect. Not only it lifts up your spirits, but also good for your body too. How wonderful!
How about a combination of beet-colored topping with astaxanthin-rich salmon? The bright-red astaxanthin is also a kind of polyphenol and has a strong antioxidant effect.
You don't have to spend a lot of money to make your days more colorful. If you are feeling down, take something nourishing and enjoyable and be kind to your body. Every day is a special day. Spending time on your own or with someone you love, both make you happy!
Speaking for myself, I like affluence, but I also like finding the idea of saving money wisely😉 When it comes to a partner?, hmmm, I'm going to leave that to your imagination. w
Wishing you all a lovely day...
My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior.
I am subscribing 'FOX NEWS channel', but when I want to watch the YouTube channel with English captions, 'Forbes BREAKING NEWS' is fine for me. It's the fact that the captions come way behind the spoken words on 'FOX NEWS channel'. When it comes to the captions, I often watch 'Forbes BREAKING NEWS' because the captions are perfectly synchronized with the conversation. It is easy to follow visually. It is good for me to understand! The captions of 'the White House' are also good☺︎
Since President Trump announced across-the-board tariffs, global stock markets have been down SHARPLY😱!!! Below is part of the White House Press Briefing prior to the announcement of reciprocal tariffs by President Trump.
Forbes BREAKING NEWS
During Tuesday’s White House Press Briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt
answered questions about President Trump's reciprocal tariffs rollout.
Mr.Doocy asks to White House Press Secretary Karoline related to wild swings in the stock market, "You said that the President right now is with the trade and tariff team. They are very confident that this is all going to work, but.."
"What if they're wrong?"
Karoline answers immediately and emphatically.
"They're not going to be wrong. It is going to work."
It was an impressive, confident smile.
Ever since she became the Press Secretary of the White House, I have enjoyed watching the White House Press Briefing on YouTube. She is incredible! By now, some of the journalists who're present in the briefing room are familiar to me.
In the center is Peter Doocy, the Senior White House Correspondent for FOX News. He seems to be concerned about Karoline and the tariff policy.
On the right is Gabe Gutierrez, the Senior White House Correspondent for NBC News. He listens attentively to Karoline.
In the upper right is Jon Decker, the White House Correspondent and Senior National Editor for Gray Television. He looks at Karoline with a very nice expression on his face.
The next day, the President announced sweeping global tariffs, and the share prices plummeted.
I found the following YouTube.
Forbes BREAKING NEWS
On CNN, Karoline Leavitt was interviewed about
President Trump's tariff announcement and the plummeting stock market.
The CNN hostess was so harsh to Karoline from the very beginning that it was frankly hard to watch for me😰 However, it's also true that Karoline was not in a position to be able to give a direct answer to what the hostess wanted to know.
I am rooting for the President Trump. After the inauguration, they quickly negotiated the exchange that secured hostages' release. The border wall construction to protect American people from a heinous murder/crime. Illegal foreign criminals' arrest and deportation. DOGE's transparent efforts to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in government expenditures. Protecting female athletes from men. Rescuing astronauts left behind in space, and so forth. And best of all, the President Trump never starts wars. He doesn't want too many people to die. Could any other president be so humane?
In the White House briefing room, Karoline Leavitt described the President Trump as the master of the art of the deal. She also said,
"I think as deals in the past have come to fruition, the President has proven one of the things that makes him a very effective negotiator is not revealing what he’s anticipating from both sides."
The President Trump is a dealmaker.
My hope is that the current controversial government policy on tariffs will have a positive outcome.
Stock prices will definitely go up. When that will be, I will keep an eye on it.
This week, the top DOGE team finally made an appearance in public. DOGE stands for Department of Government Efficiency and their efforts are a full-scale investigation into the fraud, waste and abuse that the federal government has been spending American's tax dollars on. It's a temporary organization created by executive order of the second Trump administration in the United States, with the goal of modernizing federal technology and software to enhance governmental efficiency as well as finding and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse in government expenditures.
image source: FOX NEWS ALERT
There are line items across federal government that DOGE is identifying on a daily basis. They are incredibly transparent about the way that DOGE is working. Also, they have a website https://doge.gov where they are posting the receipts of the contracts that they are reviewing and the payments that they have stopped from going out the door. They’re moving very fast!
Elon Musk's DOGE team breaks silence
Elon Musk and DOGE team give behind the scenes look at their mission
Elon Musk sitting down alongside seven members of the DOGE team for an exclusive & fascinating interview, giving a peek behind the curtains of President Trump's cost cutting Department: DOGE.
【Japanese Dubbed Version】
ついにDOGEチーム登場！ 無償で政府改革に挑む理由とは？
Together with the DOGE team he leads, he reveals the rumors and...
The interviewer says to the DOGE team,
"Why are you guys all doing it? You don't have to be here, you don't have to be doing this."
Elon Musk / DOGE team;
"If we don't do it, America's going to go insolvent, we're going to bankrupt and nobody's going to get anything." "We have a real fiscal crisis." "Adults have a duty to protect the lives of children later in life." "All have the same goal to slash wasteful government spending. Our goal is to reduce the deficit by a trillion dollars." "Here I am, but I feel like this is me giving back to the country."
I feel a genuine and honest quality, or sincerity, emanating from the expression of each member of the DOGE team. I am truly impressed. They are the smartest individuals in the world. I send them my highest praise and support.
Lately, I've been glued to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt's Press Briefing. I'm thrilled to learn English through her vibrant and powerful speeking.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt
image source: FOX NEWS channel
Her confident glamour, her sharp and astute answers, her resourcefulness, her loyalty, and her unwavering spirit. I think many people are brown away by her awesomeness. I am one of them❤︎
Since I am Japanese, I find mochantv英会話 very useful, as it gives us both English subtitles and Japanese translation with annotations. Thanks a million for your timely delivery of real English!
Karoline Leavitt's Press Briefings are linked below, if you'd like to see them.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Briefing 20250212
*English subtitles with Japanese translation
*The original video
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Briefing 20250225
*English subtitles with Japanese translation
*The original video
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President Trump Inauguration Speech 20250120
*English subtitles with Japanese translation
President Trump & Elon Musk In The Oval Office 20250211
As you get older, you really just want to be surrounded by good people, people that are good for your soul. There might not be that many people you'd want to continue to interact with as time goes on.
Since things had calmed down, I sent an email to a woman I hadn't heard from in a while to give her a quick update. She lives in Michigan and appeared on this blog as "a lady in Detroit". A little time passed after I sent her the message.
One afternoon in early December, I received an email from her. To my surprise, she's visiting Japan with her husband and was in Roppongi at the moment! Luckily, I was at home. She offered to come to whichever location I preferred for a drink, so I thought it would be a good idea for them to come to my area because it's fairly close to where they were now. I was stoked about the sudden event! It was definitely a pleasant surprise.
In a few hours, I greeted the couple at Gotanda Station, where they were waiting for me. We decided to go to a dinning bar Devil Craft, which signature dish is Chicago Pizza. More than anything, the authentic Craft Beer selection is worth a visit. You can check out what Devil Craft is like at this post: On the top floor of the circular building on the west side of Gotanda Station, there is a...
It had been over six years since we met in Michigan. I'm glad her husband liked the ambiance of the bar. He told me he knew another branch, Devil Craft Kanda. (The place where we enjoyed the conversation over Craft Beer that evening was Devil Craft Gotanda.) They had just arrived in Japan the day before yesterday and must have been a bit jet-lagged, but I wanted them to come to my apartment. It's the fact that it was just a short walk away. They've invited Collie & me to their home in Michigan in the past. So it'd be so nice if they'd stop by my new place to live even for a short time!
The couple paid the bill kindly at the bar, so I bought their choice of beers at NATURAL LAWSON on the first floor of the same building so we could drink them in my apartment. It was a small way to say thank you.
The time flied quickly as we chatted. I'm sorry for them because it got late, although I said just a quick drink at my place. But it was a really good opportunity. I'm glad they could come. Later I told Collie more about catching up with the couple to fill him in.
I still have cans of their beer choices with the happy memory. Lady Detroit's husband said, "Let's get the four of us together again!". Truly, I can't wait for the day to come, in Michigan, or in Tokyo.
That day I got to hear valuable input. It was something so valuable that it would become one of my core values in life. In the hope of meeting again, I improve myself.
No one can predict the future. Just do what you can manage. Everything you felt you'd lost will be replaced with something better. Stay true to who you are, and you'll attract people who value you.
Coffee is one of my everyday pleasures. I can't wait to make coffee from Starbucks beans every morning. I like to make my coffee with more hot water than is offered in the shop. I drink it black♪
Drinking coffee at home is wonderful, but sometimes I want to go out and drink coffee in a stylish space. It's a great option when you want to relax: step out of the house, get some fresh air, and visit other places where you can sit back enjoying delicious coffee.
soothing time in a cafe
It's a nice change of pace to change locations! If you're not planning on traveling or don't have much time, a coffee shop is an effortless, yet great way to unwind.
In fact, I like going to McDonald's, too. The people-watching there is also interesting.
I am quite thrifty and enjoy most of my coffee at home. So I'm stoked when I go out to a coffee shop. Relaxing in a coffee shop is a little trip you can take in daily life.
What is your daily refreshment of choice? Wishing you a wonderful day today♡ ＊Rose＊
CANTERBURY VILLAGE in Lake Orion, Michigan marked its 30th anniversary in 2023. Congratulations! Collie & Rose visited CANTERBURY TACO FEST on June 25th, 2023. I will show you how we spent it with photos.
Canterbury Castle 2325 Joslyn Rd, Lake Orion, Michigan 48360, United States
Collie took me to CANTERBURY VILLAGE, saying, "You must like the TACO FEST!" I was not sure why he thought so, but let's play it by ear and see where our day takes us.
For me, CANTERBURY VILLAGE has a Christmas or winter season image. I used to see Christmas ornaments and do shopping here. This is probably the first time I've been here in early summer.
Walk around and look at the stalls and other things...
DONUT SUNDAE?? I haven't seen this before, but that makes sense. A donut nestled next to vanilla ice cream is drizzled with caramel sauce and whipped cream. It's a signature treat of YATES. Yum...
TACO EATING CONTEST at TULIP STAGE
I am sending a cheer unconsciously with a lot of spectators. Collie might have thought I liked TACO FEST because of this event...😅
The winner was a woman on the left. The way a guy looks at her while eating is humorous. Good job, everyone!
Collie is trying to buy something. :3 It was a chocolate chip cookie. I found he sometimes buying a cookie in this trip of mine. We took a seat and had a rest while chatting. I took a bite of the cookie. I thought the one he bought at ASTORIA PASTRY SHOP in Royal Oak was hands down the best.
BALLET FORKLORICO DE DETROIT at CHAPEL STAGE
It's a community-based dance company dedicated to preserving rich Mexican culture with dance and music. The dance expresses life and spirit of Mexican people through its movement and tune.
ALL-STAR WRESTLING at YATES STAGE
I was privileged to take a picture with Great Tiger & Great Akuma. They were both very welcoming! What gentle eyes Great Tiger has! I was moved. When I said "I'm from Tokyo." to Great Akuma, he responded by saying "Hajimemashite", which meant 'Nice to meet you'. It was a wonderful experience. I am grateful to Collie for suggesting my standing in line with the audience for a picture with Great Tiger & Great Akuma. ＊Akuma means Devil.
Throughout the festival, we tried to search numerous food trucks for the best TACO, but we missed eating it. The main reason is we weren't so hungry in spite that we liked Mexican food. We didn't eat traditional Mexican dish TACO, however, we really had a good time at CANTERBURY TACO FEST 2023 in Lake Orion, Michigan. It was held in 2024, too. You can read more details about the festival on this site. → https://www.canterburyvillage.com/event/canterbury-taco-fest/ Have a nice day!
The Solanus Casey Center is a spiritual oasis inspired by the holiness of Capuchin friar blessed Solanus Casey in the heart of Detroit.
Father Solanus dedicated his life to spending much of his time feeding the poor and caring for the sick. His remains are now inside the chapel at Saint Bonaventure Monastery.
Saintly priest Solanus was inspired by the Gospel of Luke 11:10 throughout his life; Jesus speaks －
"Ask and you shall receive. Seek and you shall find. Knock and it shall be opened to you."
peaceful atmosphere for meditation and facing oneself
The feast day of blessed Solanus Casey, Detroit's beloved Capuchin priest is July 30 and is celebrated every year. In 2024, it's being remembered at the Solanus Casey Center with a nine-day novena on July 22 - July 30.
May more and more people on the earth be greatly influenced by venerable Solanus Casey, imitate and carry on his love for all the poor and the suffering of the glove.
Flowers were on the desk in the room I was staying in. He quickly arranged them when he returned to his house for a couple of preparations such as clothing while I was staying at Royal Park Hotel in Rochester. Lovely pink carnations reflect his gentleness to me.
＋ ＋ ＋
That was when I was working at the advertising agency. I had a lunch with a pregnant woman who was at the different department during our lunch break. In connection with the story, I confided to her that I wanted a child, but I cried because I couldn't make it in time. No sooner than I told it, she cracked up, "Hahahahahahaaaaa!!!"
It hit me hard. I got hurt, but I continued conversation with a smile. She was over the moon after getting pregnant following infertility treatments. I surmise, her mind was "How happy I am!! While there is a woman who can't have a child, I can have a baby! I won!" even if it's unconscious. The misfortune of others tastes as sweet as honey.
Since then, I'd been left traumatized. After a while, my friend at the same department as me finally got pregnant after infertility treatments. On the grounds of being pregnant, she started working from home and rarely came to the office. I did all her work originally should've been done at the office when I went to the office instead of her. On the day she came to the office for a change, we went for a lunch. When I was at the table with her, I told her what happened when I was talking with another pregnant woman before. I thought that she would understand how hurt I felt, so I confided in her. However, I noticed her smiling happily. Her laughing eyes were full of joy although she didn't burst into laughter like the former pregnant woman. It cut to the core. I expected words of sympathy, "That was tough for you." or "She shouldn't have laughed out loud that way.", but I couldn't hear kind words from the woman I showed kindness to all the time. So one person's tragedy is another person's excitement, after all. Not easy, but I needed to seal off my emotions.
Congratulations again. Good bye, my ex-colleagues I spent a couple meaningful years with.
＋ ＋ ＋
All mothers are celebrated at Mother's Day Mass. Mothers are blessed on an alter, and women who have never given birth to children are left at Mass seats. Likewise, men are divided into two at Father's Day Mass.
We are not equal in the sight of God? Do church people know the feelings of someone who wanted a child but couldn't have one? The custom of Mother's/Father's Day at Catholic church was created by humans. Not by God.
For me, carnations are flowers for Mother's Day. So I feel diffident about being given carnations.
・Red carnations signify respect and sincere love for mothers in our lives.
・White carnations are displayed in honor of the mothers who are in heaven.
・Pink carnations symbolize a mother's love and are a sign of appreciation.
According to a Christian legend, carnations originally appeared after the Crucifixion of Christ, growing in the spots where the Virgin Mary's tears fell to the earth.
Jesus, can I receive carnations as a present for me? I'm not a mother, but I think these pink carnations are lovely.
Then I silently felt the answer came down from above.
"Yes."
I send my blessings to all the mothers on earth and in heaven. There is a life prepared for me. Turning over a new leaf, I have to live my real life to the fullest.
Until my time here is through, Jesus, please be with me.
At this time's visit, I directly headed towards Royal Park Hotel in Rochester, so I will go to Collie's house from now. On the way to the destination, we will get a little groceries♪
Meijer is a supermarket chain started in greenville, Michigan in 1934, and now operates throughout Midwestern United States. The headquarters is in the part of Grand Rapids metropolitan area.
"welcome to your meijer grocery" - How friendlily cute it is! The letters ●Lake Orion● are also likable. I'm drawn towards the organic section. That's awesome😍
While Collie is looking around the store, I look around at various sections in the store with amusement. That always happens.
This time, I've got 2 peaches💕^^（←He bought them with other foods.)
Peach Dance
I playfully danced with peaches this time. Did it pan out, I wonder. I think so. It must have been funny because he was very happy to see my improvising "Peach Dance".
Collie will take the afternoon off so he can pick me up at one of the entrances of that large shopping mall. Somerset Collection is an opulent shopping mall located in Troy, Michigan with more than 180 specialty stores.
Not sure how many times I came here, but it is a good place to spend some time while he is working. In the beginning when I started to visit Michigan, I was engrossed in several shops and bought some clothes. Those purchases uplifted me. Also, I enjoyed just walking around checking out all the stores. Now that I have enough dresses and blouses etc., I should pull off any outfits I purchased. So...I just started wandering around the mall without any plan or specific purpose.
In hindsight, each one was a fortunate purchase. I found it at the right time when I really wanted it. I still treasure all of them. I'm thankful that I got to have the opportunity of meeting my type of fashion here in the past.
★macy*s floor 2
My favorite type of clothes is on the second floor of ★macy*s at Somerset Collection. Elegant, but not overly flamboyant. Macy*s is one of the popular American department stores.
☆ ☆ ☆
Then, I met Collie inside of the entrance. I was 1-2 minute late. ^^; (Which is unusual for me!)
I always think it's great that -
Collie is invariably punctual.
We are going to the restaurant for lunch. I'm excited, I can be there for the first time after 5 years!
I've not been so interested in shopping lately. So...appetite rather than material desire. :3 Rose
