How we spent CANTERBURY TACO FEST 2023 in Lake Orion, Michigan☆

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!

Solanus Casey Center that inherits the will of Detroit's beloved Capuchin priest

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. 

Jesus, am I eligible for carnations?

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.

Rose

Shopping at meijer in Lake Orion & Peach Dance☆

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".

Please look at 

【MICHIGAN TRAVEL JOURNAL EXTRA EDITION】NINJA! POTATO DANCE AND MORE...* 

if you are interested in our former act. 

You can see "Play Ninja!" and "Hide-and-seek" as well as "Potato Dance".

Potato Dance

Sorry that I'm acting strange...   ＊correction: I'm → we're

Reminiscences of Michigan are still going on.  Please come back to my blog🌷　Good day, Rose

Killing some time at Somerset Collection

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. 

An upscale atrium in Somerset Collection

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6ax9rIRLFT/ 

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

My last day of work by God and a Christmas card from Collie

Nov.30, 2023 was my last day of work. Actually, I still belong to Strategic Planing Department, Creative Solution Division of an advertising agency until the end of December, however, I took my remaining paid leaves in whole December. 

Nov.30 became God's day for me. I could happen to see all the persons I wanted to see one last time at the office. Like, as if by magic, I run into a person I had something to say additionally to at the locker, also, another person I wanted to see in person while passing each other around the entrance, both of them again in the elevator going down when I was leaving, and at last a director whom my boss didn't see at the office, but I saw waiting at the light. Moreover, my boss made a phone call to a person of HR Team because she misunderstood she'd submit my return items such as PC etc. to them (actually, to General Affairs Department). That's why we knew the HR parson was on the way to the office and wanted to see me for chat before I left the company. Otherwise I had already left the company after we submitted my return items to General Affairs Department when he got to the office. There were more coincidences. It was like a miracle. So, I think it's the power of God. 

People wish me the best of luck in my new stage. As Collie wished, I can maintain friendships with some of my coworkers.

A top specialist of the company wrote back to my email of gratitude. I read her email just before I closed my PC lastly. She described me as blow.

•  I pay close attention to details at work.
• Clients were happy when she handed over Media Data 2024 to them.
• The know-how, ideas I created and left in the intranet will remain and continue to help company's people to learn.

"Media Data" is an annual booklet created by my central supervision. It indicates the characteristics of every media such as marketing/internet/train/bus/newspaper/magazine/radio/tv/area data plus advertising law. Not only intended for internal use when planing, but aIso a sales tool that mainly Sales Department people pass directory to clients.

I appreciate what she wrote to me, and I will never forget it.

at Meguro Catholic Church

Though I'm in the process of posting my June 2023 Michigan journal, I update you a little about my life as a final post in 2023.

Collie wrote to me on Nov.25, 2023

I hope you keep some good memories, skills, pictures, and experiences from your work place. 

You are appreciated, and will be missed....

Collie wrote to me on Nov.30, 2023

Now, I hope you can rest your body, and mind more often.

You have gained wisdom, friends, and knowledge.

You have been a great contributor to the company success.

May tomorrow bring you rest, new skills, new experiences, and new smiles.

Sincere warm wishes on your new day...

Collie wrote to me on Dec.21, 2023

I hope you are well and enjoying some new things and gaining health.

I awoke with fever and headaches but must go to work appointments somehow today. I'm not in good condition. I have a card for you...but didn't mail yet. I'm sorry.

Collie showed the card in his email on Christmas Eve. I will wait for the postal card to arrive to me. The above picture of me is...16 years ago or so.... It's taken in Birmingham! I still have the rose hat and the white scarf. I was blogging in Japanese before and the picture is seen there. If you are interested in my first blog in Japanese, you can find the link in ABOUT ROSE → my complete profile.

I leave the company where I have worked for long years. In 2024, I will mull over and do what I really want to accomplish in my life. 

I will resume my June 2023 Michigan journal here. I will express my Michigan in words along with photos I took. Those photos are still abundant!

I'm so grateful that you could be here to see my blog. May our hopeful wishes brighten up our life with achievements through the new year...☆

See you in 2024, Rose

A Christmas time God gave me.

It was in January 2023 that I knew Fr.Callistus at FCC (Franciscan Chapel Center) had passed away last month. I was in the depths of sadness.

One day, I walked to Ballon in Nakameguro. It is a small vegan cafe that provides vegan food like falafel sandwiches, vegan soft serve ice cream, and more. 

This cafe has a very smooth organic coffee served with a nice cup. Taking a seat, I felt calm at the mild taste and foam. It's my cup of "coffee".

I realized they were playing Christmas songs in the store in spite of late January.

Since I lost my biological father in mid-December, I couldn't even feel the Christmas vibes everywhere in the city. But I could feel comforting Christmas through the quiet Christmas music played at the small place in January. I think Fr.Callistus went to Heaven at Christmas time. 

God, thanks for giving me a time to be with Fr.Callistus here.  －   This became my Christmas.

I didn't imagine that a falafel sandwich made of only vegetables would be this delicious! Not only healthy but also tasty...

  +  +  +

I showed up at Ballon later again in February.  It's just the time when I'd been thinking about quitting my job. 

I tried a vegan soft serve & a vegan banana muffin. Delicious, Healthy, Environmentally Friendly. Each has a gentle taste as well as a repeated organic coffee. Luckily, you can ask for soy milk if you want.  

+  +  +

Time has passed. Today is October 1st, 2023. My business at the present company is within this year. I went through the toughest time. I should use my paid holidays to take care of myself, so just a little more patience at work.

I sometimes think about my spiritual father & biological father. At times like that, I always pray, 

"May both fathers' souls be happy and in peace forever..." 

Dedicated to both fathers who ascended to Heaven in December 2022.

THE DOOR

I saw pretty doors when I was out walking. It's not far from my place, so in Tokyo, however, it reminded me of foreign countries I'd ever been.

This house is always decorating the outside of the door with flowers.

I found splendid roses covering the bay window, so snapped involuntarily.

gentle pink doors of the apartment

a soft pale green door of the detached house...

The last one was taken near my previous apartment, actually, the house next door.

This post became a door photo book. I hope you enjoyed it.

 Thank you, Rose

Hi there. I visited Michigan last month.

Dear all who visit my blog from time to time,

I am sorry I can hardly update a blog now. I got very busy and am working more than half a day, almost every day. On the weekend, I need to take a break from all the stress of my present life. But I want to write a short blog before I write about my trip to Michigan in June, 2023.

I went to Michigan for the first time after 5 years. I was finally able to fly back to Michigan since the pandemic began.  Fly "back"....  My heart was still in Michigan even if I am in Japan.

Should this blog return to a Michigan blog as it used to be? I am thinking about changing a blog name. How about "Charmed by Michigan" ?

Before I start writing about my new experience in Michigan, let me upload selected pictures taken during Oct. 2021 ~ May 2023.

I just wanted to tell you what I'm up to these days. See you soon, Rose

a graceful photo studio EASE MEGURO & a small cafe wellk

The time seems approaching when I must leave my company. I have quite a few coincidences one after another, like, letting me sense the right time, and it's about time to live, not for the conpamy, but for myself in the near future.

A graceful photo studio EASE MEGURO along the railroad tracks

I don't know if it's from I've been so many years at the head company including years at the subsidiary, but it doesn't feel real yet about leaving my company soon. It's no wonder I feel that way because if the situation at work is good, I also wanted to do my best there another year or possibly more.

a small cafe wellk

I plan on quitting work at the end of December.

Yes! I can organize my thoughts through writing my schedule. Though I might have stayed longer, I shouldn't keep being there for an unfavorable situation at the company. 

Leaving my present working place in an early stage leads to taking good care of myself, and making my dream come true that much earlier.

I still have a dream to stay connected with people at work living in U.S.A.

Instead, here in Japan, I can devote my time to writing in English. I can improve my English skills by myself. I don't have to work until I die from overwork any more.

I will discover the beauty of Japan and introduce it to the world. How fortunate it would be to be able to devote my time to writing!  

I'll be happy if you warmly cheer me on,  Rose

People without delicacy are the worst!

People without delicacy are the worst.

You make a fool of me like that.

But I know the truth.

You underestimated me.

Remember...

God will certainly punish you for it.

We couldn't meet again after 5 years.

"I didn't tell you I wasn't coming because....I was not sure myself if maybe I could still come. Even December 30 I was considering and searching tickets from Detroit, Chicago, and Los Angeles..but also I was in bed the 30th with numerous strong symptoms and it occurred to me that I could not manage 14 hours."

The difference between Collie and me on purchasing an airline ticket is, he tries to get it at the last minute, on the other hand, my style is always done a few months beforehand.

The advantage of getting an airline ticket in advance is －

1. Favorable price

2. Both of us are able to make a schedule

I can't stand being waiting, wondering if he'll come or not until the last minute. It's enormously irritating!

On December 31, I received a phone call from a florist near my town who came to my condo for delivery. She said overseas "Collie" ordered a gift for me. I was at my family home to help my mother, and realized he's not coming...

The flower arrangement was redelivered on January 3 after I came back to my condo. A message card was attached to the flowers. It says －

My best wishes to a Rose,

and her family for

this new year of hope.

-with love,   Collie

Why "a" Rose?  I asked Collie later.  He is like,

"Regarding "a" Rose...  I sent your delivery with multiple roses. However, you are an attractive woman. (there are many songs and phrases that refer to a beautiful woman as a rose.) So you are also a type of rose. That is why I wrote you are also a rose."

Collie saw a video massage from me and, "I was a little disappointed that the flowers weren't quite how I expected. Also 3 days late after new years eve. I appreciate her efforts though to deliver before Jan.4."

Though the flower shop closes on Jan.1-3 and open on Jan.4, a florist offered to me that she'd redeliver on Jan.3 after calling me.

Collie knows my taste. He must have imaged an arrangement emphasized roses without greens, big flowers, and carnations. This arrangement is celebrating a New Year in Japanese style. It was different from his image for me, but I appreciate his atempt and each flower. 

On the next day, the big lilies on the left began to bloom. I feel the smell in my room. I was disappointed that he's not coming on this long holidays, it was a great opportunity....

If he could come, seeing in person would have been for the first time, indeed, in 5 years.

Don't cry, "Rose".  You are only one in the world. Not one of them. You can study English you love on this occasion. If you have a passion for something, keep doing that!

End of Summer, Shedding, and Detroit.

Summer is over. Looking back, what I accomplished this summer, or this year? I just have been working hard, but I'm not sure if I can say I live my life to the fullest. I'm trying to study English continuously without knowing if I am improving my skill...I know it's still not good enough.

Vaccination is still on going in Japan. The 4th shot had started and 5th shot, followed by that... While Covid-19 is declared to be over in the USA, how much longer will experimental Japan continue vaccinations? Now Japan is the trash of the world. Unvaccinated people are more likely to die? It is wrong. Rather, people are dying not because of Covid-19, but because of vaccinations. Excess deaths in this August are very big since the 3rd shot started. The government nor TV never broadcast an inconvenient truth. I am suffering "shedding" from the vaccinated. This is what the clinical trial of a novel coronavirus vaccination shows.

Collect information on one's own.  Don't blindly believe what the Government nor the doctors say.

Collie sent me a photo from Detroit. It is great that there are 100 Japanese cherry trees in Detroit. Good to know Toyota has been a sister city of Detroit since 1960. Oh, I didn't know that "TOYOTA" is named after Toyota, a city in Aichi prefecture in Japan!

Time will pass while my mind is in Michigan but I live in Tokyo... Well, I'll just have to do what I can now.        "Welcome, Autumn."