July 19, 2025

The sweetness of a birthday gift delivered one day before

It was one day before my birthday. I was studying English as usual when it became lunchtime. So, I cooked and ate my lunch. I was eating my meal and watching YouTube on my smartphone when I received a phone call. I was unable to answer it. Soon after, I looked up the number and found out that it was from a florist.      

It could be Collie! ...must be Collie.

I called the florist and was put through to a staff who called me. He asked if I would be home today because flowers had arrived for me from America. That is to say, he will deliver the ordered flowers once he has finished arranging them.


It was the biggest floral arrangement I'd ever received. The sender's name was written as “From America”.  Collie is the only one who would do this.


I had planned to spend my birthday quietly at home alone. However, the arrival of the flowers gradually made me feel warmer and happier towards tomorrow's birthday. I was touched by his kind thoughtfulness in sending the flowers one day before my real birthday.


12:00 a.m. It's my birthday now! Thanks to him, I didn't feel lonely at midnight that turned into my birthday. Again, it was wonderful of him to make sure that flowers arrived the day before my birthday. I put the champagne in the fridge. Then, went to bed.

☆    ☆    ☆

The next morning, Collie sent me a birthday wish along with a photo of himself with pink miniature roses in the background. I'm glad he remembers that I love miniature roses. 

It can be challenging to find miniature roses in flower arrangement orders in summer because they are sensitive to heat damage during that season. So, he is right. Those various flowers arranged in pink tones are giving me a gentle feeling in the room. I am with him through the flowers...


So, two glasses of champagne for us, Rose & Collie.  He joins me in raising his glass to our shared memories.  Cheers!

Happy Birthday to you Rose, with Love... My warmest hugs and kisses. 
I wish I could be there to enjoy the time with you🌹      by  Collie.


☆  ☆  ☆  ☆  ☆  ☆  ☆  ☆  ☆  ☆  ☆  ☆  ☆  ☆  ☆  

July 13, 2025

What will happen if you think of 3 good things that happened on the day before you fall asleep at night?

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?

Aged beans create soft bitterness and full-bodied sweetness
Cafe de Ginza MIYUKI-KAN's prized specialty

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.
With love, Rose
 

July 7, 2025

SHAKE SHACK's commitment to good ingredients is impressive.

Have you ever experienced SHAKE SHACK?  I tried their hamburger for the first time at SHAKE SHACK, Tokyo International Forum branch.  It's been almost two years now. 

SHAKE SHACK is an American multinational fast casual restaurant chain originated in New York. The atmosphere is distinctive and its fashionable space is like a spacious bar. It will lift my spirits!

SHAKE SHACK    Tokyo International Forum

First, I should ask for the basic signature menu. 

I drink hot coffee black to fully enjoy its flavor. Yup! Using Arabica beans shows a commitment to quality, and the flavor is gorgeous and robust. I find coffee itself to be a bit strong for myself, but its pairing with oily food, that balances it out perfectly.

Hot Coffee                     
SHACK Burger Single                          Fries

The patties are made with 100% Angus beef that is raised without hormones. They are grilled to order and have a fresh, substantial, chunky texture that differs from so-called hamburgers we usually have.

The buns are, to my surprise, kneaded with potatoes, which makes them slightly sweet and moist. Even softer because they are buttered. 

Fries are trans fat-free. They are fried in sunflower oil, and depending on the store and time of year, other oils such as canola oil are used. The potatoes are non-GMO.


I was impressed when I learned about the Shake Shack's commitment to good ingredients. 

No wonder the prices are higher than other hamburger places. I'll also write about the time I tried the craft beer sometime soon. Please come back to my blog to read about it!

Click here for information on Shake Shack's Japanese locations and more.

June 28, 2025