Now, let’s see. I recently, well, a month ago, spent a week in New York City. It was my very first time and I observed that it is indeed the greatest city in the world. I was in awe. Similar to seeing great natural monuments. Like not necessarily the best or most perfect city, just the greatest and mightiest. Completely in awe at its sheer relevance to humanity. Lives and generations stacked together like an epic museum. I saw so many George Costanza type characters, which was very exciting to me.
I loved strolling around and discovering pretty city parks I had never heard of.
Most of the food I had was pretty mid though :/ I had two bagels and they weren’t even that great. I had good falafel twice though!
I’ve never really had a great desire to go to NYC before but it’s fun to have seen and I got to see my good friend Gaylen for the first time in 5 (!!!!) years. Way too noisy for me though, living there would be hell. I was very happy to be back in LA after the trip was over :)
At that time, this town really felt like it was my own
Today I would like to share this fun game of Never Have I Ever - Japan study abroad edition I played with my sweet and charming friend Carolyn in Brand Park last week :D The Japanese tea house in the park is so pretty and sitting on a picnic blanket next to it and yapping was such a lovely way to spend my day. The video’s in Japanese with English subtitles :D
You absolutely have to check out her other videos as well. Her channel is incredible. She chronicles her time studying abroad in Tokyo, falling in love with the city, and experiencing reversed culture shock after coming back home. The story telling is beyond what I have ever seen in any other youtube vlogs. I really recommend going back and watching all her videos in order, as if watching a tv show (once you’ve watched our video first hehe). It reminds me a lot of the vibe of Nana. Youth, longing, yearning, heart-tugging nostalgia, friends, favorite places, music, fashion, magic. Anyone who has ever had to be painfully far away from a place they love may find consolation.
The videos are also full of tips for fun places, trendy stores, and cafes to visit around Tokyo, Kansai, and LA! It is also very rewarding seeing her Japanese gradually improve over time. Super encouraging for anyone learning a language.
Ok I’m gonna share my favorite video that has probably made me cry more than once. But I still recommend watching it after the ones leading up to it for the full emotional experience.
And if you’re in LA, I highly recommend having a picnic next to the Japanese tea house in Brand Park on your next sunny day off^^
This is the bowl carved out of redwood that my uncle gifted me when we visited the mighty redwood forest of Muir Woods.
It whispers all the secrets of my heart. What does it want me to remember? To touch the bark of the redwoods. To rub my cheek against all that is soft and smooth and lovely. The sound of my nails tapping against the wood. The feeling of the touch of the soil that loves me.
What was the bowl before it was carved? A redwood tree: the most sacred of beings, the kings and queens of this realm. Who touched it then? Who sat beneath it? Did I in a past life touch the bark of the tree that spread and later created this tree?
What does the bowl say your hands were made for? Touching, feeling the roughness of the earth and all of its creations.
Maybe in a previous life I grew up beneath the redwoods, but forgot their sacredness. So in this life I had to grow up yearning, in order to learn to appreciate their gifts. In this life, I touch the bark with reverence and listen to a bowl that whispers.
Hi. I’m Heza. I live among citrus trees and flower fields. I want to
post things on the internet, so I’ve made an old-timey blog. I like native plants,
being in nature, cute outfits, fun adventures with friends, and snacks.
Comments or questions? Send them my way in an email! Interesting comments can get shared in a post (if it's okay with you).
