Notes of a Desolate Libra

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="207" caption="Yum!"] [/caption]

This is a photo of me at Hiroko's Place that many people have seen. The gigantic and endlessly delicious green tea parfait is the focus of this picture of course... and from then on, Hiroko's became one of my favorite places in the city. It's a bit pricey, but the food is good, the setting is wonderful, and the service is top notch. It's basically a place that serves Japanese style "Western Food"... such as "omu-rice" (think omlet+rice+a happy face written with ketchup). I love ordering their seafood doria, then their green tea parfait, and end with the British milk tea (tea brewed IN milk). Mmmmm.... hard on the wallet, but so good for the tummy (?) and soul. The decoration is all artwork from a collection of local artists and range from esoteric to funky, complete with shelves of manga that guests are welcomed to read.

The other day, I took a few friends there (one of them really craved omu-rice) and happened upon a rather pleasant surprise... (wouldn't you figure) in the bathroom. I noticed these beautiful pictures on the wall and (yes) kept on going back to the bathroom to take another look... the more I looked the more I liked... and I finally couldn't help it but ask the waitress about the artist who did these. Fortunately, they had her name on the bottom of the menu and also her website.

What touched  me so deeply is the simplicity and profound wisdom contained within these pictures. We all *know* the messages that are in these pictures, but do we really understand them? It's not until you get to the point in your life that the message finally hits you right in the gut - Oh! So that's how it must feel! Yes, we all have to feel it. And I did. I hope that if you haven't yet, that you will feel it some time. Of course, all feelings are fleeting, but that doesn't take away from the moment when we actually experience them! That's what makes life so interesting and lovable!

The artist is a lovely lady named Junko Miyakoshi. Of course... being the super proactive (?) dork that I am, I contacted her about her artwork and she was kind enough to create desktop wallpapers for me! The pictures below are edited from the originals. You should go check out the originals if you want to see the full picture. She has them (and her other artworks) up on her website.

It's the most encouraging and moving thing when an artist gets an email or a post from a stranger or friend regarding her craft, be it art, writing, etc. As a writer (er), I completely understand how it is and I am glad that I let her know how much her artwork touched me and influenced me in a positive way. Please do drop by her website to let her know if you like her art... and if you want to see them in person, just go to Hiroko's... and check out the adorable bathroom. :)

All translations are adapted from the translations by Junko-san. Junko-san, ARIGATOU GOZAIMASHITA!