I spent so long on WordPress yesterday, reading blogs and posting three, if not four pieces, I decided I would focus on my clients today and if spare time came by and waved at me, then I would devour a few further pages of Gail’s book.
I feel so there with the characters, in the Japanese beachhouse garden. A short walk through the sand dunes to the sea which some days is calm and a backdrop worthy of an oil painting.
Then another day, that same sea delivers destructive powers to rip through the zen garden, damaging the main characters in the process as a tsunami hits the shore.
As Stephen-san‘s journey is evolving, I am fascinated by his 20-year old view of the world and his genuine intrigue at meeting new characters and the natural biology taking place when a girl comes onto the stage in this 211 page play. (Nothing changes where some aspects in life are concerned).
Gail’s words weave a harmonious and exquisite story from simplicity itself.
No-one has shown anxiety over the devastated gardens, no more than Sachi showed resentment after forty years of being in ‘hiding’ in the mountains due to her being a leper.
The quiet calm with which these characters are leading their lives, accepting their fate and holding no-one else accountable for anything negative which happens carries so many messages which resonate with my new look at life.
I am hungrily turning the pages and find on each one some gem of mindfulness. It’s like my monk friend brought me to this book to back up his instruction manual …. Joseph, are you really my monk in disguise????? 🤗👏🏼
How are you enjoying it Ortensia?
Good review. It actually sounds peaceful and calming.
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You’ve got it in two. Read it if you get a chance!
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Viola ,I like your perception and description.couldn’t agree more.Its a book that sooth and capture you.The details and refinery of the Japanese culture transmitted at his best.
I’m just back from two family/legal business trip in Italy and I’m totally shattered.
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Wow … rest and take time, then you will feel captivated by words again while not forgetting the positive aspects of your trip…
did you bring back some Gorgonzola?? 🤗
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🙌🙏🙏 I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on the beginnings of the book. Makes me feel a bit embarrassed about my blog post. I definitely should have put more effort into writing it .
This week has been a bit Wild my siblings are staying with me since they’re out for spring break. Lots of shopping and playing Settlers of Catan and whatnot has left little time for WordPress
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Joseph ,I just realized my post about Samurai s Garden never went on.Either there was a fault or I never pushed post🙄
Thank you for introducing this book and author as I would have never picked it myself but I love it.
The writing is simple but reach,words flows harmoniously.I find her way to describe the characters quite clever as she let you discover them but by bit.At the beginning what mostly captured my attention was the modernity of the father and his will to keep Japanese culture live in his home as much as they Chinese keeping an eye on the western world too.Obviously as the reading proceeded the reason are not so political and cultural and definitely my interested moved to the son emotional development.looking forward to read more.
Now guys,technical questions is this ok for my review or I post it separately as you did?
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Go for it! I look forward to reading it
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How many pages have you read so far?
I’ll pause now I’m at 70 and write instead during any spare time I have for the next day or two 👌🏼
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Go for it here … any technical questions are always scooped up by those in the know anyway, even if Joseph and I can’t answer.
(Joseph will be able to because he designs nuclear power stations while asleep anyway 🤗)
I love that you’re loving the book too. I also ‘saw’ the contrast within the father and am waiting to find out what Stephen’s mother’s letter was referring to.
I adore Sachi too (and now I dislike Kenzo … it’s the first time any form of anger has erupted on the pages)….
Happy reading x
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Oh,I know because I went ahead with the reading…..I’m experimenting insomnia for first time in my life😫
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That’s horrible… surprisingly debilitating 😣🌸
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I have been in Italy for 36 hours,came back last night.awake from 1.30 to 4.30 and then up at 5.30 because the husband left early,back to bed at 6 and up again at 7.40……….having a croissant with coffee and morning junk tv now until the girls will be up😳those rounds eyes are mine at the moment and without no assumption of substance 🤣
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Bless you … when the girls are at school, take some moments for yourself. More tea and more sleep. x
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The girls are off for Easter for two fecking weeks🤦🏼♀️but they have a play date today…..for once to someone else house😀
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Oh damn it .. of course!
Being the other side of school years, I’m never up to date with holidays.
You’ll find a moment or two. I hope x
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I will……in between errands 😂😂😂I’m winging now🙄Chin up Me woman there is worst in life😉
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No need to to feel anything other than proud you brought the book to our attention 💫
And a few days with siblings sounds perfection; time away from any social media is very healthy Joseph…. hope you relaxed and had lots of fun ✨
(See? You are that bloody monk; you’re even spreading the vibe about enjoying time with family!!)
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