Day 4045: Fujimi and Unique Kids.

"Torn apart": junk collage & ink

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    Click here: Daryl Hall, Sara's Smile

 

2GN2S ... 

Fujimori’s ‘Kodamari Fuji’ Lodge

The quaint village of Fujimi is located near the border of Nagano and Yamanashi Prefectures. Time tends to pass a bit more slowly here where rice paddies overlook the Southern Alps, Mt. Yatsugatake, and Mt. Fuji. It’s here that architect-extraordinaire Terunobu Fujimori decided to build his first-ever guest lodge.

Fujimori (previously) an academic-turned-architect whose work is deeply rooted in the concept of the tea ceremony, and by extension, harmony with nature. He is perhaps best-known for his tree house tea house ‘takasugi-an‘, constructed in 2004 atop 2 trees.

Thirteen years in the making, ‘Kodamari Fuji‘ is Fujimori’s first-ever lodge and will allow groups of up to 5 to stay, offering an up close and personal experience with Fujimori’s architecture, as well as a lifestyle unique to the local region. Surrounded by rice fields, the guest house sits atop a hill on a 4,000 square meter site. Nearby is a 300-year old cherry blossom tree, a symbol of the region, which is what inspired the architect to plant fuji-sakura cherry trees across the roof.

 

It’s truly a home that is intended to nourish the body and soul. You can learn more about the lodge and book reservations (94600 jpy/night- $639.) on their website. You can also follow along with them on Instagram.

 

 

Grandmother hosts community birthday party for kids who don't get invites.

    When children celebrate their birthdays, sending out party invitations is supposed to be exciting. But when no one responds or shows up, it's heartbreaking for the kids and their parents. 

A grandmother in northern Michigan knows the pain and decided to do something about it. WPBN reports Ronie Williams' mission began after watching her son's heartbreak. He's on the autism spectrum and has endured some rough birthday party experiences. 

"Special needs or unique kids do not get kids to come to their parties, or they don't get invited to parties," Ronie told the local ABC affiliate. "We decided to get together and throw big parties, and celebrate everybody's birthday, not just Jacob's but everybody's birthday."

Two years ago, she held her grandson Jakob's unique party for anyone who is also unique. "I call them unique kids because I don't like the name 'special needs' because I think they're unique," Ronie said.

 

The third birthday party was held Saturday at a park in Grawn. The theme was Spider-Man, and cupcakes were provided. WPBN reports Saturday's party was the opposite of heartbreak and Jakob was all smiles at his Unique Party. Ronie has seen anywhere from 25 to 50 kids show up to the parties.

 

 

 

A great 2+ minute video, legos, here.

 

Just because ...

     

Greater Yellow-naped Woodpecker

Monday's Smiles ...