Day 2685: Thank you for holding ...

Rose, the artist: photo, junk mail collage & digital

Want music?

 

Click here for Al Green, Here I Am.

then click back on this blog tab or here to listen as you browse, or not?

Have you ever been on hold for 25 + minutes and still waiting?

The voice track for Kaiser's appointment service said, 
over and over ..."We apologize for the long wait. 
Thank you for holding.

All of our representatives are currently still assisting other 
members at this time. Please remain on the line for the first 
available representative." 
Music re-starts. They play the same music on a loop, 

I think they're trying to drive me crazy or make me give up. 

Both are possible.

2GN2S ...

The Art Biotop Water Garden Designed by Junya Ishigami

Nestled within the foot of the Nasu Mountains, slightly North of Tokyo, is Art Biotop, an art retreat and artist’s residency. 

They offer classes in pottery and glass-blowing, as well as 

cycling and spa treatments. But one of their highlights is the meditative Water Garden designed by architect Junya Ishigami.

The water garden, comprised of 318 trees and 160 uniquely-sized biotopes (or ponds), appears to be a scene from out of fantasy land. Indeed, despite the organic feel, such a garden should be physically impossible because the water basins would raise the water level to the point that the trees couldn’t thrive.  This water garden is, in fact, a carefully calculated work of art that masks the human element that made it possible: a concept distilled from traditional Japanese gardens. 

The trees that occupy the garden were originally located on the site where the hotel was to be built. Over the course of 4 years, each and every tree was carefully measured, uprooted, transported and replanted according to carefully considered blueprints. Numerous ponds were added between the trees to reflect sunlight that filters through the leaves. Blankets of moss were added to fill the spaces between the trees and ponds. The result is a contemplative environment that marries nature, art and human technology.

Guests staying at the retreat are allowed access to the garden 

but if you’d like to go for a day trip just to visit the garden 

you’ll need to book one of their tours.

A smile for Tuesday ...

Day 2622: Some kind of perfect.

Library Girl: junk mail collage.

Want music?

 

Click here for Rob Thomas & Daryl Hall, She's Gone.

then click back on this blog tab or here to listen as you browse, or not?

Ever have moments that made you stop & realize it was special?

I did. Last Sunday morning. Lasted almost 30 minutes.

The dogs like the big curved outdoor couch in the morning.

The sun hits in two spots and they lay in it & bake.

Grandhunk #3 (19, next week) came out and sat by me, 

so four of us vegged on the couch.

All 6'4-1/2" of him stretched out with his head in my lap.

My legs were propped up on the adjacent table.

The dogs knew we were there, but they slept peacefully.

There had been some conversation, but it drifted away.

A breeze and birds chirped sometimes, the only sounds.

A calm quiet, so perfect, I didn't want to move.

I closed my eyes, breathed in and smiled to myself.

At some point later I said, "you know this is perfect."

Zack said, "I know, right?"

Perfect.

JB/ Just because ...

duet

A smile for Tuesday ...