Some things just can't be captured on camera...

Lately I have not been using my camera as much as I first arrived. It is okay for me to keep memories this way, for me to know but nobody else. But then when I realize I want ot write about it I think I should have a picture for that. Most blog readers aren't always into reading, mostly just skimmiing and looking at the pictures. But I like to write, so to make a long story short here is my weekend. Wilfred and I wenjoyed the hot Saturday at a nice and cool waterfall where I made some skectches for a painting I will givce him. Then we headed to Yamagata city for for dinner. On the way home I had to do a u-turn (we were chasing the fireworks in the distance). The turn was cut short when my left front tire hit a drain ditch on the side of the road an dI was stuck! Again the narrow roads in Japan and holes in the sides of the road got the best of me. Thankfully Japanese people are helpful and after flagging down a car with a couple in it, ringing the door of a house near we were in business. The guy in the car was speechelss and didn't know what to do, but the family who just finished ther evening bath came out and got the nice young, buff neighbour (for a japanese) from across the way to help. He initiated the lifiting and both guys pushed and I reversed! It was a close call and now I'm pretty sure my car has nine lives.

This is a picture of the Reggae festival Wilfred, Takako, Ken, Liam, Yuji and I went to up the mountain near the Nagai damn that same evening. It was awesome!! I was so happy to see young, fun characters in Nagai, that doens't usually happen. We eneded up talking with a group of firends who are in two different bands all from around Yamagata and Miyagi. Being in the mountains, listening to live musc really was the perfect summer night.

This week I have been busy and each day it rains I am thankful because I feel I can slow down a bit and get some stuff done. Plus then my apartment is much cooler! I really should figure out how to work the air conditioner. I am a bit afraid to try agian because last time I couldn't figure out how to switch from heat to the cool air I desired.

I've really become good at multitasking here in Japan. Lately is seems that everything I do is combined with melting! And on Sunday I was able to do three things at once, watch the Rider game on TSN.com, do 5 paintings and survive not melting away in my hot apartment. It was nice to enjoy some of the things familiar from home.

Lastly, below is the piece I arranged at Ikebana monday night. I really enjoyed woring with these strange Japanese flowers. It turned out quite well I think.