It's nice to hear, but with a little coaxing, here's her ten things that keep making her happy.
1. Studying historyIt's really extraordinary that she can remember how many shoguns there were in Japan, when they lived, their entire life history and even those of their relatives, what wars were fought in each time period, etc., but she can't remember what she ate the day before.
2. Reading
I have a strong memory as a child of always finding my mother with an open book in her hand, sitting with an erect (Buddhist) posture immersed in her reading. This is after waking up at 4:00 AM to prepare everyone's lunches, going to work, doing laundry, and cooking dinner. She couldn't understand why I didn't want to read Les Miserables when I was in the 4th grade as she did. I suspect that worried her. I don't want to tell her that I still haven't read it. Saw the musical though. Maybe I'll upload the classic on my Kindle.
3. Cooking
The whole family is very happy that she loves to cook.
4. Watching the NHK (Japanese TV Broadcasting Company) videos that my aunt tapes for her.
My aunts are all history buffs and support each other's hunger for knowledge. One of my aunts continuously video tapes educational programs for mom.
5. FlowersHer mother taught Ikebana and Ikenobo flower arrangement and passed on a love of flowers to her. She in turn has passed that love on to me.
6. Listening to music
Another strong childhood memory I have is of mom singing while she cooked and did laundry. She does have a beautiful voice. Perhaps her genes were passed on to her grandson, Shawn who is a professional singer and musician.
7. Gardening
I'm not sure how good she is, but she is determined.
8. Spending time with family
She doesn't see them enough, but really loves to have everybody around.
9. Chocolate fountains
I have no idea what it is about chocolate fountains that captured her fancy so much. However, she happens to really LOVE the idea of dunking things into chocolate.
10. Plum wine
She keeps telling everybody she's not an alcoholic. She isn't. I can testify to that. However, her whole family has an uncanny ability to hold (and enjoy) their liquor...
This Christmas, my cousin and daughter both gave mom chocolate covered liquors. That nicely took care of #9 and #10.
So much more behold in a pre-Internet world. This simply can't be good.
ReplyDeleteYour mom sure is a "hard act to follow."
ReplyDeleteLove the photo of your mother standing on the stool to reach the top of the tall pot on the stove!
ReplyDeleteHi Kay!
ReplyDeleteOh, He is Yoritomo Minamoto.
he made Kamakura-bakufu.
I've been to his grave in Kamakura.
oh, I just remembered! you've been to Kamakura last year!
I have Plum wine, too!
I make it about three years ago.
sometimes I enjoy drinking it!
Do you like it?
I'm pleased to know probably our life is similar. it means you probably can speak Japanese and understand Japanese and like Japanese food and various things!
we live in the different country, but we're not different!
but I know American people have good things that Japanese peopld don't have.
my english teacher is American but his parents are Japanese.
He has American charactor it means he is cut and dry more than japanese. I learn various good things from him. its very interesting!
You have been blessed! What a wonderful mother, I must admit, I like her list better :)
ReplyDeleteI would say she has simple pleasures, the best kind!
ReplyDeleteI think I'd be hard pressed to come up with 10 things without a lot of hard thought. I've read Les Miserables, and it is worth reading, though extremely long. My mother did ikebana too. She first went to lessons, then became a teacher herself, reaching some high grade. I've still got her medals somewhere. The pinnacle of her ikebana (or sticky barmy as my boys used to call it) was when she exhibited at the Chelsea Flower Show and won a gold medal.
ReplyDeleteI love your Mom's 10! She is so cute!
ReplyDeletehow sweet to learn more about your mom and her loves. she is a gift to your family and brings a wonderful legacy to all.
ReplyDeleteyour mother is an intellectual! Good list!
ReplyDeleteI love your mother's list. It's wonderful, and so is she.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm going to make up a list like that for my mother. This summer, it will be 4 years since she died and I still can't believe she's gone.
I'm so glad you and Art are there with your mom. These years are so precious.
-- K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
Ayamlin: Aha! So you're a history buff too! :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid I don't much care for plum wine. I prefer California Zinfandel. I didn't quite get her DNA for alcohol tolerance so wine or beer is not my beverage of choice.
My Japanese is about at the level of a 4 year old. My mother says I would be safer to stick to English and not use my often times convoluted Japanese.
Amanda: No kidding? That's fabulous! (To both) You read Les Miserables? My mother wanted me to read War and Peace also. I did buy the book but never got past the first few pages. I love it that your mom taught Ikebana. That's so wonderful! So that's where you got your artistic talent.
Kay, the gorgeous header photo brought a smile to my face as well as hope that spring will come early this year! I have been away from blogging for a bit and am slowly catching up. I loved this about your mother. What an amazing woman she is, I would so enjoy meeting her I'm sure, and of course you too! It is amazing what we consider our "Top Ten" isn't it?
ReplyDeleteKay, thank you for sharing the blessing of your mom with us. Wow. If I move to Hawaii will she adopt me?
ReplyDeleteI actually spent my 6-8th grade years in Japan. My best friend's mother was Japanese and I spent every available moment at her house off-base out "in the country." Those are some of the best and most treasured memories of my childhood.
I just recently listened to a great story on CD in my car -- you might want to read it on the Kindle and your mom *might* enjoy it. It's set in pre-firearms Japan. It's a 3 part series called "Tales of the Otori." Beautifully done. They say it is Young Adult, but I loved it because with the YA designation, it doesn't dwell on the details of the (few) parts that involve sexual relationships. It's very tasteful.
Your mom is a treasure. Thanks for letting us get to know her better.
ReplyDeleteThat was fun and informative. A peak into your mom. Love how your daugher and your cousin were able to take care of 2 loves in one. That is from paying attention.
ReplyDeleteI love your Mom's values and actually relate to them. Glad just to be in a sweet life now!
ReplyDeleteAloha from 'town'
Comfort Spiral
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Probably, the more we interest things, the more we can live happy life. Your mother is very charming lady.(*'ー'*)
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I are going to visit kamakura city at the end of this month. I will say "Hi" to Yoritomo at his grave:)
ReplyDeleteNHK broadcasts pretty nice programs, though we don't have a TV at home.
Reading and studying a history is a lot of fun. I agree!
Very funny! Your mom sounds delightful!
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing the memory your mom has. Your mom has come up with a great list and I like all the pictures.
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderful list of things to make one happy.
ReplyDeletebtw, i love your header pic. it's beautiful. have a great day.
I'm just sitting here grinning at your very smart mother. Delightful.
ReplyDelete