Just a silly little thing, really...Festivals.

Traditional Japanese Festivals. You know, there's something about festivals, and that *thing* is usually that significant things occur within the duration of a festival. For example, in the musical, "Into the Woods", Cinderella meets her prince at a festival (I use the example of "Into the Woods" and not the classic children's story because the term "festival" is only used in "Into the Woods"). I am sad to report that absolutely nothing happened at last night's festival. It was more of a visit to the past than a ticket to the future. I saw people who used to be my friends, people who used to be more, and I even encountered a long time enemy of mine.

It is a little known fact that I have been going to Japan every summer since the summer of second grade, and I  have attended school, in Japan, up until about eight grade. Therefore, when I see someone or something to remind me of that time, I get a butterfly in my stomach. These were mental notes I took in my head; 

Two girls who used to be my friends *Butterfly* 
A girl whose house I used to go to. She has a big white dog. *Butterfly*
A large group of teenagers. I recognize one. *Butterfly* 
My best friend of four/five years. She waves and we exchange smiles *Butterfly*
The boy who made me a CD of popular Japanese songs once. He was always so kind. *Butterfly* 

But then, I saw it. My enemy ever since I began going to the festivals. 

The Open Mic Karaoke Machine.   

Ever since I had began singing, it had taunted me and tormented me to no end, constantly calling out to me as teenager by teenager went up to sing, only to gain approval from their loud peers. My cold, hard stare had stopped upon the robot, and Mama, sensing my thoughts, voiced that I should go sing. I turned to her and immediately protested, but in my mind, I wanted nothing more than to go up and put in "Anatagairukara (Because you're here)" by Nakashima Mika and show them who the awkward half (half Japanese/half American) lurking was. I actually began to consider going up there and singing. The possibility became more and more friendly, and I was about 65-79% there. And then, the unthinkable happened...

The MC announced the last song.  

That blasted machine had prevailed once again. I hung my head low in defeat and walked home.

There's another festival tonight. The battle continues, my friends. 

                                             Love always, 

                                                  Delphi

P.S.  "Age wrinkles the body, quitting wrinkles the soul" 

                   -Douglas McArthur

Just a silly little thing, really....Valentine's Day cards.

It's a silly little thing, really...

Valentine's Day cards. As I walked through a small and simple craft shop, I stumbled upon a box of antique cards. There were "Thank you!" cards, "Get Well!" cards, and, of course, "Happy Birthday!" cards, but the ones that caught my eye were for Valentine's Day. Perhaps it was the similarly drawn pictures on each card. Perhaps it was the shapes in which they were cut. Perhaps, but I know that the reason was not among those I just mentioned.

It was, in fact,the Cheesy sayings written on them. For example;

*drawn: a girl and a boy under an umbrella together* "Tell me if I still rain in your heart, my Valentine!"

*drawn: a boy with a tennis racket* "I wish you would play the game of love with me!"

*drawn: two monkeys* "I'm not monkeying around! You're the only one for me, Valentine!"


And it's times like when I was holding those delicate cards in my hand that I realize how simple and old fashioned I'd like love to be. Now, I'm no expert on love, no, not at all, but I didn't need a dozen red roses at my doorstep with a note saying, "From, your secret admirer" to make me feel warm and fuzzy inside. No. All it took were those cheesy little cards. My day is made.


                                                                                                        Love always,
                                                                                                               Delphi
P.S. "I love you today, yesterday and every tomorrow."
                                                       -Source Unknown

Just a silly little thing, really....but I'm here.

 I'm here. After a year of never-ending

"It smells like Japan"'s and melancholy looks,


I'm finally here. But, of course, "Be careful what you wish for". With every gain, there comes a loss.

I've gained home, and I've lost...home.

I suppose, "Make the best of it" would be anyone's advice; advice I intend to follow. But it is, of course, difficult to say the least.

As I sit here, indulging in my aunt's homemade Pecan Tart, I miss indulging in Papa's homemade Virgin Pina Coladas.

As I sit here, watching a great Japanese game show, I miss watching whatever cable could offer.

As I sit here, holding my cousin in my arms, I miss being held.

To quote a line of lyric, "I will survive".

          
                                                                           Love always,
                                                                                    Delphi

P.S.
"We only part to meet again.  ~John Gay