new blog!!

Let it all wash out in the rain

Hello friends!
I have been shy of blogging, I realize it's been a while since my last post.
But I have some exciting news!
I have started a new blog, komorebi.
I will keep this blog up, as a reminder of memories and thoughts of the past.
Looking at all these old blog post are so nostalgic. And it's very strange to see time pass.
But I am making some changes in my life, and I feel that a new blog will welcome these changes nicely.
I would like to invite you all to read it, and continue to follow me, if you please. ( :

with all my love,
Rina

marina & ulay: a tue love story

Marina Abramović and Uwe Laysiepen (Ulay) were one of the most influential art couples from the late 70s to late 80s.
Both being performance artist, the couple collaborated on dynamic "relation works" that were highly praised by the art community at the time.
Over time, their relationship began to unravel.
To officially end their relationship, both decided to walk two different ends of the Great Wall of China, meet in the middle, and say good-bye.
"The Lovers" was the final project for Marina and Ulay.
Twelve years later, Ulay surprised Marina when he visited her "The Artist Is Present" performance at MoMA.

Because We Never Stop Loving Silently Those We Once Loved Out Loud

Luminaria 2013

Hello friends, I hope you all have been well.
I have returned from my mini-hiatus, and it might please you to know that I am doing well.
For the past two weeks, I have been busy with schoolwork, and other various activities to keep myself well occupied.
I am relieved that school will be on break this next week (spring break!).
This schooless week will give me the opportunity to relax my mind and help me think a little clearer.
I don't have any plans, yet, but I am considering to visit Austin for a day, maybe for South By Southwest. Who knows...
Do you have any plans for spring break? Or will you be traveling sometime in the future?

Here are some photos from this years Luminaria, which is an outdoor art event primary focused on lights.
This event takes place in the evening at a beautiful downtown park, located in the heart of my city.
Many local, and some national/regional, artist gather and create beautiful art installations in the park.
Visitors are invited to walk through the park and see these lovely installations.
Of course, the art installations are not the only thing to see.
There are also many live performances. Dancers preform breathtaking traditional dances, as well as their own contemporary dances.
And from the beginning to the end of the park, there are various makeshift stages, where one can find musicians playing all different genres of music.
There are also food vendors that call out to you, as you eye the delicious corn on the cob with mayonnaise and chili powder.
With so much to see and hear, one might feel a bit overwhelmed.
But an event like this is so magical.
One can't help but feel that whole city is packed into this small park, as you shuffle through the crowd.













Throughout the night, I felt that my vocabulary was a bit redundant.
All I could say, as I walked by some of these installations was "oh, wow!" or "oh, that's so cool!"
And yes, I occasionally was just in so much awe, that I just stood there with my mouth gaped open and eyes widen.
Ah, but maybe because everything was all too enchanting, that the words had suddenly left me, also in great awe.

Has that ever happened to you?
Maybe I am just too easily charmed by everything.

away

Due to some very unfortunate circumstances, I will be away from blogging for about the next two weeks.
Because of certain events, I do not think I will be updating as frequently, so forgive me.
Consider this a mini-hiatus, if you will.

I take confort in these 'Tiny Desk Concerts' by NPR.
Here are a few of my favorites, but really, all the performances are spectacular.
The audience gets a special, intimate show with the musician(s) that cannot be given in any regular live performance.
The whole idea, to me, is very romantic.





Let these wonderful performances keep you company and fill your heart with joy, while I take away my long absence.
stay well.
♥
xo

banana desserts part one: the littlest cake

For what ever reason, I noticed there is quite an abundance of bananas in my house.
I'm not sure why or how there are so many, but to keep the bananas from spoiling I have packed them into my freezer.
With that being said, I have decided to make a series of post that will be related to banana confectioneries. (yum!)
I wanted to start with my famous banana choco-chip bread.
But then I remembered that my sister had bought these adorable mini cake pans, so decided to turn the banana bread into banana cake.
Rather that using the chocolate chips, I would make a chocolate icing for the cake.
I don't know why I haven't thought of this before!
I have making banana bread for years (probably since middle school).
I'm very pleased with how the cake turned out. I also made some green tea, and it goes perfect with this tiny cake.
Oh this little cake is too precious. I will definitely be making more of these little cakes!
♥♥♥





チョコバナナケーキを作った。お茶と飲んだ。子供の時、母はバナナパンを作った。すごっくおいしかった。

I'll try making banana pudding next!

Who can read the future

Last Monday, I received a very lovey package from Japan.
My host sister, Mizuki, packed a box with wonderful little goodies, and tasty snacks.
Although I was surprised and overjoyed, a feeling of guilt crept into my mind, as I remembered I have yet to send her a single letter.
We sometimes exchange emails, but I'm not sure if she uses email as much as I use it.
She has always been so kind, and she has sent me letters several times.
This whole week, I have been working simultaneously on school work and writing her a letter.
And with the help of chocolate covered espresso beans, my caffeine source, I was able to finish the letter tonight.
My Japanese is far from perfect, and I know there are probably many mistakes, or sentences that sound silly.
But I have spent a lot of time writing this letter, so I am very satisfied to have finished it.
Writing this letter has encourage me to put more effort in my Japanese studies.
Reading Mizuki's letter has reminded me of how quickly time has passed.
I also began to think about my own choices, regarding my future.
How certain I have always been. But now, I realize that I am capable of so much more.



おいしかった

これは一番好きよ。






プレゼント貰ったうれしかっただった。日本語もっと勉強する。将来に不安を感じるけど。今、分かないよ。
でもね、私で魔法がある。

"luckily, love is blind"

"life is full of hard bits I think, but in between the hard bits are some really lovely bits"


♥♥