One of the many things we love about our Okinawan friends and neighbors is that they can turn even the smallest plot of dirt into something extraordinarily beautiful. Some of our neighbors have only a foot or two from their house to the street and yet continually take the time to make those small spaces overflowing with flowers of every color. I smile whenever I come home and see the poppies, hollyhocks, Easter lilies and cosmos blooming on the side of the road. I also love how our neighbors ... continue reading...

Festival season is starting on Oki and lasts all through the summer.  I love this time of year out here! Before we know it, we'll be going to sleep to the sound of sanshin {it's like a lute or banjo}, taiko drums and fireworks like we have the past two summers.  Dragon boat races happen all over the island, and are locally believed to provide good fishing and safe seas for the fishing communities. You can see last year's festival here. Hope you had a wonderful weekend! ... continue reading...