Ume Beauty

There is something in a budding flower that makes me unbelievably happy.

Is it that it symbolizes new beginnings?  New joy? New life? An end to dreary, cold days?

There is something in a budding flower that makes me unbelievably calm.

In those minutes I pause to admire God's handiwork all the chaos of life disappears.

There is something in a budding flower that makes me unbelievably at peace.

If a tree can grow deep roots and be nourished by what God has provided it, so then can I.

There is something in a budding flower that makes me unbelievably hopeful.

From a tiny bud comes a breathtaking unfolding of life.  When we start something new in our life or 

add something into our daily tasks it is as if we are growing a new bud.  As we learn our 

new task and role that bud continues to grow and become richer.  Each experience adds

to that bud until in the place of that tiny bud is an incredible flower for all to see.

When we embark on something new, we have room to grow and be just as awesome as

the most stunning flower on a tree.

Writer's Note: 

The blossoms above are called "Ume" or Plum Blossom.  

Their happy joyous blooms appear during February.  Japan comes alive again as the brilliant fuchsia and white colors spill into the hills and courtyards of Japan.  The Ume are much hardier than the delicate Sakura.  They last much longer on the branches so you have plenty of time to enjoy their splendor.

Near the base is the Taura Park.  You can either take the JR Yokosuka line to JR Taura and walk to the park or you can take the local bus to the stop near the post office and walk.  Either way you follow the pink flags that mark you route.  

This is a perfect and easy way to get away from the base and enjoy the beauty of Japan without having to go very far.  However, this is not stroller friendly.  Lots of steps and uneven places.  Places for little ones to have fun and relax.

Bring your snacks and/or lunch.  Lawsons and 7-11 are not nearby.  Of course, you will find loads of vending machines so if you run out of water, you have the ability to purchase.

A Little Taste of Spring-Early Cherry Blossoms at Miurakagan

Seems like each time we turn around there is something new to explore here.  You would think that since we have been lucky enough to have three different tours here that we would have run out of places to see in our immediate vicinity.  Living here is always an adventure day.  Each and every time you step beyond the gate.                                                    

After a great weekend with the family I decided the weather was so incredible that I wanted to venture off while the kiddos were in school.  Amazingly enough, even though I was by myself, I really enjoyed the quiet.  Boarding a train from Yokosuka-chuo I headed down to the end of the line bound for Miura-Kaigan.  Taking the express train I was at my station in no time.  A happy sign welcomed me to the festival celebrating the beauty of "Kawazu-zakura" early blooming cherry trees.                                                              

I meandered up the street that has a magical canopy of Kawazu-zakura on one side.                                                                   If I haven't written it enough...I adore flowers.  These blossoms last such a short time that so when you hear they are blooming don't hesitate.  Get on a train and go see them!  

By the time I was getting on my train to head back to Yokosuka-chuo I was refreshed, rejuvenated, and loved my little taste of Spring.

Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's Party!'  
~ R. Williams