Thoughts

Random thoughts, reflections and dreams

January 30, 2014

Writer’s Workshop: Kinda Nice

Dominique Parenting and Kids, Thoughts alpha thursday, mama kat's writers workshop

A purple bloom

2014 has really started off as a very busy year for me. My daily schedule is more hectic then last year and there are so many different projects that I am carrying out this month.

The hours in each day whiz pass super fast as I move from one activity to another juggling the kids, R’s and my personal schedule. It is only after all the kids have been packed off to school do I get a breather.

This is the best part of my day. The brief 1-2 hours midday where I can get to be alone by myself.or engage in a kid free luncheon with friends or R. It is the time where I get my ME TIME. I feel that it is essential to have time to myself daily as it is most rejuvenating.

It gives me the time to plan what I want to do for the rest of the week, plan the meals that I want to cook. Time to relax in front of the television or watch Korean drama on the iPad and also some time to do some midday exercise routine with the Wii.

What is your favourite time of your day?

What do you indulge in then?

January 28, 2014

Visiting Kumanokotai Shrine

Dominique Parenting and Kids, Thoughts, Travel, Wordful Wednesday Japan, Travels, wordful wednesday

The entrance to the shrine

Kumanokotai Shrine was one of the places that we visited in December. It is located on the border line of Nagano and Gunma prefecture. It was about a half an hour drive from Karuizawa up the mountain road.

This was a very unique shrine, On the Nagano side shrine is called KumanoKotai Shrine, and Gunma side is called Kumano Shrine. Here is enshrined the Holly sprits of Kumano.

climbing up the stairs

It was a short trek to the shrine but the steps were quite steep. Luckily Tiger girl was more then willing to climb up the flight of stairs and I didn’t need to carry her.

top down shot of the staircase

Lanterns lining the path

I love the design of the lanterns that were aligning the staircase. I’m sure it would certainly make the path look really cozy at night.

The view at the top

At the top of the staircase we were saw these two buildings. One of the buildings was a hall while the other one housed the God- Izanami no Mikoto, Yamatotakeru no Mikoto

The wishing board

Like most Japanese shrines there was a board where one can ask favours from the GODs. You need to purchase the plague or special offering paper and write your wish on it before attaching it to the board. On the adjourning wall there were many plagues with the name of various Japanese households who have donated to the shrine.

A table which was used to sell tailsmans

Besides penning down your wishes you could also purchase tailsmans for good luck, good marriage, kids studies etc. Unfortunately the shop was closed when we visited the place so I couldn’t see how they really looked like.

Dominique's Desk

Thoughts

Writer’s Workshop: Kinda Nice

What is your favourite time of your day?

What do you indulge in then?

Visiting Kumanokotai Shrine

Have you visited a Shrine before?