Entry #015:

2021 September 28

Today, I’m on my way to Saitama to meet with farmers and seed savers and get in a little bit of onsen time, I hope. Saitama is known as a “bed-town” area outside of Tokyo. A term that’s given to suburban neighborhoods outside of a large city, to express that people really go home just to sleep. But that does this prefecture such an audacious disservice as its vast land is lush and varied. Not just onsens, but also extensive mountains, rivers, and much much farmland. There are several specific areas within Saitama that have been known to farm fully chemical-free, and not just a single farm, but the entire town. Neighbors coming together to rally, discuss, and vote with their actions, in a time when “organic” farming was certainly not a popular choice. Ogawamachi is one of those towns. After WWII, when Japan lost to the US, Japan was required to import many commodities. Namely dairy, flour, and pesticides. As we know, the aftermath of all of the above has done quite a number on us here, but pesticides will play out an extremely longtail course. Ogawamachi is a quiet activity amongst the naysayers. Of the 2000 or so year history of agriculture in Japan, only about 15 years were spent using chemicals in Ogawamachi. Go them! And let them help all of us be fearless leaders.

♡ momoko

Microseasonal Stars

September 28 - October 2

Autumn > Autumn Equinox > Insects Hide

Are you making time and space to be with yourself and not so much physically, but emotionally too?

Entry #014:

2021 September 23

Did you see that full moon?? How was the weather where you are? Here in Tokyo, it was quite cloudy, but then they parted at sun down to reveal this giant, vibrant full moon. Isn’t it those small moments that really make the world go around? I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say that moon-watching makes me feel alive and overwhelmingly grateful. On the Autumn Equinox, we make ohagi in Japan. In fact, we make it for the Spring Equinox too but simply call it by a different name (botamochi). The names are really an ode to the seasonal flower. Hagi, or Japanese bush clover, bears a blushed purple flower that resembles braised azuki beans that coat steamed and lightly powdered mochi rice. This homely, unpretentious sweet has nourished the bodies and souls of the working person since the 1600s. Simple really is best, don’t you think?

♡ momoko

Microseasonal Stars

September 23 - 27

Autumn > Autumn Equinox > Thunder Subsides

We’ve parted with any last remnants of rambunctious summer energy. How are you deepening into the calmness of Autumn?

Entry #013:

2021 September 18

For the past several days, I haven’t been able to open the windows, let alone outside, without breathing in the luxurious aroma of the silver and gold sweet osmanthus that line every neighborhood. It’s a sign to breathe a little slower, and a little deeper, and literally take a moment to smell the osmanthus. Tuesday, September 21 is the mid-Autumn full moon. In Japan, we make 15 small mochi balls as an offering to the gods toward a bountiful Autumn harvest, and then we eat them under the big, bright moon. It’s time to stop. Experience my environment with all five senses, and then take audit of what I really want and need, versus what I am harding out of convenience, habit, or maybe even fear. I want to be lighter. Light enough to fly! Or at least pack lightly enough for Winter hibernation, so that there’s enough room in my cave for my favorite people and food. This season we are called to remove what we no longer need to make what we call in Japanese, yohaku, or “white space” for exactly what we want now.

♡ momoko

Microseasonal Stars

September 18 - 22

Autumn > White Dew > Swallows Depart

Across the year we add one thing after another on our shoulders. What are you letting go of before Winter hibernation?