Hai, Kawaii!

Oh, designers of Japanese products, never change! The two top photos are adorable packaging for some sort of cosmetics; the bottom one allows you to make faces on your onigiri (rice balls)--you press the little cutters into sheets of nori (seaweed) and then place the seaweed on the rice balls.

Yes, please!

(These were spotted in a new Japanese, um, "variety" store here in San Diego.)

Tree of Shapes

Tree of Rubies

Guess Where I Was Last Month?

A hint: one of my favorite places on earth! More to come...

Bakesale for Japan a Rousing Success!

Here are some of my contributions (chocolate-covered ginger) for the Bakesale for Japan, held on Saturday at various locations.
This is the booth (super cute!). In San Diego alone, more than $2,000 was raised--yay! In San Francisco they raised a BUNCH of money...Every little bit helps: please keep giving to the charity of your choice if you 're able...

With a Heavy Heart

My heart is full of sadness about the tragedy in Japan, as I'm sure yours are as well. Good thoughts and positive vibrations go out to the lovely lovely people of that lovely lovely nation.

Final Japan Pix: Ends and Odds

Final Japan Pix: Flora and Fauna (and Insectiana)

Final Japan Pix: Tuesday Bicycle Edition

Let's hear it for the picturesque-ness (not a word) of the humble bicycle (of which there were many in Japan). The bikes share the same often-narrow space with cars and pedestrians. Somehow, it works ...

Final Japan Pix: Monday Edition

OK, y'all, since it's been almost three months since our trip to Japan (wow, time flies), this week will be the last week I'll focus on images from the trip. I took what seems to be a zillion pix, but perhaps enough is enough, yes?

Japanese Graphics: Four