Lyrics Update

Updated:

• let go

孤独を知って　あなたを知った
明日はきっと輝くだろう
だから私は揺れることない
道を歩いてく

By knowing loneliness, I knew you
Tomorrow will surely shine
That’s why I won’t waver
As I walk my path

- from 孤独の向こう by Ayaka Hirahara

Thought of the year

A true friend walks in when others walk out.
Sayonara.

Sakura Matsuri–Japanese Street Festival

For those of you who have known me even for a little while, you know what this is about. I am definitely marking this on my mental calendar. Be there. My only wish is that the organizers would add something different to the mix this time, besides the unsolicited beat boxing and unexpected (and queer) remarks that the announcers at the J-POP booth unwarily entertained us with last year LOL. Where was Sailor Moon last year?

I hope to get another piece of calligraphy to add to my small collection that I have been building since I first attended the Matsuri a few years ago.

Do not forget about Todai Restaurant afterwards.

For more information about the Matsuri, click here.

The 43rd Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival

I was considering to attend this kite festival in Washington, D.C., because I would like to see a vast multitude of various kites soaring all at once in the sky–or maybe that is just my imagination. This occurs on Saturday, March 28, 2009, the week prior to the annual National Cherry Blossom Parade and Sakura Matsuri.

Contact me if anyone is interested.

Here is a description offered by the Official National Cherry Blossom Festival website:

Associates for the 43rd Annual Kite Festival! This year’s theme explores how being ‘green’ and utilizing natural resources can be a fun, creative, and fulfilling experience. What better way to celebrate wind power and our environment than by coloring the sky with kites fashioned from renewable resources? The festival will again feature hands-on activities led by representatives from kite organizations. Spectators can learn about kite flying, participate in kite-making activities, learn about the history of kites, watch ‘green’ kite demonstrations and much more. As usual, the festival features three competitions. For those who build their own kites, you are invited to enter the handmade kite competition. Teams may also enter into two additional heart-stopping events- the sixth annual Smithsonian Hot Tricks competition, and the always popular Rokkaku kite battle will be both held at the end of the day. Watch kite flyers strut their stuff on the field dazzling the crowd with trick kite moves and thrilling competition.

Click here for more information about the Kite Festival.

Get Your Bubble Tea Here

Yes, folks, I have made a recent discovery worthy of a new Public Service Announcement.

The Tokyo Shogun Japanese cuisine shop at the Chesterfield Towne Center Food Court serves bubble tea. Finally, a place near home that serves bubble tea. Of course, the shop offers several fruity flavors, including pineapple, mango, strawberry, and honey dew. I have not tasted all the available flavors YET, but I highly recommend the Honey Dew flavor. That old Japanese dude sure makes some mean bubble tea. Be sure to check it out (while it lasts).

I wonder if I can request for extra tapioca balls next time. Hmmmm . . .

Kanon – Asu e no Kodou

i finally got the lyrics properly translated for the song i mentioned earlier (which you probably forgot about since it was months ago)!  it’s written by a Japanese artist, カノン (Kanon), who is actually a Christian – a RARE find in Japan.  Kanon specializes in the classical crossover genre, so if you like someone such as Sarah Brightman (like me), you’ll absolutely love her!  she’s also released covers for traditional hymns and written a few Christian songs herself.  if you’re interested in her works, feel free to let me know.

i wanted to share this song because its message and music is incredibly inspirational, and i thought it befitting for the new year, 2009.  it reminds me to keep my eyes on what’s important in life – CHRIST – to take my eyes off of this temporary world, to live in the present for the purpose of a brighter future (if that makes any sense).  oftentimes, life’s obstacles can be very disheartening, but Christ reminds us that His love is MORE THAN ENOUGH to get us through ANYTHING.  in our weakness, He makes us strong…

明日への鼓動 (Asu e no Kodou / Tomorrow’s Heartbeat)

Artist: カノン (Kanon)
Original Language: Japanese
Translation: Grace Anderson

Gallery Updates

New:

• 2008 » Christmas
• 2008 » Thanksgiving

Updated:

• 2008 » Random

i believe that we have more pics from the Christmas service, so i’ll have them up later.  HAPPY NEW YEAR, everyone!!!

Forever With You (Christian Ver.) (Rehearsal)

done

Forever With You (Christian Ver.) (Rehearsal)
Performance by Ben, Marany, Cin, & Allan
(left to right)
[Recorded 08.31.08]

this one’s for our…um…neglected friend.  lol
don’t forget to wish Beni “Happy 29th Birthday!”

Gallery Updates

New:

• 2008 » Youth Sunday Premiere
• 2008 » Nazarene Centennial

Updated:

• 2008 » Random

Forever With You (Christian Ver.) (LIVE)

done

Forever With You (Christian Ver.) (LIVE)
Performance by Marany, Ben, Cin, & Allan
(left to right, Allan not shown – sorry!)
[Recorded 10.26.08]