I was flatlining...

there for a while. But I'm back. All vitals point to ok. I was in a real rut- and at the beginning of the year, despite all my bravado about being positive and resolute. No need to document it. Safe to say I have seen the light.

Was published this month in the Kansai Scene. I wrote an article about the local priest with whom I supped and talked Buddhism. Photos came out really well. Also did a vox pop for The Japan Times in December so feeling slightly accomplished in the writing stakes. Head down bum up today on a new piece about...BLOOD! Stay tuned for that in next month's Kansai Scene.

Popped into 100yen heaven last week and went a little nuts over the kitchen utensils. Got myself kitted out for making chocolates and cakes in anticipation of Valentines Day this weekend. Picked up two cooking kits from MUJI- one a chocolate cake and the cther chocolate hearts with pink trimmings. Haven fallen in love with MUJI to be honest. Logged onto their website the other day and found could click on all kits and watch a 3 minute demo video on how to make each one. So even though I can't read the scribble on the box, I can follow along with the lovely little hands in the demo video complete with soothing musak. I'll keep you posted on my kitchen prowess. Planning to get started tomorrow on the chocolate hearts.

In other news Starbucks has been dumped! By me. Poked my head into Mister Donuts last week and was serenaded by the smell of apple pies and pon de rings along with Alicia Keys playing on the radio. Grabbed myself a coffee, pon de ring and sat down to listen to my now new favourite tune Empire State of Mind. Had just gulped down the last of my coffee and started rearranging my handbag (a habit I have when I go to coffee shops) when lovely Mister Donut employee came over and offered me a free refill. Now I've always known that Mister Donuts does this, but it wasn't until last week that I realised that that was enough for me to ditch my before work ritual cappacino at Starbucks and take up residence at Mister Donuts. Am always cautious now to write Mister after a mishap with a Japanese guy once, who I arranged to meet with at Mr. Donuts. I got a prompt reply from him asking: Who is Mr. Donut? I don't know him. Took me forever to realise the problem.

Stay tuned...