In this funny, odd-ball and deeply emotional novel by Japanese debut novelist Sayaka Murata, we follow the book’s heroine Keiko, who is in her late 30’s and is working as a sales assistant in a convenience store, while living unmarried and childless (a mortal sin in Japan).
Category Archives: Blog
Book Review: How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell
I didn’t expect much from this book and was delightfully surprised by its immense depth and foresight. ‘How to Do Nothing’ is a profound and glittering jewel about the big topics of politics, internet culture, consumerism, capitalism and consciousness. It takes well-worn assumptions about how you spend your time and the tyrannical monopoly of banal “stuff” on your attention – and then rearranges your brain forever!
What would you do if you won the lottery?
What would you do if you won the lottery? I would invest a third of the money, use a third to buy myself a home (I have never owned one, as where I live, houses are outrageously expensive) and use the other third to set up an animal advocacy charity or an animal sanctuary forContinue reading “What would you do if you won the lottery?”
Book Review: Nature’s Palette by Thames & Hudson
Do you love nature? do you love colour? If you love these two things then this book is a must-have for your collection. A traditional reference guide originally published in 1814, a beautifully bound and illustrated new version is now available.
Nature’s Palette features all of the hues and colours you can possibly imagine in our green and blue verdant planet. Along with exquisite nature drawings and paintings. Opening this book is like being transported to a more earthy and connected era where nature in all of her splendour was all people knew about sourcing colour. This book is perfect for a gift for the artist you know. Or if you’re an artist, designer, nature-lover or aesthete, I think you would also enjoy it.
Book Review: 2024 Lunar and Seasonal Diary by Stacey Demarco
A practical and full colour diary with regular weekly prompts for star-gazing and constellations, as well as fortuitous times of the pagan year. Designed for pagans dwelling in the southern hemisphere, with calendar timings and celebrations that we make, which are the direct opposite to the traditional Celtic/European traditions.
Ancient word of the day: Athene Noctua or Athena’s Owl
The Greek goddess Athena had as her sacred animal familiar the owl, also known as the Athene Noctua in Latin. The Romans, fond as they were of stealing from the Greek pantheon, renamed Athena to Minerva. Athena and her owl are considered to be symbols of wisdom, in both cultures. Athene Noctua Athena’s owl orContinue reading “Ancient word of the day: Athene Noctua or Athena’s Owl”
10 Interesting Things I Found on the Internet #118
Time for edition #118 of Interesting Things. Full of juicy goodies like a dial-a-poem phone booth, friendly Irish werewolves, crystal daggers, innovative house design, #techno and more! #culture #music #art #ContentCatnip
If you could uninvent something- what would it be? Humans eating animals
Could look clearly into the eyes of an animal and tell them that your food preference matters more than their suffering, pain and death? If you could un-invent something, what would it be? This is a highly controversial post and it taps into many people’s ideas of what is morally right and morally permissable. TheContinue reading “If you could uninvent something- what would it be? Humans eating animals”
Exploring the Spiritual Wisdom of Japanese Wildlife: A Journey Through Shinto and Zen Buddhism
The fauna of Japan, rich in diversity, is intricately woven into the tapestry of Shinto and Zen Buddhist traditions. Each animal is not just a part of the ecosystem but a bearer of profound spiritual messages and teachings. This article delves deeply into the shamanic symbolism of eight Japanese animals, revealing their roles in folklore,Continue reading “Exploring the Spiritual Wisdom of Japanese Wildlife: A Journey Through Shinto and Zen Buddhism”
What is your favourite animal? Crows and ravens
What is your favorite animal? Their iridescent black and purple feathers are like midnight sky cloaks given by impatient gods. Their glances from electrifying ice blue eyes that cut like a knife through my soul. I pay tribute in the form of grapes and old bread and they grace me with their presence and it’sContinue reading “What is your favourite animal? Crows and ravens”
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