[nokonoko journal] December 25, 2020

Wherever you are, whatever you do, 

please stay well.

Because 2021 will be definitely better.

 

GoToもクリスマスも年末年始も関係ねえんだバカヤロー！

と頑張るあなたのもとに

何らかの形でサンタさんが来ますように。

 

コーヒーで、お茶で、ホットミルクで、お水で、乾杯。

 

Fishmans - バックビートにのっかって

 

[nokonoko journal] December 5, 2020

Fkj & Bas - Risk

My music app told me that I listened to 92 genres this year. 

How many are there...?

haunt me: WORDPLAY

 

「同音異義の交錯」（ラーメンズ『TEXT』より）

"Mixture of Homophones" -Rahmens

Same pronunciation (with often different intonation), different meaning. These 2 men are engaging in completely different conversations, yet they magically sync due to those homophones. 

e.g.

- Hikyo desuyo!

Left: It's an unexplored region!

Right: That is not fair!

- Korya tenshoku dana.

Left: Ah, I guess I need to change my job.

Right: This must be my vocation.

Exquisite wordplay of Japanese language.

EKN #39: Nightfly

 

Donald Fagen - I.G.Y.

[nokonoko journal] Another reason

I shamelessly admit that I'm a gal who checks horoscope section of a magazine. I usually forget everything by the next day, but I remember, at the beginning of this year, all the horoscope pages I saw mentioned that 2020 will be a year of big change.

Yes, this is a big change. I just came back from my dentist, and I found out that now I can only talk to the doctor through glass and microphone.

Their measures were impeccable anyway. They sanitize everything before I go into the waiting room, there's auto-sanitizer at the front, I wear disposable slippers, and after I remove a mask and put it in a ziploc bag in an exam room I cannot say a word.

I am utterly amazed by this measures and their professionalism.

Now that some countries decided to go into the second lockdown, I'm going to share how I've been trying to stay at home.

Most of you don't know or should not know that I had tried various hairstyles in my 20s. Pixie cut, Beatles, Akina, Chaka Khan... nearly blonde to blue black. I think I've tried everything I wanted to try. (That's what 20s are for, right?)

After those trials and errors I've been happy to have mid to long hair, but I spotted one day, there was this hairstyle (a type of short bob) that I kinda like to try if I had a chance... though I was 95% sure it won't work for me.

And when I heard that the second wave was about to hit our country this summer, I thought this would be THE time to try this hairstyle.

In short, I did it. And it was a disaster to say the least. It only took 3 seconds to know that it's bad and my birds didn't recognize me at first.

I'm satisfied that I did it, but yes, I have another reason to stay at home now.

Stay safe everyone.

 

最近のうちの文鳥（文鳥の日2020）

全世界の文鳥ファンの皆さま、こんにちは。

今日は、「10（手）2（に）4（し）あわせ」で、文鳥の日。

これは、あの丸くて、温かくて、ふわふわとした小さき生き物をたたえる日。文鳥ファンが世界に向けてそのありあまる愛と感謝の気持ちを叫ぶ日でもあります（拡大解釈）。

さて、うちの文鳥ですが、早いものでもう7歳になりました。

立ち位置が決まっていて、私に向かって右がふゆ（白）、
左がごま（桜）でないとしっくりこないらしく、
自然とこのポジションにつきます。

「仲良し」とは言えない2羽ですが、それでも以前と比べると、かーなり穏やかになりました。お互いにケンカにならない距離感を身に付けてきたようです。円熟ってやつなんですかね。よいこよいこ。

そして私と文鳥との関係もいい感じになってきました。とはいえ文鳥には聞いてないので完全に私の感覚ですが、2羽の性格がわかってくると対応しやすくなるというか。ごまちゃんは喧嘩っ早くて甘えっ子、ふゆちゃんは「姫」とかね。（ふゆちゃんは私をパートナーに選んでくれたようなんですが、以前まったく手に乗ってくれなくなった時期がありまして、その時に学びました。）

今は乗ってくれるよ

あとは、文鳥が私に要望を伝えるスキルが上がったのもあります。カゴの入り口の前に立ったら「出せ」、ブランコの上の部分に乗ったら「寝かせろ」、カゴの横をかみかみしたら「きゅうりくれ」、手のひらにくちばしをスリスリしたら「水浴びさせろ」などなど、パターンを構築したようです。おりこうちゃんです。

寒くなってきたので暖を取り合う私たち。
フリースは文鳥受けが大変良いので、積極的に着ています（キリッ）。

そんなわけで、最近も相変わらずかわいいです。

おそらく、文鳥と暮らしてる人の12割が
こういうカメラロールになってると思う。

[nokonoko journal] October 14, 2020

Went for a little drive to get a nice coffee (latte, actually). The barista was wearing a mask of Doraemon (seriously well-made) and a big bell on his neck (this look is almost subjected to stop-and-search). I laughed so hard but somehow it was really inspiring. And a coffee was really good as usual.

・・・

ドライブをかねてコーヒーを飲みにいったら（久しぶりになっちゃったなあ、、）、

マスターが非常によくできたドラちゃんのマスクをして、首にでかい鈴をつけていた。

正直、最初は何かのプレイなのかと思ったが、その姿にすごく励まされた。ありがとう。

私は違いが分かるタイプの女ではないのだが、

ここのコーヒーはいつもとてもおいしいと思う。

EKN #38: embers

 

Zero 7 - Outline 

Listen from here

[nokonoko journal] August 25, 2020

Vansire - That I Miss You

EKN #37: Summer Essentials

Scha Dara Parr - Summer Jam '95

皆さん、（もうすぐ）盆ジュール。

まじで暑い日が続き、そのうえマスク着用って、、（白目）という感じですが、とにかく日陰を探し、水分補給し、手もよく洗い、何とか乗り切っていきましょう、、。　

カモン秋！

EKN #36: < < < Focus > > >

Leon Vynehall - Midnight On Rainbow Road

[nokonoko journal] July 22, 2020

I can't believe we were supposed to have that big sports event from tomorrow...

*Rest assured, this is from my old library...

EKN #35: Walk when we can't run

Childish Gambino - Feels Like Summer

The world is rapidly and seemingly getting back to normal, and I'm feeling fatigue. And I know I'm not the only one to feel this way.

If you are one of them, let's just take it easy...


I just discovered Sing along feature on my music app..., so...

[nokonoko journal] Won't be the same

Flour is finally back in store shelves, signs of "1 item per household" are diminished, and it's becoming normal routine to wear masks and spray hand sanitizer whenever we go into the stores. Now, almost all the stores (including convenience stores and banks) here have spray at the entrance.

We see temperature self-check point at the mall entrance and current congestion rate is announced and shown with live camera. Addition to "Wait Here" floor signs to promote social distance, elevator floors are segmented. And we follow these naturally.

I could go to a hair salon the other day. They had entrance doors wide open for ventilation, checked my temperature and sanitize my hands, and (although they said it's optional) I wore a mask while they fix my hair. The salon was cheerful mood though, as if people were all hungry for a chat in person. (Me and my hairdresser were talking whether we wear makeup under a mask.)

These are few examples, but so-called "new standard" is definitely being established in our life.

Whether you are still in lockdown or similar status or finally allowed to go buy non-essential items, please remain cautious.

Now I'm making a list of things I should stock up for next winter... before I forget...

Sanitized / Used shopping carts

[nokonoko journal] june 3, 2020

EKN #34: Straight stitch

BEHIND THE MASK - Yellow Magic Orchestra

[nokonoko journal] state of emergency

We are currently in the state of emergency.

This is different from "lockdown" which is happening in many countries right now, but we are strongly requested to stay inside and some stores are VERY STRONGLY requested to close. (it's like.. you can't be arrested if you open the store, but your store will be surrounded by people requesting you to shut down, your store name will be announced in a shame list, and you will be treated as a traitor in your community.)

Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka and 4 other prefectures went into the state of emergency on April 7, and the rest of prefectures joined in from April 16. And several days ago, the government announced the extension.

But that's not what I want to talk about today.

What I want to tell you is; When you do decide to cut your hair by yourself, go very slowly and stop when you think "it may be a bit long". Or you get carried away and may end up having a very avant-garde hairstyle. (This is what I've learned from the self-haircut years in my 20s. )

And no matter how well you did, hairdressers will definitely know that you cut them. So declare first openly. They may smile or laugh but won't nag you. 

My hair now is about 20cm shorter than last week, and I feel so light and happy. But I really can't wait to go to the hair salon to chat with staffs and fix this hair....!!!

It’s already summer sky..

EKN #33: Moisturizing Sound

Nowhere Near - Yo La Tengo

Cherry Blossom 2020

This was filmed in early April.

About a week before some of our prefectures went into the state of emergency.

(Don't worry or don't get upset... It's in the countryside, and I made sure there's no one around...)

Flower blooms no matter what's happening in the world

National Astronomical Observatory of Japan live-streamed their session for students.

Dutch National Opera & Ballet shares their daily barre class.

An established bakery started online sourdough workshop (10+ lessons, in reasonable price).

Musicians share home listening playlists and intimate concert from their living room.

Some libraries prepare "surprise bag" so that people can just pick up and enjoy random-selected books.

Mean restaurant and bars started seriously cool takeout menu (full course from entrée to dessert...).

Cafes started to sell "coffee ticket" so that customer can support the store while closing.

This is certain; Creative people are creative no matter what situation they're in.

I am truly amazed, inspired and encouraged by these people on a daily basis... thank you, and also big thank you for people working really hard under this tough conditions. 

If the world can be saved by just staying in, what do you do?

I'm trying to save the world by tackling time-consuming recipes for starters, and maybe organizing thousands of bookmarks on browsers.... (ah, this will take long..)

a part of my stay in kit

EKN #32: prelude to good night sleep

Together - Matthew Halsall

Breathe in… Breathe out… Streeeeeeeeetch…

[doodle] Stories from around the world

So I heard this story from a person who lives in Budapest, Hungary.

ブダペスト（ハンガリー）にお住まいの方から、こんなお話を聞きました。

1）「朝のニュースをお届けします…」

2）「どういうわけだかトイレットペーパーがバカ売れです。

必要な人が買えるように、このタイミングで1年分を買おうとしないでください」

3）--- 収納庫 ---

4）「あっ、きれてるじゃん！」

5）「よかったー、うちの地域はまだ普通に売ってる！

でも必要な量だけ買おう、、1パックあれば十分だな…」

6）「よしよし、いいリンゴがあった…。

今日はアップルパイでも作るか…」（マイバッグ持参）

7）「フンフン・・・♪　なんていい天気なんだ！」

8）「あ！！！やっべ！！店に忘れてきちゃったよ！！」

9）「はぁ～あ～、買い直しだよ…　バッカみてえ」

10）「あれ？　お客様、さっきお買い求めになったトイレットペーパーを

忘れていきませんでしたか？　店で取っておきましたよ」

11）いや、違うんだ…、これは違うんだ…。

あぁ～、恥ずかしい…。

これじゃ俺、完全にパニック買いした奴じゃん、、。

おしまい

Stay safe and sane!

[nokonoko journal] cyber hug

Sending you a cyber hug… > > > > > > > 

[nokonoko journal] serene morning

It was really warm yesterday, almost reaching 20 degrees, and was my day off. So I dropped in my favorite local bakery, and drove to a temple/park to take a little walk there.

Plum trees were blossoming, and the area was wrapped with subtle sweet smell. Spring is coming..!

There weren't many people, but I saw some with backpacks were about to go hiking in the mountains. Good idea, especially for the time like this.

[nokonoko journal] Keep on

先日、地域の農産物やお土産、近所の店のお惣菜、さらにはなぜか南米産のフルーツなんかも豊富に取り揃った道の駅・食の駅的なお店に買い物に行った時のことです。

焼き立てパンの匂い（ここはパンも焼いてるんだ）につられてフラフラしていると、聞こえてきたのは、あら懐かしい「Choo Choo TRAIN」のイントロ。（世代的にZOOのほうです）お店の雑多な感じ、野菜とパンが並ぶ先でうどんをすする人たち、その雰囲気とこの曲が本当にぴったりで、わぁ、、浮かれてた時代のスキー場にタイムトリップしたみたい…！！と、しばし感動に震えました。

この曲のイントロを聞いただけで、当時この曲が使われていたCMのワンシーン（ゲレンデでたいまつを持った男女が踊る姿）が浮かんできたわけですが、その時ふっと「そもそもなんでChoo Choo TRAINなんだろう…」という疑問が浮かび、帰宅してすぐに歌詞をチェック。そして初めて気づいたのです。この曲の歌詞には、「雪」はおろか、冬の季語が一切使われていないことを…。

たしかサビで「♪なんとかかんとか スキー スキー」って英語で言ってなかったっけ、、と思ったのも「スキップ スキップ」の聞き間違いだったことが判明（でもやっぱり「スキー」に聞こえるんだけど…）。もうてっきり冬の歌だと信じ込んで生きてきた私は、この事実に大きな衝撃を受けました。イメージの刷り込みって恐ろしい…。思い込みとは恐ろしいものです…。

さて、まだまだ寒い季節です。手洗いうがいストレッチ。温かいものを飲んで食べて、楽しい気持ちになることを考えて、さっさとお布団に入りましょう。

漠然とした不安を抱く日々が早く終わりますように。
見えないところで頑張ってくれている人、ありがとう。

Morning Routine

[Good evening Tuesday] Snow

We had first proper snow for this winter. I was really excited to see the white covered garden and streets this morning. Quiet time, misty windows, steam from the coffee. 

I wanted to make a snowman, but it rained and almost everything melted away in the afternoon.

And tomorrow, the forecast says it'll be 18c.

Bridge

(1)

You and I have different native languages.

You don't speak my mother tongue, I don't speak your mother tongue, so we meet halfway and speak English, my second and your second or third language.

We talk, we argue, we exchange ideas, we joke, we cry, we laugh.

We seem to be able to communicate. And I like you.

Then your phone rings, it's from someone who shares your first language.

"Excuse me," and you start talking in your mother tongue.

Suddenly, you become like a different person.

Different language, different intonation, different pitch.

I feel more natural flow and confidence in your voice.

You sound more emotional, more chatty, and more controlled.

"....OK!"

Then you hung up the phone, and you get back to the person I know.

(2)

You and I have different native languages.

You don't speak my first language, but I speak your first language as a second language, so we speak English.

We talk, we argue, we exchange ideas, we joke, we cry, we laugh.

We seem to be able to communicate. And I like you.

Then your phone rings, it's from someone who shares your first language.

"Sorry," and you start talking.

Suddenly, you become like a different person.

Your pace gets faster, you use different range of vocabulary.

You switch from world standard English to your vernacular English.

I feel more natural flow in your voice.

You sound more emotional, more chatty, and more relaxed.

"....OK!"

Then you hung up the phone, and you get back to the person I know.

* * *

I know that the personalities are not defined only by words. And I do understand that our message can go beyond languages, and that strong words and texts cannot lose its meaning and power by translations (when it's done sincerely).

But I can't help but wish... if only I could understand you in your mother language. And, if only you could understand me in my mother language.

All the nuances, puns, rhymes, cultural and local and generational references and jokes. I wish we could communicate with all these elements, as if we put the Babel fish in our ears, or as if we ate Honyaku-Konnyaku.

Whenever I face the situation like (1) and (2), I recognize there's this unfillable gap between us. I feel sad, despair... and a drive in me.

2020

New year, new notebook.

I've been using NOLTY U-series since its launch. I tried to switch twice in the past, but each time I came back to this within a week, so I guess I now can call this my standard.

Utter contrary to my expectation, this blog has made it into 2020s. I was thinking, back in the beginning of it (2012), I could give "Good job!" to myself if I succeed publishing 5 posts. According to the Blogger, this will be my 330th posts. And I thought, wow.., I don't wanna waste a lot of time by re-reading all of them... :)

I don’t know who’s out there (or are there any) reading this, but thank you. When the world gets tense, we go loose. We drink fifth wave coffee (that would be tea, or tap water), bring a tote bag for grocery shopping and talk about things that spark joy.

EKN #31: Apple and Honey

Happy New Year 2020

Don't be too smart. We are not robots.

あけましておめでとうございます。

2020年が喜びと笑いに満ちた素晴らしい1年となりますように！

おせちにあきたらカレー、カレーにあきたら七草がゆ。

バーモント・キス – 相対性理論 (Vermont Kiss – Soutaiseiriron)