I can easily be distracted by visual displays of color and pattern. I relate to infants watching a mobile; their eyes are bright with excitement and their chubby little legs kick with glee. If I were a bird, I’d be right after the mate with the most colorful and hypnotic plumage.
So I guess I was ready made for Japan. On my first visit there I was immediately attracted to…..almost everything. So much eye candy (for lack of a better description). I was fascinated by it all. Pity anyone who was with me. They were required to move VERY s l o w l y, so as to savor and attempt to consume it all as I pointed out each thing that caught my eye, foolishly hoping my companion would get the same jolt I did. I clearly did not trust their own abilities.
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California super bloom 2019

Japanese cherry blossom in Kyoto, Maruyama Park, night illumination. This tree brought me to tears the first time I saw it.

Japanese munchkins, vintage photo. irresistible. They’ve cornered the cuteness market.

Hot weather matcha sundae. Irresistible layers of flavors and textures and coolness. ( I eat it all.)

contemporary patterns in Japanese umbrellas. Raised to an art form. Rainy season wonders.

more sakura

Seasonal Japanese postcards. Glorious.

matcha latté

Sakura in Rokkokuji Temple. A neighborhood wonder.

New chocolate shop in my neighborhood. Note seasonal designs. Help yourself.

Japanese ceramic vessels. Be still my heart.
The diversity, power and beauty of Japanese ceramics and its long tradition make this art form one to be savored.

spring ikebana arrangement

someone loves frogs. Display in coffee shop.

Autumn in Sanzen-in garden.

seen in arcade. The power in numbers!

Child’s drawing in Miyajima.

sake container

Tower of fresh peas

Clouds!!!
Nice bowl of candy, Dianne. Eye candy is the only kind I enjoy and this post is chock full!! There have been some pretty good cherry blooms here in SB. Hoping to get over the hills to see the wildflowers soon.
thanks David!It’s been such a fine spring!
Diane, I had to giggle when I saw eye candy. For a friend and me whilst in Japan, eye candy – or as we like to say “me no ame/めのあめ” – is a Japanese man whose good looks stop us in our tracks. To your point, though, eye candy is everywhere and there’s no better candy store than nature. Loved this issue of NOY. Thank you.