Author: devapnek

In an attempt to slow life's quickening pace, I'm writing to share my personal perspective on the aging process, its dilemmas, the humorous self-deception, the insights and the adventure of it all. I spent the bulk of my time in beautiful Santa Barbara, CA, but manage to get to NYC several times a year. I've been a dancer/dance teacher and dance supporter almost all my life. For the past 9 years, I help create and produce a month-long creative residency in Santa Barbara for contemporary American choreographers and their dancers. It's been incredibly gratifying. I also now spend several weeks a year in Kyoto Japan. I've been magnetically attracted to Japan for many years. Now I live out a dream to live there part-time.

Going Home!?

It was was dark outside.  All I could see were small clusters of lights as our plane came in to land, but I knew the unseen rural New England landscape well. In years past this landing meant I was coming home from college or in later years for a  visit with my ageing parents, my … Continue reading Going Home!? →

Between Heaven and Earth

After recovering from three somewhat harrowing days driving a rental car on the road in Japan, we learned , despite the high points of the trip, not to do it again.  I also relearned that there is a very small margin of error between life and death on a snake like one lane curving  road … Continue reading Between Heaven and Earth →

MOVE OVER!!

Setting. Somewhere along the coast of the Kii Penninsula, Japan. Mid- Autumn, early afternoon. Narrow road. Driver, operating a car on the "wrong" side of what he's accustomed to, has strong tendency to drift to the left towards perilous drainage ditch.  No road shoulders.  Passenger and driver both displaying symptoms of anxiety. Prologue "Move over.''  … Continue reading MOVE OVER!! →

Aging Gracefully Off the Beaten Path

Since I learned to drive, I've always had the urge to explore places off the beaten path.  I love to follow an unknown road deep into the countryside.  The same impulse still resides in me today.  Yesterday, it took me and my husband on a wonderful detour just on the city's edge. Following a recommendation … Continue reading Aging Gracefully Off the Beaten Path →

Food, Glorious Food

Kyoto has lots of restaurants.  All kinds of restaurants.  All kinds of food.  We like many places that we've tried, happily returning each time we visit.  The standards are high here.  The food is always well prepared, of high quality and very fresh. You won't find overcooked fish.  The offerings are usually a seasonal celebration. … Continue reading Food, Glorious Food →