Everything is beautiful here, the scenes you captured, your thoughts, your writing, and to complement them with your grandfather's poem - this is wonderfully nostalgic. And thank you for sharing my translation ❤️
This is beautiful Peck Gee. what talented people we have here on Substack - both Lucia and Hyun Woo's translations are beautiful. But it seems your fellow Malaysian seems to have understood, and captured, your grandfather's spirt. Your Granddad must be smiling down from heaven, amazed his poems are receiving such love. 🙏
When I read your note, it brought me back to my university days, when learning Japanese was a requirement and I had to climb the ladder of the JLPT. Your photos made me more aware of my surroundings—catching moments when flowers bloom, leaves fall, and raindrops rest on my balcony. Thank you for sharing such beautiful pictures and mindful words.
Phuong Lam, Thanks for appreciating those moments with me! I'd love to learn from your Japanese learning journey. I'm mid-way N4, aiming for N3 next year and would like to add more speaking/ listening outside of the classroom, to eventually into N2 at least.
There's so much that we tend to take for granted in this world. Everyday the world shows up to us in different forms so perhaps we can show up to the world with presence too - with or even better without photos or writings. Just our time with the world!
When I graduated from university with a major in Japanese, I was close to reaching N2 level (under the 2008 system). My biggest realization at that time was that I didn’t truly love Japanese—not just as a language, but as a culture, as a way of communication, and as the philosophy behind each Kanji.
Back then, I often went to language centers, met Japanese tourists, and talked to them as much as I could. I spoke freely without worrying about what they thought of me. I was a twenty-something girl full of curiosity, still dreaming of experiencing a sakura season—just as I do now while typing these words.
If I learn Japanese again, I would love the chance to live in Japan, speak with people in their own language, and immerse myself in traditions like Chadō, Tōki, and enjoying sushi.
Reading your notes reminds me that, as someone who loves writing to express feelings and capture life’s moments with gratitude, I don’t need to chase interaction or ambition from subscribers. Words themselves have the power to heal when we simply jot down our thoughts.
素晴らしい! I love your spirit of learning and curiosity. Come visit me in Kyoto when you have a chance and we'll have tea. Thanks also for your kind words. You're right in noting that words can carry different purpose and resonance.
Leanne, Many thanks for your well wishes! Exams were tough. I think I did well on the written but not the speaking and listening exams. May need to watch more Japanese dramas and shows. :)
Everything is beautiful here, the scenes you captured, your thoughts, your writing, and to complement them with your grandfather's poem - this is wonderfully nostalgic. And thank you for sharing my translation ❤️
Kuan Yew, Thanks for your kind note. And for taking the time to share your translation & interpretation for my grandpa's poem! I also appreciate your generous sharing through your lens on AI in our conversation (https://peckgee.substack.com/p/ai-living-the-art-nature-tech-intersection).
This is beautiful Peck Gee. what talented people we have here on Substack - both Lucia and Hyun Woo's translations are beautiful. But it seems your fellow Malaysian seems to have understood, and captured, your grandfather's spirt. Your Granddad must be smiling down from heaven, amazed his poems are receiving such love. 🙏
Debbie, Thanks for reading along and for your encouragement! It means so much.
Take care, enjoy the Winter, beautiful pics, you're right about writing and pain. 🙏🏻
Thanks, Paul! Wonderful reading journey of yours. Now there's something about reading, not just when inspired by when in pain too!
When I read your note, it brought me back to my university days, when learning Japanese was a requirement and I had to climb the ladder of the JLPT. Your photos made me more aware of my surroundings—catching moments when flowers bloom, leaves fall, and raindrops rest on my balcony. Thank you for sharing such beautiful pictures and mindful words.
Phuong Lam, Thanks for appreciating those moments with me! I'd love to learn from your Japanese learning journey. I'm mid-way N4, aiming for N3 next year and would like to add more speaking/ listening outside of the classroom, to eventually into N2 at least.
There's so much that we tend to take for granted in this world. Everyday the world shows up to us in different forms so perhaps we can show up to the world with presence too - with or even better without photos or writings. Just our time with the world!
When I graduated from university with a major in Japanese, I was close to reaching N2 level (under the 2008 system). My biggest realization at that time was that I didn’t truly love Japanese—not just as a language, but as a culture, as a way of communication, and as the philosophy behind each Kanji.
Back then, I often went to language centers, met Japanese tourists, and talked to them as much as I could. I spoke freely without worrying about what they thought of me. I was a twenty-something girl full of curiosity, still dreaming of experiencing a sakura season—just as I do now while typing these words.
If I learn Japanese again, I would love the chance to live in Japan, speak with people in their own language, and immerse myself in traditions like Chadō, Tōki, and enjoying sushi.
Reading your notes reminds me that, as someone who loves writing to express feelings and capture life’s moments with gratitude, I don’t need to chase interaction or ambition from subscribers. Words themselves have the power to heal when we simply jot down our thoughts.
素晴らしい! I love your spirit of learning and curiosity. Come visit me in Kyoto when you have a chance and we'll have tea. Thanks also for your kind words. You're right in noting that words can carry different purpose and resonance.
And may Shigure sweep your exams, your cold and gift you 100000 flowers to smile.
(sorry my Mediterranean blood I guess)
Loved your grandfather poem.
Loved your notes, thanks for taking your time to share.
Ricard, How thoughtful of you! I really do appreciate your sincere wishes. Thanks for taking the time to share your reflections.
Thank you for this post. Very cold and snowy day in Virginia. You have warmed my day. Camellia blooms
Carol, Thank you! Reading your comment is a wonderful way to kickstart my weekend. I love camellias and will post some photos on Notes.
I really enjoyed this one. Beautiful. Good luck on your test!
Leanne, Many thanks for your well wishes! Exams were tough. I think I did well on the written but not the speaking and listening exams. May need to watch more Japanese dramas and shows. :)
So beautiful! I wish you well for the exams and I hope you feel better soon.
Thanks so much for reading and for cheering on!
Love the stories of rain and snow. Sending good wishes for tomorrow's testing.
Rena, So appreciate this! Love the poems you write. No filters and true to the spirit of the heart.
Thank you 🧡