Searching For Stella

Stella Barnett was the epitome of the first grade teacher. Of course, she challenged her students and helped them grow academically, but mom's special gift was her unwavering love and acceptance of others.

Kyoto, Japan: Seeking in Silence

I must admit that I failed Kyoto in many ways. When I arrived, I was suffering from a cold and had grown weary. After dropping my luggage at the hotel (I chose to splurge), I headed for the ancient city…

Koyasan, Japan: A Town Built on Enlightenment

What is peace? What is tranquility? Is it a path through a forest? Is it a moment of shared love? Is it a kind deed? I think every person longs to experience peace and tranquility in his or her life. Many…

Osaka, Japan: The Small Town That Goes Forever

When I finally got on the train at the airport and started into Osaka to the stop near my hostel, I was really excited to see the ocean again. What I didn’t know was that that would be the only…

Nara Park, Japan: Where Deer Abound

I must admit that when I first got to Nara that I was a bit disappointed. I really wanted to camp on the edge of the park and soon discovered that I wouldn’t be able to do so. But with…

Tokyo, Japan: Hello Edo

I remember when I first arrived in Osaka and got onto the train and felt like the town went on forever. Tokyo makes Osaka look like a dwarf. I took a bus from Fuji to Tokyo, and it took us…

Finding Stella Within and Without

So, I am back in my home of Charleston now. I made the long flight from Tokyo to Dallas, where I had to wait for a few hours before making the final flight of my trip. On the plane, I…

SearchingForStellaMarch 10, 2017March 10, 2017 Stars of the Week: Stories of Acts of Kindness

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Mt. Fuji: A Sea of Trees Beneath the Mountain

I found myself more conflicted in many ways during this part of the trip than at any other time. I had hoped to hike Mt. Fuji, but the time of year made it impossible. I also found myself entering a…

SearchingForStellaMarch 7, 2017March 7, 2017 Stars of the Natural World: A Picture Gallery

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The Long and Winding Road

I’ve found myself not using my camera so much in the last two days. I haven’t been seeking people out, learning their stories. I’ve spent most of my time just walking along the lakesides that rest beneath Japan’s most famous…

SearchingForStellaMarch 5, 2017March 5, 2017 On the Road: Poems and Musings

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A Haiku in Izu

I regard the dawn along the Izu coastline– water kisses flame.

SearchingForStellaMarch 4, 2017 On the Road: Poems and Musings

A Haiku in IzuRead more

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