Searching for Stella: The Quest
Searching for Stella: The Quest
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
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
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
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
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
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…