Ikigai, or why this blog exists

Ikigai (生き甲斐) is most accurately translated as a reason for being, but often referred to more colloquially as a reason for getting up in the morning. Each circle represents an ideal; that which you love, that which you are good at, that which the world needs, that which can support you. Where all four overlap, there is your ikigai, your purpose for living.

I will be honest with you all right now. I haven’t been in a great place mentally this month. While there’s no one thing seriously wrong, there have just been a lot of little frustrations and disappointments piling up, and it’s weighing heavily on me now. I miss being able to actually wear kimono, but my health is a constant challenge, as is my size. I’ve been trying to do more, to share more things with you lovely readers, but work exhausts me and eats my free time. Last week I ordered a garment rack to display kimono so I could update my catalogue, and that became a whole absurd saga in and of itself (which I will share with you soon!). My point is, sometimes this passion of mine feels more like a chore, and I found myself wondering why I do it.

That was when I was reminded of the concept of ikigai. While I may not be able to use this blog to support myself financially (in fact, rather the opposite – as many of you know, this hobby ain’t cheap!) collecting, coordinating, and displaying kimono fulfill me in a way not many things can. Sometimes the thing you love the most can be the thing that drives you the craziest, but in the end it’s always worth it. I just need to keep reminding myself that frustrations are temporary. So thank you all for reading, subscribing, and sticking with me. Sharing with you gives me purpose. You are the reason this blog exists. 💗

Thank you for your patience!

As you may or may not know, this time of year is always a little difficult for me time-wise. The holidays tend to be hectic for everyone, and I work in a toy store so this is our overwhelmingly busy season. I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for sticking with me and being patient! I have some beautiful things to share with you all, I’m just not sure when that’s going to happen. I had grand plans to curate a gift suggestion list, but unfortunately life got in the way of that. I may still put that together for Valentine’s Day, if I can work it out. I’m going on vacation in early January, so hopefully things will be back to a regular schedule by mid-month.

I did find the time to change things over to the winter theme, at least. I hope you like it!

Quick status update!

Just wanted to let you guys know that everything is fine, there’s just going to be a short lull in updates. I’m not feeling great, and wrestling with the mannequin is exhausting right now. Nothing serious, just general aches and fatigue.

I’m working on a few reviews, but I’m not sure when those will be ready. Just wanted to let everyone know not to worry that I’m not actively posting, hopefully all will be back to normal in the coming weeks 🙂

Spring has sprung!

Winter is on her way out, which means it’s time for a fresh and vibrant new colour scheme.

“In the cherry blossom’s shade
there’s no such thing
as a stranger.”

-Kobayashi Issa

It’s a Festivus Miracle!

So after stepping back, taking a break, getting some incredibly useful (but ultimately unnecessary) help, and then realising I was a twit, everything is back to normal here! I’ve fixed the config file that was pointing to the wrong database, and everything should be where it’s supposed to be. However, if you happen to notice anything missing or broken, please don’t hesitate to comment here or on facebook, or shoot me an email.

I wish you all a happy and healthy new year, and plan to subject Tsukiko to all manner of fun outfits as soon as I have some time off work. ❤