Modern-Day Malaise and Marmalade

Mondays aren’t usually people’s favourite day of the week. They’re muddled with the feelings of slothfulness when begrudging bodies awaken from their weekend benders. But I don’t mind Mondays. For they reset my body clock and remind me what day of the week it is. It’s a time for making plans and organising the weekContinue reading “Modern-Day Malaise and Marmalade”

Heart Wrapped Up in Tin Foil

Last night, I had a dream. I found an old suitcase in a dimly lit Victorian room reminiscent of those seen in horror game mansions. The darkness shied away from the candle on the nightstand, and I sat on the wooden floorboards, wondering what was in the tattered suitcase.  My hand approached the lid slowly,Continue reading “Heart Wrapped Up in Tin Foil”

Calendars

Calendars are fantastic when you know how to use them. I thrive on keeping my calendar updated because it’s incredibly satisfying to know everything is organised. Before everyone’s lives were uprooted and we were plunged into lockdown, my planners kept me going. I had all events and appointments marked, accurate to the quarter hour. AndContinue reading “Calendars”

Small and Mighty

Two nights ago, I was feeling pretty bummed out. I needed to distract myself from my worries, and it didn’t feel like a Netflix night. I wanted to see my friends. But it just so happens that we get busier as we get older, and it’s harder to catch your loved ones, even if onlyContinue reading “Small and Mighty”

Garden of Wonder

Over the past few months, I’ve been thinking about a lot of things. Expectations, joy, vulnerability—if you name something, I’ve probably also thought about that too. And if I’m really honest with myself, for the past year it has been hard to share about my life. No, it’s not because I’ve been having a difficultContinue reading “Garden of Wonder”

Behind the Smile

The first three months of this year have passed, but the season ahead still seems dry and barren. I won’t pretend that this year has been a good one. Even among the Hokkaido snow of the new year, I battled exhaustion and this mixed feeling of loneliness and trepidation that I could not explain. ItContinue reading “Behind the Smile”