Words can be said in bitterness and anger, and often there's seems to be an element of truth in the nastiness; and words do not go away, they just echo around.

- Dr Jane Goodall, primatologist and anthropologist.  PHOTOGRAPH BY JANE GOODALL

Words can be said in bitterness

and anger, and often there's

seems to be an element of truth

in the nastiness; and words do

not go away, they just echo around.

Dr. Jane Goodall, primatologist and anthropologist

Words can be said in bitterness

and anger, and often there's

seems to be an element of truth

in the nastiness; and words do not

go away, they just echo around.

Dr Jane Goodall, primatologist and anthropologist.

Words can be said in bitterness

and anger, and often there's

seems to be an element of truth

in the nastiness; and words do not

go away, they just echo around.

Dr Jane Goodall, primatologist and anthropologist.

Words can be said in bitterness and anger, and often there's seems to be an element of truth in the nastiness; and words do not go away, they just echo around.

Dr Jane Goodall, primatologist and anthropologist.

THEY ARE JUST

THEY ARE JUST

ECHOES  FROM

OUR PAST.

THEY ARE JUST

ECHOES  FROM

OUR PAST.

THEY ARE JUST

ECHOES FROM

OUR PAST.

THEY ARE

JUST

ECHOES  

FROM

OUR PAST.

ECHOES FROM OUR PAST

THEY ARE JUST

ECHOES  FROM

OUR PAST.

THEY ARE JUST

ECHOES  FROM

OUR PAST.

THEY ARE JUST

ECHOES FROM

OUR PAST.

THEY ARE

JUST

ECHOES  

FROM

OUR PAST.

HUISSHT...

?

?

?

?

MOMENTUM

MOMENTUM

MOMENTUM

MOMENTUM

MOMENTUM

Zentsukudon - a collection of

haikus about taiko.

Zentsukudon - a collection of

haikus about taiko.

Zentsukudon - a collection of

haikus about taiko.

Zentsukudon - a collection

of haikus about taiko.

Zentsukudon - a collection

of haikus about taiko.

"Carpe diem quam minimum credula postero"

"You should take nothing on trust for tomorrow". 

In other words, don't take tomorrow for granted. So, if you have something to do today that doesn't involve going to Mars, do it now. This is also the essence of haiku poetry (or at least, that's how I interpret it) - to capture the present moment. Just as the ocean is composed of countless drops of water, our lives are comprised of these small moments. The inspiration for this haiku collection came from the lockdown conditions. (If it weren't for the lockdown, these musings might have remained hidden).

Like everyone else, our taiko dojo was also locked down during the pandemic. In an effort to stay connected, my taiko family came up with various challenges and tasks. One of them was to write a haiku about taiko. But once I started writing, I found it hard to stop... Here are some of the moments we shared during training at the dojo or workshops in the Rotorua Forest Camp.

I hope you enjoy reading these haikus as much as I enjoyed writing them. Thank you.

.....................................................................

01

Silence before the storm.

Shadow warrior awaits

The sound of the first thunder.

02

A still, calm ocean.

Deep down within the water

Raging Waves are born.

03 

Nature awakes.

Colours flourish in the air

Lovely Spring Spring Spring.

04

Am I ready yet?

I will never truly be.

So, let’s begin. 

05

In the garden, the drum

is waiting for the sun to rise.

Miyake cuts the silence.

06

All over again.

Fighting to get the perfect beat. 

And move.

Right “from the top”.

07

A warm summer rain.

Over the Rising Mountain,

Sounds just like drumming.

08

Don-tsuku don-tsuku don

tsuku-don-don. Don-tsuku

don-tsuku don-tsuku don.

09

A journey begins now.

The same song is different.

Time flies.

10 

A warrior's challenge.

Powerful hits.

Still, nobody dies.

(apart from a few bachis…)

11

A warrior stance. 

A moment of tension.

The most important of his entire life.

Right here, right now. 

12 

Late in the night

The sound of drums and

the joy of playing.

Also sake.  :P

13 

Forest in my hand.

Air in my lungs.

Fire in my heart.

Still holding my ground.

14 

Words are just sounds but

here, sounds are not just words.

Beautiful people.

15 

The way to the top of the mountain

it’s tough. But we are making the journey

with two sticks in our hands.

16 

This journey begins with one hit.

Others will follow.

Eventually.

17 

Bachis, drums and sake.

An alchemist move.

Pure joy.

18

A buzzing bee. 

No move; my heart is beating.

Here comes the rhythm.

19

Biggest drum in the sky

Holds secret sounds.

Sunset.

20

White and blue colours

come together in the sky.

A Kumo* family.

*Japanese word for "cloud"

.....................................................................  

To my Kumo family - for the joy we share and all the songs:

Raging Waves / Rising Mountain / Spring, Spring, Spring / Miyake 

"Carpe diem quam minimum credula postero"

"You should take nothing on trust for tomorrow". In other words, don't take tomorrow for granted. So, if you have something to do today and that's not going to Mars, do it now.

That's also the idea behind haiku poetry (at least it's my idea about it), to capture the moment. Because the whole life it's made of these little moments as the ocean it's made of small water drops. The story behind this haiku collection lies in the lockdown conditions. (Again, if it wasn't for lockdown, these little thoughts might have never seen the light). 

Like everyone else, during the lockdown, the taiko dojo was also in lockdown. So, my taiko family members start thinking creatively about how we can keep in touch and they came up with few challenges / tasks. One of them was to write down a haiku regarding taiko. But once I started I couldn't stop it... Here are some of our moments, during the training at the dojo or during the workshops in the Rotorua Forest Camp.

I hope you'll enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed writing. Thank you. 

....................................................

01

Silence before the storm.

Shadow warrior awaits

The sound of the first thunder.

02

A still, calm ocean.

Deep down within the water

Raging Waves are born.

03 

Nature awakes.

Colours flourish in the air

Lovely Spring Spring Spring.

04

Am I ready yet?

I will never truly be.

So, let’s begin. 

05

In the garden, the drum

is waiting for the sun to rise.

Miyake cuts the silence.

06

All over again.

Fighting to get the perfect beat. 

And move.

Right “from the top”.

07

A warm summer rain.

Over the Rising Mountain,

Sounds just like drumming.

08

Don-tsuku don-tsuku don

tsuku-don-don. Don-tsuku

don-tsuku don-tsuku don.

09

A journey begins now.

The same song is different.

Time flies.

10 

A warriors challenge.

Powerful hits.

Still, nobody dies.

(apart from a few bachis…)

11

A warrior stance. 

A moment of tension.

The most important of his entire life.

Right here, right now. 

12 

Late in the night

The sound of drums and

the joy of playing.

Also sake.  ;P

13 

Forest in my hand.

Air in my lungs.

Fire in my heart.

Still holding my ground.

14 

Words are just sounds but

here, sounds are not just words.

Beautiful people.

15 

The way to the top of the mountain

it’s tough. But we are making the journey

with two sticks in our hands.

16 

This journey begins with one hit.

Others will follow.

Eventually.

17 

Bachis, drums and sake.

An alchemist move.

Pure joy.

18

A buzzing bee. 

No move; my heart is beating.

Here comes the rhythm.

19

Biggest drum in the sky

Holds secret sounds.

Sunset.

20

White and blue colours

come together in the sky.

A Kumo* family.

*Japanese word for "cloud"

........................................................ 

(To my Kumo family - for the joy we share and all the songs:

Raging Waves / Rising Mountain / Spring Spring Spring / Miyake) 

"Carpe diem quam minimum credula postero"

"You should take nothing on trust for tomorrow". In other words, don't take tomorrow for granted. So, if you have something to do today and that's not going to Mars, do it now.

That's also the idea behind haiku poetry (at least it's my idea about it), to capture the moment. Because the whole life it's made of these little moments as the ocean it's made of small water drops. The story behind this haiku collection lies in the lockdown conditions. (Again, if it wasn't for lockdown, these little thoughts might have never seen the light). 

Like everyone else, during the lockdown, the taiko dojo was also in lockdown. So, my taiko family members start thinking creatively about how we can keep in touch and they came up with few contests / tasks. One of them was to write down a haiku regarding taiko. But once I started I couldn't stop it... Here are some of our moments, during the training at the dojo or during the workshops in the Rotorua Forest Camp.

I hope you'll enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed writing. Thank you. 

...............................................

01

Silence before the storm.

Shadow warrior awaits

The sound of the first thunder.

02

A still, calm ocean.

Deep down within the water

Raging Waves are born.

03 

Nature awakes.

Colours flourish in the air

Lovely Spring Spring Spring.

04

Am I ready yet?

I will never truly be.

So, let’s begin. 

05

In the garden, the drum

is waiting for the sun to rise.

Miyake cuts the silence.

06

All over again.

Fighting to get the perfect beat. 

And move.

Right “from the top”.

07

A warm summer rain.

Over the Rising Mountain,

Sounds just like drumming.

08

Don-tsuku don-tsuku don

tsuku-don-don. Don-tsuku

don-tsuku don-tsuku don.

09

A journey begins now.

The same song is different.

Time flies.

10 

A warriors challenge.

Powerful hits.

Still, nobody dies.

(apart from a few bachis…)

11

A warrior stance. 

A moment of tension.

The most important of his entire life.

Right here, right now. 

12 

Late in the night

The sound of drums and

the joy of playing.

Also sake.  ;P

13 

Forest in my hand.

Air in my lungs.

Fire in my heart.

Still holding my ground.

14 

Words are just sounds but

here, sounds are not just words.

Beautiful people.

15 

The way to the top of the mountain

it’s tough. But we are making the journey

with two sticks in our hands.

16 

This journey begins with one hit.

Others will follow.

Eventually.

17 

Bachis, drums and sake.

An alchemist move.

Pure joy.

18

A buzzing bee. 

No move; my heart is beating.

Here comes the rhythm.

19

Biggest drum in the sky

Holds secret sounds.

Sunset.

20

White and blue colours

come together in the sky.

A Kumo* family.

*Japanese word for "cloud"

..................................................

(To my Kumo family - for the joy we share and all the songs:

Raging Waves / Rising Mountain / Spring Spring Spring / Miyake) 

"Carpe diem quam minimum credula postero"

"You should take nothing on trust for tomorrow". In other words, don't take tomorrow for granted. So, if you have something to do today and that's not going to Mars, do it now.

That's also the idea behind haiku poetry (at least it's my idea about it), to capture the moment. Because the whole life it's made of these little moments as the ocean it's made of small water drops. The story behind this haiku collection lies in the lockdown conditions. (Again, if it wasn't for lockdown, these little thoughts might have never seen the light). 

Like everyone else, during the lockdown, the taiko dojo was also in lockdown. So, my taiko family members start thinking creatively about how we can keep in touch and they came up with few contests / tasks ideas. One of them was to write down a haiku regarding taiko. But once I started I couldn't stop it... Here are some of our moments, during the training at the dojo or during the workshops in the Rotorua Forest Camp.

I hope you'll enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed writing. Thank you. 

.............................

01

Silence before the storm.

Shadow warrior awaits

The sound of the first thunder.

02

A still, calm ocean.

Deep down within the water

Raging Waves are born.

03 

Nature awakes.

Colours flourish in the air

Lovely Spring Spring Spring.

04

Am I ready yet?

I will never truly be.

So, let’s begin. 

05

In the garden, the drum

is waiting for the sun to rise.

Miyake cuts the silence.

06

All over again.

Fighting to get the perfect beat. 

And move.

Right “from the top”.

07

A warm summer rain.

Over the Rising Mountain,

Sounds just like drumming.

08

Don-tsuku don-tsuku don

tsuku-don-don. Don-tsuku

don-tsuku don-tsuku don.

09

A journey begins now.

The same song is different.

Time flies.

10 

A warriors challenge.

Powerful hits.

Still, nobody dies.

(apart from a few bachis…)

11

A warrior stance. 

A moment of tension.

The most important of his entire life.

Right here, right now. 

12 

Late in the night

The sound of drums and

the joy of playing.

Also sake.  ;P

13 

Forest in my hand.

Air in my lungs.

Fire in my heart.

Still holding my ground.

14 

Words are just sounds but

here, sounds are not just words.

Beautiful people.

15 

The way to the top of the

mountain it’s tough.

But we are making the

journey with two sticks in

our hands.

16 

This journey begins with one hit.

Others will follow.

Eventually.

17 

Bachis, drums and sake.

An alchemist move.

Pure joy.

18

A buzzing bee. 

No move; my heart is beating.

Here comes the rhythm.

19

Biggest drum in the sky

Holds secret sounds.

Sunset.

20

White and blue colours

come together in the sky.

A Kumo* family.

*Japanese word for "cloud"

...............................

(To my Kumo family - for the joy we

share and all the songs:

Raging Waves / Rising Mountain / Spring

Spring Spring / Miyake) 

"Carpe diem quam minimum credula postero"

"You should take nothing on trust for tomorrow". In other words, don't take tomorrow for granted. So, if you have something to do today and that's not going to Mars, do it now.

That's also the idea behind haiku poetry (at least it's my idea about it), to capture the moment. Because the whole life it's made of these little moments as the ocean it's made of small water drops. The story behind this haiku collection lies in the lockdown conditions. (Again, if it wasn't for lockdown, these little thoughts might have never seen the light). 

Like everyone else, during the lockdown, the taiko dojo was also in lockdown. So, my taiko family members start thinking creatively about how we can keep in touch and they came up with few contests / tasks. One of them was to write down a haiku regarding taiko. But once I started I couldn't easily stop it... Here are some of our moments, during the training at the dojo or during the workshops in the Rotorua Forest Camp.

I hope you'll enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed writing. Thank you. 

............................

01

Silence before the storm.

Shadow warrior awaits

The sound of the first thunder.

02

 A still, calm ocean.

Deep down within the water

Raging Waves are born.

03 

 Nature awakes.

Colours flourish in the air

Lovely Spring Spring Spring.

04

 Am I ready yet?

I will never truly be.

So, let’s begin. 

05

 In the garden, the drum

is waiting for the sun to rise.

Miyake cuts the silence.

06

 All over again.

Fighting to get the perfect beat. 

And move.

Right “from the top”.

07

 A warm summer rain.

Over the Rising Mountain,

Sounds just like drumming.

08

 Don-tsuku don-tsuku don

tsuku-don-don. Don-tsuku

don-tsuku don-tsuku don.

09

 A journey begins now.

The same song is different.

Time flies.

10 

 A warriors challenge.

Powerful hits.

Still, nobody dies.

 (apart from a few bachis…)

11

 A warrior stance. 

A moment of tension.

The most important of his entire life.

Right here, right now. 

12 

 Late in the night

The sound of drums and

the joy of playing.

Also sake.  ;P

13 

 Forest in my hand.

Air in my lungs.

Fire in my heart.

Still holding my ground.

14 

 Words are just sounds but

here, sounds are not just words.

Beautiful people.

15 

 The way to the top of the mountain

it’s tough. But we are making the journey

with two sticks in our hands.

16 

 This journey begins with one hit.

Others will follow.

Eventually.

17 

 Bachis, drums and sake.

An alchemist move.

Pure joy.

18

 A buzzing bee. 

No move; my heart is beating.

Here comes the rhythm.

19

 Biggest drum in the sky

Holds secret sounds.

Sunset.

20

 White and blue colours

come together in the sky.

A Kumo* family.

 *Japanese word for "cloud"

 ...............................

 (To my Kumo family - for the joy we

share and all the songs:

Raging Waves / Rising Mountain / Spring

Spring Spring / Miyake) 

TIME WAITS

FOR NO ONE

TIME WAITS

FOR NO ONE

TIME WAITS

FOR NO ONE

TIME WAITS

FOR NO ONE

TIME WAITS

FOR NO ONE

Today, 12:45pm

Today, 12:45pm

Today, 12:45pm

Today, 12:45pm

Today, 12:45pm

"Time is what you

make of it."

During the lockdown, when all the days start to blend together, it becomes important for each of us to find ways to make them stand out. One way to achieve this is by learning something new, perhaps something you've always wanted to do but never had time for. You can also consider restarting old projects or reviewing current ones. Or maybe just take some time for yourself and learn how to reconnect with the neglected parts of yourself that have been overlooked due to the work-home-work routine. The pandemic presents an opportunity to do all of these things - now is the perfect time.

The pandemic-induced break can be incredibly beneficial. Not everyone has the luck or knowledge to make a ton of money during crises, so we have to adapt. Time, happiness, and health cannot be bought with money. The best way to care for these things is to take care of ourselves. The pandemic has spurred necessary cultural changes in all aspects of life and has accelerated new developments that we all thought would happen later.

"Time is what you

make of it."

During the lockdown when all days seem the same, every each of us needs to find a way of making them look different. And we can achieve this by learning something new, something you always wanted to do but you never found time for it. By restarting old projects or reviewing the present ones. Or just simply to take some time for yourself and learn how to reconnect with the other "you", the one you neglected for so long, being so busy with a work-home-work-home routine. Now it's time. Actually now it's a perfect time.

The pandemic "break" can be transformed into something incredibly benefic. Not all of us have the luck or the knowledge of making sh*t tones of money as some of the "smart" guys can during crises, so we have to adapt. And things like time, happiness and health cannot be bought with money, the best way is to take care of all of these by yourself. The pandemic has created a necessary change culture in all aspects of life; it has brought forward and accelerated new development, much that we all thought would happen, but probably later!

"Time is what you

make of it."

During the lockdown, when all days seem the same, every each of us needs to find a way of making them look different. And we can achieve this by learning something new, something you always wanted to do but you never found time for it. By restarting old projects or reviewing the present ones. Or just simply to take some time for yourself and learn how to reconnect with the other "you", the one you neglected for so long, being so busy with a work-home-work-home routine. Now it's time. Actually now it's a perfect time.

The pandemic "break" can be transformed into something incredibly benefic. Not all of us have the luck or the knowledge of making sh*t tones of money as some of the "smart" guys can during crises, so we have to adapt. And things like time, happiness and health cannot be bought with money, the best way is to take care of all of these by yourself. The pandemic has created a necessary change culture in all aspects of life; it has brought forward and accelerated new development, much that we all thought would happen, but probably later!

"Time is what you

make of it."

During the lockdown, when all days seem the same, every each of us needs to find a way of making them look different. And we can achieve this by learning something new, something you always wanted to do but you never found time for it. By restarting old projects or reviewing the present ones. Or just simply to take some time for yourself and learn how to reconnect with the other "you", the one you neglected for so long, being so busy with a work-home-work-home routine. Now it's time. Actually now it's a perfect time.

The pandemic "break" can be transformed into something incredibly benefic. Not all of us have the luck or the knowledge of making sh*t tones of money as some of the "smart" guys can during crises, so we have to adapt. And things like time, happiness and health cannot be bought with money, the best way is to take care of all of these by yourself. The pandemic has created a necessary change culture in all aspects of life; it has brought forward and accelerated new development, much that we all thought would happen, but probably later!

"Time is what you

make of it." 

During the lockdown, when all days seem the same, every each of us needs to find a way of making them look different. And we can achieve this by learning something new, something you always wanted to do but you never found time for it. By restarting old projects or reviewing the present ones. Or just simply to take some time for yourself and learn how to reconnect with the other "you", the one you neglected for so long, being so busy with a work-home-work-home routine. Now it's time. Actually now it's a perfect time.

The pandemic "break" can be transformed into something incredibly benefic. Not all of us have the luck or the knowledge of making sh*t tones of money as some of the "smart" guys can during crises, so we have to adapt. And things like time, happiness and health cannot be bought with money, the best way is to take care of all of these by yourself. The pandemic has created a necessary change culture in all aspects of life; it has brought forward and accelerated new development, much that we all thought would happen, but probably later!

ACORNS AND

PINECONES

ACORNS AND

PINECONES

ACORNS AND

PINE CONES

ACORNS 

AND

PINE CONES

ACORNS 

AND

PINE CONES

Autumn is coming. 

Autumn is coming.

Autumn is coming.

Autumn is coming.

Autumn is coming.

"Spring is beautiful, and summer is perfect for vacations, but autumn brings a longing to get away from the unreal things of life, out into the forest at night with a campfire and the     rustling leaves."

Autumn is once again arriving in New Zealand, as it does every year. This marks the 14th year since I first landed in Auckland.

Before coming here, I was excited about the prospect of having Christmas on the beach - it seemed like an exotic and interesting idea. But as time went on, I began to deeply miss the mesmerizing change of seasons and all the beauty that comes with it.

I miss experiencing four distinct seasons in a year - the spring, the not-so-hot summer, the winter, and most of all, the autumn. I guess what I miss most is the essence of existence - the beautiful dance of colors and sounds that come with the changing seasons.

Instinctively, I started collecting acorns and pinecones that reminded me of my dear colorful autumn in Europe. I even found myself looking for oak, birch, or beech trees that would make my heart race.

Living in the Evergreen Realm of New Zealand, one of the most beautiful countries in the world, where the landscape remains unchanged throughout the year, made me reflect on immortality. The beauty of life comes from the perpetual change, the circle of life's permanent dance - the death and the rebirth, which is marvelously revealed through the life of a small, seemingly insignificant leaf - a vital part of any tree's existence.

This led me to ask myself, would it be the same for an immortal being? To be always "green" - not dead - for years, decades, aeons? To me, it sounds as boring as it can be and more like torture than a gift.

With this thought in mind, my soul continues to long for autumn, for acorns and pinecones, like the ones on my desk.

"Spring is beautiful, and summer is perfect for vacations, but autumn brings a longing to get away from the unreal things of life, out into the forest at night with a campfire and the     rustling leaves."

Autumn is coming to New Zealand. Again. Like every year. For the 14th consecutive year since I first landed in Auckland. 

Before coming here, I was curious about having Christmas on the beach, it seemed a very exotic and interesting idea and I couldn't wait to experience it. After the beginning excitement started to fade out, I deeply and subtly started to miss that mesmerising change of the seasons with all its beauty in differences. 

I miss the four seasons in a year time. I miss the spring, I miss the not-so-hot summer, I miss the winter and most of all - I miss the autumn. I guess I miss the change which is the very essence of existence; the beautiful dance of the colours and sounds of the four seasons. 

Then, almost instinctively, I started picking up acorns and pinecones; they were reminding me of my dear colourful autumn from Europe. After a while, I started looking for any sign of oak, birch or beech tree that would make my heartbeat rise.

The Evergreen Realm of New Zealand, one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with the same colours and so little change of the landscape throughout the year, made me reflect on immortal life for a second. The beauty of life comes from this perpetual change, the circle of life permanent dance - the death and the rebirth, which is marvellously revealed through the life of this small, almost insignificant (for us) leaf - the vital part of any tree's existence.

So I found myself asking: "Would this be the same for an immortal being? To be always "green" - not dead - for years, decades, aeons?... If so, for me it sounds as boring as it can be and looks more like torture than a gift."

With this thought in mind, my soul keeps longing for autumn. For acorns and pine cones. Like the one on my desk.

"Spring is beautiful, and summer is perfect for vacations, but autumn brings a longing to get away from the unreal things of life, out into the forest at night with a campfire and the rustling leaves."

Autumn is coming to New Zealand. Again. Like every year. For the 14th consecutive time since I first landed in Auckland. Even I am in New Zealand at the time I write down these thoughts and I do consider New Zealand as one of the most beautiful places on the planet, some subtle things haunt me all the time, that kind of things hidden in the back of your mind, pocking you all the time.

I miss the four seasons in a year time. I miss the spring, I miss the not-so-hot summer, I miss the winter and most of all I miss the autumn. I miss the change; the beautiful dance of colours and sounds of those four seasons. 

When I came here, I was curious about having Christmas on the beach, it seemed a very exotic and interesting idea. I couldn't wait to experience it. After a while in the evergreen paradise tho, with the excitement gone, I deeply and subtly started to miss that mesmerising change of the seasons. The time to swim, the time to rejoice, the time to reflect and the time to admire the mighty show of Nature. I even use to pick up acorns and pinecones that were reminding me of my homeland dear colourful autumn and to look for any sign of oak, birch or beech tree that would make my heartbeat rising.

The "Evergreen Realm" with the same colours and a little change of the landscape throughout the year, made me reflect on immortal life. The beauty of four seasons comes from this circle of life - death and rebirth, which is beautifully revealed through the life of this small, almost insignificant (for us, humans) leave - a vital part of the life of any tree. And I found myself asking "Would this be the same for some hypothetically immortal being? Always "green" for years, decades, aeons?... It sounds as boring as can be and looks more and more like torture than a gift."

With this thought in mind, my soul is longing so bad for autumn. For acorns and pine cones.

"Spring is beautiful, and summer is perfect for vacations, but autumn brings a longing to get away from the unreal things of life, out into the forest at night with a campfire and the rustling leaves."

Autumn is coming to New Zealand. Again. Like every year. For the 14th consecutive time since I first landed in Auckland. Even I am in New Zealand at the time I write down these thoughts and I do consider New Zealand as one of the most beautiful places on the planet, some subtle things haunt me all the time, that kind of things hidden in the back of your mind, pocking you all the time.

I miss the four seasons in a year time. I miss the spring, I miss the not-so-hot summer, I miss the winter and most of all I miss the autumn. I miss the change; the beautiful dance of colours and sounds of those four seasons. 

When I came here, I was curious about having Christmas on the beach, it seemed a very exotic and interesting idea. I couldn't wait to experience it. After a while in the evergreen paradise tho, with the excitement gone, I deeply and subtly started to miss that mesmerising change of the seasons. The time to swim, the time to rejoice, the time to reflect and the time to admire the mighty show of Nature. I even use to pick up acorns and pinecones that were reminding me of my homeland dear colourful autumn and to look for any sign of oak, birch or beech tree that would make my heartbeat rising.

The "Evergreen Realm" with the same colours and a little change of the landscape throughout the year, made me reflect on immortal life. The beauty of four seasons comes from this circle of life - death and rebirth, which is beautifully revealed through the life of this small, almost insignificant (for us, humans) leave - a vital part of the life of any tree. And I found myself asking "Would this be the same for some hypothetically immortal being? Always "green" for years, decades, aeons?... It sounds as boring as can be and looks more and more like torture than a gift."

With this thought in mind, my soul is longing so bad for autumn. For acorns and pine cones.

"Spring is beautiful, and summer is perfect for vacations, but autumn brings a longing to get away from the unreal things of life, out into the forest at night with a campfire and the rustling leaves." 

Autumn is coming to New Zealand. Again. Like every year. For the 14th consecutive time since I first landed in Auckland. Even I am in New Zealand at the time I write down these thoughts and I do consider New Zealand as one of the most beautiful places on the planet, some subtle things haunt me all the time, that kind of things hidden in the back of your mind, pocking you all the time.

I miss the four seasons in a year time. I miss the spring, I miss the not-so-hot summer, I miss the winter and most of all I miss the autumn. I miss the change; the beautiful dance of colours and sounds of those four seasons. 

When I came here, I was curious about having Christmas on the beach, it seemed a very exotic and interesting idea. I couldn't wait to experience it. After a while in the evergreen paradise tho, with the excitement gone, I deeply and subtly started to miss that mesmerising change of the seasons. The time to swim, the time to rejoice, the time to reflect and the time to admire the mighty show of Nature. I even use to pick up acorns and pinecones that were reminding me of my homeland dear colourful autumn and to look for any sign of oak, birch or beech tree that would make my heartbeat rising.

The "Evergreen Realm" with the same colours and a little change of the landscape throughout the year, made me reflect on immortal life. The beauty of four seasons comes from this circle of life - death and rebirth, which is beautifully revealed through the life of this small, almost insignificant (for us, humans) leave - a vital part of the life of any tree. And I found myself asking "Would this be the same for some hypothetically immortal being? Always "green" for years, decades, aeons?... It sounds as boring as can be and looks more and more like torture than a gift."

With this thought in mind, my soul is longing so bad for autumn. For acorns and pine cones.

WHISPERS AND

SHADOWS

WHISPERS AND

SHADOWS

WHISPERS AND

SHADOWS

WHISPERS

AND

SHADOWS

WHISPERS

AND

SHADOWS

Filling the paper - and the screen - with the breathing

of my heart, as William Wordsworth said it so nicely.

Filling the paper - and the screen - with the breathing

of my heart, as William Wordsworth said it so nicely.

Filling the paper - and the screen -

with the breathing of my heart,

as William Wordsworth said it so nicely.

Filling the paper - and the screen -

with the breathing of my heart,

as William Wordsworth said it 

so nicely.

Filling the paper - and the screen -

with the breathing of my heart,

as William Wordsworth

said it so nicely.

We all have our demons,

 obsessions and moments 

of inspiration and

creativity.

Even though we don't always realize it, we will all succumb to these challenges one way or another. Each one presents us with opportunities for growth and learning. We can't change or avoid them, but we can teach ourselves ways of dealing with them.

These moments of sadness, anger, and happiness bring a subtle connection with the universe, and that's why they are sources of inspiration, teachings, and wisdom.

I have also experienced these challenges, and what you will read below is a result of those moments. Some of them are in my native language, Romanian. When I considered translating them into English, I realized that by doing so, their meaning, melody, and magic would be lost.

Tip: You can always use Google Translate to get an approximate idea of what they are about.

I am not a poet, and therefore I like to simply call them thoughts; whispers of the old gods and shadows of my ancestors from another dimension into this reality.

Enjoy.

....................................................................

01

A little bird
on the branch.
Just above my head.
A blink, and it's gone.

02

The drumming rain.
A mighty thunder.
In the dark night,
A concert.

03

Round light
in the night, above.
The howling wolf.

04

You can see it and it's gone.
You can think it and there's none.
A mind trick.

05

Above us all
a grey blanket is spreading.
The storm is coming.

06

Daily mud
makes us forget
The beauty of clear water.

07

Grey sky is crying
big winter tears.
Looking through the window glass outside,
the water is dancing.

08

Fear. We are afraid
most above all
of a meeting with ourselves.
We are all nothing but fugitives.
The more we run, the more afraid we are.

09

Sometimes
we feel the urge
of punching silence
in the face.

10

Sunt umbra omului din umbra.

Cel pe care nu-l zaresti dar il vezi

daca te opresti o clipa si privesti

Mai de aproape.

Sunt umbra care sta in umbra,

umbrind cu umbra lui,

umbrele celorlalti.

Sunt umbra care nu vorbeste,

sunt umbra care doar zambeste.

In linistea lumii mele de umbre,

vorba e doar zgomot,

zambetul inseamna lumina.

Si mai inseamna sa vorbesti tacand,

fara sa tulburi

linistea umbrelor ce te-nconjoara.

11

A fi sau a nu fi...

Aceasta-i intrebarea

Ce si-o punea pisica

Privind incuietoarea.

12

Felie de rotund pe cer
In noaptea viselor tarzii,
E Luna. Al nostru giuvaer
Martor iubirilor pierzii.

Un nor ce se pravale peste ea
Acoperindu-i fata luminoasa,
Vesteste zorile de zi
Sfarsitul tesaturii de melasa. 

13

"O, tu iubire a vietii mele!"
Graia-nteleptul barcagiu
In timp ce se-ntorcea acasa,
Imbatranite-i lampe cu fitil.

14

Sunt zenul fara de maestru
Si sunt maestrul fara zen.
Sunt si fractalul fara tinta,
Si tinta fara de indemn. 
Sunt incalceala dintre vise,
Si ordinea fara de sens.
Sunt si frumosul, si uratul
Toate invalmasite in consens...

Thank you for reading.

- EUNIMUS, 2020.

We all have our

demons, obsessions

and moments 

of inspiration 

and creativity.

Even though we don't always realize it. And we will all succumb to them one way or another. Each of these brings us challenges and at the same time, opportunities. We can't change or avoid them, but we can teach ourselves ways of dealing with them. 

These moments of sadness, anger and happiness bring a subtle connection with the universe and that's why they are sources of inspiration, teachings and wisdom.

I also had mine and what you will read below is a result of those moments. Some of them are in my native language, Romanian. When I was thinking of translating them into English, I realized that by doing so, their meaning, melodicity, and magic, will be lost.

TIP: you can always use Google Translate to get an approximate idea of what it's about.

I am not a poet and therefore I like to simply call them thoughts; whispers of the old gods and my ancestors shadows from another dimension into this reality.

Enjoy.

.......................................................

01

A little bird
on the branch.
Just above my head.
A blink, and it's gone.

02

The drumming rain.
A mighty thunder.
In the night,
A concert.

03

Round light
in the night, above.
The howling wolf.

04

You can see it and it's gone.
You can think it and there's none.
A mind trick.

05

Above us, 
a grey blanket is spreading.
The storm is coming.

06

Daily mud
makes us forget
The beauty of clear water.

07

The Grey sky is crying
big winter tears.
Looking through the window glass outside,
the water is dancing.

08

Fear. We are afraid
most above all
of a meeting with ourselves.
We are all nothing but fugitives.
The more we run, the more afraid we are.

09

Sometimes
we feel the urge
of punching silence
in the face.

10

Sunt umbra omului din umbra.

Cel pe care nu-l zaresti dar il vezi

daca te opresti o clipa si privesti

Mai de aproape.

Sunt umbra care sta in umbra,

umbrind cu umbra lui,

umbrele celorlalti.

Sunt umbra care nu vorbeste,

sunt umbra care doar zambeste.

In linistea lumii mele de umbre,

vorba e doar zgomot,

zambetul inseamna lumina.

Si mai inseamna sa vorbesti tacand,

fara sa tulburi

linistea umbrelor ce te-nconjoara.

11

A fi sau a nu fi...

Aceasta-i intrebarea

Ce si-o punea pisica

Privind incuietoarea.

12

Felie de rotund pe cer
In noaptea viselor tarzii,
E Luna. Al nostru giuvaer
Martor iubirilor pierzii.

Un nor ce se pravale peste ea
Acoperindu-i fata luminoasa,
Vesteste zorile de zi
Sfarsitul tesaturii de melasa. 

13

"O, tu iubire a vietii mele!"
Graia-nteleptul barcagiu
In timp ce se-ntorcea acasa,
Imbatranite-i lampe cu fitil.

14

Sunt zenul fara de maestru
Si sunt maestrul fara zen.
Sunt si fractalul fara tinta,
Si tinta fara de indemn. 
Sunt incalceala dintre vise,
Si ordinea fara de sens.
Sunt si frumosul, si uratul
Toate invalmasite in consens...

 Thank you for reading.

- EUNIMUS, 2020.

We all have

our demons,

obsessions and

 moments 

of inspiration 

and creativity.

Even though we don't always realize it. And we will all succumb to them one way or another. Each of these brings us challenges and at the same time, opportunities. We can't change or avoid them, but we can teach ourselves ways of dealing with them. 

These moments of sadness, anger and happiness bring a subtle connection with the universe and that's why they are sources of inspiration, teachings and wisdom.

I also had mine and what you will read below is a result of those moments. Some of them are in my native language, Romanian. When I was thinking of translating them into English, I realized that by doing so, their meaning, melodicity, and magic, will be lost.

TIP: you can always use Google Translate to get an aproximate idea of what it's about.

I am not a poet and therefore I like to simply call them thoughts; whispers of the old gods and my ancestors shadows from another dimension into this reality.

Enjoy.

.......................................................

01

A little bird
on the branch.
Just above my head.
A blink, and it's gone.

02

The drumming rain.
A mighty thunder.
In the dark night,
A concert.

03

Round light
in the night, above.
The howling wolf.

04

You can see it and it's gone.
You can think it and there's none.
A mind trick.

05

Above us all
a grey blanket is spreading.
The storm is coming.

06

Daily mud
makes us forget
The beauty of clear water.

07

Grey sky is crying
big winter tears.
Looking through the window glass outside,
the water is dancing.

08

Fear. We are afraid
most above all
of a meeting with ourselves.
We are all nothing but fugitives.
The more we run,                                                                                                   the more afraid we are.

09

Sometimes
we feel the urge
of punching silence
in the face.

10

Sunt umbra omului din umbra.

Cel pe care nu-l zaresti dar il vezi

daca te opresti o clipa si privesti

Mai de aproape.

Sunt umbra care sta in umbra,

umbrind cu umbra lui,

umbrele celorlalti.

Sunt umbra care nu vorbeste,

sunt umbra care doar zambeste.

In linistea lumii mele de umbre,

vorba e doar zgomot,

zambetul inseamna lumina.

Si mai inseamna sa vorbesti tacand,

fara sa tulburi

linistea umbrelor ce te-nconjoara.

11

A fi sau a nu fi...

Aceasta-i intrebarea

Ce si-o punea pisica

Privind incuietoarea.

12

Felie de rotund pe cer
In noaptea viselor tarzii,
E Luna. Al nostru giuvaer
Martor iubirilor pierzii.

Un nor ce se pravale peste ea
Acoperindu-i fata luminoasa,
Vesteste zorile de zi
Sfarsitul tesaturii de melasa. 

13

"O, tu iubire a vietii mele!"
Graia-nteleptul barcagiu
In timp ce se-ntorcea acasa,
Imbatranite-i lampe cu fitil.

14

Sunt zenul fara de maestru
Si sunt maestrul fara zen.
Sunt si fractalul fara tinta,
Si tinta fara de indemn. 
Sunt incalceala dintre vise,
Si ordinea fara de sens.
Sunt si frumosul, si uratul
Toate invalmasite in consens...

Thank you for reading.

- EUNIMUS, 2020.

We all have

our demons,

obsessions and

 moments 

of inspiration 

and creativity.

Even though we don't always realize it. And we will all succumb to them one way or another. Each of these brings us challenges and at the same time, opportunities. We can't change or avoid them, but we can teach ourselves ways of dealing with them. 

These moments of sadness, anger and happiness bring a subtle connection with the universe and that's why they are sources of inspiration, teachings and wisdom.

I also had mine and what you will read below is a result of those moments. Some of them are in my native language, Romanian. When I was thinking of translating them into English, I realized that by doing so, their meaning, melodicity, and magic, will be lost.

TIP: you can always use Google Translate to get an aproximate idea of what it's about.

I am not a poet and therefore I like to simply call them thoughts; whispers of the old gods and my ancestors shadows from another dimension into this reality.

Enjoy.

.......................................................

01

A little bird
on the branch.
Just above my head.
A blink, and it's gone.

02

The drumming rain.
A mighty thunder.
In the dark night,
A concert.

03

Round light
in the night, above.
The howling wolf.

04

You can see it and it's gone.
You can think it and there's none.
A mind trick.

05

Above us all
a grey blanket is spreading.
The storm is coming.

06

Daily mud
makes us forget
The beauty of clear water.

07

Grey sky is crying
big winter tears.
Looking through the window glass outside,
the water is dancing.

08

Fear. We are afraid
most above all
of a meeting with ourselves.
We are all nothing but fugitives.
The more we run,                                                                                                   the more afraid we are.

09

Sometimes
we feel the urge
of punching silence
in the face.

10

Sunt umbra omului din umbra.

Cel pe care nu-l zaresti dar il vezi

daca te opresti o clipa si privesti

Mai de aproape.

Sunt umbra care sta in umbra,

umbrind cu umbra lui,

umbrele celorlalti.

Sunt umbra care nu vorbeste,

sunt umbra care doar zambeste.

In linistea lumii mele de umbre,

vorba e doar zgomot,

zambetul inseamna lumina.

Si mai inseamna sa vorbesti tacand,

fara sa tulburi

linistea umbrelor ce te-nconjoara.

11

A fi sau a nu fi...

Aceasta-i intrebarea

Ce si-o punea pisica

Privind incuietoarea.

12

Felie de rotund pe cer
In noaptea viselor tarzii,
E Luna. Al nostru giuvaer
Martor iubirilor pierzii.

Un nor ce se pravale peste ea
Acoperindu-i fata luminoasa,
Vesteste zorile de zi
Sfarsitul tesaturii de melasa. 

13

"O, tu iubire a vietii mele!"
Graia-nteleptul barcagiu
In timp ce se-ntorcea acasa,
Imbatranite-i lampe cu fitil.

14

Sunt zenul fara de maestru
Si sunt maestrul fara zen.
Sunt si fractalul fara tinta,
Si tinta fara de indemn. 
Sunt incalceala dintre vise,
Si ordinea fara de sens.
Sunt si frumosul, si uratul
Toate invalmasite in consens...

Thank you for reading.

- EUNIMUS, 2020.

We all have

our demons,

obsessions and

 moments 

of inspiration 

and creativity.

Even though we don't always realize it. And we will all succumb to them one way or another. Each of these brings us challenges and at the same time, opportunities. We can't change or avoid them, but we can teach ourselves ways of dealing with them. 

These moments of sadness, anger and happiness bring a subtle connection with the universe and that's why they are sources of inspiration, teachings and wisdom.

I also had mine and what you will read below is a result of those moments. Some of them are in my native language, Romanian. When I was thinking of translating them into English, I realized that by doing so, their meaning, melodicity, and magic, will be lost.

TIP: you can always use Google Translate to get an aproximate idea of what it's about.

I am not a poet and therefore I like to simply call them thoughts; whispers of the old gods and my ancestors shadows from another dimension into this reality.

Enjoy.

............................

01

 A little bird
on the branch.
Just above my head.
A blink, and it's gone.

02

The drumming rain.
A mighty thunder.
In the dark night,
A concert.

03

 Round light
in the night, above.
The howling wolf.

04

 You can see it and it's gone.
You can think it and there's none.
A mind trick.

05

 Above us all
a grey blanket is spreading.
The storm is coming.

06

 Daily mud
makes us forget
The beauty of clear water.

07

Grey sky is crying
big winter tears.
Looking through the window glass outside,
the water is dancing.

08

 Fear. We are afraid
most above all
of a meeting with ourselves.
We are all nothing but fugitives.
The more we run,                                                                                                   the more afraid we are.

09

 Sometimes
we feel the urge
of punching silence
in the face.

10

 Sunt umbra omului din umbra.

Cel pe care nu-l zaresti dar il vezi

daca te opresti o clipa si privesti

Mai de aproape.

Sunt umbra care sta in umbra,

umbrind cu umbra lui,

umbrele celorlalti.

Sunt umbra care nu vorbeste,

sunt umbra care doar zambeste.

In linistea lumii mele de umbre,

vorba e doar zgomot,

zambetul inseamna lumina.

Si mai inseamna sa vorbesti tacand,

fara sa tulburi

linistea umbrelor ce te-nconjoara.

11

 A fi sau a nu fi...

Aceasta-i intrebarea

Ce si-o punea pisica

Privind incuietoarea.

12

 Felie de rotund pe cer
In noaptea viselor tarzii,
E Luna. Al nostru giuvaer
Martor iubirilor pierzii.

Un nor ce se pravale peste ea
Acoperindu-i fata luminoasa,
Vesteste zorile de zi
Sfarsitul tesaturii de melasa. 

13

 "O, tu iubire a vietii mele!"
Graia-nteleptul barcagiu
In timp ce se-ntorcea acasa,
Imbatranite-i lampe cu fitil.

14

Sunt zenul fara de maestru
Si sunt maestrul fara zen.
Sunt si fractalul fara tinta,
Si tinta fara de indemn. 
Sunt incalceala dintre vise,
Si ordinea fara de sens.
Sunt si frumosul, si uratul
Toate invalmasite in consens...

 Thank you for reading.

- EUNIMUS, 2020.

YOU ARE EXACTLY

WHERE YOU

ARE MEANT TO BE.

YOU ARE EXACTLY

WHERE YOU

ARE MEANT TO BE.

YOU ARE EXACTLY

WHERE YOU

ARE MEANT TO BE.

YOU ARE EXACTLY

WHERE YOU

ARE MEANT TO BE.

YOU ARE

EXACTLY WHERE

YOUARE

MEANT TO BE.

Some thoughts about yoga.

Some thoughts about yoga.

Some thoughts about yoga.

Some thoughts

about yoga.

Some thoughts

about yoga.

"It's not about being good at

something. It's about being

good to yourself"

On a personal note, I am currently reflecting on how yoga has changed my life and I am eager to hear about other people's experiences with yoga as well. I started practicing yoga three and a half years ago with the goal of (re)connecting with my body. At first, I watched yoga videos on YouTube, but it took some time before I fully embraced yoga as an indispensable part of my life.

In the past 6 months, I have been exploring other aspects of yoga, including meditation. What I appreciate about yoga is its diversity; there are different styles of yoga to suit your personal needs, such as strong yoga, restorative yoga, or meditative yoga.

Many of us have misconceptions about what yoga is. What is yoga, exactly? It is a state of self-realization, and the practice itself helps us to experience this state. Through yoga, we learn to observe the fluctuations of our minds and move closer to the state of self-realization.

Thank you, Barbara Dawson.

Namaste.

"It's not about being

good at something.

It's about being

good to yourself."

On the personal side, I am in the process of reflecting on how yoga changed my life and I am very interested in hearing other people's experiences with yoga. I started doing yoga three and a half years ago to (re)connect with my body. I started by watching yoga videos on youtube but it took some time until it "clicked" and yoga became indispensable to my life. 

In the last 6 months, I have been trying to explore other aspects of yoga and trying a bit more mediation. What I like about yoga is its diversity; you can have strong yoga, restorative, mediative according to your personal circumstances.

Most of us come to yoga with a whole lot of misconceptions about what yoga is. What is Yoga? It is a state of self-realization, and it is also the practice that we do in order to experience this state. These are all tools that help us observe the fluctuations of our minds, and to get a little closer to the state of self-realization.

Thank you, Barbara Dawson.

Namaste.

"It's not about being

good at something.

It's about being

good to yourself."

On the personal side, I am in the process of reflecting on how yoga changed my life and I am very interested in hearing other people's experiences with yoga. I started doing yoga three and a half years ago to (re)connect with my body. I started by watching yoga videos on youtube but it took some time until it "clicked" and yoga became indispensable to my life. 

In the last 6 months, I have been trying to explore other aspects of yoga and trying a bit more mediation. What I like about yoga is its diversity; you can have strong yoga, restorative, mediative according to your personal circumstances.

Most of us come to yoga with a whole lot of misconceptions about what yoga is. What is Yoga? It is a state of self-realization, and it is also the practice that we do in order to experience this state. These are all tools that help us observe the fluctuations of our minds, and to get a little closer to the state of self-realization.

Thank you, Barbara Dawson.

Namaste.

"It's not about being

good at something.

It's about being

good to yourself."

On the personal side, I am in the process of reflecting on how yoga changed my life and I am very interested in hearing other people's experiences with yoga. I started doing yoga three and a half years ago to (re)connect with my body. I started by watching yoga videos on youtube but it took some time until it "clicked" and yoga became indispensable to my life. 

In the last 6 months, I have been trying to explore other aspects of yoga and trying a bit more mediation. What I like about yoga is its diversity; you can have strong yoga, restorative, mediative according to your personal circumstances.

Most of us come to yoga with a whole lot of misconceptions about what yoga is. What is Yoga? It is a state of self-realization, and it is also the practice that we do in order to experience this state. These are all tools that help us observe the fluctuations of our minds, and to get a little closer to the state of self-realization.

Thank you, Barbara Dawson.

Namaste.

"It's not about being

good at something.

It's about being

good to yourself." 

On the personal side, I am in the process of reflecting on how yoga changed my life and I am very interested in hearing other people's experiences with yoga. I started doing yoga three and a half years ago to (re)connect with my body. I started by watching yoga videos on youtube but it took some time until it "clicked" and yoga became indispensable to my life. 

In the last 6 months, I have been trying to explore other aspects of yoga and trying a bit more mediation. What I like about yoga is its diversity; you can have strong yoga, restorative, mediative according to your personal circumstances.

Most of us come to yoga with a whole lot of misconceptions about what yoga is. What is Yoga? It is a state of self-realization, and it is also the practice that we do in order to experience this state. These are all tools that help us observe the fluctuations of our minds, and to get a little closer to the state of self-realization.

Thank you, Barbara Dawson.

Namaste.

JAPAN DAY 2020

Auckland, New Zealand

JAPAN DAY 2020

Auckland, New Zealand

JAPAN DAY 2020

Auckland, New Zealand

JAPAN DAY 2020

Auckland,

New Zealand

JAPAN DAY 2020

Auckland,

New Zealand

ASB Showgrounds • 217 Green Lane West • Epsom

ASB Showgrounds • 217 Green Lane West • Epsom

ASB Showgrounds • 217 Green Lane West • Epsom

ASB Showgrounds • 217 Green Lane West • Epsom

ASB Showgrounds • 217 Green Lane West • Epsom

Japan Day is the largest Japanese cultural festival in New Zealand, aiming to promote friendship and mutual understanding between New Zealand and Japan by sharing traditional and contemporary Japanese culture with local New Zealanders as well as Japanese people living in New Zealand.

It's a unique opportunity to explore and experience Japanese culture in one day, unlike any other event.

Hosted by the Japanese Society of Auckland Inc on Sunday 9 February from 10 am to 6 pm, the festival is co-hosted by the Consulate-General of Japan in Auckland.

On the stage, there will be Taiko drums, Yosakoi Dancers, Martial Arts performances, and this year, the festival has specially invited an awesome duo from Japan, Kenji x Keisho, the Taiko drum and Shamisen performers, in addition to the regular performers, such as the traditional Japanese dancer Rumi Sasaki.

After a year of intensive training, I had the privilege of being part of the Kumo performance team for the Japan Day Festival this year. The live experience was exciting, extremely intensive, and unique. I enjoyed the thrill before the performance and the connection with the audience. I would like to express my special thanks to my dear Kumo Family for this opportunity.

Japan Day is the largest Japanese cultural festival in New Zealand, which aims to further friendship and mutual understanding between New Zealand and Japan by sharing traditional and contemporary Japanese culture with local New Zealanders as well as Japanese people living in New Zealand.

There is no other event that you can experience and explore the Japanese culture in one day. 

Hosted by: Japanese Society of Auckland Inc - Sun 9 Feb 10 am-6 pm.
Co-host: Consulate-General of Japan in Auckland.

"[...] On the stage, we have Taiko drums, Yosakoi Dancers, Martial Arts performances, and this year we have specially invited an awesome duo from Japan, Kenji x Keisho, the Taiko drum and Shamisen performers in addition to our regular performers, the traditional Japanese dancer Rumi Sasaki."

After a year of intensive training, this year I had the privilege of being part of the Kumo performance team for the Japan Day Festival. The live experience was - like all personal experiences - exciting, extremely intensive and unique! I really enjoyed the thrill before the performance and the connection with the audience.

My special thanks for this to my dear Kumo Family :)

Japan Day is the largest Japanese cultural festival in New Zealand, which aims to further friendship and mutual understanding between New Zealand and Japan by sharing traditional and contemporary Japanese culture with local New Zealanders as well as Japanese people living in New Zealand.

There is no other event that you can experience and explore the Japanese culture in one day. 

Hosted by: Japanese Society of Auckland Inc - Sun 9 Feb 10 am-6 pm.
Co-host: Consulate-General of Japan in Auckland.

"[...] On the stage, we have Taiko drums, Yosakoi Dancers, Martial Arts performances, and this year we have specially invited an awesome duo from Japan, Kenji x Keisho, the Taiko drum and Shamisen performers in addition to our regular performers, the traditional Japanese dancer Rumi Sasaki."

After a year of intensive training, this year I had the privilege of being part of the Kumo performance team for the Japan Day Festival. The live experience was - like all personal experiences - exciting, extremely intensive and unique! I really enjoyed the thrill before the performance and the connection with the audience.

My special thanks for this to my dear Kumo Family :)

Japan Day is the largest Japanese cultural festival in New Zealand, which aims to further friendship and mutual understanding between New Zealand and Japan by sharing traditional and contemporary Japanese culture with local New Zealanders as well as Japanese people living in New Zealand.

There is no other event that you can experience and explore the Japanese culture in one day. 

Hosted by: Japanese Society of Auckland Inc - Sun 9 Feb 10 am-6 pm.
Co-host: Consulate-General of Japan in Auckland.

"[...] On the stage, we have Taiko drums, Yosakoi Dancers, Martial Arts performances, and this year we have specially invited an awesome duo from Japan, Kenji x Keisho, the Taiko drum and Shamisen performers in addition to our regular performers, the traditional Japanese dancer Rumi Sasaki."

After a year of intensive training, this year I had the privilege of being part of the Kumo performance team for the Japan Day Festival. The live experience was - like all personal experiences - exciting, extremely intensive and unique! I really enjoyed the thrill before the performance and the connection with the audience.

My special thanks for this to my dear Kumo Family :)

Japan Day is the largest Japanese cultural festival in New Zealand, which aims to further friendship and mutual understanding between New Zealand and Japan by sharing traditional and contemporary Japanese culture with local New Zealanders as well as Japanese people living in New Zealand.

There is no other event that you can experience and explore the Japanese culture in one day. 

Hosted by: Japanese Society of Auckland Inc - Sun 9 Feb 10 am-6 pm.
Co-host: Consulate-General of Japan in Auckland.

"[...] On the stage, we have Taiko drums, Yosakoi Dancers, Martial Arts performances, and this year we have specially invited an awesome duo from Japan, Kenji x Keisho, the Taiko drum and Shamisen performers in addition to our regular performers, the traditional Japanese dancer Rumi Sasaki."

After a year of intensive training, this year I had the privilege of being part of the Kumo performance team for the Japan Day Festival. The live experience was - like all personal experiences - exciting, extremely intensive and unique! I really enjoyed the thrill before the performance and the connection with the audience.

My special thanks for this to my dear Kumo Family :)

DON-TSUKU,

DON-TSUKU

DON-TSUKU,

DON-DON...

DON-TSUKU,

DON-TSUKU

DON-TSUKU,

DON-DON...

DON-TSUKU,

DON-TSUKU

DON-TSUKU,

DON-DON...

DON-TSUKU,

DON-TSUKU

DON-TSUKU,

DON-DON...

DON-TSUKU,

DON-TSUKU

DON-TSUKU,

DON-DON...

It's a very primitive way of drumming like the

way you play with big sticks this is called taiko.

That was a big influence on me.

It's a very primitive way of drumming like the

way you play with big sticks this is called taiko.

That was a big influence on me.

It's a very primitive way of drumming like the

way you play with big sticks this is called taiko.

That was a big influence on me.

It's a very primitive way of

drumming like the way you play

with big sticks this is called taiko.

That was a big influence on me.

It's a very primitive way of

drumming like the way you play

with big sticks this is called taiko.

That was a big influence on me.

If the deep sound and

rhythms of the traditional

Japanese taiko drums

have always spoken

to you, why not try your

hand at taiko drumming

with a dynamic class?

Most recently, I embarked on a new and exciting journey, driven by the same desire to discover myself and have some fun along the way.

Taiko is an ancient Japanese form of percussion that utilizes large drums. In taiko drumming, the performers don't simply use the drum as an instrument; they aim to form a connection between themselves and the drum. The art becomes a part of their personality, a way of being, and an expression of life.

The word "taiko" is used to refer to any Japanese drum, as well as to a specific form of ensemble drumming. Taiko performance combines many components, including technical rhythm, stance, synchronized movement, and carefully choreographed presentation. It is dynamic and powerful, yet graceful to watch.

Kumo (雲) in Japanese means "cloud" and is taken from the Japanese phrase "kōun ryūsui" (行雲流水) in full, which translates to "To drift like clouds and flow like water." The phrase is often linked with Buddhism and means "to take things as they come."

Thank you, Jane and Jean! Arigatogozaimashita.

If the deep sound and

rhythms of the

traditional Japanese

taiko drums

have always spoken

to you, why not try

your hand at 

taiko drumming

with a dynamic class?

Most recently, I also embarked on a totally new and exciting journey, driven by the same will of discovering myself and having a bit of fun on the way...

Taiko is an ancient Japanese form of percussion using large drums. In taiko drumming the performers are not merely using the drum as an instrument; they are aiming to form a connection between the drum and themselves, the art becomes a part of our personality, a way of being and life expression.

The word "taiko" is used to refer to any Japanese drums as well as to a specific form of ensemble drumming. Taiko performance is a combination of many components including technical rhythm, stance, synchronized movement and carefully choreographed presentation. It is dynamic and powerful but at the same time graceful to watch.

Kumo (雲) in Japanese means "cloud" and is taken from the Japanese phrase "kōun ryūsui" (行雲流水) in full, which reads, "To drift like clouds and flow like water."               

The phrase is often linked with Buddhism, and carries the meaning of "To take things as they come". 

Thank you, Jane + Jean! Arigatogozaimashita.

If the deep sound

and rhythms of the

traditional Japanese

taiko drums have

 always spoken to

you, why not try

your hand at taiko

drumming with

a dynamic class?

Most recently, I also embarked on a totally new and exciting journey, driven by the same will of discovering myself and having a bit of fun on the way...

Taiko is an ancient Japanese form of percussion using large drums. In taiko drumming the performers are not merely using the drum as an instrument; they are aiming to form a connection between the drum and themselves, the art becomes a part of our personality, a way of being and life expression.

The word "taiko" is used to refer to any Japanese drums as well as to a specific form of ensemble drumming. Taiko performance is a combination of many components including technical rhythm, stance, synchronized movement and carefully choreographed presentation. It is dynamic and powerful but at the same time graceful to watch.

Kumo (雲) in Japanese means "cloud" and is taken from the Japanese phrase "kōun ryūsui" (行雲流水) in full, which reads, "To drift like clouds and flow like water."               

The phrase is often linked with Buddhism, and carries the meaning of "To take things as they come". 

Thank you, Jane + Jean! Arigatogozaimashita.

If the deep sound

and rhythms of the

traditional Japanese

taiko drums have

 always spoken to

you, why not try

your hand at taiko

drumming with

a dynamic class?

Most recently, I also embarked on a totally new and exciting journey, driven by the same will of discovering myself and having a bit of fun on the way...

Taiko is an ancient Japanese form of percussion using large drums. In taiko drumming the performers are not merely using the drum as an instrument; they are aiming to form a connection between the drum and themselves, the art becomes a part of our personality, a way of being and life expression.

The word "taiko" is used to refer to any Japanese drums as well as to a specific form of ensemble drumming. Taiko performance is a combination of many components including technical rhythm, stance, synchronized movement and carefully choreographed presentation. It is dynamic and powerful but at the same time graceful to watch.

Kumo (雲) in Japanese means "cloud" and is taken from the Japanese phrase "kōun ryūsui" (行雲流水) in full, which reads, "To drift like clouds and flow like water."               

The phrase is often linked with Buddhism, and carries the meaning of "To take things as they come". 

Thank you, Jane + Jean! Arigatogozaimashita.

If the deep sound

and rhythms of the

traditional Japanese

taiko drums have

 always spoken to

you, why not try

your hand at taiko

drumming with

a dynamic class?

Most recently, I also embarked on a totally new and exciting journey, driven by the same will of discovering myself and having a bit of fun on the way...

Taiko is an ancient Japanese form of percussion using large drums. In taiko drumming the performers are not merely using the drum as an instrument; they are aiming to form a connection between the drum and themselves, the art becomes a part of our personality, a way of being and life expression.

The word "taiko" is used to refer to any Japanese drums as well as to a specific form of ensemble drumming. Taiko performance is a combination of many components including technical rhythm, stance, synchronized movement and carefully choreographed presentation. It is dynamic and powerful but at the same time graceful to watch.

Kumo (雲) in Japanese means "cloud" and is taken from the Japanese phrase "kōun ryūsui" (行雲流水) in full, which reads, "To drift like clouds and flow like water."               

The phrase is often linked with Buddhism, and carries the meaning of "To take things as they come". 

Thank you, Jane + Jean! Arigatogozaimashita.

"CLOUDS  COME FROM

TIME TO TIME BRING MEN

A  CHANCE TO REST FROM

LOOKING AT THE MOON"

"CLOUDS  COME FROM

TIME TO TIME BRING MEN

A  CHANCE TO REST FROM

LOOKING AT THE MOON"

"CLOUDS  COME FROM

TIME TO TIME BRING

MEN A CHANCE TO

REST FROM LOOKING

AT THE MOON"

"CLOUDS COME FROM

TIME TO TIME BRING

MEN A CHANCE TO

REST FROM LOOKING 

AT THE MOON"

"CLOUDS COME

FROM TIME TO

TIME BRING

MEN A CHANCE

TO REST FROM

 LOOKING 

AT THE MOON"

Matsu Basho (1644 - 1694). During his lifetime, Basho was

recognized for his works in the collaborative haikai no renga

form; today, after centuries of commentary, he is recognized

as the greatest master of haiku.

Matsu Basho (1644 - 1694). During his lifetime, Basho was

recognized for his works in the collaborative haikai no renga

form; today, after centuries of commentary, he is recognized

as the greatest master of haiku.

Matsu Basho (1644 - 1694). During his lifetime, Basho was

recognized for his works in the collaborative haikai no renga

form; today, after centuries of commentary, he is recognized

as the greatest master of haiku.

Matsu Basho (1644 - 1694).

During his lifetime, Basho was

recognized for his works in the

collaborative haikai no renga

form; today, after centuries of

commentary, he is recognized

as the greatest master of haiku.

Matsu Basho (1644 - 1694).

During his lifetime, Basho was

recognized for his works in the

collaborative haikai no renga

form; today, after centuries of

commentary, he is recognized

as the greatest master of haiku.

What teaches  us

There will be a time where things do not turn out as great as you want them to. There will be bad days or sad times where you can't do anything about it except for letting it happen. Just like the bad times, there will also be good days. The bad times help us know what its like to be happy.

A haiku is traditionally a Japanese poem consisting of three short lines that do not rhyme. The origins of haiku poems can be traced back as far as the 9th century. A haiku is considered to be more than a type of poem; it is a way of looking at the physical world and seeing something deeper, like the very nature of existence. It should leave the reader with a strong feeling or impression. Take a look at the following examples of traditional and modern haiku poems to see what we mean.

Here are three examples of haiku poems from Matsuo Basho (1644-1694), considered the greatest haiku poet:

Here are seven examples of 20th-century haiku poems:

From across the lake,
Past the black winter trees,
Faint sounds of a flute.
- Richard Wright

Lily:
out of the water
out of itself.
- Nick Virgilio

Ground squirrel
balancing its tomato
on the garden fence.
- Don Eulert

Nightfall,
Too dark to read the page
Too cold.
- Jack Kerouac

Isn't it wonderful to know that such a rich tradition has lasted the test of time? The evolution of haiku might be perceived as a natural process, like anything else in life, but a dedication to its authenticity has preserved its core principles.

While master poets in the 1800s, such as Issa, wrote their haiku in the traditional 5-7-5 pattern - if read in Japanese - the premise was still the same as it is today. These master poets contemplated small snippets of time, used imagery in their language, and sought out a sense of enlightenment in their prose.

What teaches  us

There will be a time where things do not turn out as great as you want them to. There will be bad days or sad times where you can't do anything about it except for letting it happen. Just like the bad times, there will also be good days. The bad times help us know what its like to be happy.

A haiku is traditionally a Japanese poem consisting of three short lines that do not rhyme. The origins of haiku poems can be traced back as far as the 9th century.

A haiku is considered to be more than a type of poem; it is a way of looking at the physical world and seeing something deeper, like the very nature of existence. It should leave the reader with a strong feeling or impression. Take a look at the following examples of traditional and modern haiku poems to see what we mean.

Here are three examples of haiku poems from Matsuo Basho (1644-1694), considered the greatest haiku poet:

An old silent pond...
A frog jumps into the pond,
splash! Silence again.

Autumn moonlight-
a worm digs silently
into the chestnut.

In the twilight rain
this brilliant-hued hibiscus -
A lovely sunset.

Here are seven examples of 20th-century haiku poems:

From across the lake,
Past the black winter trees,
Faint sounds of a flute.
- Richard Wright

Lily:
out of the water
out of itself.
- Nick Virgilio

Ground squirrel
balancing its tomato
on the garden fence.
- Don Eulert

Nightfall,
Too dark to read the page
Too cold.
- Jack Kerouac

Isn't it wonderful to know that such a rich tradition has lasted the test of time? The evolution of haiku might be perceived as a natural process, like anything else in life, but a dedication to its authenticity has preserved its core principles.

While master poets in the 1800s, such as Issa, wrote their haiku in the traditional 5-7-5 pattern - if read in Japanese - the premise was still the same as it is today. These master poets contemplated small snippets of time, used imagery in their language, and sought out a sense of enlightenment in their prose.

What teaches  us

There will be a time where things do not turn out as great as you want them to. There will be bad days or sad times where you can't do anything about it except for letting it happen. Just like the bad times, there will also be good days. The bad times help us know what its like to be happy.

A haiku is traditionally a Japanese poem consisting of three short lines that do not rhyme. The origins of haiku poems can be traced back as far as the 9th century.

A haiku is considered to be more than a type of poem; it is a way of looking at the physical world and seeing something deeper, like the very nature of existence. It should leave the reader with a strong feeling or impression. Take a look at the following examples of traditional and modern haiku poems to see what we mean.

Here are three examples of haiku poems from Matsuo Basho (1644-1694), considered the greatest haiku poet:

An old silent pond...
A frog jumps into the pond,
splash! Silence again.

Autumn moonlight-
a worm digs silently
into the chestnut.

In the twilight rain
this brilliant-hued hibiscus -
A lovely sunset.

Here are seven examples of 20th-century haiku poems:

From across the lake,
Past the black winter trees,
Faint sounds of a flute.
- Richard Wright

Lily:
out of the water
out of itself.
- Nick Virgilio

Ground squirrel
balancing its tomato
on the garden fence.
- Don Eulert

Nightfall,
Too dark to read the page
Too cold.
- Jack Kerouac

Isn't it wonderful to know that such a rich tradition has lasted the test of time? The evolution of haiku might be perceived as a natural process, like anything else in life, but a dedication to its authenticity has preserved its core principles.

While master poets in the 1800s, such as Issa, wrote their haiku in the traditional 5-7-5 pattern - if read in Japanese - the premise was still the same as it is today. These master poets contemplated small snippets of time, used imagery in their language, and sought out a sense of enlightenment in their prose.

What teaches  us

There will be a time where things do not turn out as great as you want them to. There will be bad days or sad times where you can't do anything about it except for letting it happen. Just like the bad times, there will also be good days. The bad times help us know what its like to be happy.

A haiku is traditionally a Japanese poem consisting of three short lines that do not rhyme. The origins of haiku poems can be traced back as far as the 9th century.

A haiku is considered to be more than a type of poem; it is a way of looking at the physical world and seeing something deeper, like the very nature of existence. It should leave the reader with a strong feeling or impression. Take a look at the following examples of traditional and modern haiku poems to see what we mean.

Here are three examples of haiku poems from Matsuo Basho (1644-1694), considered the greatest haiku poet:

An old silent pond...
A frog jumps into the pond,
splash! Silence again.

Autumn moonlight-
a worm digs silently
into the chestnut.

In the twilight rain
this brilliant-hued hibiscus -
A lovely sunset.

Here are seven examples of 20th-century haiku poems:

From across the lake,
Past the black winter trees,
Faint sounds of a flute.
- Richard Wright

Lily:
out of the water
out of itself.
- Nick Virgilio

Ground squirrel
balancing its tomato
on the garden fence.
- Don Eulert

Nightfall,
Too dark to read the page
Too cold.
- Jack Kerouac

Isn't it wonderful to know that such a rich tradition has lasted the test of time? The evolution of haiku might be perceived as a natural process, like anything else in life, but a dedication to its authenticity has preserved its core principles.

While master poets in the 1800s, such as Issa, wrote their haiku in the traditional 5-7-5 pattern - if read in Japanese - the premise was still the same as it is today. These master poets contemplated small snippets of time, used imagery in their language, and sought out a sense of enlightenment in their prose.

What teaches  us

There will be a time where things do not turn out as great as you want them to. There will be bad days or sad times where you can't do anything about it except for letting it happen. Just like the bad times, there will also be good days. The bad times help us know what its like to be happy.
A haiku is traditionally a Japanese poem consisting of three short lines that do not rhyme. The origins of haiku poems can be traced back as far as the 9th century.

A haiku is considered to be more than a type of poem; it is a way of looking at the physical world and seeing something deeper, like the very nature of existence. It should leave the reader with a strong feeling or impression. Take a look at the following examples of traditional and modern haiku poems to see what we mean.

Here are three examples of haiku poems from Matsuo Basho (1644-1694), considered the greatest haiku poet:

An old silent pond...
A frog jumps into the pond,
splash! Silence again.

Autumn moonlight-
a worm digs silently
into the chestnut.

In the twilight rain
this brilliant-hued hibiscus -
A lovely sunset.

Here are seven examples of 20th-century haiku poems:

From across the lake,
Past the black winter trees,
Faint sounds of a flute.
- Richard Wright

Lily:
out of the water
out of itself.
- Nick Virgilio

Ground squirrel
balancing its tomato
on the garden fence.
- Don Eulert

Nightfall,
Too dark to read the page
Too cold.
- Jack Kerouac

Isn't it wonderful to know that such a rich tradition has lasted the test of time? The evolution of haiku might be perceived as a natural process, like anything else in life, but a dedication to its authenticity has preserved its core principles.

While master poets in the 1800s, such as Issa, wrote their haiku in the traditional 5-7-5 pattern - if read in Japanese - the premise was still the same as it is today. These master poets contemplated small snippets of time, used imagery in their language, and sought out a sense of enlightenment in their prose.

BUILT WITH  ♥ MADE WITH SEMPLICE. COPYRIGHT 2022. CALIN ALEXANDER.

BUILT WITH  ♥ MADE WITH SEMPLICE. COPYRIGHT 2022. CALIN ALEXANDER.

BUILT WITH  ♥ MADE WITH SEMPLICE. COPYRIGHT 2022. CALIN ALEXANDER.

BUIT WITH ♥ MADE WITH SEMPLICE

COPYRIGHT 2022. CALIN ALEXANDER

BUIT WITH ♥ MADE WITH SEMPLICE

COPYRIGHT 2022. CALIN ALEXANDER