It is gradually getting warmer and warmer along the Sea of Japan, and the season is changing from spring to summer.  Just before golden hour, a blissful ocean breeze blows through Echizenhama towards the inland, carrying both the fragrances of wild blossoms and flowers through our authentic Japanese kominka-filled hamlet.  Residing in the foothills of Mt. Kakuda, my family is only 20 minutes from a busy downtown metropolitan arts district home to Isetan department store where I have exhibited my glass art, a location similar to Wako’s department store in Ginza, Tokyo. I made the small glass vase attached to this newsletter about 10 years ago when my son inspired me to create a vase for small wildflowers that he had collected around our home. His free-spirited choice of wildflowers is always a perfect addition to our home and has always been a source of inspiration for me since my son started bringing me his curated bouquets at age 2. My partner and I are blessed with this miracle of life.  Since I forged this piece of glass art, the single-flower vase series has taken on a special meaning and all of vases are healing items that illuminate my heart.  I feel joy daily as I conceive and design one-of-a-kind items that are both practical and beautiful.

Editor's Postscript:

By the way, Mr. Blain Harasymiw, Mrs. Izumi's neighbor and resident photographer in Echizenhama, who is leaving for the outback for a photo shoot, said he was "not interested" at first when he saw the photo that Mrs. Izumi provided for the vase, but when he was informed that it was taken 10 years ago, he looked it over again and spent several minutes seriously considering it. When he was informed that the photo was taken 10 years ago, he took a few minutes to look at it again and seriously consider it.  The calm bliss and artistic sense created by Mrs. Izumi's glass art reminded him of the birds of prey that hunt in the winter season in Hokkaido, the Steller's sea eagle, a relic of the Ice Age, and the sparkling light blue drift ice that he sees every year while guiding international photographers on Hokkaido bird-watching tours. He added that he was reminded of the sparkling light blue drift ice that he sees every year while guiding international and local photographers on Hokkaido bird watching tours.