Our Japan workshop looms. Far enough ahead to still seem distant. Close enough to stoke a creative anxiousness. I’m not only reading books about Japan, just here and there, but understanding a bit more about the culture has been fascinating. Pico Iyer is a well known author and journalist. I’ve read several of his books. My latest find is “Autumn Light: Season of Fires and Farewells.” What’s odd is that I didn’t know this was a book about Japan, nor did I know that Iyer lives in Japan. Happy accidents. Makes me wonder how I found this book……chance, luck, coincidence or something more? (Cue inane symbolism here. My Jesus in a pancake moment.)
Contrary to the understanding of much of the American population, Santa Fe is a four-season climate.
Yes, we have mountains. Yes, we are at 7,000 feet. Yes, we have snow. No, we are not a desert. No, New Mexico is not Arizona. Santa Fe is not Phoenix. (Good grief to have to write this.) Having four seasons, at least for me, is the absolute best. I spent far too many years in single or double season climates. Hot, hot and more hot. I find these limited locations often build laziness. Not all but some. And they can also limit a person’s ability to deal with atmospheric adversity. Four short seasons forces one to do what you need to do while each season is still alive. Want to hike to the top of Baldy? Might want to think summer. Want to ride a hundred hard miles without wind? Might want to avoid spring. Want to skin up and ski down? Then winter is your friend. Seasonal change is the changing of life itself, and it’s here for our appreciation.
Iyer’s take on autumn in Japan is incredibly insightful. Slow, detailed in its observations and patterns. Routine, good routine, is the play of the day. Japan also has a unique relationship with death, something that feels quite different from any other nation I’ve encountered. The book also goes in depth on family relationships, both good and bad, and the passing of family members and the residue they leave behind. I would say “Get it, read it,” but I would suggest the same for any of Pico’s books.
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Ah, seasons. We sort of had them when living in the Santa Cruz mountains, but now living near Las Vegas, it’s sun nearly year round. But then, I get cold easily, so sun is fine (except for a few HOT months in summer). Fortunately, we do have Mt. Charleston for winter skiing and red rock for exploration.
Author
Highs and lows make it manageable.
My mother-in-law passed away earlier this year and while her death was of course sad, I got to experience a full Japanese funeral for only the second time (first time was with my wife’s grandmother). It was a long weekend but felt far healthier compared to how western cultures often hide death behind the curtains. My daughter and wife slept with her on the first night and we all had ‘breakfast’ with her on day two. Nothing is hidden.
Incidentally I took my camera and documented everything and I think I took some of the best photographs I’ve taken in years. But they are for family members only.
Author
I like that. Nothing to hide or be ashamed of. I refuse to do the American funeral service. What a mess.
I tend to think along similar lines when it comes to climate. The challenging climate conditions are driving technology forward, and this has been the case for years. If you don’t need to worry about shelter or food, why would you explore or invest time and resources to develop better ways to hide from the cold and rain? I see this mentality when I travel around the MEA region. The further north you go, the busier people are. And I don’t blame countries with very hot climates for being a bit lazy. It’s just too hot to do anything productive. Poland used to have four distinct seasons, but the last proper winters were in the 1990s (apart from the mountains, which still get snow). Now, we have a hot summer (I’m considering getting AC for the house every other year), an autumn/winter season that is just damp, rainy and cold’ish, and sometimes an absolutely lovely spring.
Many thanks for the recommendation, Dan. I’m adding books to my reading list faster than I can get through them! 😉
Author
Our seasons are changing here too. Unpredictable is how I would describe them. We already have a few spots in the world that are approaching “unlivable” conditions. I’m curious where those people end up going. Cause there are a lot of them.
There’s beauty in every season..but Fall is by far my favorite. Fall foliage makes me all gooey inside. I stay cold 24/7(anemia and thyroid disease SUCKS)..but I’m prepared. I own too many sweatshirts and sweatpants these days HA! As always, thank you for sharing books on here. It’s such a rare thing anymore.
Author
I love me some fall too.
Danielsan,
You are more fortunate than I, my only moment has been when the syrup hits the melted butter. And, I’m ok with that.
Author
Nothing better than a blueberry pancake.