Green-scented, wind-fragrant May

風薫る/Kaze kaoru is a seasonal term traditionally used in Waka and Haiku, Japanese poetry.

 It describes the refreshing breeze that blows through fresh greenery, carrying the scent of flowers and plants.

It signals the start of the pleasant early summer right before 梅雨 Apricot Rains, about a month and a half

 rainy season.

May is a season of "green scent"— fresh, crisp aroma arising from young, lush vegetation. 

Probably because of the high moisture content of the thriving new leaves,

I feel soaked in the dripping essence of  foliage when walking in the greenery.

Sparkling or dancing light  and reflection.

Bentobox-like small, rectangular, shallow basin sits nestled inside a larger, natural pond.

As the gentle, rhythmic ripples moves across its surface, the reflection of the surrounding

foliage start shimmering.

The window became a leafy veil, with the trees outside painted on the glass.

In Nara Park, deer are very active and transitioning from their winter to summer coats, 
often looking patchy as they shed.

The breeze in early May often carries these scents of Wisteria, Rhododendron, or Yellow Roses.

So free and comfortable in the balmy air of May!

Linked to Saturday's Critters

Mosaic Monday

Sakura Album, 2026

The period from late March to the second week of April feels so fleeting every year. 

The reason lies in the blooming of 桜 Sakura; its peak is so short that we want to be present 

and appreciate the “now”.

The delicate and elegant beauty of Sakura blossoms is a moving expression of life, death, and rebirth. 

Impermanence is what makes life precious.

- One of the parks in my neighborhood, March 30th -

- Along the 佐保川 Saho River, April 2nd -

- 春日野園地 Kasugano-enchi, Nara Park, April 3rd -

-茶山園地 Chayama-enchi, Nara Park -

奈良の九重桜 Nara-no-kokonoe-zakura species

- Along the 賀茂川 Kamo River, Kyoto, April 6th -

Driving along the Kamo River, Kyoto, and celebrating my husband's birthday.

 Have you ever seen Sakura brizzard?

The falling petals are a spectacular finale that promises the cycle of life.

散るという  飛翔のかたち  花びらは  ふと微笑んで  枝を離れる 
- 俵万智 TAWARA Machi -

Meaning: In their scattering, the (Sakura) petals take flight; with a soft smile, they let go of the branch."

 I like to see the scattering Sakura blossoms not as an end but as a ‘flight’, 
taking to the sky of their own will.

By association,  I think of the two of my grandchildren who graduated from junior-high 

and elementary school  and then entered the new chapter of their lives this spring.
 It's a flight with a cheerful smile — a departure, a journey to the next stage.

Sakura blossoms have an endearing way of whispering a gentle farewell.

There is something sad and uplifting at the same time.

See you next year.

Linked to Saturday's Critters

Mosaic Monday

Autumn magic from Nara Park, 2025

Nara Park's autumn magic comes from its diverse trees which create vibrant tapestries of red, orange, 

and yellow leaves and freely roaming deer in the backdrop of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

(Photos were taken between the 14th and the 28th of November.)

南京櫨 Nankinhaze, Chinese Tallow Tree

Chinese Tallow leaves are eye-catching along the banks of Araike Reservoir.

The slopes of Mount Wakakusa look reddish because of young Chinese Tallow trees.

椛 Momiji, or Japanese Maples

Mizuyachaya, a small, charming teahouse, is at the back entrance of Kasugataisha Shrine.

Momiji, or Japanese Maples, are rapidly turning to the shades of red.

Kasugayama Mountain Trail runs through Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest, which is behind Kasugataisha Shrine.

The forest has remained virtually untouched because of prohibited hunting and logging since 841. 

I gave up walking it through because of the news that a bear was spotted near the trail recently.

Leaf-framed Shibi of Todaiji Main Hall

The stunning fiery reds of Japanese Maples and the reflected vibrant colors in the glass of a window

in the garden of Iraka.

The painterly reflection of Japanese Maples on the pond surface distorted by ripples

Bathed in the late afternoon sun, Japanese Maples get ablaze.

銀杏 Icho, Ginkgo Tree

A deer and brilliant yellow fan-shaped Ginkgo leaves.

桜 Sakura, Cherry Tree

Autumn leaves of Sakura trees has a specila name "Sakura Momiji".

Momiji has two meanings; one is Japanese Maples and the other is colored leaves and grasses.

At Chayam-enchi, which do you like better, pink Sakura or reddish brown or orange Sakura Momiji?

A nature's wooden sculpture that looks like a resting animal and real deer.

It will be fine tomorrow.

BTW, my son completed Kobe Full Marathon again this year

with much better record than the last year's.

Linked to Mosaic Monday

Saturday's Critters