Norikoのブログ

 

Thank you for stopping by : )  

 

Do you ever encounter moments in life where you need a space to yourself, where you can relax and unwind..and just BE..

 

I do have those moments and I have a feeling we all do.

For me, one of my refuges on those moments are cute coffee shops : )

 

Today, I wish to share with you our recent encounter with a little hidden gem in Santa Ana✨

 

It is a coffee shop called "Cafe Koyomi".

 

Website  https://cafekoyomi.com/

Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/cafekoyomi_01/
The owner, Miyako, opened this coffee shop about 3 years ago out of her Love for coffee💗

 

Finding places like this is truly like finding a precious hidden gem, which brings a gentle warmess in our Hearts.

 

Today, I ordered "Panama Geisha" coffee for the first time in my life.

I had heard about it, and I was surprised when Miyako told me she carried it.

I decided to give it a try : )

She prepared the coffee with her siphon brewer.  
From ordering the coffee, waiting for the coffee to be ready, to having the first sip from the cup..everything was excuisite, and reminded me of the time when I used to take Japanese tea ceremony class..

It was not just a cup of drink I received.

It was so much more than that..all the things that are not tangible..and yet you feel them : )

 

Now I am back home writing this..I find my Heart full..and feeling joy..✨

 

Thank you for stopping by here.

 

Today, August 6, 2025, marks the 80th anniversary since an A-bomb got dropped in Hiroshima, Japan. 

 

I am not here today to comment whether it was good or bad, nor right or wrong.  

 

I am here to share with you, although many of you may already know, one sentence from Constitution of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, that touched me so deeply as a teenager.

 

It reads:

 

 

I still remember how this one sentence struck me.

 

The other day, I got an opportunity to perform the piano at a nearby Senior Living facility. 

 

After the session, a few residents approached me and started talking to me.

One of the ladies shared with me the most beautiful story then.

She used to live in Sendai-city, Miyagi (northern part of mainland Japan) because her father was stationed there as an US Army.  There, she and her family became friends with a Japanese family who they tied a very strong knot despite the challenging time the US and Japan had right after the WWII.  She fondly called the father of the Japanese family "papa-san", and she shared with me how she used ask "papa-san" to take her out fishing(she said it was a 'no, no' for a girl then), and how "papa-san" shed tears in front of them when they had to say good-bye to each other. (For people who are familiar with Japanese culture, a grown-up man showing emotions was quite rare.)

Seeing the glow in her eyes, I felt the deep sense of gratitude and admiration for the beautiful friendship they kept over the years despite the physical distance. 

She physically left Japan, but she shared with me how her memories in Japan are still with her.  I found myself crying listening to her story.

 

I sincerely cherish and enjoy getting to play the piano for the elderly.

Getting to be exposed to the stories like hers is, for sure, one of the most beautiful experiences that truly inspires me to want to be united as one in the joy and love of sharing music more🎶

Sharing the joy and love of music is one form of my prayer in action for peace.

 

 

My name is Noriko. 

I am so happy to meet you all, and I wish to extend my heartfelt big welcome!

 

Thank you so much for stopping by here!

 

I have started the Inner Grace project that has 3 pillars..listening, playing the music and sharing the healthy sweets. 
If interested, please feel free to get in touch with me!
My wish is that this project would serve you in finding little more peace, calm, joy, harmony and beauty in life..by Grace❤

 

With Gratitude