19 Comments
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Wendy Varley's avatar

Wonderful photos, and thought provoking, thank you! Never been to Japan but this makes me want to visit.

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Claire Polders's avatar

Thank you! That's a big compliment, but the credit goes to Japan itself. It truly is transformative to be here.

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Jeanette Martin's avatar

Adore the mystery, subtlety, beauty of Japan. Thank you for this visual post, reminding me to return there some day.

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Claire Polders's avatar

I hope you get the chance to go. I miss it already.

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Jan Cornall's avatar

Oh, I love these exquisite snapshots Claire! Stunning writing and pics!

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Claire Polders's avatar

Thanks, Jan! The credit for the shots goes to Daniel and Japan itself.

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Jan Cornall's avatar

Yes, he has a great eye! Your words and his photos are a great fit!!

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Bing Tashkent's avatar

really enjoyed the photos and observations...also, I think that like brevity in writing, silence and shadows enhance meaning by their absence. Each moment of silence deepens the impact of sound, and every shadow intensifies the presence of light. In their restraint, they give weight to what is left unsaid and unseen...

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Claire Polders's avatar

Yes, I agree. The Japanese haiku inspire me to keep my descriptions short and leave much unsaid.

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MILLER and WAKEFORD's avatar

Beautiful story! I love Japan and all it has to offer. I'm glad we’re connected to be able to share our life adventures. Take care!

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Claire Polders's avatar

Thank you so much. I love these connections, too. It's what makes SubStack so great.

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Meg Tuite's avatar

Truly magnificent. Gorgeous photos and words! Thank you again for bringing all alive to those of us out here! HUGE HUGS!

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Claire Polders's avatar

Thank you, Meg! It's so fulfilling to have people like you traveling with us.

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Beautiful photos along with an elegant description of so many nuances of the culture. Kudos!!

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Claire Polders's avatar

Thank you, Jeanine! I love zeroing in on the nuances as you call it; they fill me with gratitude for being here every day.

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Armand Rodriguez's avatar

I second Wendy on the pics and beautiful vignettes—and loved "…Were it not for shadows, there would be no beauty.” It reminds of Wabi Sabía and Jung.

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Claire Polders's avatar

Thank you! I'm very intrigued by shadows and their significance for us in various cultures. I'm writing a novel that involves shadow puppets and am often mesmerized by what I learn during my research.

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Armand Rodriguez's avatar

How amazing—I love shadows puppetry. Have you heard of Songs of the North? Is a shadow puppetry production about a an epic Iranian tale—here’s the link if you’re interested—https://www.kingorama.com/song-of-the-north

-on the other hand, I’m also working on a manuscript about the shadow self. Anyway, hope you keep us posted when your novel is ready—I’m super curious!

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Claire Polders's avatar

Thank you for the link! And for expressing your interest. Yes, readers of my newsletter will certainly hear about this novel first, its work-in-progress and hopefully its publication.

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