Daruma is a traditional handmade Japanese wishing doll (or charmingly referred to as a "GOAL DOLL") that keeps us focused on achieving our goals! It is a centuries-old tradition from Japan that is positive, motivational, and fun (and it works) !!
Here are the FIVE simple steps to using a Daruma doll: 1) Decide on a specific goal we are determind to achieve. 2) Draw one of Daruma's blank eyes. 3) Place Daruma somewhere visible so that while he focuses on our goal. 4) Once we've achieved our goal, draw in Daruma's other eye to say "Thank you!". 5) Yay!! Write the goal we achieved on the back of our Daruma!
I decided to do on Daruma yesterday of my birthday.
Preparing of "Sumi" ink and a writing brush, I drew an eye on him to infuse a spirit into him. Then keep him sitting on a shelf where I can see him (he can see me) always.
My wish is a big project, and it seems to take more than 2 years even if the wish came true. So it will be at least 2 years later that the both eyes are contained to him. Really hoping he is all right such a long period with only one eye.
We have had a Japanese family from Auckland as our B&B guests through the New Year. They are enjoying the trip going round the South island with the Camper van. Long spell of this fine summer weather, it's perfect for the holiday.
Our first breakfast of the year was my "Osechi-ryori" 2016.
Osechi-ryori are .... specially-prepared New Year's dishes to be eaten during the first three days of January. They are prepared by the end of the previous year (normally they are cooked on the 30th or 31st of December.). Various kinds of beautifully-prepared dishes are set in tiered lacquer boxes. Each of the dishes has some auspicious meaning which reflects people's wishes, such as good health, good harvest, happiness, prosperity, longevity, and so on.
I served them to the guests and enjoyed it together.
New Year's special dessert was.... Strawberry puree on coconut milk jelly with coconut liqueur "MALIBU" sauce. Chilled sweet was delightful in a hot day.
Meanwhile, I would go to Japan with my family after receiving a sad news on the telephone. We will be away for a while, until the 14th. Sorry for the inconvenience. But I'm looking forward to seeing you again soon!