So this maybe one of those self-indulgent series of blog posts, but I thought I might just share some things (music, tv, movies, books, etc) that I have enjoyed so far in 2008. Sometimes I denigrate simple pleasures like entertainment, but there is a place for everything. Hopefully, you might check a couple of these out and find a little joy in them like I did!

MUSIC

Jon Foreman – I discover Jon Foreman on itunes and was mesmerized by his laid back, but layered songwriting. Jon has a great emotive voice and is a gifted lyricist. His albums Fall and Winter were medicine for my soul during our transition to Japan. It was only later that I found out that he is also the lead singer of the band Switchfoot–a group that I have never really been drawn to.  I normally stay away from mainstream Christian music (I think it was my years of Contemporary Christian Music immersion as a clerk at a Christian bookstore–the Newsboys and Third Day still make me cringe). I probably need to give Switchfoot a second chance, given how much I like Jon Foreman. Do yourself a favor and give Mr. Foreman a listen, you may find his music ministering to you as well. (Favorite songs: I Am Still Running, Southbound Train, Your Love is Strong)

Foy Vance – Wow. Foy is a powerhouse of emotional songwriting. I can’t believe he is not more popular. His songs Gabriel and the Vagabond and Indiscriminate Act of Kindness are some of the most moving songs I have ever heard. Foy is an Irishman, partially raised in America by a preacher father (I think in a non-instrumental church). His music is a rare convergence of styles; a little gospel, jazz, folk, Dylan-esque storytelling with a big dose of irish emotion. Somehow all this blends into an amazingly powerful sound. Honestly, some of Foy’s songs have been more like sermons than songs to me–they don’t just express an emotion, they motivate and inspire. On a side note, Foy opened for Dave Matthews at a small acoustic concert in London last year. I think the venue held only a few hundred people–that is dream concert for me!

Griffin House – Griffin’s music is very mellow. His albums are the kind of thing you could leave on andjust let them play throughout your day. Don’t let the mellowness fool you though, these songs touch on a host of themes; love, war, faith and others. Griffin is sort like a midwest Jack Johnson–but with more variety. Some of his songs are just fun (The Guy That Says Goodbye to You Is Out of His Mind) others are more pointed (I Remember) and some are intensely personal (Why Won’t You Believe –which is a must listen for anyone with parents who don’t share one’s Christian faith). Overall, Griffin is a solid artist who speaks softly but strongly through his music.

Others Worth Mentioning –  

JJ Heller (excellent artist with beautiful lyrics and voice and insightful Christian lyrics – check out her song Small)

Glenn Hansard & Marketa Irglova - (We will get to them later in the Movies section, but these guys are fantastic)

Dan Wilson - (He has been a popular song-writer for many artists over the years, his solo album is wonderful)

June 1st was my first birthday in Japan–and it was pretty great! I received my first present, which was the lovely float white version of the popular Japanese “toy” Nohohon-Zoku. These little figurines are popular in Japan and are designed to be solar powered relaxation devices. The big guy’s head bobs gently side to side–I am not sure if it relaxes me, but it does make me smile!

Our whole family met our friends Shu and Megumi and their children Taiyo and Hinako at a mall and had lunch at “Cat’s Cafe,” a chain famous for it’s ice cream. Rachel has eaten there before and she wanted me to eat there with her, but I had always been intimidated by the many cat statues smiling in the window. It was a good meal. I ordered fried salmon–first time I have had salmon fried!

After the meal, Shu and Megumi secretly ordered a giant pitcher of ice cream (on the bottom were corn flakes and on the top were various fruits). It was a GIANT portion of ice cream–even for me. Luckily it was meant to be shared! We had a great time sharing the ice cream, and snapping pictures with our cell phones while I opened their gift.

After that Rachel and our Japanese friends went to see the new Narnia movie (which they all loved) while I stayed in the car with Coco and Owen while they napped. One might think it is odd that I spent a good portion of my birthday in a parked car in a mall parking lot–but it was really enjoyable. We folded down the seats of our van and the kids snuggled up and slept. Owen (who is not much for cuddling) even slept on my chest. I think that was my favorite part of the day.

After the movie, Shu and I went and got coffee together. He is a great friend and is very patient and forthright in his explanation of Japanese culture. I like to imagine him taking me under his wing and teaching me the ways of the Japanese. I appreciate the gift of his friendship immensely.

After coffee, Shu and I hooked back up with our families and it was time to go home. They walked us to our car and watched us depart, waving as we drove away, in customary Japanese style.

On the way home, I got lost on the tollway, which led to an impromptu tour of eastern Aichi (our province). We topped it off with a stop at an area McDonalds for dinner. At nice end to a great day!