2023 in review Part 1

Here we are in late February, and I have yet to complete my reflections on the Rising Family’s™ past year with my traditional roundup of representative photos. No excuses, dear readers.

For me, 2023’s theme was war and place (no typo, bear with me).

First, we have the ongoing war in Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza that provide more horrific images of human suffering and death almost every day. As these major wars persist and people become numb to the violence, it seems as though there are more active armed conflicts involving sovereign states than at any time since World War II. Depressing, right?

Adding to that sobering tapestry is the state of our planet’s living space. The omnipresent narrative of rising temperatures and the disheartening signs that efforts to curb global warming aren’t improving things has been presented with a monotonous, predictable sense of fear. This situation is unprecedented, and our collective efforts and words seem powerless to prevent the relentless progression of this catastrophic trend.

Personally, I believe there are still reasons to be hopeful. My Rising Daughters™ are still forming their worldviews and careening toward their futures. My optimism remains unwavering. Our everyday life experiences showcase encouraging developments that counterbalance the grim headlines of 2023. The promise of artificial intelligence, the growing prevalence of eco-conscious initiatives (and concrete grassroots action), and the intrinsic desire for peace among ordinary people all contribute to my sense of hope. Thus, I’ve boxed up all the shit news from 2023 and put it in my mental attic, and gaze toward to a better 2024.

January

It was a happy day because it was my firstborn daughter's birthday. 16 years: so far, so good, and “I am thankful” is an understatement. Lady E. is on a good trajectory and we celebrated that. As a “dad-ism” I told her: Never let anyone say you can’t do something, especially if it’s your own voice. Also, learn and have fun and enjoy the moment. But I don’t think she’ll remember any of that--ha ha.

February

I love Enoshima. It’s a small island south of Yokohama that is a popular tourist destination and a getaway for locals seeking some respite from the city. Every year the island hosts an illumination event with a bajillion festive colored bulbs lighting up the night sky, and with towering Christmas trees and freaky light shows. This year, Naomi and Marina joined in the gawking at the beauty assaulting our eyes.

March

My wife and I occasionally like to have some time away from our daughters. As the weather warmed up in March, we decided to go see some of the lakes surrounding Mt. Fuji. All of the “Fuji-go-ko” (Fuji five lakes area) are an easy day drive for us, and Lake Kawaguchi offered beautiful weather and lovely views of Fuji-san still ringed with snow on the day we visited.

April

Marina, a.k.a. “The M.”, entered her middle school phase in April AND celebrated her birthday, too.

May

Naomi and I took another mental health scooter jaunt southward to the coast. In this case it was to Jogashima Park just as the spring flowers were blooming. The flora were as beautiful as she was in this photo.

June

Not much happened in June. I did take a business trip to Bangkok. One of the perks after all the meetings is to hail a tuk-tuk and take in the buzzing vitality of that amazing city from the backseat. Who needs air conditioning?

To be continued...