From enduring cold, stormy, and gloomy days in the Netherlands, where the sun rarely peeked through, to the comforting embrace of a Japanese autumn โ€” my recent journey has been a weather rollercoaster.

In the Dutch chill, sitting indoors seemed the best escape, especially after battling a nasty cough twice in the relentless October and November weather. Now, back in Japan, I find comfort with engawa doors wide open, basking in the sun that effortlessly warms our home to a delightful 20 degrees Celsius.

Our garden has beautifully changed colours. A stroll reveals small, cute birds splashing in the stone water bowl, colorful butterflies dancing between house and garden, and unexpected blooms brightening random corners.

Gone are the mosquitoes that plagued me during the hot and humid summer months. The tranquility and beauty of the Japanese autumn are a stark contrast to the challenges faced in the Netherlands.

The best seasons in Japan truly are autumn and spring, while autumn in the Netherlands is best to be avoided.

#AutumnExperiences #ContrastingWeather #JapaneseAutumn #NatureEscape #GardenSanctuary #SeasonalReflections #HomeSweetHome #NatureWonders

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This blog is for thoughtful adults who are starting again โ€” in learning, creativity, or life โ€” and want to grow steadily without noise or pressure.

Here youโ€™ll find daily reflections and practical guides shaped by lived experience. The focus is on learning through doing: building consistency, adapting to change, and finding clarity in everyday practice.

The stories and guides here come from real processes โ€” creative experiments, hands-on projects, life in rural Japan, working with nature, and learning new skills step by step. Nothing is rushed. Nothing is polished for performance. The aim is steady progress, honest reflection, and practical insight you can actually use.

If youโ€™re curious about life in Japan, learning new skills at your own pace, or finding a calmer, more intentional way forward, youโ€™re in the right place.

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