Hatsu-yume

Thersa Matsuura – Uncanny Japan
Hatsu-yume: Your First Dream of the New Year

Hatsu-yume is the first dream you have in the New Year. In Japan there is a saying: ichi fuji, ni taka, san nasubi. Which means the luckiest dream you can have is of Mt. Fuji, the second luckiest thing to see in a dream is a hawk, and the third is an eggplant.

The Traveler

By Mary Oliver

Ricky, your ancesters are from Cuba, right?

Says Ricky, “Sa I’m told.”

But you ere born in Florids?

“I was a baby, how would I know?
But that’s what I’m told.”

And you’ve lived in Massachusetts and other states and also Mexico and now Florida again, and heaven knows what other places you may travel to. Are you an American, or what?

He shrugged his shoulders casually and smiled. “Je suis un chien du monde,” he said.

Audio

HOW BIRDS GOT THEIR NAMES

Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos

by Monica Brown, illustrated by John Parra
Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos, written by Monica Brown and illustrated by John Parra, is based on the life of one of the world’s most influential painters, Frida Kahlo, and the animals that inspired her art and life.

“Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?”—Frida Kahlo

Putong Animals

Fire chickens and sea pigs: The artist bringing Chinese words to life

GIFT SHOP: Wooden Cat Pile Set

Wooden Cat Stacking Game is Like Playing Jenga, But With a Pile of Kitties

Cats

(Eleanor Farjean)

Cats sleep
Anywhere,
Any table,
Any chair,
Top of piano,
Window-ledge,

In the middle,
On the edge,
Open drawer,
Empty shoe,
Anybody’s
Lap will do,
Fitted in a

Cardboard box,
In the cupboard
With your frocks–
Anywhere!
They don’t care!
Cats sleep
Anywhere.