[Susan, Suzanne & Kirtsen on recent Japan Trip]
OLLI Japan: Where the Ordinary becomes Extraordinary
By Suzanne Micallef [Guest Blogger]
“so much depends
upon
a red wheel
barrow
glazed with rain
water
beside the white
chickens”
William Carlos Williams
According to literary critics, in this imagist poem, Williams uses simple language and unique structure to highlight a red wheelbarrow "glazed with rain water" next to white chickens, suggesting that profound significance can be found in everyday, often overlooked, scenes in life.
About 33 years ago Kirsten Atkinson and I met at Wesley Preschool where our sons were enrolled in the same pre-school class. We were both involved in the classroom as Kirsten shared her love for music as she played guitar and bells, and I shared my love for art as I created arts and crafts projects for the class. As a result, not only did our sons become friends, but so did we. Each week Kirsten and I and our boys would visit Burger King at Monkey Junction. The boys would get snacks and play on the jungle gym, while Kirsten and I would get sodas and play Scrabble. It was such a rich and stimulating friendship which led to our bonding over so many experiences in our lives. As our boys entered first grade, their schools changed, and we lost touch. In November, 2025, we were both signed up to travel to Japan with OLLI. At the information meeting one week before the trip, we serendipitously sat next to one another unknowingly - mind you 33 years had passed since we last had seen one another. So turning to meet our group members, we recognized one another -and just like that – time dissolved! We could not believe it! We embraced, so grateful to reconnect, and so happy to be traveling together! In fact in the middle of our bonding, Amy Keith walked by beaming and so delighted by our rekindled friendship.
Needless to say, the trip was magnificent and we were inseparable. This is a story of parallel lives as we initially met at a time in our paths where we navigated similar waters of life of pre-school children, new babies to be on the way, and the need for meaningful friendship. Life, or OLLI or Burger King -have it your way! - intervened and our parallel life paths converged yet again. Time seemed to be our friend. Not only was our friendship renewed, but we found our individual life journeys to echo a similar chord of lessons and enriched reconnection.
The Japan trip was a divine experience for each of us, not only because of the immersion into such a beautiful landscape and culture of respect and beauty, but also because of the community and friendship encouraged by Susan Williams. We three women bonded on that trip, and we call ourselves the “Sake Sisters”. We also earned nick names, as Kirsten is K, I am Q and Susan is J. Each of us wears a ring – it is a 100 Japanese yen coin made into a ring designed by a local jeweler, and my friend, Sara Westermark. Was it OLLI? Was it Fate? All I know is that Kirsten and I are forever changed and grateful for the chance to re-connect, and the fact that OLLI served as a catalyst for our next chapter is all the more special.
We cannot wait to travel together again, and going with OLLI was incredible. Great hotels, forest bathing, cultural immersion, so much laughter and joy and just loving life!
Scenes from Japan 2025 – Suzanne Micallef
Leaves float
Politely surrendering
Of one accord
The carp transcends
up the waterfall
down the waterfall
in tireless
acceptance
----------------
Waterfalls. Quiet beauty.
Brilliant yellows of Gingko,
Varied scarlets of Red Maple,
Soothing greens of Bamboo.
A vibrant dance,
intensified by the blue sky.
We are bathed in sacred reverence.
In peaceful isolation, as we are called
To partake in our sacred pilgrimage,
In our Japan.
Grounding Quiet.
Black obsidian
Red Jasper
We heed your call.
Beautiful Story!
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