honestly

when the rain is blowin' in your face
and the whole world is on your case
I could offer you a warm embrace
to make you feel my love

when the evening shadows and the stars appear
and there is no one there to dry your tears
I could hold you for a million years
to make you feel my love

I know you haven't made your mind up yet
but I would never do you wrong
I've known it from the moment that we met
no doubt in my mind where you belong

I'd go hungry, I'd go black and blue
I'd go crawlin' down the avenue
no, there's nothin' that I wouldn't do
to make you feel my love

the storms are raging on the rollin' sea
and on the highway of regrets
the winds of change are blowing wild and free
you ain't seen nothin' like me yet

I could make you happy, make your dreams come true
there's nothing that I would not do
go to the ends of the Earth for you
to make you feel my love

looping

i've done it again

i fell for you

the timidness in your smile

the hands in the pocket

your ease of learning

i remember your voice

when you asked if i wanted to be yours

i've done it again

i fell for you

and the more i feel, the more i fall

and the more i fall, the more i learn

that it's with you i want to grow old with

all I really want

Enough about me, let's talk about you for a minute
Enough about you, let's talk about life for a while

realism

I don't want to be the glue that holds your pieces together
I don't want to be your idol
See this pedestal is high and I'm afraid of heights

A trip to Japan and the meanings behind it

I write this from Japan, the land of lovely and caring people, who can also be submissive and hierarchy-obsessed. A land that mixes new and old, full of flashing lights and traditional buildings.

This trip means a lot to me for a couple of reasons, which I shall explain here.

For those who don't know, I am Brazilian born and bred. My father's family is of Japanese origin, hence my slight Asian looks. I have also been naturalised British after living in England for almost 7 years - so quite a mix.

On the 1st April 2014, my Japanese grandmother lost her battle against Parkinson's disease at age 91. She had a good life and, whilst the selfish part of me wishes she was still with us, my rational self knows she was physically and mentally suffering.

My grandma (or "batiyan" as we call it in Japanese) taught me many different lessons, from how to respect others to the importance of showing gratitude. She also tried her best to pass on the Japanese culture she'd had on to her children and grandchildren and I think she succeeded.

Coming to Japan, just over a year after my grandma's passing, has helped me explore more of this culture which I somewhat refused to absorb over the years. After touring around for a bit, I now understand much better why my grandma acted the way she did in certain situations. I can also say a lot of the trip has reminded me of happy times we had together, especially moments from my childhood - from senbei eating to origami making, which I was terrible at! A walk full of learning and joy down memory lane.

In addition to my family memories, visiting Japan marks a special milestone for my relationship with Jamie. We always spoke about how we wanted to visit Japan together, but it was always so expensive - after finally settling in our new place (not so new anymore!) and changing jobs, we finally managed to make the dream come true. We shall now figure out what's next (aside of Australia, which is already on the cards for next year).

TTS

Be true or be gone
You’re only fooling yourself
Open hand or not
You are holding out
But there is no light that you can’t live in
Tear it apart
Your old confession made in the dark
Now every hour, change of heart
You’re running away, but the shadow is yours

canned only

Monday morning laundry or coffee on the garden wall
You’re good 'cause you’re never boring
You should probably call me more