It's not the season of cherry blossoms, but I wanted to share this beautiful photo that is very close to my heart.

A dear friend of mine emailed me this photo shortly
after I moved to New York City from Tokyo 4 years ago.

2 days before I left Japan, we saw each other to say good-bye.
I remember sharing my mixed emotions about moving
- tremendous amount of excitement and secret fear of uncertainty, as we walked through beautiful cherry trees which were in the early stages of blooming. Few weeks later, my friend emailed me to say, "the cherry blossoms that we saw together came into bloom!" And the photo had been attached.

<There are moments someone thinks of me> - knowing that made me feel safe during my new york life that had just started..

Well, 4 years later, I spent my Christmas with Chico Hamilton and his family.
"You are our family, Mayu." - their love and support mean so much to me.

I also felt loved during Christmas by my lovely students with cards, gifts, hugs and a lot of kisses.

The last few days of 2012 was spent with my dear friends.
So happy to see their smile, to know that they were in good health and happiness.

Then on January 1st 2013, I was invited to a wonderful new years day party at a home of such a beautiful family.They all were very warm and peaceful with love, and I felt most welcomed.

To be looked after by someone..
To look after someone..

To all of you that are close to my heart,
To all of you that I have yet to meet,
I wish 2013 will be full of happiness and love.

A lot of love,

Mayu

Summer-end, melancholy feeling. At the same time, I'm really excited about the coming show with legendary Chico Hamilton at Ginny's supper club in NYC. I am honored to be part of his wonderful music.

Can't believe that it's already September, time flies.

Looking back on this summer, had such a productive time. Gigs in DC and Baltimore, met awesome musicians there. Of course gigs in NYC with wonderful musicians. Rehearsals with Chico and Euphoria's members every week. Also composed a few songs for my recording that I have been preparing. Talking about great things this summer, I may add that I am working with many students which makes me happy to know that many kids love music.

Well, I can't say that music is the only thing in my life. But I can definitely say that music  helps me to make sense of my life.  This I know is absolutely true.