It almost doesn't feel real. Can you believe it? 2014 has passed and we are now in a new year.
How was 2014 for you? Whatever happened or didn't happen, we can be grateful that we are still here. Yes, we've lived to see another year!
To kick off the new year, we will hear the wonderful story of Angie Taylor, a successful black woman from America, who is making her mark here in Japan.
Funny how time flies when you are having fun!
I first came to Japan in August of 1992. I had entertained dreams of coming here ever since I was in elementary school....maybe it had to do with the impact that Godzilla left on me at that early age. Or maybe it was the effect of one of my favorite childhood songs, the "Sukiyaki Song." After studying for a semester at an American university in the mountains of Niigata, I was hooked. I returned to the States, applied for a job through the JET Program and never looked back. That officially started my 21-year "journey" with Japan.
I taught English for seven years, then decided to return to America in order to pursue graduate study. By chance, I happened to sing a few songs at the wedding of a friend's relative. The owner of the wedding company heard my stage and offered me a job on the spot. In the 13 years that I worked as a professional wedding singer and bridal planner, I participated in over 5,500 weddings. Yes....from meeting Chaka Khan (and cooking macaroni and cheese for her!!) to singing a few times on national tv...to having the honor of singing for the Japanese Emperor's daughter and Magic Johnson when he came to Niigata, I have been blessed with numerous opportunities to express myself through music. It doesn't stop with just "me," either. One of my former music students signed with SONY Japan and became a part of one of the hippest hip-hoppers in Japanese music. It is very clear that the ripples we create while here are often amazing!
Oh, and speaking of cooking, I started my own country "kitchen"...an expression of my love of pies, pastries, cookies, cheesecakes and other sweets. Lol!
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| A truly elegant Strawberry Creme-White Chocolate cheesecake! Melt in your mouth goodness! |
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| a chocolate chestnut pound cake |
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| A fall favorite: a fig pie. A whole fig, plucked from the tree, sprinkled with cinnamon and a touch of sugar....wrapped in phyllo sheets! Then baked until golden brown!! So simple (the most difficult part is fighting the crows off the trees for the best figs!!) |
So, how did it all start you ask? My friends asked me to open a bakery after I surprised them by making all of the desserts at a Christmas party. It took three days for me to bake everything, but it was so worth it! I will never forget the happiness and excitement that my kitchen-skills brought!! Though I stopped baking professionally a few years ago so that I can focus my energy on creating a healthier version of myself, my friends still ask for goodies every now and again. I delight them, of course, but with a much healthier versions of those comfort food originals!
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| a pumpkin cheesecake, with layers separated |
As mentioned, my latest focus has been on health. I have successfully dropped about 100 pounds over the past 4 years and I feel amazing. I am not quite where my body needs me to be, but we are well on our way. In an effort to help spread my love of a plant-based lifestyle, I have challenged local chefs to create a new kind of menu for a series of exclusive dinner parties. The rules are simple: no oil, no butter, no meat, no added sugar, no dairy....and no eggs. The dinners and brunches have all been major hits; I am truly moved by all the interest. Honestly, there is something really wonderful about sharing the wealth of health with others. Recently, in addition to coaching others who are interested in losing weight and getting healthy, I have been focusing my efforts on promoting healthier foods for children. As a result of the interest in my restaurant challenges, cooking classes and seminars, I am currently working on a debut cookbook that focuses on kids and nutrition.
Six months ago, I moved to the Tohoku area to help motivate and guide the kids and communities that were affected by the 3/11 disasters. Yes, I left everything behind in Niigata because I felt that it was my duty to share some of my many blessings, happiness and expertise with those who are still going through extremely difficult times. Many of my friends thought I had lost my mind, leaving such stability back in the rear-view mirror. Actually, it was, by far, one of the best decisions I have made in a long time. Just knowing that I am living my idea of life with true meaning and empathy has filled my heart with a level of happiness I can barely describe. Where I first thought that I would be leaving my love of food and music behind, I find that those interests have followed me here. I have joined a local band AND connected with a local restaurant interested in changing its menu to promote healthier dishes. Yes, new opportunities, including talk of a full scholarship for my doctorate degree in wellness tourism are in the works. My grandmother always said that those who give fully of themselves will be refilled with a cup that flows over. My goodness! How does it get much better than this!?
Life in Japan has not always represented the smoothest of rides. Many of my opportunities have come without warning....with the transitions being very unpredictable and often times chaotic. Even so, I trust that I am already where I need to be...for even the words "crisis" and "opportunity" share the same kanji. The minute I let go, and "let God" (as my mother often said), things magically fell into place. The road carrying my success has been full of many, potholes, roadblocks, crazy turns and selfish "road hogs" on the verge of road rage. Still I accept it all very graciously, thanking Japan daily for the gift of this amazing, life-changing journey. Yep....taking my feet off the brakes, enjoying every second of the ride!!
Anyone interested in coming here would benefit from keeping an open mind as to what Japan might offer. Sure, we can listen to and appreciate the adventures of others. That being said, we might want to think twice about allowing their experiences to serve as a final indicator of what Japan "is" to us. To really experience it, one must witness it with his own eyes, heart and collection of attitudes, values and beliefs. I strongly believe that in the same way we each bring unique gifts to Japan, it gifts us with unique moments and stories in return!
Stay healthy, happy and blessed.
Thanks so much Angie! Your story has definitely inspired me. I hope it sparks something in my readers and that they too can know that their dreams are possible.
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