EEN stands for the Economic Empowerment Network. EEN is pronounced “ee (ii)-en.” In Japanese, “ee (ii)” means “good,” and “en” has two meanings: the first is “human relationships” or a bond decided by fate; the second is “circle.” Today, let me introduce an “EEN” that has been established in the community where I (= Bobby) and the EEN founder, our global mom (= Yasuko) live.
Bobby’s Diary
I have been on this planet since November 1996. I have found that human life is “beary” interesting, full of unexpected things for bears. Also, I have found that human emotions are “beary” sensitive. So, I would like to share my observations with you in the form of a diary. I am “beary” sorry for my English with a “bear” accent, so please bear with me. Ha, ha, ha! I hope you will enjoy my diary.
Beauty after Cherry Blossoms
Japan’s cherry blossoms are ‘beary’ famous, and the beautiful scenery of cherry blossoms is shown on TV worldwide. Every year, from the end of March to the beginning of April, a large number of tourists visit Japan from all over the world in order to see cherry blossoms. In Japan, however, we have many varieties of spring flowers other than cherry blossoms. Even after cherry blossom petals have fallen from the trees, we can still enjoy lovely spring flowers. Look! Now, azaleas are in full bloom!
Spring has come!
Look! Now, cherry blossoms are ‘beary’ beautiful in Tokyo. After a shivering cold winter, spring has come!
Let’s BEAR paper!
Washi is Japanese hand-made paper. It is made from ‘kozo’ (paper mulberry). One of my Japanese friends launched a washi-making event with her friends. They make washi in winter. The other day, I visited the women’s group in a mountainous area of western Tokyo. Let me show how washi is made from kozo.
Art of Vegetables
The other day, I went to a French restaurant in Tokyo. Look at this! Isn’t it so beautiful? It is a terrine made with different vegetables. My friend and I tried to count how many kinds of vegetables were used in the vegetable art: broccoli; cauliflower; cucumber; okra; haricot bean; spinach; white leek; mushroom; baby corn…..
Happy New Year!
The year 2019 has just started! You must feel ‘beary’ fresh now. What is your new year’s resolution? I use a ‘bear’ calendar at home. Every day, the bear gives me a sweet message. Let me share the Jan-1 message with you.
“Beary” Merry Christmas!
The other day, an envelope came in the mail for my mom. It was from Motherhouse, which is a bag brand my mom patronizes. Why does she love Motherhouse? The bags of Motherhouse are made in Bangladesh, where she used to work. The envelope looked like it contained Christmas brochures.
I love African colors and patterns!
Look at this bag! It has a “beary” unique design in vivid colors. When my mom goes out with this bag, most of the women whom she meets say, “What a lovely bag! Where did you buy it?”
Mother’s Day
May 13 is Mother’s Day. Around the world, people think of their mothers in their own ways. I (= Bobby) am working as the face of EEN, which means I am the “son” of the founder of EEN, Yasuko, who is working as a global mom. Today, my mom wants to remember her mother on Mother’s Day with a message in my (Bobby’s) diary. Here is the message from her:
As sushi has been adapted …
Look! The green sushi rolls wrapped in sliced avocado are named Green Samurai in a Japanese restaurant in Liberia. The ones on the right are named Crazy Special. Is it because the spiky decoration looks crazy?
