Hanami

While running the other day with the Sailor (yep, he actually went running with me!!! So nice to have company), I saw so many little buds on trees and flowers just beginning to poke through the ground. It made me long for the cherry blossom season in Washington, DC. In fact, the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival is happening there right now.

The cherry trees in DC were originally given to the US as a gift from Japan, where they practice hanami -- picnicking under the cherry blossom trees. How lovely!

"Originally, the purpose of hanami excursions was to ponder the transient nature of life, as the cherry blossom blooming season is so short. This concept ties in with Buddhist thinking about the nature of life. However, today, these parties are more about having fun and eating food while enjoying the beauty of the cherry blossoms than pondering deep thoughts." via

Sort of like hanami...?