Nothing But the Tooth

plus, how to stop time

Welcome readers, old and new!

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Back in Tokyo, I’m once again astonished at the care given to maintain a visually (and socially) pleasing environment. The contrast between my experience here and in New York City has never been starker. Though I understand the reasons for the differences are complicated and profound, I wish I saw more of what I see in Tokyo in the U.S.

Japan’s democracy is modeled after ours, with its own seemingly intractable problems. Yet daily life feels calmer and less conflictual. (I don’t speak much Japanese, so people say things to me all day long I don’t understand. But that doesn’t affect my ability to make my way here just fine as long as there’s no emergency. I think that’s partly because most Japanese people generally want to be helpful. Also: Google Translate!)

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Of course, the best thing about being here is my family. When my granddaughter, M, kisses me good-bye in the evening and says, “See you tomorrow!” nothing makes me happier; even if a visit isn’t in the plans, I know it could be. And her hilarious tooth situation—under construction with various gaps, wigglies, and a couple of sturdy newcomers—reminds me how quickly things change and how precious this time is.

Thinking of that in bed this morning, and the fact that I just celebrated my 74^th birthday, I wished I could stop everything right now. I find that feeling is the greatest motivator to be fully present—the only way I know to stop time.

Speaking of teeth (not wiggly ones, I hope), when you think about your face, are you paying attention to what’s behind it? There are more than the obvious reasons that that might be a good idea.

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