a moment of silence

the tragedy that happened exactly a year ago in the Northern coast of Japan...

I really can't believe it's been a year...
and although I still can not get over how horrifying this massive earthquake and tsunami was,
all I can say is the people of Japan have CONTINUED to be resilient, caring and positive.

Today I want to look back. But look back at what we've DONE to spring back from this event.
Many people volunteered to help clear up towns affected by the tsunami..I know several people who actually went. I wish I could as well... Lots of charity events, concerts happened.
I myself, put together a benefit event last May here in Los Angeles.
I was grateful to be organizing this event and be part of the entertainment as well.
I was so glad to have done it. We were able to raise $1001 which went directly to the Japanese Red Cross. You can read more about it here.

We LOST a lot. But let's also think about what we've GAINED from it.
Our people have learned to appreciate LIFE and PEOPLE more.
Through charity work, people (victims as well as the volunteers) have connected, shared love, and gained HOPE.
And we've come to love our country more, and be proud of who we are.
At least all the above apply to me.


There's not a whole lot I can do from here, but today I took part in a run hosted by NIKE, where anyone in the world could participate, as long as you had the Nike+ GPS app.
For every 1km (0.6 miles) ran (the app would track your distance), NIKE will donate 500 yen (about $6) to Architecture for Humanity for the relief effort. So I ran and walked 6 miles.. donating about $50.
Not a lot, but I believe that any amount can make a difference.

It makes me sad that hardly anyone over here in the States ever talk about this disaster any more, including the media. People may have forgotten, or it's tucked away, way in the back of their brains...
 or perhaps they are being considerate and don't want to bring it up in front of me.
It's not considered a big issue any more.. yet there are still many issues involved.

So please, don't ever forget about this event and please join me in a moment of silence.. to think of the victims and those people still affected by radiation, and still without homes.. on this day, March 11th (Japan time) for one short moment.

Done! It's done!

The benefit event for the recent Japan earthquake & tsunami at Peace Yoga which I put together was a great success!
If I may say so my self... :)
Lots of people showed up and lots of donations were made!
I enjoyed listening to MASXS play, they were very friendly and kind guys too. 
Check out their band page on Facebook! 
I felt really comfortable and confident singing with my band, even though I hadn't performed in 9 months!
I'm very thankful that I got to play with such talented members and am also thankful for their time they donated for this event. We played everything from reggae, bossa nova, jazz, to Japanese Pop :)
I unfortunately could only hear a little bit of my husband's band play, as I had to be at the entrance of the venue, but they sounded killin' as well... Many people were giving me compliments about his compositions and playing and I felt so proud once again to be the wife of such an amazing person & musician :)
He writes a lot and plays a lot. Check out Michael's music right here. 
Me and my friend's dance act went pretty well too! I hadn't performed dance in NINE years! I had a blast! Will post a video of this here soon :)
We had some amazing raffle prizes, thanks again to all my generous sponsors!!!


I raised $886 just from the event! Isn't that amazing!???? I was so excited!
I'm still receiving and accepting donations though, before I send all the money to the Japanese Red Cross.


This event would have not been so successful though without the help of my friends, family, sponsors, and Cheri at Peace Yoga. 
I met and communicated with many people and learned so much from them.
I realized that there are still so many generous people out there.
This event involved a lot of work, but it was all SO worth it. 
I hope that people continue to think about our people in Japan, and continue to help them out as much as they can. 
Many are still without homes, still grieving the loss of their loved ones, still in search for missing people..


My event is over (which I still can't quite believe), but I will continue to help and support as much as I can.


HOPE FOR JAPAN.


Happy things are ahead of us. 

Prize donations wanted!

Hello world!

So the benefit event for the Japan earthquake/tsunami relief I'm organizing--the planning is going pretty well! It's on June 5th, in downtown LA.
I am now in search of prize donations for the raffle that will happen at the end of the event.
It can be absolutely anything from gift certificates, free products, handmade items, CD's, books, free service, art work, you name it!

I know there's so much good stuff out there, like ETSY products and other generous people who own small businesses that can help me out.

If you OR anyone you know would like to donate a prize PLEASE let me know asap! It would mean so much to me.
my email is marche_love at hotmail dot com

or leave a comment below with your contact info so I can contact you :)

All proceeds will go to the Japanese Red Cross.

Thank you for reading!