30.11.12

~The Story of Misao and Fukumaru

Miyoko Ihara

Japanese photographer Miyoko Ihara
began taking pictures of her grandmother, Misao,
13 years ago to commemorate her rich life.
Along the way, the photographer came across a
beautiful bond between her now 88-year-old grandmother
and a cat named Fukumaru, whose given name
roughly translates as “good fortune circle.”

In her photo book titled Misao the Big Mama and
Fukumaru the Cat, Ihara captures the affectionate tale
of these two best friends doing everything together.

Miyoko Ihara Miyoko Ihara 
Looking through a selection of photos from the book,
one can see the genuine friendship and warmth
between the inseparable pair as they keep each other
company throughout their daily lives.
It was nine years ago that Misao first found Fukumaru
abandoned in a shed, described as an “odd-eyed kitten.”
While the cat had its own ailments and hearing
disabilities, the two have continued to grow old together, enjoying the beauty of everyday life against
the stunning backdrop of nature’s fields.

Miyoko IharaMiyoko Ihara    
To see more heartwarming images of this adorable
grandmother and her precious cat,
Misao the Big Mama and Fukumaru the Cat
can be purchased directly through
Little More Books.

Miyoko Ihara

"Under the sun, everyday is a good day,
Another good day”
~ Fukumaru

19.11.12

~Mistletoe

Most people have heard of mistletoe,
particularly at Christmas time.
It is a plant which often grows on other trees
and shrubs. The white berries are full of a sticky juice. 
 mistletoe 
There are lots of legends and traditions surrounding
mistletoe, the most well known and popular being the
kissing one. It was believed that kissing under
the mistletoe would lead to marriage.

mistltoe

In ancient times the Druids believed that mistletoe
would bring good luck and health.
Although it has been used to treat some ailments,
the berries are in fact poisonous and should not be
touched by children. Mistletoe has also been
associated with fertility, a good crop being a
sign that the following season's harvest
would be a good one. mistletoe