悲しみ - kanashimi - sadness

Chiri mo tsumoreba yama to naru (great oaks from little acorns grow).

-- Japanese proverb

My heart, as well as thoughts and prayers, is with the people of Japan during this frightening time.

Many Japanese-inspired, hand-created items fill shops on Etsy.com. And several vendors are sending proceeds from sales to the victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, via the Red Cross.

Relief for Japan canvas print of Japanese Maple from Heather Gardner Photography

Japan Tsunami Support - Map of Japan Covered Travel Journal from Fourviere Hill

I Love Japan t-shirt from Fepa Design

100 large origami paper cranes from Made by Jo

Japan earthquake relief opal "Sakura" necklace from GemsBerry

pendant in Japanese variegated art glass cabochon from Millefiori Designs

vintage kimono silk scarf from greenolive