A Bit About Me

1955 -- Born in Long Beach, California

1968 -- Migrated with family to Brisbane, Australia

1975 -- First visited Japan during a tour with the Australian Youth Orchestra

1976 -- 6-month homestay in Tokyo, Japan

1978 -- Graduated BA (Hons) in Japanese language and culture,

Queensland University, Brisbane Australia

1978 -- Travelled to Japan on scholarship from the Japanese government and

began studies at Otani University and Konnichian Midorikai tea

school, Kyoto

1980 -- Joined Association of Foreign Wives of Japanese and began writing for

their closed-circulation Journal. Still doing this as a member

1981 -- Graduated MA (Buddhist studies) from Otani University

1981 -- Married Toshiro Otowa, of Hino, Shiga prefecture

1983 -- Birth of first son, Goki

1986 -- Birth of second son, Yuki

1990-present -- Wrote both one-time and article series for Chanoyu Quarterly,

The Eastern Buddhist, Eigo Kyoiku, Mainichi Weekly, and Kyoto

Journal periodicals

1995-2017 -- Taught English part-time at several institutions including

Omi Brotherhood Primary School and Ryukoku University

2010 -- Published first book, At Home in Japan (Tuttle)

2013 -- Published second book, My Awesome Japan Adventure (Tuttle)

2015 -- First show of paintings, Kazeno Kobo Gallery, Eigenji, Shiga

2019 -- Second show of paintings, Hino Municipal Library, Shiga

2019 -- Published third book, The Mad Kyoto Shoe Swapper (Tuttle)