Reflections on Winter 2013-2014

winterscene

Occasionally I take the time to reflect upon the seasons and the many different changes they put you through. Winter is, by it’s very nature, one of the most extreme of the seasons. Winter  2012 through to March 2013 here in the US of A’s mid west was mild, although it snowed intermittently through to June. This was the first spring that my petunia’s came back.

Au Contraire for winter of 2013 through to spring 2014. Cold, and promising to be anything but mild, it has snowed consistently since early December with no let up in sight. We definitely had a white Christmas this year. Along with that beautiful white snow came the cold and ice–wet and penetrating. Christmas shopping was a painful affair. The wind cut through every layer of clothing, and, despite the cold, people thronged everywhere; making an uncomfortable situation even more uncomfortable.

Now don’t get me wrong, I truly love winter. To be honest, I truly love people.   🙂  The winter skies are the most bright and clear, and stars shine like diamonds. Also, fresh snowfall is one of the most beautiful and unique examples of GOD’s creation.  Sadly, it gets dirty fast. Driving mile after mile with dirty snow piled up beside the road can get depressing.  Nothing white stays white for long.

Snow white beauty piles up inside my driveway causing my car to bog down while going out on an important mission. Why haven’t I plowed the driveway? Believe me, I have. Those 35 mph winds just blew the snow back into the driveway. Let’s not mention the walkway. After shoveling and breaking up ice for hours, the wind delights in re-covering the walkway as well. So, I guess you could say that all that effort is in vain, right? Why go through the snow, ice, and cold if you don’t have to.

Well…after analyzing some possible choices–sunny Florida, Arizona, California, and other southern and southwestern states, perhaps even Australia (summer in January) I’ve come to the conclusion that every locale has it’s own drawbacks. I may be shoveling snow like a pro here–but someone else may be experiencing hurricanes or tornadoes. Others may be dealing with volcanoes, or even earthquakes. This year, the whole country is experiencing unseasonal cold weather. Did I forget to mention the -60 wind chills? Brrrrrrrrrrrr.

I long for the spring, which has allergies and grass-cutting waiting for me, but also the most beautiful, gentle breezes. My daffodils and crocuses herald the new season, and inspire me to begin my gardening. I look forward to beautiful roses, pots of begonia and impatiens. Every spring I bring out my cacti, and they grow and bloom until Fall. I begin in earnest on my vegetable garden which also keeps me busy through Fall. I find it fun and invigorating.

But…back to winter. After all this complaining, I guess I really do like winter. Whether winter likes me is the problem. 🙂 I am praying that everyone caught in the throes of Old Man Winter will come out hale and hearty this spring.

cardinalinwinter

Narrative credit: Momma Cha @jyjfantalk.com
Picture Credits:snowdayactivities.wikispace+scenicreflections.com

[Trans] The Split from DBSK – “The JYJ” Mag

[Trans] The split from DBSK – “The JYJ” Mag

That Incomparably Cold Summer

Even though it is not a must to say this, but for me in the past, I’ve also longed for people’s understanding on what I want and what I wish to say. Even though we didn’t know when we had to wait until, it was very obvious that it was not now. Eventually catching up with “happiness” and searching out “dreams”, our footsteps were once so heavy, and so fearful in the face of the bleak future. But for the sake of that perfect “happiness” and “dreams”, it seemed we could shake off the heavy footsteps and fear. And this is how, with the name JYJ, we formed.

The Story Kept in the Bottom of the Heart

In the summer of 2009, Kim Jaejoong, Park Yoochun and Kim Junsu decided to forsake everything they owned in their position. Popularity and money are no longer important. If what they once had was everything, there is no way to stride forward with heavy and darkened hearts. No longer yearning for anything other than happiness and dreams. Having two persons firm and determined by the side is the only source of strength and comfort. When the world out there and people in the industry pour out wild speculations, ill-intentioned rumours and negative remarks, the only thing to do is to be silent. The criticisms that surfaced, even unspeakable thoughts and rumours, they can only be swallowed into the stomach, and also given no response. Actually, that is just “spitting at me”, just that we didn’t understand this principle at that time.

“We were also very troubled, but Changjoo-hyung asked us to endure for a while, everything will be fine after the lawsuit is concluded. If we respond to everything, things will just snowball (get bigger and bigger). If we endure, it will be over quickly. If this small matter drags for a long time, it will be tough. Try to take comfort and go though our days that way. Even though it is a tough period, but other than enduring and enduring, there is no other way.” That incomparably heartbreaking summer in 2009, recalling that past, the 3 members became silent. Any matter will become faded over time, but they are still unable to stop sighing.

One Day, the Truth will be known

At that time, rumours say that the problem with cosmetics is the start of the dispute, but that is definitely just a small fraction that has nothing to do with the problem itself, members have been firm on this stand.

“Even we ourselves have no idea how much have we earned exactly. Even if we account in a simple way, how many CF did we shoot, how many albums did we sell, were this told to us. But our earnings were of no big difference from the past. Even if sales figures increased, we would be told that expenses increased as well, we have nothing to say. The biggest problem is the 13-years duration of the contract. Even if military service years are deducted, it will be until 35 years old. In our activities, getting to sleep 2 hours daily is a luxury, be it physically or mentally, we are drained. There is no chance to meet friends because we are working everyday. Everyone says that this is the price to pay for being a star, earning money and fame, there are gains and losses. Other than losing everything continuously, what other choices are there?” (Kim Junsu)

Forsaking Everything for the sake of the Future

Once again, the memories of the 3 men are recalled. This cannot continue; determined, they made the decision to forsake everything. At that time, the group that they belonged to (DBSK) was holding a tour in Japan for 50,000. Ascending to the dream stage of Tokyo Dome, they are mega stars indeed, yes, DBSK was the example for all Asia singers, the idols of fans.

Everyday, they were writing new records. At this point, the 3 of them resolved in determination and took action. “Expressing the desire to leave the company at the peak of popularity would be more controversial.” “It is not effective to leave the company when we are no longer popular. Leaving at normal times, people might say that our health is bad, idols that are not envied by others say that they have no other choice, ‘there must be some reason why they do this’ – only then would people think this way,” JYJ said unanimously.

Both Korea and Japan zoomed in and reported about them, as it charted a new page in the history of hallyu artistes at that time, comments by all parties involved received a lot of attention. Kim Junsu said, “Within a short time, we became the focal point of attention, it was scary; not sinners but felt afraid to go outdoors. Photos of my parents were masked and flashed on TV news, as though we’ve become convicts, the pressure increased everyday. In the end, we had a disorder.” In their determination, their inability to safeguard the promise of “5 will never separate” is the greatest regret in many fans’ eyes. But it is them who suffered more pain. They could only comfort themselves that everyone has his own path to walk.

It is a decision that makes the bleak future even more uncertain, but they would not be shaken easily. There are many people who are pretending to be “on your side” but in actual fact, they are trying to test or even sow discord. The 3 of them became more and more reduced, having only one another. There are also large agencies that promised to give them millions of contractual remuneration as pricey baits, but they did not waver, did not waver at all. “It is a realisation that even if there is no way to be singers again, the future will get better.” If there is no way to continue in this path then “go to the countryside and find a plot of land to grow sufficient vegetables to live on, and live that way.” Because they have such firm resolutions, there is no frustration. Unknowingly, fear and a sense of insecurity diminished bit by bit, there are no such feelings now.

Having Members by the side is the Sole Comfort

War started from that time. Even though it was a summer hotter than all others, but to them, it was harsh winter season.

Especially with biased opinions all around them, it was more like cutting their hearts with knives cruelly. It was a very tough period for everyone. “Hwaiting!” also failed to be of any comfort.

Because of depression, it was even more grueling for Kim Junsu.

“Only managed to persevere because I have the members. When 3 of us meet and talk, depressing knots are untied. Because we were all ill together, it was bearable.”

Credit to Xiah俊秀吧官方微博
English translated by chloe6002 (slightly edited by Park Yoochun Singapore Fanclub)
Shared by Park Yoochun SingaporeFC

Momma’s Source: sharingyoochun.net

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[Pic] 130128 Junsu’s Twitter Update

[Pic] 130128 Junsu’s Twitter Update

겨울바다..좋구나^^ pic.twitter.com/ed19GM8G

Winter’s beach… Feels good^^pic.twitter.com/ed19GM8G

credit: 1215thexiahtic
trans + shared by: sharingyoochun.net

Momma’s Source: sharingyoochun

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[News] 121224 JYJ’s Junsu Releases New Digital Single “Thank U For”

[News] 121224 JYJ’s Junsu Releases New Digital Single “Thank U For”

JYJ member Junsu has just released a new digital single titled “Thank U For“.

Designed as a surprise present for fans on the day before Christmas, to go hand and hand with Junsu’s year-end concert. “Thank U For” is “the work of Japanese composer and producer Shikata and is a sweet love song that will let you feel the charms of Winter”.

Junsu himself also shared, “The song being revealed on Christmas Eve is a sweet love story that feels as if it’s a love letter sent by a man to his girlfriend. I hope it will be a good present for the fans.”

Check out the digital single below, is it everything you were expecting?

credit: BubbleFeetPandaCH2

Composed by Shikata-san, REO
Lyrics by Juno, Kim Jina

[ENGLISH TRANS]

Today snow is shining all over the world
Everyday, excited and waiting for the first snow
Heaven has given me the most precious gift
More precious than my white star

Waking up early in the morning to the sound of the bell ringing
I’ve been waiting anxiously to meet you
Finding a way to go to meet you
Loving the memories of us

White snow is piled up without sound
Pacing the streets more footsteps pound
I would flutter more

That day I had been dreaming everyday OH
Today
Oh so I came

You and me holding hands, walking down the street
Memories spent with staring and laughing
You always cuddle up to me
Could not say
Today my heart wants to say I love you

Snuggling under the street lamp that illuminates
Your reflection in the transparent-like glass crystal
Little hands in your pocket
Your cheeks stained red
baby

Flow as a city full of white
Is singing
Sounds over the hearts of the people come and go
I would smile at night

Nice and anywhere with me OH
Oh you to hug me

You and me holding hands, walking down the street
Memories spent with staring and laughing
Your innocent smile like a child
Oh I’ll protect you forever

We walked down the street, holding hands,
facing each other again
We created the memories one by one with you

Even if there are times when you get tired sometimes frightened
Do not forget
I’ll be here for you always like today

Forever by your side

This song for you

English Translations by: Ruby(@rubypurple_fan) of JYJ3
Shared By: JYJ3

Ivory’s Source: sharingyoochun.net; JYJ3.net+youtube

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[Trans] 121015 Junsu’s Twitter

[Trans] 121015 Junsu’s Twitter
Junsu:I’m… awaiting winter ^^ pic.twitter.com/eqUfg6LE

Junsu: @mjjeje Jackal fighting~!!!! ^^

credit: park0604
trans by: rachui@sharingyoochun

 Momma’s Source: sharingyoochun.net
 
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Translation 111207 TVXQ To Participate in Hey! Hey! Hey! Christmas Live Special

19 December (Monday)
19:00 ~ 20:54

Guest artists: no3b, AKB48, SKE48, NMB48, KARA, Tohoshinki, Ikimonogakari (more TBC; total 15 teams)
Reporter: Haruna Ai, Chris Matsumara, Mitz Mangrove, AMEMIYA. Hirai Rio

Over 2 hours, these artists will perform well known winter songs and their energizing hit songs at Odaiba FujiTV’s stage.

Source: [fujitv]
Translation credits: mandasoh@tohosomnia.net
Shared by: tohosomnia.net
Do not remove/add on any credits

Momma’s Source: sharingyoochun.net

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Editors Note on Winter

Winter Rose [roses in winter are more my style]

Truth to tell, winter is not my favorite season of the year. I do not like to be cold, ever. We just got our first legitimate, sticking to the roads snowstorm of the season. This has been a landmark year for extreme weather, and it looks as if the weather is holding on to its reputation through December. At one point in time I would have thought it unusual to see so much diversity, but it is becoming commonplace to hear of wind storms, flooding,and power outages. This is scary because it is becoming a way of life.

Please continue to pray for Thailand, Japan, Haiti, The Americas, Australia, et al. Do you see what I mean–so many hurting areas. We can help each other by donating to worthy causes this Christmas season. I am realizing that the true meaning of Christmas, the giving that impacts hurting lives, is being lost in the hustle and bustle of Xmas.

credit: Momma Cha @jyjfantalk