Fresh off the good vibes I am now feeling (my cherry tree is currently blossoming, and I am feeling very ‘Springy’ – totally a word!) thought I would sit down and write my April post ready for today to coincide with International Haiku Day.
And while the weather is taking a bit of a turn, I will not be robbed of my ‘springness’ – also, totally a word. Therefore I wanted to share with you news about my first official Japanese talk as part of the new business plan I have.
Previous spring related posts:
International Haiku Day
Spring idioms
How to haiku
Last year, I spent a whole month planning, starting and finishing my book on haiku. This time it is a practical how-to rather than an actual poetic work.
Then I was churning out haiku to start filling my new Instagram with. (@haikuhowto_pollyspad if you fancy a look ) – which means I have been neglecting the Pad – Sorry about that. I have been working though.
But now I’m back, and want to fill you in on another plan… that, as always is tenuously linked to the Kettle List.
A Business Plan
The plan is to finally start my own small business in which I will create printables, give talks and facilitate a number of art and writing workshops. I am currently working on a series of “Writing for Wellbeing” workshops, which are designed to foster creativity and personal growth through the art of poetry- mainly haiku.
I’m combining my love of Japan, with my love of poetry, of writing and crafting. This business will also help me to increase my passive income online, which will be a great help for when I finally get to do my ‘Year in Japan’ (more on this later)
Writing—especially poetry—has this amazing way of helping us say the things we don’t always know how to express. That’s really the heart of what I’m doing with these workshops: creating a welcoming, supportive space where people can show up just as they are and explore writing as a way to connect with themselves.
People often think that they are ‘not poetry people’ ; I hope to include those that will benefit from trying out writing, but who would generally not consider it as something they would try.
Everyone’s a poet
You don’t need to be a poet or even someone who writes regularly. Whether you’ve been journaling for years or have never written a single line, these sessions are designed to encourage and inspire you to find your voice and enjoy the process.
Alongside the workshops, I’m also developing a number of free downloadable resources on this website. They’re full of ideas, prompts, and gentle guidance for anyone who wants to keep writing at home. I’m hoping they’ll help you feel creatively supported even when you’re flying solo.
This whole project is part of a bigger vision I’m working on—a creative network that welcomes people who might not feel at home in traditional artsy spaces. Through small, cosy groups and a low-pressure vibe, my goal is to make creativity feel doable, personal, and even a little magical. It’s not just about making art—it’s about building a habit that brings peace, joy, and a real sense of fulfillment.
If this sounds like something you’d like to be part of, I’d love to have you along for the ride. Whether that means joining a workshop, grabbing some free tools, or just cheering from the sidelines and sharing with friends—it all helps. Let’s build something meaningful together: a creative space where writing becomes a way to heal, grow, and feel more connected.
My year in Japan
I’ve had this dream for a long time: to spend at least a year living in Japan, experiencing all four seasons, and exploring as many prefectures as possible. I want to see more cherry blossoms in spring, feel the summer heat at the festivals, watch the autumn leaves fall in the countryside, and cosy up under a kotatsu during a Japanese winter. But, realistically, it is going to be a big financial commitment—and with a new day job starting in mid-May, it’s looking unlikely that I’ll be able to make that dream a reality in the next five years.
So here’s the new plan. Over the next 12 years, I’m going to focus on building my business—especially the online side of things—while also steadily saving and investing in my future. That’ll take me up to the age of 60, and once I wrap up my current “Kettle List,” I’ll be creating a fresh set of goals to carry me through the next chapter. (Probably going to add ‘visit every prefecture ‘ to that list)
Moving forward
In the meantime, Japan isn’t completely on hold. I’ve got a trip penciled in for next April, and I’ll keep returning when I can. But the bigger aim is to make sure that when I do go for that extended stay, I can really settle in and enjoy it without financial stress. Ideally, I’d love to spend up to five years there—assuming the visa requirements don’t shift too much before then.
Alongside all of this, I’ll be diving deeper into the language and culture. I’ve already filled my YouTube “watch later” list with documentaries on Japanese history and traditions, and I’ve started learning a few creative practices that tie into the culture. It’s all part of the long game—growing my skills through my work and business, while also preparing myself for the kind of immersive experience I want to have when I finally do make the big move.
And it starts tonight, with my first public talk called ‘A Jaunt Around Japan’ . Hopefully . this will be the first step towards my new, exciting plan. What a great way to celebrate International Haiku day!
Blossoms still await —
twelve springs to shape the stillness
then the mountains call