Kristin Newton

I grew up in Los Angeles but moved to Japan in 1980. Their idea of bread back then was plain white bread which was awful. I basically gave up eating bread until finally French bakeries started becoming popular. They have really good bread, but I’ve never seen any sourdough bread in Japan. It’s one thing I really miss, along with Mexican food. Your book gives me hope!! Thanks for writing it!

I live in Japan and have never found any sourdough bread. I miss it so much.
Your book gives me hope!! Thanks for writing it!

The kids are so lucky to be given this experience! Long ago, I studied Turkish miniature painting from a Turkish artist. We used Windsor Newton designer’s gouache opaque watercolors. She taught us how to make gold paint from gold leaf, but I agree that it’s too expensive and difficult for kids. Gold paint should be good enough for their first experience. For those who are deeply interested and want to study in more depth, you can teach them the gold leaf technique later.
I still remember spending 10 hours on a small 2 inch by 3 1/2 inch painting using brushes with 3 or 4 hairs. It certainly teaches patience!

I live in Japan and make an obento boxed lunch everyday. Japan has elevated the boxed lunch to an art form which is both healthy and beautiful. They are easy to make and a pleasure to eat. I don’t know how to post photos here, but please google “obento” or “Japanese boxed lunches” to see what they look like.