I've always loved zen minimalist structures and interiors. Be it an office space, a house or a condo unit. I love the good use of every space. Every inch of space is maximized by good layout and minimal but multi-functional furniture and decor . Every square meter counts. This means more space to wander around. Clean and uncluttered pieces create a calm environment which adds elegance to the seamless style. The house below is an epitome of a zen house.

I was like, "eureka!" when I saw this zen house on the internet. It's architectural detail is so amazing as far as the layout is concerned. It takes an architectural genius to turn a very small and unusual space to good and complete function. This is a pentagonal  house design in Tsuhima, a small village in the vicinity of Nagoya, Japan. Designed by Kazuya Morita Architecture Studio.

I've had the chance to be at Nagoya, Japan years back. Too bad I didn't see this house when I was there. This could have made my business trip perfect.

Layout of the zen Pentagonal house. It has dining as it's center room, uniting all other rooms.

View of the living room and the bed room. Ofcourse the bedroom has a door, haha!

Bedroom - so simple yet funtional and tasteful.

Entrance views of the house.

Center 'Dining room' and entrance area.

Living room with view of the dining, kitchen and entrance.

My favorite. You don't need a complex kitchen for it to be functional. Space is so maximized.

Simplicity is beauty, even in bathrooms. ;)

Top view of the house amidst other Japanese houses.

Exterior view of the house. So small yet so elegant.

I soo like this house. *giggly*

"A mother is not a person to lean on but a person to make leaning unnecessary."
-- Dorothy Canfield Fisher

Yesterday we bid goodbye to my auntie Nel who went her way to Alaska to be with her daughters and grandchildren. Although we were not that close, my aunt sure did marked something on me. Everytime I get to have short talks with her, she never fails to crack a joke and then tell casual stories about motherhood and relationships. She seems to make motherhood lighter with her sense of humor and wisdom.

Yesterday, as I hugged her she told me "Always remember that motherhood is two-way. You let them take their choices - you don't dictate. Specially yours are boys."

I thought for a moment, yeah...parents are responsible in guiding children, not to the extent of imposing your every will for them. We don't own their lives, we just guide them in living their lives to the fullest.

I will surely miss Auntie Nel.

Yeah the word is nurturing. I prefer 'nurture' than 'develop'. Nurturing is taking care of what is developing. I believe that every person has, at the least, a pinch of creativity being developed as one grows. Creativity just needs encouragement, feeding, and training for it to spur out excellently.

I'm glad my kids don't need a lot of pushing in this area. At their early age, they are eager to watch art shows. They are appreciative of crafts and drawings.

Here's one show that arouses creativity within. My kids are enthused everytime they watch ARTZOOKA. It's Nickelodeon's Art Show catering kids ages 6-9. But my boys (aged 2 and 4) at their early age are so hooked on this show. ARTZOOKA helps enhance their imagination. In one of the segments, Jeremy (the host) creates something out of almost junk materials. My kids would then guess what is being created. Before the host would finish his work, my eldest have already guessed it right. And the host shall say, "It's all in how you look at it!".