Dear Sage,
We never knew how old you really were-
Already a wizened, greying queen when you arrived at home with us.
You loved to play, but although your energy had its limits, your affection did not.
We will always remember you for your couch flops, your demands for tummy rubs, and your full-body wiggle (which was strongest the first time you saw Liz each morning.)
As for me, I cannot imagine a more loving companion for my first dog. I'm so glad you're not in pain anymore-
We will always love you, our land hippo, our ultimate goober, our beautiful Sagie.
Thank you for spending time with us. Go and enjoy the lick mat in the sky 💔🌅🌿
Fuyu Fest 2026 tickets are LIVE!
📆 Sunday, February 22, 2026 from 1-5PM
📍The Redd on Salmon
Fuyu Fest 2026 will include:
❄ Sake tasting: over 100 styles all curated & hand-selected by Fuyu host @sunflowersake ~
❄ @okan.lover : hot sake exploration
❄ @lib.rom : Fukuoka craft sake
❄ @squidboy007 : leading 4 acts of music+sake pairing exploration with improvisational musicians from across the west coast
❄ @sakeassociation veteran brewer @kitanosake introducing American craft sake & talking sake brewing in the US
❄ @knp_meguru & @kobeclubpdx with a fantastic series of hand-carried gems
❄ local food & coffee vendors, amazake & miso makers, artists & wonderful people - TBA ⛄⛄⛄
❄ @reggiesmangashop activities & many sake merch gifties
❄ 20% donated to @ikoinokai OF COURSE!
+ appurtenant events on Friday, Saturday, & Monday in Seattle 😘
❄ 2026 poster hero art features an original neon piece commissioned from Portland artist @the_tiny_spoon (slide 2) in honor of the musical theme we're exploring at this year's Fuyu Fest 🎶
❄ 2026 Commemorative Sakazuki features two different styles of glass shuki from Portland artist @maria_made_a_thing : fabulous vivid, poppy colors perfectly paired to the vivid flavors & moods of sake + music.
Tickets: Early Bird is still active!
Tickets are available at Sunflowersake.com, in bio & at fuyufest.org .
Early Bird = $10 off all ticket types
🗣 26 tickets remain before general admission pricing takes effect. Early Bird ends January 1st.
(Want to hear about important news sooner? Sign up for our mailing list!)
Ok- that's all for now. Time to get back to planning!!
Pianozake 1, January 2025 featured four different improvisational piano compositions paired to 4 highly expressive sake during an intense, emotionally tumultuous time, but it was cathartic and beautiful to see @squidboy007 interpret some of my favorite bottles--liquids!-- musically.
Shown in this brief clip, Sid's frenetic, energetic interpretation of @chochinsake Awa Yamadanishiki 65 R6BY (with gratitude to @fifth_taste and @sakebar_yoramu for facilitating this valuable import) as well as a snapshot of his thought process and interpretation.
So excited to revisit this exploration with 4 more bottles today. Seats limited and fcfs, 3-4:30PM, come a bit early for a comfy seat!
Cheers <3 🌦
Friends, it's time for another little concert at Sunflower with our dearest friend, concert pianist @squidboy007 from 3-4:30PM.
As in January, Sid and I will be "conversing" with sake and improvisational piano. Attendees will be served a flight of sake previously unknown to Sid, I'll explain some of the background of the sake, its craftspeople, its story, and Sid will compose an original piece inspired by the flavor and context. We're also toying with a reverse scenario: sake selections inspired by Sid's existing works.
This is not ticketed-- it's open to all, drop in OK!-- but it may be difficult to accommodate late arrivals so we ask that you arrive around 2:30-2:45, especially if you'd like to order snacks. The loading dock is gently air conditioned, but if the weather is mellow we may open the garage style doors. There is a limited, first come first served capacity of ~30 guests. For N/A attendees, we will have mizudashi-style iced tea (but by definition you will miss out somewhat on the core theme of the event). Finally, tips will be open with 100% going to the artist.
See you next Saturday :) 🎼
Happy Juneteenth- and 9th anniversary (!!) to Liz, my beautiful, loving blueberry- I'm constantly amazed by the new, unfathomable depths in which I fall in love with you. From the most sensitive moments in life to the goofiest, I'm so lucky to be your perfect fitting puzzle piece. 🧩🐢🍷🍃🫐
Many of you know that #grandduchessrosemary has been spending most of her time in a cone for quite a while now. Happy to report that she seems to be finally, finally ready to just be herself again (understatement of the century award)
