Category Archives: personal development

Becoming a minimalist: ridding stuff to regain space and time

Posted on June 8, 2017 by Anne Ku

For a long time, I have wanted to simplify my life, let go of things, live with less, and free up space and time for what I really enjoy and desire instead of feeling like a slave to my possessions. I even … Continue reading →

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Marmie (Birmingham, May 1998 – London, April 11, 2017)

Posted on April 13, 2017 by Anne Ku

“My cat died last night,” I texted my friend who owns four dogs and two cats in Denver. “I didn’t know you had a cat,” she responded. “I don’t. I gave him away years ago.” I can’t remember when exactly I … Continue reading →

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My Thai after five days with Chef June – Thai Food Made Easy

Posted on January 25, 2017 by Anne Ku

When I first connected with my high school classmate June Verburg on Facebook, I couldn’t believe how good she looked. She must have photoshopped herself, I concluded. So I planned a trip to see her and find out for myself.

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I Left My Heart in San Francisco for solo piano

Posted on December 18, 2016 by Anne Ku

One of my oldest friends requested me to play “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” Not that he and I have ever travelled together to this city of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the cable trolley. I did, however, … Continue reading →

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Minimalist, frugal living, and the path to zero waste management

Posted on November 22, 2016 by Anne Ku

The one-way airmile ticket to Amsterdam in mid-June led me to the Dutch lock-keeper’s house in Utrecht, a place I had called home  for a decade. Void of furniture and furnishings, it felt small. In fact, everything looked smaller than … Continue reading →

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Moving out, moving over, and moving on

Posted on September 17, 2016 by Anne Ku

During the pressure-cooker months of May and June,  I often wanted to wave a magic wand and make everything disappear. My tendency to collect, accept what others give me, organize, make good, and keep meant that I didn’t like throwing … Continue reading →

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More than teaching piano

Posted on September 27, 2015 by Anne Ku

I specialize in teaching adults how to play piano. More and more adults are learning to play the piano as a way to relax, exercise their mind and body coordination, and play songs they like. Adults learn quickly, but they are … Continue reading →

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Teaching from the gut

Posted on August 3, 2015 by Anne Ku

Long ago I posted a blog on Bon Journal called “Teaching from the Gut.” By the title, I meant teaching a subject you know so intimately that it feels as though it’s coming out of your gut. You’re so confident … Continue reading →

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Kubasaki High School Reunion Cruise: part four

Posted on July 24, 2015 by Anne Ku

In the final part of this four-part blog post about my high school reunion, I reflect upon why my high school classmates should and would want to attend the next reunion. I write this because I struggled against my own … Continue reading →

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Kubasaki High School Reunion Cruise: part three

Posted on July 23, 2015 by Anne Ku

It’s nearly two weeks after the reunion. Yet as I type this blog post, my friends are still  uploading photos and videos, tagging each other, and commenting on Facebook. Rebecca’s “Is anyone else having Dragon withdrawal?” ignited a chain reaction.

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