Hidden Flowers
Heritage House Publishing, 2025
An illuminating memoir of one woman's journey through motherhood, loss, disability, and the transformative power of artistic self-expression exemplified by the Japanese concept of "Hidden Flowers," which emphasizes the beauty of unexpected moments.
My Story
This is your About page. This space is a great opportunity to give a full background on who you are, what you do and what your site has to offer. Your users are genuinely interested in learning more about you, so don’t be afraid to share personal anecdotes to create a more friendly quality. Every website has a story, and your visitors want to hear yours. This space is a great opportunity to provide any personal details you want to share with your followers. Include interesting anecdotes and facts to keep readers engaged. Double click on the text box to start editing your content and make sure to add all the relevant details you want site visitors to know. If you’re a business, talk about how you started and share your professional journey. Explain your core values, your commitment to customers and how you stand out from the crowd. Add a photo, gallery or video for even more engagement.
Single mother. Japanese-Canadian. Empty-nester. Immigrant. Artist. Scientist. Wheelchair user. Community organizer. Survivor. Many words can accurately describe Keiko Honda, yet no one word or phrase fully encompasses the complex identity and fascinating life of this remarkable woman. Grappling with emptiness, loneliness, and the challenges of aging following her daughter’s departure for university, Keiko faces a new phase in her life—a life that has been filled with amazing achievements and debilitating setbacks—through deep introspection and reflection-in-action.
This memoir is an exploration of shifting identity, transition, artistic expression, and community building. It investigates the forces of attachment, belonging, cultural expectations, and the intricate dance between tradition and modernity. It reminds us of the transformative power of art and its ability to bring people together, especially in an era when isolation is epidemic. Illustrated throughout with Keiko’s watercolour paintings, ranging from moody landscapes to family and pet portraits to semi-abstract scenes of modern life, Hidden Flowers is an inspiring journey that will bolster the spirits of anyone who is experiencing a difficult transition in life or looking for a creative outlet.