Looking for Funds pt. 1

Today I starting doing research into art grants and grant writing.
I am an average artist who dabbles in everything.
I do have a growing interest in a particular type of art style. I am looking into paper art. This is huge: Chigirie!
That is a topic that we are covering this week for my job. It was like a gift. This is the topic, this is the style of art that I need to break free from mediocrity. So, I will start there.

I have not done my language lessons this week.
I need to keep up on my learning of the language if I ever want to be able to hold a basic conversation.

Introduction

What is one thing you would love to do before you leave this earth?

My one thing is to travel and study in Japan (for year or something).
Why Japan?
Why not. I have never traveled to that part of world before.
I am trying to learn the language and I am interested in the art and culture.
What better way to learn about the nation and study the language than total immersion!
For sure I would need a travel companion who spoke the language fluently, but it would still be a total culture shock. And a shock to the system is just what the doctor ordered for this artist, ya know what I mean?

I suppose I am somewhat of a Japanophile. I've never given it much thought before.
Just one day I woke up and said, "I need to go to Japan."

How soon do you plan on leaving?

Ideally, I would leave in August.
Why August? Because it is the eighth month. I also need time to raise funds for such an adventure as well as research and plan my trip.

This journal will be to document all stages of my journey to Japan.
The first thing I need to do is renew my passport!