On the last stage, one of “sister” students under Master Mei-Shu’s wing gave Mei-Shun a pot of gorgeous cymbidium. Young leaves came out in June, so bloom in autumn has been expected. However, they started to get black at ends these days … caused by a wrong care?
Driving her husband to the nearest station, Mei-Shun found a body of a kitten lying on the road. Feeling so sad, she made a phone call to the municipal office. The staff in charge sounded gentle, telling Mei-Shun that he would take care of her/him immediately. Good for you, kitty.
When Mei-Shun practices a dance at home, her husband often jokes, trying to copy her. It’s so funny – yet sometimes makes her wonder if it’s true: does she look comical while making a serious story on stage?
Mei-Shun was very lazy during obon holidays. No exercise, too much eating — the worst way for dancers. She returns to normal today, feeling refreshed, yet putting on a bit excess weight around her waist. Oh-oh.
Many of us light ceremonial bonfires at home entrances in the evening, on the first and last date of obon period. The former called Mukae-Bi, while the latter Okuri-Bi to welcome/see off spirits of ancestors. Gozan-Okuri-Bi held in Kyoto on August 16th is quite famous as a beautiful summer spectacle along with Gi-On Festival.
The last lesson before obon holidays was given by Master Mei-Shu today, rainy and nicely cool. After the “exercise”, she told Mei-Shun on the foundation of Kikunoe-Ryu (=a party for Japanese dance). Her older sister, called Mei-Shu I, became the first director of Kikunoe in 1992.
Typhoon Halong hit Anan City, Tokushima Prefecture this weekend. One junior high school there, designated as a shelter, has been inundated to force the evacuees to flee upstairs. Master Mei-Shu comes from that place. Mei-Shun felt so worried about her relatives and friends that e-mailed to her. No problem, she replied. It sounds great.
Most of Japanese businesspersons enjoy obon summer holidays, dated normally from August 13 to 16. Spirits of ancestors are worshiped at home during this period. In fact, obon seems like utilized as power conservation campaign since 2011, when we were hit by the devastating earthquake in March.
While using dental floss, something popped within the mouth. One metallic coating – it might cause the uncomfortable feeling continued for a few weeks. Mei-Shun had no pain, yet rushed to see her primary dentist. “Teeth would be worn out by aging”, she explained. “Stable metals are not compatible with such changes. So, a bit space between your tooth and metal resulted in this trouble.” A-ha!
Tuning care is indispensable for pianos. Since Mei-Shun plays hers just for pleasure, once-a-year treatment is given to it. Current person in charge seems a real piano lover – a squeak in pedal bothered Mei-Shun for a long time, yet he tried hard and finally beat it. Thanks, Mr. O.
