Mei-Shun continues piano practice, yet only 10-15 minutes a day. That means no progress in technique, even deterioration maybe. Refreshing breeze is necessary for Ms. Piano. Some of her favorite scores have many sharps and flats, while played in “Largo”. “Allegro” or “Presto agitato”, represented by the third movement of “Sonata quasi una Fantasia” by Beethoven, are never for her. Soothing music, not so complicated — oh, how about the one in animation films?
art
Carrot Couple
StandardThey look so cute, don’t they? When Mei-Shun saw them at a green grocery shop, she immediately fell in love. She brought this couple to home, took a photo as follows below and … put them in a basket for Madoka-chan. However, 春一番=haru-ichiban, the first southern wind blew in a speed exceeding 8m/sec. after 立春, prevented her from visiting the club. Actually, she meant to go there yet gave up on the way. Scary sight of yellow “fog” seemed to make anyone feel upset.
2017 Symbol
StandardIt is 酉= tori, rooster as mentioned before. Shin and Mei-Shun have made it a rule to visit Fukushima Airport at the beginning of the year. They are always happy to see twelve cute 干支 animals made of paulownia sawdust there, while a tabby kitty joined this year. Apples, another target were not available, so they chose kumata-pan, buns with sweetened bean paste filling. Yes, sweet … coated with white sugar, sized in your palm. It may easily make you round-shaped like our 丸酉!
Fully Equipped?
StandardFor today’s lesson, Mei-Shun put on the amber 帯留=obi-dome, ornament for a string on kimono sash while a 簪=kanzashi, hair accessory beside her chignon. Both of them are gifts from her generous husband who always encourages good practice. It would be perfect with the silk kimono, yet there is a serious obstacle: she has to drive to Master Mei-Shu’s residence. That textile is so smooth that it easily come down on the floor. She cannot stand such a danger and — dirt on it.
Joy of Sweets 2
StandardWelcome to Japan, Angry Owls, yet could you please calm down? Your looks are at the opposite ends of your taste, so gentle. Shin has brought you home, leaving the U. S. just on the day of new president’s inauguration. We wish no facade like yours would reflect real emotion among them. By the way, it is rare to employ blue in food for us Japanese. Flowers, are you trying to decrease our appetite? You might be right, since shortbreads are high-caloric delicacy.
First Lesson
Standardof 2017, thank you so much, Master Mei-Shu. It is the best way to make Mei-Shun straighten her spine — prepare kimono, put it on with お太鼓=o-taiko, sash shaped in a square on the back. Master gave her student a new 舞扇=mai-ogi, a fan used in Japanese dance as usual. Oh, how pretty this salmon-pink is! It well encourages Mei-Shun to practice hard 京鹿子娘道成寺=kyo-kanoko-musume-dojoji. It is the set piece for our Kikunoe Ryu certificates including 段=dan, 名取=natori and 師範=shihan.
Kimono Touch
StandardThank you so much, Professor M. He is good at calligraphy designing, sometimes works as a manager of Shimanekoya studio. These chic pieces were sent from Kaori-san last year, enclosed with a letter of 寒中見舞い=kanchu-mimai, a winter greeting. Her husband is from Kyoto, might be the reason why her gift is always accompanied by scent of that ancient capital. At a glance, Mei-Shun decided to make them her name cards.
Under Moonlight
StandardPhotos of 松風 arrived at hands of her twin sister Mei-Shun. A photographer in charge was sensible enough to include a piece of long shot. Regarding the moon, she thinks that Professor M, one of her most esteemed friends, is the best to take it. His wonderful skill allows any shape of the moon to be very clear. How do you broadminded followers compare one of his fine works with Mei-Shun’s?
Copyright © 2016 Professor M or Shimaneko Sensei All Rights Reserved.
Horseshoes Tree!
StandardMei-Shun’s first riding boots are leather ones, made of lace-up short boots and chaps. If she puts them on after rain or — snow, muddy water directly comes through the little holes. It is so disastrous that she has used rental boots so far. However, they are for everyone, not for her only. Unfit boots seriously hinder communication between you and horsies. She therefore bought a pair of long rubber boots as a Christmas gift for herself. By the way, please find a chic tree handmade by our club staffers.
Missing Supermoon
StandardThe biggest and brightest moon in almost 69 years? Rain was so merciless that prevented us from seeing her in Kanto area last night. Mei-Shun is cordially looking forward to 十六夜 tonight, still haunted by her twin sister 松風. Yes, she has become her 十八番=ohako, most likened and well performed role, while more practice is required for the latter condition. It is wished 花道=hana-michi, a bridge ranging from the left of audience seats to the stage, would be available on the next opportunity.
Thanks a million, Kaori-san.
meishunkikunoe 