Mei-Shun is good at growing green necklaces (only). Today is the “marriage” date for the best-grown one; Professor S, an admirable lady who kindly friends with Mei-Shun, would like that pot. Well, drink much water, relax well in the sunlight, daughters. Who would be the next?
beauty
Hello, Buds
StandardThis cymbidium is named “Yellow Card”, a gift from Kasumi Kikunoe, a “sister” student of Mei-Shun. Despite such dangerous name, it beautifully gleams in full bloom. Last summer, Mei-Shun took devoted care of it, which had got black at the end of leaves. It survived well, and greets her today with one, lovely cluster of buds.
After 2 Years
StandardShin has brought home a wild vine when he had a business trip to Nagano. The fresh fruit tastes nice, yet a bit too sour. Mei-Shun therefore made it soaked in white rum. We tried this beautiful violet color at the end of 2013 – it gave a fine scent as well. And to date, it has been separated into bottled liquid and fruit.
Happy Birthday
Standard…to Mei-Shun today. Her family gave a tiny party at night, and flower gifts. Bigger one is from Shin, fresh while smaller one from mom-in-law, preserved. They are like two peas in a same pod, choose as they look. What a beautiful combination!
Shiokumi; Fisher Ladies
StandardMaster Mei-Shu gave Mei-Shun the first lesson of this year. They’ve picked up “Shiokumi” for the stage in autumn. This is a love story between a nobleman from Kyoto and fisherwomen sisters named Matsukaze and Murasame. In noh stages, older Matsukaze is the leading role shite while younger Murasame the supporting one waki.
Portable Art
StandardA covering piece of acrylic glass has been set on “Christmas Tree” by Kaori-san, who advised Mei-Shun to use that material for maintenance of colorant quality. It would also work as a locket – whose photo shall be put behind?
Japanese Culture@holiday
StandardAs one of entertainments of the new year, we have 百人一首, Poetry by 100 Celebrities. Each poem has 5+7+5+7+7=31 syllables. Players would remember the latter 7+7 part of a poem, look for and take the card on which it is written. A reader would help with the illustrated cards of whole poems. The winner is a player who takes the most number of cards, yet the real joy of this game seems to be in the reading.
Arigato
StandardSo this is Christmas. And this is the 21st wedding anniversary for Shin and Mei-Shun. Look at his real gift. Just beautiful, isn’t it?
Tree on the Wall
StandardA hotel in Shinawaga makes a Christmas Tree by green, red and gold lights of windows. Shaky hands created a flame-like image, while a normal shot looks smaller than the real one.
Christmas is Coming
StandardThis lovely piece of work by Kaori-san, illustrator Ms. KOGASHIWA, arrived from Kyoto. A gift to herself, Mei-Shun feels very happy. Shin also likes it, advising her to arrange a covering glass for good quality preservation. You are right. We wish you a Merry Christmas!
meishunkikunoe 