Mei-Shun took a lesson on Seika, 30 years old, might be the oldest boy in this club. Horses age roughly 4 times faster than human beings, yet he never looks a senile 120-year-old. So we take him as a gentleman around 80 with graying hair, leading a halcyon, healthy life. By the way, people born in the Showa era (1926-89) are called Showa-jin (=man) these days, like Jomon (14,000-300 B.C.)-jin or Yayoi (300 B.C.-250 A.D.)-jin!
nice
Chase the Sun
StandardShe made it. Our futon mats were hung in the balcony to dry. Only for a few hours, yet it satisfied Mei-Shun after rainy days of a week and more. In the afternoon, dark clouds came up to bring a shower for a while. The weather forecast says it will rain hard tomorrow. Well, it’s good for our plants. Oh, you prefer refreshed blanket, Mikan-chan.
ZZZZZ …
Izayoi Moon
StandardWe see 十六夜, one day after the moon looks full called 十五夜, tonight. It comes up to the sky a little delayed compared to last night. In old days, they took it as moon’s hesitation and read this Chinese letters izayoi. As the moon appears later night by night, they call 17th moon 立待月, 18th 居待月 and 19th 寝待月 meaning to wait for the moon standing, sitting and lying.
Culture of Dance
StandardMaster Mei-Shu stays in Tokushima, her hometown, to enjoy watching Awa Odori tonight. She has grown up in ever-dancing culture, that would be a big envy among Japanese dance fanciers including Mei-Shun. And Tokushima people share a nice ground to welcome any dancer on the stage, shown in their manner to give warm applause at the beginning of each performance.
Her Techniques
StandardSome pet cats punches out room items to make their places, yet Mikan-chan has never done it from her kitten-hood. She has a fine dexterity to move between small pieces, keeping their positions at window-side, on the piano, desk, etc. Oh, sorry for that messy nature around Shin’s futon mat.
Sleepy …
Full of Flowers
StandardThis vase is made by 辻常陸 whose works of simple beauty attract us. It is Professor S. who first informed us on him — she gave Mei-Shun a mug to celebrate her late recovery. Not only drawings but also the kind-to-hand shape of his work lets you feel really refreshed after tea. Now, a thistle joined our table while full blossom of wisteria and three little butterflies wait for white flowers to top them.
Travel Recommendation
StandardWe visited Namari onsen (=hot spring) in Hanamaki, Iwate Prefecture this weekend. It takes 2 hours and a half from Ueno by Tohoku shinkansen (=bullet train). Our first trip to there found several ryokan (Japanese-style hotel) spread along a winding mountain path. Nicely alkalescent water and quiet environment give you a genuine relaxation.
Artistic Couple
Standard
Japanese Culture@holiday
StandardToday is Marine Day, the 3rd Monday of July. Mountain Day would be added to our list of national holidays on August 11th next year. One of the reasons for these recent enforcement seems that summer vacation for schoolchildren are set from late July to the end of August. Parents would like to share joyful time with children as long as possible.
Happy Birthday
StandardMei-Shun’s mother was born on August 1st. She spends her birthday at a lodge she owns in Kusatsu, Gunma Prefecture. We therefore used to hold a lunch party one month earlier. This year she prefers staying at home to eating out — well, no problem. Three women lack nothing to cook and chat.
meishunkikunoe 