This is my 28th Yamaha drum lesson at Fujisawa Yurindo. The key thing to remember from today’s lesson is how to use the right foot on the drum pedal. Lift from the knee, not the ankle, and stabilize the toes as I press down. At the same time, avoid swaying my upper body and shift my weight forward. One or two things to work on before next time will be a fresh challenge. (Michiko)
Yesterday, I wrote about my feelings towards the violin. Today, I would also like to write some memorable words related to that. These are the words of two violin teachers who taught me at Kyoto City University of Arts during my university days. Nearly 25 years after I started living in Honolulu, Hawaii, for my husband’s new business, Professor Iwabuchi, whom I hadn’t seen in a long time, suddenly called me. We talked about many things over the phone and fax. When I said, “I’m continuing to play the violin like a turtle,” he replied, “It’s fine to be like a turtle. Keep playing the violin like that.” We also had a pleasant, casual conversation, like, “Come back to Japan when it gets warmer. Let’s go out for sushi.” The other teacher was Ms. Kimura (formerly Nakanishi). I received a letter from her when I graduated from university. One line from the letter read, “Never forget that you will continue to study throughout your life, and keep steadily moving forward.” Both teachers have nurtured many excellent students. Nevertheless, I am grateful that they left such a quiet voice in my heart, a voice that will never fade away. (Michiko)
In many ways, my goal is to continue playing the violin throughout my life, in my own way. Maintaining motivation and continuing to learn, even at a slow pace, is a talent in itself. As I get older, I plan to buy a new shoulder rest to reduce the strain on my shoulders and jaw. Adapting my playing technique to suit my body is an enjoyable experience. (Michiko)
I’m busy at my own pace, but not too busy. Taking breaks is important. My daily treat is ice cream at my home cafe. I have to be careful not to eat too much! (Michiko)
This is cloisonne work made by my late mother-in-law, Tomi-san. I’m finally at an age where it suits me. Tomi-san had a wonderful time at a school during the Taisho era, and after getting married, she and her husband, father-in-law founded a company about 80 years ago, gaining trust through her strong interpersonal skills and social abilities. In Kyoto, I taught her piano and we often went out together. Like this cloisonne, she had a refined yet innovative inner self. I remember her saying, “Stagnant water will rot.” This is a lesson for life. (Michiko)
A pendant of fresh green leaves. It’s actually a Christmas tree. Last year, I received a green triangular loose gemstone as a gift from Tanaka-san of “Megane Mate”, and I had an idea, “I’ll make it into a Christmas tree pendant!” I drew the design and showed it to Ichikawa-san at Ichikawa Jewelry Store, and he created the pendant head exactly as I wanted. The vibrant green trees sway gently in the May breeze, and I’m enjoying my own little Christmas tree. (Michiko)
Many women enjoy nail art. But I’ve never had my nails done. There are two reasons for this. First, because I play the violin, I have a habit of cutting my nails as soon as they grow even a little. Secondly, strong smells like paint and smoke trigger asthma symptoms. I like pinky rings. For me, jewelry is more of a tool to make me happy than something to show off to others. (Michiko)
Silent Applause. I share my everyday activities on Facebook and on my blog, ChanomiTalk (chanomitalk.com). Thank you to my friends for the likes and comments on Facebook. I also receive messages and friend requests from people I don’t know, but I hesitate to accept them if I don’t know them well. I’m sorry. However, I imagine there are people who still like my posts out of goodwill. Thank you. On my ChanomiTalk blog, the monthly site statistics report from WordPress shows that over 1000 people, both in Japan and abroad, read it every month. I’m also grateful to those who silently applaud. (Michiko)
Organizing Clothes. Whenever I buy new clothes, my small closet gets full. I almost threw away some old clothes but I cut it into square pieces and trimmed it with cute colored thread. Putting it over my sheepskin cushion made it much cooler to sit on. Everyday little inventions are fun! (Michiko)