It was a muggy, overcast day. After visiting the hair salon, I bought a summer lipstick at Odakyu store. I want to find small joys, feel grateful, and live happily in the present moment, no matter the time. (Michiko)
I enjoy doing Japanese calligraphy on a small sheet of paper when I feel like it. My calligraphy tools are miniature, too. Yet, even on this small size, I grind my own ink on an inkstone; using bottled liquid ink is not my taste. Just as with the violin, there is a distinct joy in creating my own sound—or in this case, my own shades and tones. (Michiko)
Hawaii is famous for the beautiful rainbows that occur after rain. They often occur in the morning and the evening after a rain shower in the mountains. At night, just before sunset there are often areas of rain in the mountains and Hawaii has some beautiful rainbows and double rainbows just before sunset. They are especially easy to see from the boat and often they become double rainbows which are a special treat for the customers!
This is my 31st Yamaha drum lesson at Fujisawa Yurindo. I am now able to play comfortably at a fast tempo. There are spots where the timing of my strikes is slightly off. Make sure to hit the center of the drum. Keep my upper body flexible and adjust my angle slightly. (Michiko)
I visited the Fujisawa Civic Art Gallery to see the sculptor Takeshi Mukoyama, who is serving as a judge for the Fujisawa City Exhibition. Mukoyama-san has long dedicated himself to the art of dry-lacquer sculpture; the piece shown here depicts Goro, his beloved cat who has passed away. He is also a music lover and served as a guitarist for Team NACOS, the group I lead. We performed together many times at gallery concerts and facilities for the elderly. Lately, it seems he has been enjoying hiking. It would be wonderful to have another fun opportunity to work together on something artistic. (Michiko)