I went to Shirahata-jinja Shrine in Fujisawa to see the Benkei wisteria. It’s a delicate, elegant purple wisteria. This weekend is the best time to see it. Next week, the Yoshitsune wisteria will be in full bloom. The fresh, vibrant green of the trees in the shrine grounds is refreshing. (Michiko)
I always enjoy making offerings for the gravestone. On the days I visit the grave, I also enjoy chatting with friends and acquaintances, as well as pleasant, unexpected encounters that bring smiles to both sides’ faces. Today, I was approached by a new person and we had a pleasant, short conversation. However, I am careful about anything that might cause concern regarding my safety and health. In that sense, I am grateful that there are security cameras installed at my home, in the surrounding area, and in the cemetery, so that I can immediately report anything that raises concern. Yesterday and today, I saw reports of brutal incidents on the news. Security cameras provide peace of mind. (Michiko)
It wasn’t tea time, but wine time. This is Daydream Believer, a cafe run by Chef Keisuke, Yoko-san’s son. It was a wonderful time. Yoko-san and I met at the same cemetery, visiting our respective husbands’ graves during times of grief. Now we are like family, laughing peacefully together. (Michiko)
I made soba noodles. I fried green onions in olive oil until soft. I added sesame seeds, bonito flakes, and a little soy sauce. Put the boiled soba noodles on a plate and topped them with salted salmon and green onions. Finally, I added a raw egg and broke it up a little. It had a gentle flavor. Yay! (Michiko)
I spoke with Jim-san in Honolulu via Signal. He said that after the storm passed, Hawaii is experiencing another stormy rain this week. He said that many tourist boat jobs have been cancelled, which is unfortunate. I hope the beautiful blue skies return soon! This photo was taken when I lived in Hawaii. A single hibiscus I came across while walking in Waikiki. (Michiko)
This was my 26th Yamaha drum lesson at Fujisawa Yurindo. I was still sluggish with the fill-ins where my left and right hands cross, and my rhythm still lacks sharpness. I’ll keep this new challenge in mind and gradually improve before the next lesson. (Michiko)
The sun is peeking through the clouds, but it’s raining. The heavens’ actions are unpredictable. Sometimes they are beautiful, sometimes they are cruel. I’m practicing Bach’s piano pieces, the French Suites. I play them separately on piano and violin. I enjoy discovering different aspects of a single piece. The richness of my heart each day comes from the accumulation of these simple things in my own style. (Michiko)
I gaze at the cherry blossoms in the small park from my window every day. The weather forecast for tomorrow is rain. So I went to see them before they fall. The petals were swaying beautifully in the spring breeze. (Michiko)
This is me in Hawaii 27 years ago. Although I don’t see any Easter celebrations in Japan, today is Easter Sunday. This photo is from around this time in 1999. Back then, whenever I had the opportunity, I was invited to work with a chamber orchestra in Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, from Honolulu on Oahu. It’s a fond memory. Hawaii is probably covered in greenery like in this picture right now. (Michiko)
The rain falls softly and quietly today. I practiced two songs from the movies “Schindler’s List” and “Cinema Paradiso.” I’d love to play along with a pianist, but there isn’t one, so I’m a violinist playing both the violin and piano parts by myself. (Michiko)