Whether it’s at home, visiting a grave, or going out, anywhere I feel happy is “my castle.” What a joy it is to be able to build my own castle! (Michiko)
It’s suddenly gotten cold and the signs of winter are starting to appear. Today is the beginning of winter, apparently. It’s fun to play the piano quietly on a cold night. That’s right! Winter performances are piano. Violinist playing piano. I connected the pages with tape to make it long so that it’s easy to turn the pages by myself. Bach’s English Suite No. 3 Prelude. Beethoven’s Piano Sonata Moonlight. I try fun things and stay cheerful. (Michiko)
Yuu-san came to listen to my violin performance. Afterwards, we had a nice chat at a cafe. I bought honey from Yokote Bee Farm, which is made by Yuu-san’s uncle in Akita Prefecture, this year as well. (Michiko)
For me, autumn is the season for movies. I checked the screening schedule at my favorite Kawakita Film Museum in Kamakura. I will go to see “Autumn Leaves” in late November! I’ve added it to my list of things to look forward to. My mini performance on November 4th in front of the mural at Shonandai Station, I will perform the violin solo, Rachmaninoff’s Vocalise and the theme music of the 1970 movie “Sunflower.” On the 20th, “Autumn Leaves” and more. (Michiko)
I took a photo of my left hand. As I have played the violin for many years, the pinky finger on my left hand has become 4 mm longer than the pinky finger on my right hand and has turned outward, making it easier to press the strings. Bones change depending on the environment. I have also improved my osteoarthritis of the hip through continued rehabilitation without surgery. I don’t feel bad about getting older, for it brings with it new joys and pleasures. (Michiko)
For me, the sunsets in the winter in Hawaii are especially beautiful because the sun sinks into the ocean so there is almost always a beautiful orange sky that becomes more dramatic as the sun sets. Even after the sun sets the sky has a beautiful glow that slowly disappears as night fall comes in.
Flowers for visiting the grave. The photo of beloved dog Dolce and the violin was taken 25 years ago in Honolulu. The score is Rachmaninoff’s Vocalise. I will be performing it as a violin solo without accompaniment in November. Singing from the heart and playing the violin is the same as praying. Someone I want to meet is always in my heart. I’m not the one protecting, but I’m being protected, so I can hear the applause that I can’t hear. (Michiko)