Sayonara
Mood:  blue
It was a tearful "goodbye" at the Saifukuji temple this morning. After our service three of the temple ladies served us an outstanding "sayonara" breakfast. (They had been working since 6am to prepare the incredible delicacies.)
David and his "homestay daughter," Noriyo, also attended. It was a blessing that Noriyo was there to translate for us. Many heartfelt speeches were made. We sang songs together and many, many gifts were given. I had a mini-tape recorder and managed to tape us singing some traditional Japanese songs. I was given a song book and many Japanese texts of our Buddhist services. Also, "The Boss" gave us a CD and book of his just released (two days ago) Buddhist children's songs. I am sure that we will see each other again. I am hoping that some of these wonderful people will be able to visit our Spokane temple soon. What a blessing.

Cash Country
Mood:  incredulous
It just doesn't seem right to walk up to a cash machine, slip in your plastic card and have $6,000 cash slide into the money tray. Even after 2 years here it is very disconcerting to walk back home with that much cash in my purse. That's just the way it's done here. Oh, my!

Fireworks - Hanabi
Mood:  on fire
Wow, ya gotta read this article about Japanese handmade fireworks.
I can't wait. We are going on the 23rd.
It's a relatively small display - only 4,000 in one hour!

Fireworks Article

Semi - cicadas
Mood:  lyrical
Ah, the first sound this morning was the tentative "singing" of the first baby cicadas. At school we were seranaded as the day warmed. This pleasant sound today will turn into a full 24-hour din within a week or so. It was fun to hear them this morning. I've missed them, but i am sure that i will be eager to leave Japan when they emerge full force.

Another "milestone"
Mood:  celebratory
Not only was i able to put my water bottle back in my fanny pack with my left hand while running today....I ALSO COULD PULL THAT SUCKER OUT OF THE PACK! Yahoo. I didn't think that i would ever get back that much motion to reach behind my back and pull out the water bottle. I can reach up easily over my head and i am working on reaching in front of myself and scratching my right shoulder blade - that's muy difficil but i'm getting there. My therapist is working really hard. I have bruises on my arm to prove it - ouch. I've taught him a new word: "owie, owie, owie." He really thinks that one's funny. We have only 6 more sessions to go. I think that i will be almost back to normal by the time i leave. yippee hooray.

Ahimsa - Non-violence
"Ahimsa is not a policy for the seizure of power. It is a way of transforming relationships so as to bring about a peaceful transfer of power, effected freely and without compulsion by all concerned, because all have come to recognize it as right." Thomas Merton

Please think about this and begin working towards 2008.

Ajisai - hydrangeas
Now Playing: Bitter sweet
Hiking in Roko-san Arboretum and saying goodbye to one of my favorite families.
More later

I'm feelin' a bit old
"Yo' ole black hide don't look lak nothin' tuh me, but uh passle uh wrinkled up rubber, wid yo' big ole yeahs flappin' on each side lak uh paih uh buzzard wings."
Zora Neal Hurston

Well, now, i don't feel that old, but it sure makes me laugh to get that picture in my mind!

Atsui
Mood:  on fire
It’s 90 degrees today and over 60% humidity. Walking home from school feels a bit like walking in a giant sauna or through thin pudding. It’s a weird sensation that I won’t miss. I knew that this would make me long for home. Welcome summer!

Time is Flying By
Mood:  rushed
I have 28 days left and am feeling a bit frantic. Afraid i'm going to forget to do something important before i leave. My apartment is strewn with paper sacks with gifts for everyone who is on my "goodbye" list. There're more gifts stacked for friends in Spokane. I have boxes of clothes strewn around and lists of things to do: cancel email service, cell phone, change of address forms galore. Ah, well, it will all get done.