Textile Tales

Seeing Yoriko for the first time in a couple of months afforded the opportunity to show-and-tell some textile projects relating to our journey around Japan. I began by sharing the finished version of the scarf I began in our Nagoya hotel room and then on the train under Yoriko's patient tutelage. This was my first ever crochet project. My pride is inflated further by the fact that I was using a Japanese pattern and Japanese yarn - hey, when in Rome ... Am thrilled with the results. So much so that I'm working on another using some of my hand-dyed yarn.

Yoriko used our "reunion" as an opportunity to present me with something I completely forgot about, some shibori (traditional Japanese tie-dye) work done during a mini workshop in Arimatsu. Arimatsu is a charming town located a short distance to the south east of Nagoya. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and 1800s, which is quite remarkable given that they are largely wooden. There was a sense of stepping back in time as we walked down the streets.

As I said, Arimatsu was at one time THE shibori centre of Japan. The town's textile heritage is celebrated at every opportunity. Our first encounter with the beautiful designs was at the railroad station. Glass panels in the railing surrounding the station were sandblasted with various shibori designs. Each panel was accompanied by a small plaque giving the name of the specific design etched on the glass.

A small shopping centre is located next to the train station. In the middle of the parking lot is the Shibori Tower, a sculpture made of glass panels that also feature various shibori patterns. I suspect the "balls" between the various paneled cubes represent knots while the cubes themselves represent the stitches one might use to create some of the designs.

I suspect the tower is more impressive at night when the cubes are lit from within, thereby showing the designed panels to greater effect.

The town was relatively quiet when we were there, due to the fact that much was closed because of the New Year's holiday. Fortunately, there is a wonderful museum (Arimatsu-Narumi Shiborikaikan) devoted to the preservation and dissemination of information regarding this amazing textile art.   http://www.shibori-kaikan.com/kaikan-e.html   Not only was the museum opened, but it served as a fabulous introduction to all things shibori. Intricate hangings lined the staircase leading to the museum ...

There were also fascinating displays of historic textiles - including some recreations of samurai uniforms, uniquely dyed kimono, and examples of the various stages of some shibori techniques (fabric before knotting, knotting, after dyeing, when knots are removed). In each case, it was amazing how much dye could be resisted with even the tiniest of knots.

The above kimono (last photo) is the recreation of a famous painting of the main street of Arimatsu at the height of the shibori trade. Everything that looks like a line is, in fact, a series of stitches or knots. Most shop signs we saw around town were made in a similar fashion with various shibori techniques replacing better known means of creating signage.

One of the highlights of our visit to the Arimatsu-Narumi Shiborikaikan was an encounter with one of Japan's famous "living treasures". In this case, it was a 90+-yr-old woman named Tomeko Honma who is the only living person still creating textiles using a unique/specific technique. 

Nearly deaf, she is a very funny person because she doesn't answer your questions so much as talk about what she wants to talk about - and she has a nice sense of humour that comes through despite our language barrier! Her hands moved in a blur! Check out her technique in this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZSpxj4Ywg4&feature=relmfu   (note: the video was filmed about five years ago and is in Japanese). Tomeko Honma is the third to have her technique explained in the video. 


Yoriko and I weren't content to simply watch others enjoy the creative process. We took a mini workshop that had us stitching and tying a pre-printed handkerchief. Our 80+-year-old instructor learned the techniques in the 2nd grade, so was understandably a tad impatient with my clumsy technique. I sew one stitch at a time. She does several in a single pull of the thread by moving the needle back and forth between her thumbnails - Yoriko said that is how she was taught as well (also in the 2nd grade). 

The happy student

Knots tied (including two by Tomeko Honma), the piece is ready for dyeing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The museum staff dyed the piece after we left and mailed the finished handkerchiefs to Yoriko. Yoriko gave me my handkerchief when I was in Vancouver this week.  I'm very pleased with the result. FYI, Mrs. Honma's knotting resulted in the two large diamond-shaped patterns. The rest of the work is all mine. Oh yeah, I think they used a synthetic dye rather than indigo as it is very dark but no evidence of layering or powdery residue like indigo would give.

My favourite Arimatsu souvenir? Hands down it's the silk scarf that I call "sea urchin" because of how it looks when sitting on my dresser. It's essentially a tube of fabric that has been tied and then steamed to hold its shape. As a scarf, it's surprisingly warm. Yoriko thought it would also make a funky hairband/hat:

The lovely Yoriko arranged for us to attend two other mini workshops, one in Tokyo and the other in Kyoto. Both were printing classes, but with very different results.

The Tokyo-based workshop took place at the Shinjuku Mini Museum & Dye Village - Futaba En (http://www.futaba-en.jp/eng/index.html). We worked on pre-printed heavy cotton fabric, and used 10 different stencils and five different colours. The dye was painted on by means of a deer-hair brush that was held at the top of the bristles rather than the top of the brush.

Left: pre-printed cloth with registration marks at top and bottom edges. Right: pre-inked stencil.

Yoriko and others demonstrating good brush technique.

Checking my work between stencils. Don't I look fetching in Yoriko's father's old shirt?

Work in progress. One stencil for light blue, another for dark. One stencil for light gold, another for dark, etc.

Couldn't be more pleased with finished result! Looks great on my kitchen table.

Futaba En produces many beautiful stenciled fabrics on a wide range of fibres. Some become kimono yardage or bags and other textile goods, while others receive an additional process that turns them into resin-based goods such as buttons, pins, cellphone charms, and hair ornaments, among other things. Many items can be purchased at the onsite shop.

In Kyoto, we were delighted to find a wide range of textile techniques showcased at the Nishijin Textile Center (fyi, the Nishijin district is known for producing the best silk textiles in Japan). Here we encountered a master artist preparing an ikat warp - he used pieces of bicycle inner tubes for wrappers (placed clear plastic on either side of the tubing to prevent the rubber from blackening the white threads).

 We also watched a lacquerware painter, another man applying gold leaf and gutta-like gold paint to obi cloth, and weavers working on two-shaft variations of the local obi textiles. There was also a woman demonstrating how to make artificial flowers from silk cocoons. Also took in a kimono fashion show (note that the pyramid-shaped stage props are covered in silk cocoons).

 While in Kyoto we made a couple of other exciting textile-focused discoveries. Both places were encountered while we were en route to Kiyomizu-dera. The first thrill (for me at least) was stumbling upon Hinaya, the shop owned by Akihiko Izukura (http://akihikoizukura.com/). Several years ago I interviewed Mr. Izukura for Fiber Arts magazine, and was to have taken a dye workshop with him but couldn't attend as it took place on the weekend after my father died. Sadly, Mr. Izukura was away teaching in Hawaii when Yoriko and I entered the shop, but we were well entertained by his staff. One took us upstairs where we bought several remnants (by weight) - a nice consolation as yardage averaged $30+/10 inches! Since I already own a shawl (a gift from the artist), I wasn't too concerned about not buying any of the ultra-expensive clothes. But I drooled just the same.

As we came closer to the temple, we came upon a dye house located along Chawanzaka aka Teapot Road. I wish I had written down the name of the little shop as the owner/designer grew his own indigo and persimmon for dye as he didn't trust commercial sources. I especially liked one wall hanging that looked like water, but it was large, framed, and cost several thousands of dollars. At least I could admire it for a while.

Before leaving Kyoto, Yoriko and I took in another mini workshop. Like the one at Futaba En, this one focused on stenciling. However, this go 'round we started out with a plain white hankie that we then stenciled with various colours of dye/ink. Otherwise, the technique was very similar to the Futaba En experience. Must say I was rather pleased when the instructor commented on my "good technique". Guess just watching folks play is boring work, so he applied "the magic" - the white dye/ink that made the rest of the colours pop.

Of course, no journey to Kyoto would be complete without a geisha sighting or two. Gion, the city's entertainment district is the best place to see them, but we were there too early for much nightlife activity. We spotted a couple of geisha, but I didn't want to take their photo without their permission. Finally happened upon this young woman who was just returning from a job. Yoriko asked her companion (mother? boss? manager?) for permission as she knew the young woman couldn't answer for herself. Yoriko also informed me that the western use of the word "geisha" is not really appropriate as it is used as an umbrella term for traditional female entertainers. And entertainment does not equal sex! Today it's really more about preserving traditional performing arts. Apparently there are many different names for these women, depending on what it is they actually do. For example, a musician is called something quite different from a dancer. In addition, there is a ranking system within each area of expertise. It's all rather complicated. I think Yoriko said this woman was likely a "maiko" or apprentice.

An added treat during our visit to Kyoto was spending an evening with Chisako Hisamatsu, a former member of the Silk Weaving Studio on Granville Island. A few years back, Chisako and her husband Paul returned to Kyoto. In addition to weaving, Chisako teaches English at a local university, as does Paul. I didn't want to take any photos in their house as I wanted to respect their privacy, but you can see some of her weaving on the Silk Weaving Studio website at http://www.silkweavingstudio.com/chisako.html   I'm looking forward to seeing Chisako again this fall when she will be in Vancouver for an exhibition of her work as well as being workshop leader/lecturer during the Maiwa Symposium. Here's a photo of Yoriko, Chisako and me at a wonderful little Kyoto izakaya. 

The wonderful thing about being in Japan and having a fondness for all things textile was finding so many things of interest. Everywhere we went there was a new technique or material to be seen. In Nara, I was surprised to find so much linen (sometimes called hemp so not really sure which it is, but its beautiful). Unlike the fine Irish linen that I know so well, this variety tended to be much coarser so added an interesting texture to woven goods. I purchased a beautiful wall hanging from Mafu Okai (a shop specializing in Nara Sarashi, as the textile is known - http://www.mafu-okai.com/noren.htm). My hanging is dyed with the fermented juice of unripened persimmons aka kakishibu. The resulting colour is a beautiful warm rose brown. Check out this web page to see some folks working with the fibre.  http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.389583031909.177764.126060191909&type=3

Health Happenings

Ended up having a second week off chemo (this past week = #2). All the schedule changes resulting from the latest spate of cocktail adjustments, "breaks" from chemo to allow immune system to recover, etc. were making things more than a tad confusing. So, the very wise Dr Wadge opted to pretend the last cycle went as planned and I'll be starting the next on Tues. My day planner is much relieved as some of the pages were becoming a tad thin due to the constant writing and erasing of appointment dates.

Neutraphils have returned to a more acceptable level (was .7 two weeks ago, back to 3.2 this past week). Other counts are also rebounding. CT scan results are finally in and show little or no spread in lungs and other organs. So very good news overall me thinks.

Decided to make the most of the extra week off and took the opportunity to spend a couple of days in Vancouver. Hung out with at the studio with Penny one day, caught up with Donna during a stay at the Chez, and had my first face-to-face with Yoriko since our trip to Japan. Only downside was the realization that I had contracted another eye infection - this time in the left eye. (Am beginning to suspect that I might be allergic to Yoriko since she appears to be a common denominator for both my recent eye infections. Hmmm.) Stopped by the local hospital en route home (my doctor's office had just closed for the day) and was given some eye drops. That was Thursday. It is now Saturday and I'm finally starting to see some improvement. Must less oozing and aching along the left edge of the eye socket. Still not up for seeing too many folks, however, as a friend told me her son's entire family has come down with eye infections. If this is the same strain, I don't want to risk spreading it, so am laying low for a couple of days.

Shake n' Quake

Awoke this morning to hear that two earthquakes rocked Japan overnight. That the events occurred just days after the anniversary of the March 11 2011 quake and tsunami must have made the news even more unsettling. 

Funny that while I was in Japan in January, the thought of being caught in the aftermath of an earthquake only briefly crossed my mind. It was at least three days into the trip before I asked Yoriko what I should do in such a case. Of course, if we were together, I would simply follow her lead. If in my hotel room, she instructed me to try to wiggle under the desk, hang on, and wait until the shaking stopped. If out on my own in the city, I should just follow the crowd. I had Yoriko's cell number and the phone number at her parent's house, if the phone service was still functioning, so I could always tell someone nearby where I was and how I was doing. Other than that, there isn't much I could have done. Really.

I did feel one small tremor while in Tokyo. Yoriko told me of another, but I didn't feel it at all. 

Suppose part of the reason for not dwelling on thoughts of being swept up in a disaster like that experienced in north east Japan last March might be that earthquakes are not outside my realm of experience. Living in Vancouver, quakes are common enough even when we don't feel them (interestingly I felt more and stronger quakes while living in Ottawa). Anyone in doubt need only log onto the Internet to find where the earth is rumbling and how much the area residents might feel the earth move. Here are a couple of informative (and seemingly reliable) sites worth checking:

http://www.earthquakescanada.nrcan.gc.ca/index-eng.php?tpl_region=west

http://www.myforecast.com/bin/earthquake.m?city=54366&metric=false


Suppose this is as good a time as any to also respond to comments some have made re the radiation I might have encountered during my recent travels.

Perhaps I'm simply naive, but I suspect I have had more radiation exposure in the last four years than most residents of Japan experience in a lifetime. That radiation has been an integral part of my cancer treatment hasn't filled me with any noticeable dread of further exposure. In fact, now that the disease has spread beyond the breast and lymph nodes into the spleen, both lungs, and trachea, perhaps full body radiation treatment could be a benefit? Not that I'm in any hurry to find out. As for eating possibly contaminated food (especially seafood and produce), there is no reliable source of information re the danger of anything I consumed while away, just as there isn't any reliable information source regarding what I put into my mouth while closer to home. Like everyone else in Tokyo, Kyoto, and the other places I visited, I simply ate what was available. Suspect I might feel different about all of this if I had been closer to the Fukushima Prefecture. But that would be a very different story - in more ways than one.

First Birthday

Okay, I know it's not really my first birthday. A quick glance at the ol' birth certificate confirms that I've actually entered my 55th year (having just had my 54th b-day). However, given that my oncologist's prognosis of two years ago cautioned that I would likely not live to mark this humble occasion, I've decided a change of record-keeping is in order. Hence forth, March 11 2012 will be (at least in my little mind) my first birthday.

Here's a photo of me in on March 11 1959 showing one candle on the cake. The image is taken from a slide produced by the esteemed Mortifee Munshaw photo finishing company. For some reason I can't seem to enlarge it very well, but you get the idea. Have to admit I was one cute kid. Check out the curls!



Hmmm. Some technical difficulties re scanning slides. If ya squint at the photo it might look better? Will try to overcome problem and repost at a later date. Have already spent way too much time trying to sort it out just now.

General Stuff re Japan Trip

Figure it’s about time for another installment re my travels to the Land of the Rising Sun. Here are a few things I learned during my travels:

First off, let me say Japan isn't nearly as expensive as I expected it to be. I have no idea where writers who report that the average lunch costs $30 US as we never paid more than $12 each for any given meal. Most of the time the cost was well under $10. I suppose that is because we often picked up a bento box in the basement of a department store (amazing food emporiums these are). If you made the purchase one hour after lunch or one hour before closing, the price was discounted. I think most lunches were about $5-$7. Japanese fast-food like ramen is about the same price. Managed to stay at hotels that included extremely large breakfasts or buffets, so that was another savings. Between the two meals, I was rarely hungry for much when it came to the evening meal. Hotels tended to be affordable as they were not in the centre of town. Also Yoriko managed to find great deals on Japanese hotel sites - which had less expensive options than the English sites had. The most expensive night was the ryokan (traditional inn) in Kyoto which worked out to about $350 for the two of us - and included a seven-course dinner, three-course breakfast, and "welcome" tea and snack. Of course, I did see a pot of tulips for $50 but then those would be considered as exotic as orchids would be for us so are priced accordingly. Subway tickets were priced by distance, but averaged about $3. Personally, I didn't find the overall cost to be much different than my recent trip to Paris. 

It is very, very, very difficult to get around without an ability to read Japanese. Yes, speaking the language is a big help, but that won’t help you navigate your way. English maps are available, but little signage is written in anything other than Japanese characters so those maps are useless. Step outside of central Tokyo, and English lettering is even more uncommon. Further complicating matters is the layout of the city. Tokyo streets follow the flow of the two moats that surround the Imperial Palace, located at the heart of the city. Several streets are further bisected by rivers. There is no grid whatsoever, so numbers don’t follow a logical sequence from one street to the other. In addition, addresses do not refer to any individual structure. Rather, an address will indicate an approximate location within the larger city. At best, in Tokyo, it will direct to you a specific block – but you may have to circle the entire four sides of that block before coming upon the desired destination. Then there are examples like the Suwa Shrine and Daien-ji Temple. The address of Tanaka, Taito-ku indicates both are located in the Yanaka district, but the two structures are about eight blocks apart and two streets over from each other! Thanks to the incorporation of a grid system for its street layout, navigating Kyoto is slightly easier. But nothing beats having a Japanese guide who is able to ask for more specific directions re getting from A to B. Thank you, Yoriko-san!

The Japanese LOVE design. Don't think I saw a single plain paper bag the whole time I was there. In most cases, things tended to be over wrapped - the concept of minimal packaging has not yet reached these shores. Fashion is a extension of the design concept, and women were especially eager to show off their sense of style. Noticed more than one person - men and women - wearing eyeglass frames with no lenses. They didn't let a simple thing like not needing glasses interfere with their fashion sense! Heck, even manhole covers are beautiful in Japan.

Tokyo manhole cover. The flower is the symbol of the city.

Kamakura manhole cover

Arimatsu manhole cover (Arimatsu is considered part of Nagoya)

 To say the Japanese people are incredibly polite is an understatement. It is impossible to walk into a store, restaurant, hotel, or whatever without receiving a smile and welcome greeting. Often the welcome (and farewell) is accompanied by a bow. Bowing etiquette is very important and very complicated – sometimes just quickly bowing the head is enough, other times a deep bend at the waist is in order. Not sure I got it right all of the time.

Bowing isn’t the only etiquette that is strictly observed. Canadians have much to learn from the Japanese when it comes to cell phone etiquette. While the electronic appendages are in constant use, there are strict rules re how they are used in certain situations. No surprise they are frowned upon at shrines and temples. Interestingly, nobody talks on phones on subways or trains. In fact, this is law. It is, however, okay to text in such places so expect to ride is relative silence where the tic-tic of the rail cars is echoed by the tapping of so many text keys.

Smoking is still very popular in Japan. Don’t be surprised to find people lighting up in izakaya (pubs) and other indoor establishments. Annoyingly, even though Yoriko and I booked non-smoking hotel rooms, there was always an ashtray available as well as warnings against smoking in bed (fortunately only one hotel room wafted of smoke when we first arrived). Beware, however, where you light up outside. There are several bus shelter-like structures that provide enclosed public smoking areas – the first I saw were just outside the airport terminal; others are located along sidewalks in major business areas. Sometimes an entire street is a no smoking area.

With smoking so popular, it isn’t surprising to see cigarette vending machines throughout the city. In fact, cigarette machines seemed second only to beverage machines which seemed to be everywhere we went. Interestingly, beverage machines are capable of supplying both hot and cold drinks – my favourite was hot yuzu (a citrus fruit somewhere between a lemon and a grapefruit). Apparently, it is possible to buy almost anything from a vending machine in Tokyo. I saw machines that dispensed books, newspapers, and flower arrangements. In business areas, it is possible to buy a new shirt, tie, pants, and toiletries which must be a real help to any salaryman who didn’t make it home the night before setting out once more for the office. Have heard it is possible to buy used undergarments once worn by teenage girls, but I wasn’t about to go tracing any of those down.

Blue prices for cold drinks; red prices for hot drinks

One of the most disturbing lessons I received was delivered on a train station platform while we were waiting to board a train that would take us to Tokyo Station where we would catch the Shinkasen (bullet train) to Kyoto. Following an announcement, the crowd let out a collective groan and then started to disperse to find other modes of transportation as they expected our train to be delayed for some time. Yoriko told me the announcement said someone fell onto the track, and she had little doubt it was a suicide. I asked how she could be so certain and was told that someone commits suicide in Japan every 15 minutes!! (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suicide_in_Japan)  Most take place in Tokyo, and jumping in front of a train is a popular method. Seems it is such a common occurrence, news reports have stopped mentioning the incidents. Yoriko offered a simple explanation for the high number of suicides: the economy. She reminded me that not long ago employees had a job for life. Things changed. Having a strong yen hasn’t helped matters. Adding to the stress of losing a job is the fact that many people live in housing provided by their employer. No job, no home. Imagine the situation if you are the sole breadwinner of a family. One day you are working, the next you, your family and everything in your home is on the street. Literally. With a tighter job market, the situation is even bleaker. Kinda puts Canada’s economic “woes” in perspective, no?

Speaking of Japanese workers, I had a thought of spending a night in a capsule hotel. Yeah, it would be cramped, but it wouldn’t be something I would be likely to do ever again – assuming I could stave off claustrophobia long enough to catch a few zzzz. Turns out almost all capsule hotels are restricted to male patrons, the majority of which are so-called salarymen (white-collar workers) who end their work day by going out on a bender and then miss the last train home. This information took the appeal off that hotel option. So did the fact that one of the few establishments to offer accommodations to women was on the far side of Tokyo. Decided the room I had in Tokyo – which was only slightly larger than the double bed – was small enough for my amusement.

Tokyo hotel room. Couldn't pull the chair out from under the desk because the bed was in the way.  Only one foot between foot of bed and the wall. Door to bathroom just to left of photo. Door to room hit bathroom door if either  fully opened. 

Garbage cans are few and far between in public areas. Yoriko told me this is a result of the 1995 “gas attack”. On March 20 of that year, members of the Aum Skinrikyo cult entered crowded subway cars during the morning rush hour and released sarin (a nerve agent) on unsuspecting passengers. More than a dozen people died and hundreds more were injured, some permanently. While many cult members were arrested (some executed for their part in the attack, other culprits sentenced to life in prison), the event continues to have a profound effect on the Japanese psyche. Removal of garbage cans from public areas is seen as an easy way to ensure the relatively crime-free nature of the nation is maintained.

Other conveniences not readily available in public areas include toilet paper and paper towels in public washrooms. As such, it is always wise to accept the free packages of tissue that are handed out at subway stations during the evening rush – sure they are ads for the newest shop in the neighbourhood (whether it’s a computer store or a love hotel), but the tissues are a godsend should you find yourself short. Another tip: always carry a hankie to use as a hand towel. Mine was especially welcome after rinsing my hands before entering any shrine or temple.

Yoriko washing hands before entering temple in Nara. Stories re the nasty Nara deer will wait for another posting. 

In Japan, toilets aren’t purely functional, they also provide endless entertainment possibilities. Okay, so the traditional Japanese toilet (which resembles a urinal mounted on the floor) might not fall into this category – 

unless you watched me trying to stand up after using one – but most others I encountered certainly did. For example, the bowl of the toilet in my Tokyo hotel room didn’t fill with water until you sat down – this ensured a clean bowl every time (the John Cage character in “Ally McBeal” would be pleased). A train station offered an ingenious toilet/sink combo – flushing the toilet drained the tank which was topped by a tap used for washing hands post performance; the grey water from hand-washing filled the tank readying it for the next flush. Regardless of their configuration, most “western” toilets come equipped with a series of intimidating looking buttons and knobs that allow the sitter to partake of an optional wash/rinse/dry cycle after the, um, business portion of the event is completed. Some also provide a music option, apparently an attempt to suggest a private moment remains just that (Willie Nelson anyone?). Was impressed to find that several amenities in department stores and other public facilities include booster seats for the younger set as well as high chairs bolted to the inside of some cubicles for the convenience of caregivers with no free hand to attend to the demands of a young child.

Some toilet controls are part of the seat. These ones are mounted on the adjacent bathroom wall. I'll leave it to your imagination, gentle reader, to figure out which button does what.

Since I arrived in Tokyo on January 2, I was able to experience a number of things that only occur around the New Year celebrations. For example, it was not unusual to see stores offering “lucky bags”. These were specially assembled merchandise offered at a special price. An example was available for inspection so prospective purchasers would have some idea re what they would get, but the actual contents of any given bag was always covered either by a lid or tissue or both to keep the element of surprise intact. One example offering from a department store included a scarf, some candy, and a bottle of perfume. While the candy and perfume were known quantities, the colour and pattern of the scarf was not. An interesting twist on the grab bag, to be sure.

One department store (Tobu, one of the largest department stores in the world) turned a large portion of one floor into an artisan showcase/sales area. Weavers, kimono makers, kumihimo artists, brush makers, comb makers, glass cutters, stone carvers, etc. set up stalls around the space and the public was welcome to watch the artisans at work and to purchase any of their wares. Yoriko told me this was something that only took place during New Year’s, so it was quite a treat. We spoke with several artists about a wide range of crafts. One that was particularly interesting was an obi weaver who included real gold threads in his work.

The "cartoon" on the paper helps guide the weaver re the design, like the type used by Barbara Heller when she is weaving her amazing tapestries.  

Another bit part of the New Year’s celebrations is a trip to the local shrine and/or temple. There were big crowds everywhere we went, but Yoriko said they would have been much larger on Jan 1 and 2. Even so, it was quite the sight. Several men and women arrived in traditional dress as that was their best outfit befitting the special occasion. I was surprised to learn that many young women have started wearing kimono year ’round as they enjoy the wide range of style options available though the simple changes of accessories. Must say it was rather strange to see a woman dressed in a kimono using a cell phone - ah, when eras collide. 

In Arimatsu, we happened to stumble upon an extraordinary kimono sale that was taking place in a very old house. The closest thing I could think of in Western culture might be a bridal fair as each room in the house had displays from different kimono, obi, and accessory companies from around the country. Women of all ages were on hand for the event. It was especially interesting to see young girls being fitted with different accessories for the same kimono (like the girl on the left in these photos - real colour of kimono closer to bottom photo). 

Yoriko told me that they were likely getting a new kimono for the January 15 celebration. This is Coming of Age Day in Japan and it’s marked by special celebrations to honour those turning 20 yrs of age. In Kyoto, a traditional part of the festivities includes an archery contest (Toshiya) at Sanjusangen-do, one of the city’s major temples which is also known for its 1001 statues of Buddha. Imagine young people in their finest traditional dress shooting arrows at the corner of the temple roof! While in Kyoto, we saw a number of young women with bows who were apparently arriving in town for the event. For more info re Toshiya, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tōshiya. We weren’t allowed to take photos at the temple, so to get an idea of what 1001 statues look like when grouped together, check out http://farstrider.net/Japan/Kyoto/Sanjusangendo.htm

I'll talk about more of the textiles we saw in another posting. 

Chemo Brain

I meant to say "kidney function" NOT liver function re the previous blog. And it seems my new-found energy will only stick around for limited periods of time. Seem to need a lot of rest after even the slightest of activities. Of course, the latter issue may be as much a result of my rapidly advancing years than anything else. Please, no comments.

Changes for Me and Momzy

It’s been a stress-filled couple of weeks.

On my end, it took most of the extra week “off” chemo to start feeling anywhere near better. And then, you guessed it, came time for the next dose. Thankfully Dr Wadge had reduced the Gemcitabine to a 75% dose. She also opted to replace the Cisplatin with Carboplatin. This followed lab reports that my liver function dropped from 76 to 42 during the one-week drug hiatus. Apparently Cisplatin is very hard on the liver and Carboplatin is less so. The new cocktail is administered much the same way as the previous one. Each cycle remains 21-days in duration, and the drugs are given via IV. On Day 1 of the cycle, I receive both the Gemcitabine and the Carboplatin. On Day 8, only the Gemcitabine is given. On Day 22, the next cycle begins with the same Day 1 dosing as above. On Day 1 of this first cycle, I was very tired. Slept most of the rest of the day, and didn’t bother to get out of bed the next day. However, there was no nausea or diarrhea, and my energy level picked up quickly as the week progressed. On Day 8, (this past Tuesday), I didn’t start getting tired until later in the afternoon. Slept until 2pm the next day, but have been able to function quite normally since, other than an hour-long nap on Thursday. Assuming the drugs are working their hoped-for magic, I’m happy to continue with this cocktail for the foreseeable future.

Tuesday wasn’t just Day 8 of the current treatment cycle. It was also the day Mom had to be moved into her new digs at the local care facility. I did as much as I could, given that I came directly from chemo treatment. Thank God for Penny, Jon and Erin. Erin took Momzy to lunch while Penny, Jon and I packed up the main items Mom would be taking with her. Managed to get the room looking as welcoming as possible before she arrived. Given that we only learned that a room was available on Friday afternoon, the move went pretty dang smoothly. Of course, the emotional aspects of the situation will take much longer to resolve. Poor Momzy was feeling rather uprooted, but insisted she had been wanting to go into care for some time, and knew it is where she needs to be at this point in her life. Knowing that and feeling good about it are two different things. I have very similar thoughts and feelings, with a healthy dose of guilt tossed into the bag. I like to think that, if my health was better, I might have been able to take better care of Mom myself, possibly even live with her as so many friends have lived with their aging parents. Alas, I was dealt a different hand. As it turned out, the women I hired to provide private care at Mom’s home were nothing short of angels. Truly. Some have become as close to both of us as if they were family. Words of thanks fail to express my gratitude for the loving care they provided Mom – and continue to provide as they visit her in her new home. As for the support of Penny and Jon (who are taking on more care of both Mom and me as time goes on and our respective states of health further decline), I have only one question: What have I done in this life or will I do in the next to deserve such friendship? What those two have done, continue to do, and will do in the future goes well beyond any definition of friendship I know. May all of these people, and countless others who provide so much love and support to both Mom and me, have their kindness and generosity returned an infinite number of times in their own lives. I will attempt to do everything in my power to be part of that reciprocation. For now, I humbly offer my deepest gratitude.