Giving Thanks

Know the title of this posting seems a little out of season. After all, giving thanks is something many of us associate with autumn, turkey, and all that stuffing. Turns out, this year at least, that April is proving to be far more an appropriate time to offer thanks.

Today I took a carload of stuff to St Hilda's for their annual thrift, plant and book sale. The event is a major fundraiser for the parish and a wonderful opportunity to clear the clutter about my house while also increasing the church's revenue. The latter incentive hits especially close for me as without the good people of that church, I have no idea how I might have weathered the last few years. I don't have a lot of money, but I can still give something in addition to my regular offering. If only in a small way, I feel it's a chance to pay back some of the kindness and generosity that has been shown to me at my times of need.

Had a similar experience last week when I was among those feted by Capilano University for helping support their students and programs. I was not able to attend the actual awards presentation however (thank you, chemo side effects), but do know that one Elizabeth Murdoch was given my bursary for this year. Best of luck, Elizabeth re your fibre-filled future.

I also received word from Simon Fraser University regarding the winner of the award I've established at that august institution. Congrats to Laura Sterian. Best wishes for your future endeavours as well.

Some time ago I was asked by SFU to speak publicly about why I give. As if setting a pattern, I was unable to attend that event but was able to convey my thoughts via someone else reading my remarks (thanks, Doug Puffer). In the time since I first established the university bursaries several people have asked why and how I did such a thing. For me, it was something of a no-brainer. Check the video link below for my full explanation. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_atBrigcgI

In a Spin

Minor thrill for me yesterday. I attended the local guild's spin-in an actually spun using my wheel (Ashford "Traditional") for the first time in 10 years! Took a while to remember how to do it, but am very pleased with the result thus far. Maybe now I'll be able to reduce the stash of fibre lurking in my closet?

Started feeling a tad unwell on the ride home. A bit dizzy, but nothing too worrying. Started vomiting shortly after dinner, and have been under the weather ever since. Suspect the last round of chemo is to blame as it was the first double-drug dose I've had in a few weeks. I felt quite similar after the first dose back in January and wondered at that time if I might have the flu. Same kinda feeling now. Hope it doesn't last much longer. Had hoped to be in Vancouver on Sunday to spend some time with a former boss (diabetes researcher from Ottawa) who is in town for a conference.

Guess this is what I get for thinking of doing something to shed a few more pounds. When will I learn to be careful what I wish for?

So Infectious

Yes, yes. I know my smile and laugh are highly infectious. Although modesty has never been my strong suit. However, the title of this post refers to much more tedious forms of infection.

Seems I'm turning into something of an infection expert. Have now had two bad and one minor eye infections since Jan 1. Add infections to the bladder, left inner ear, and one nostril, and you might have some idea re what things have been like over the last few months in my little world. Did I mention that I'm also having to apply artificial tears to my very dry eyeballs? Not that I'm complaining. Much. Mercifully none of the infections developed into anything terribly serious and medical experts both in Japan and subsequently closer to home have taken measures to ensure things stay that way. Still, it's a bit of a bummer in that I now realize how much my immune system has tanked over the last while. So please forgive if I seem somewhat reclusive these days - don't want to get too close to anyone with a cold, flu or other potential contagious condition.

Nonetheless I've managed to keep on the chemo schedule as planned. No recent delays or cancellations of treatment, so that's a good thing.

Some of the results of pre-chemo bloodwork does muddy the picture, however. For example, my white blood cell count seems to be holding steady if not improving while my red count is dropping markedly. So much so that I may require my first ever blood transfusion along with the next or following chemo treatment if things don't improve there. Tumour markers appear to be in good shape, certainly improved over the last few months, but continue they rollercoaster to the point where they are no longer trusted as reliable indicators of my situation (seems some of the antibiotics I've been taking for the various infections may affect those results). At least the lymph nodes in my neck - the most consistent gauge of spread/regression/stability of the cancer to date - appear to be unchanged over the last few months. Headaches and anxiety have also diminished greatly since the last change in meds. As for fatigue, well that's become something of a norm, albeit to varying degrees, these past for years. Overall, I think things are going quite well. Now, if I can only reduce the amount of bruising and welt development in my mid-drift due to the deltaparin injections. Is it any wonder that I never pursued a nursing career?

An Active April

So much has happened since my last posting. Cannot imagine where the last month has gone, but have most certainly had some fun times along the way.

Phil and Ellen arrived, although Ellen's stay was short due to the need to return to NB in time for Holy Week goings on. I have kept Phil very busy since. As part of the ongoing renos around my house, he has punched a hole in the kitchen/dining room wall to make way for a counter-high pass through.

Destructo Dude

He is also ripping up the wall-to-wall carpeting and replacing it with cork. Can breath better already!

Uplifting experience

Bedroom with old carpet on floor (yes, Momzy, I'll make my bed before taking any more photos)

Bedroom with cork flooring and new baseboard rad

I'll add more photos of the projects as they near completion. In the meantime, suffice to say that I'm thrilled with the results thus far. These are two projects I've wanted to do since buying the house 10 years ago! Many, many thanks, Phil!

Of course, we waited until after Easter to start on the work. No joy in entertaining folks amid the demolition work. Donna and Karen came up for the weekend, and we had a great time. Had some pleasant drives around the local area, watched the eagles soaring above the landfill, and generally hung out doing little other than relaxing and chatting. Mom and Phil were over every day. Jon, Penny and Roz joined the rest of us for an early Sunday dinner before those from off Coast headed back home. All in all a very pleasant time. I had so much fun I totally forgot to take any photos!

Did, however, have my camera on hand the following weekend when I joined Jo Ann for a short holiday in Sidney - that's the seaside community on Vancouver Island, NOT the land down under.

The Sidney trip had been in the planning ever since I had my initial cancer diagnosis. Something else always seemed to put it on the back burner - mostly my erratic schedule. In any case, it was well worth the wait. Heck, I even got Jo Ann to cross the threshold of Mineral World - was so shocked, I forgot to take a photo.

We stayed at the Sidney Pier Hotel and Spa, a very comfortable well-kept waterfront establishment that had as many canine clients as humanoids. Bonus: The Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre (http://www.oceandiscovery.ca) is located in a wing of the same building. While not nearly the size and complexity of the Vancouver Aquarium, the Salish Sea showcase was still very impressive. We both enjoyed the simulated "submarine dive" (best elevator ride EVER) that transported us from the lobby to the aquarium galleries. I had huge fun watching the octopus slither about its extended tank (part of which bridges the area above a hallway between two large tanks) and was enchanted by the ethereal grace of a number of species of jelly fish. There were a lot of touch ponds (something that I've enjoyed on past visits to the Vancouver Aquarium with Cathy), but due to my compromised immune system I opted to chat to young aquarium visitors about what they thought of the experience.

Say, doesn't that strategically located sea urchin make it look like the octopus is having something of a bad hair day?

Of course, one of the biggest attractions in Sidney is the great selection of bookstores. My best find was obtained not from the tempting array of used/antique bookstores but from Tanner's, THE place in town for new releases. The book is Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey: The lost legacy of Highclere Castle by the Countess of Canarvon. I've only recently discovered the PBS Series Downton Abbey, and am already a big fan. Amazing how much fact is mixed in with the on-screen fiction. And the setting in Highclere Castle is a wonderful addition to the series.

Also managed to find someone who was willing to give directions to other sights in the Sidney area.

Jo, you couldn't have picked a better area representative (one of the many sculptures in the seaside park behind the hotel). Even though we didn't visit the fish market, we did enjoy a wonderful dinner at Haro's, the hotel's restaurant (can now cross deep-fried Oreo cookies off my bucket list, although they weren't nearly as interesting a dessert as I had hoped). A visit to nearby Muse Winery helped round out the trip. Capped off winery tour with a pleasant ride 'round Pat Bay - got a chuckle from the signs next to Holy Trinity Church (1885) which read "Thou Shalt Not Park". Biggest surprise of the weekend: a gift of flowers delivered to our room courtesy of Jo's friend (someone I know time enduring SFU's PDP program) Margie Leary, who now lives in the Yukon. A very thoughtful touch that came from a friend from both our pasts, the flowers also underscored the fact that neither Jo nor I ended up considering the trip so much a holiday as a celebration of 33 years of friendship. Even though our lives have journeyed down different roads, the love and support remain as strong as ever, if not more so. Jo, I lift a glass of Muse "Legally Blonde" pinot gris in your honour. With much love and thanks. Here's to the next 33 years! Can I drive next time?

New View

See that Blogger, the program that publishes my wee blog, has added some new features and made some revisions to how you and I view the contents of my minor musings. Among the new features that I have access to is a "traffic report" that tells me which postings get the most/least views, how many views the whole blog has had to date (11,000+  !!!) and where those viewing the blog are located around the world. Seems nearly 100 folks in Canada have found their way to my writing along with five people in the US, a similar number in the UK, three in France, two in Germany, and one in Egypt. Golly but I didn't know I had that much to say that would have been of interest to my 21 followers let alone the rest of those checking in. I just write what's going on in my little life and hope it helps and inspires someone out there. A huge thanks to all of you who do check in, who offer your wonderful support and kind words. To paraphrase John Donne, none of us is an island, and it's comforting to know that there is always someone in my corner, especially on the bad days. Blessings to you all.

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.