Monday, January 09, 2006
Wow. What a day I had.
Michio and I went first to the Fuchu Hachiman Shrine.
It is a tradition we do every year, to pray for a fortuitous year.
I took many photos of Michio,
he was looking very handsome for his Seijinshiki...
Then, we walked together to go to hall where they had the ceremony.
He saw some old classmates along the way.
Outside, all the 20 year olds were dressed in their formal attire.
I saw many girls wearing the beautiful kimono, with ostrich feathered stoles,
golden slippers and handbag,
with updone hair with flowers and hair ornaments.
Just lovely.
The guys were dressed mostly in dark grey suits, some in formal kimono-
Michio dressed in his own way,
as he has always done-
A navy blazer, medium blue shirt, khaki colored slacks,
green & blue silk tie, and a pea coat.
I will do his portrait painting;
using these photos I’ve taken of him
as a guide,
over the upcoming winter weeks...
The thing that moved me about the whole event
was the feeling that seemed to resonate
throughout-
Joy.
On the faces of these young adults, and everyone else who came in contact,
of all ages...
A lot of these young people were meeting up with classmates they haven’t seen since grade school.
”Hisashi-buri!” (it's been a long time, hasn't it?)
Lots of smiles, laughs, group photos.
I was happy to be a part of it...
Michio’s dad, Akio, arrived to go to the ceremony with Michio.
I put my Ipod on to listen to Stanley Clarke's
School Days
to kick start me into part deux
of the festivities:
My birthday celebration.
First of all, I’d like to thank my family;
my mother Shirley & Al, my sisters; Debbie, Wendy & Bonnie,
and all my wonderful friends;
for your thoughtful cards, e-cards, notes, phone calls, and gifts!
You all made my day.
Since it was a national holiday here,
all restaurants, department stores, & movie houses were packed to the rafters.
I hate crowded scenes,
so I decided to do what I truly enjoy;
cook, while listening to excellent music.
Michio came home after the ceremony
and gave me a beautiful hand calligraphy drawn card,
and flowers.
I made an Italian-styled feast for us,
and blew out my birthday candles...
I can’t help but feel that this day
was really something special in that Michio & I
will always have this connection...
We’ve been in Japan 15 years,
and Sejinshiki has never fallen on (my birthday)
Jan 9th.
Just this year, it worked this way,
and my mom tells me I was also born
on a Monday...
It has been one helluva holiday season!
Till next time...'Mela
10:15 PM
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Photo: Michio Yves Ueda
