tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57631011149775130642012-02-08T14:20:35.173-08:00understanding, harmony and cultural exchange all in a bowl of teaHolly Harveynoreply@blogger.comBlogger1561100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-73510580936700547032012-02-08T13:26:00.001-08:002012-02-08T13:32:16.017-08:00

We just discovered the Google website translation button! In hopes of reaching a wider audience we added it to our blog so you, our readers, can translate our blog into dozens of languages -- instantly and effortlessly. Enjoy as never before!

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-73551391170108224732012-01-30T17:05:00.000-08:002012-01-30T17:05:36.601-08:00

Gamelan Sekar Sequoia Sunday mornings, Feb 5, 12, 19, & 26, 2012, 9:30-10:30 am11th & D in Arcata, near HSU$25 for the 4-week session. For more info email GamelanSekarSequoia@gmail.com or call Sharon at (707) 502-7904

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-32728083427118643072012-01-24T13:09:00.001-08:002012-01-24T15:05:03.548-08:00

Omizuya (water house), detailToshogu Shrine, Nikko, Japan

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-42939774480371100222012-01-20T17:53:00.000-08:002012-01-20T17:54:32.116-08:00

We welcomed 17 people to the Ink People Center for the Arts for our first demonstration of 2012. We demonstrated ro-usucha-temae.   Harvey-sensei welcomes our guests and gives them an introduction to Cha-no-yu. Pia and Kristin working hard in the mizuya After the demonstration, Pia, Kristin and I quickly made many bowls of tea in the mizuya and took turns taking them out to

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-90350039440734677542012-01-13T09:58:00.000-08:002012-01-13T10:02:41.371-08:00

"Numazu" Thirteen prints from Hiroshige's famous series of woodblock prints, "The 53 Stations of the Tōkaidō," are on display at the Morris Graves Museum of Art in Eureka, Calif. The exhibit, which is in the Youth Gallery, is aimed at educating young people about Japanese history and culture with maps and timelines, a biography of Andō Hiroshige, and explanations of how the prints were

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-6799831003775978022012-01-02T12:00:00.000-08:002012-01-02T12:06:39.977-08:00

Some time ago, I had an email conversation with a Facebook tea friend, Rebecca Cragg, owner of Camellia Teas of Ottowa. I lamented that our chashitsu didn't have a proper ro, or sunken hearth. Our grand chashitsu plan is to raise the floor so that we can have a sunken hearth, but that is several years and many dollars away from realization. "Make an okiro!" she said. I confess, I had

Holly Harveynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-90905677615347035732012-01-02T10:36:00.000-08:002012-01-02T10:37:15.691-08:00

What Christmas is to Americans, Oshogatsu, the New Year holiday, is to the Japanese. Families gather, gifts are exchanged, businesses close for several days. In preparation, homes are cleaned top-to-bottom and then decorated. There is a frenzy of cooking mochi and other special New Year foods. "Preparations for Oshogatsu begin in mid-December. Two Kadomatsu are placed in front of the main gate

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-45072398454690917412012-01-01T14:32:00.000-08:002012-01-02T14:33:51.279-08:00

We have been following the "Fly to Japan!" project in the news since October. I had mixed emotions about the promotion, but would have seriously considered it if given the chance. Here is the most recent update (Dec. 26, 2011): The project titled Fly to Japan! (to offer flight tickets to 10,000 foreigners with high potential to communicate Japan’s attractions), which had been covered in a

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-34966844538397860472012-01-01T14:08:00.000-08:002012-01-02T14:09:14.583-08:00

The Japanese people received an ironic gift this New Year's day: another strong earthquake. The epicenter of the magnitude 6.8 temblor was about 600 km (370 miles) south of Tokyo and so deep below the ocean floor that there was no danger of tsunami. http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/usc0007fbh.php#details http://blogs.voanews.com/breaking-news/2012/01/01/

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-48099248180823045472011-12-21T08:00:00.000-08:002011-12-21T08:00:08.425-08:00

  One of our county's favorite holiday events is a large arts and crafts fair, Hum Arts, held at the local Fairgrounds. The fair features live music, good food and four exhibit halls filled with beautiful hand-crafted works, just in time for Christmas. Or Hannukah. Or Saturnalia. The fair has been held for so long (I think we've missed going only once or twice in its twenty-plus year tenure)

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-13315396718718960132011-12-20T14:25:00.000-08:002012-01-02T13:44:19.415-08:00

We recently discovered what a wonderful party game Haikai no Renga is! A form of linked poetry, renga is linked verse poetry composed by two or more authors. Here is a sampling of some verses composed by a dozen or so of our guests at Harvey-sensei's birthday party: White birds flying high whispers from the southern wind life beyond the fence Grace notes; a gift from the sky Pure white

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-16379409151195114162011-11-11T11:04:00.000-08:002011-11-13T13:55:36.577-08:00

forgotten ladle basin purifies with song shadow leaves bamboo --Harvey II

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-15036200139358006832011-11-08T20:14:00.000-08:002011-11-11T11:06:10.330-08:00

Are you sick my dear? No, it's just the mountain frogs. I really like tea. -- Harvey II

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-79686911787121722932011-10-24T15:12:00.000-07:002011-11-11T11:39:22.050-08:00

"When you return the natsume, move your hand around the chawan in a 'j.' Ah, no, no, no." Then an inhalation and pause. She takes hold of my hand. "Not across the chawan, see. Around it. Like this." Her hand moves my hand around the tea bowl in an arc, tracing a "j" from bottom to top, to replace the tea container in its original location. As it was taking form in my mind, she anticipated my

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-50080366398718108752011-10-20T16:46:00.000-07:002011-10-24T15:10:13.186-07:00

This is the second year we attended the Daichakai, a multidisciplinary tea gathering at Hakone Japanese Gardens in Saratoga, Calif. The garden is the perfect setting for sharing tea. Lots and lots and lots of tea! Guests enjoy the scroll and flower arrangement one last time before leaving the tea room. (Lower House Roji) Chabako temae, Wisteria Pavilion Signature inside the lid of the

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-45970123722315930412011-10-20T16:34:00.000-07:002011-10-20T16:34:52.506-07:00

High tea at Lovejoy's Tea Room in Florence, Oregon. Listen to Judith -- that woman knows tea. Scones, cream and jam A rich black tea with a dash of cream

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-48355549499171896782011-10-05T15:30:00.000-07:002011-10-05T15:30:29.815-07:00

We try to snap a photo of our chabana at Okeiko each week, but I haven't been very good about posting. Here are some recent chabana. Tea ceremony demonstration, Aug. 21, 2011 red twig dogwood, ornamental oregano and a crocosmia leaf in a Bizen pottery vase. Aug. 30, 2011 -- chrysanthemum, acuba and cilantro in a vase made by a Mendocino County potter Sept. 6, 2011 -- chrysanthemum,

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-73972064653648502362011-09-08T09:35:00.000-07:002011-09-08T09:35:26.717-07:00

A harvest Moon! And on the mats— Shadows of pine boughs. –Takarai Kikaku, Japanese poet (1661–1707)

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-35998429061209147212011-09-05T14:53:00.000-07:002011-09-05T15:47:45.914-07:00

"Dad," the boy asked his father, "Do you remember that story you told me about the samurai that broke a famous tea bowl?" "Yes," his father replied. The boy continued, "And how even though the samurai were all very brave, they didn't think that a samurai should die on account of a broken tea bowl?" "Yes,"his father replied again, warily drawing out the word. "That's good, 'cause I don't

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-6340006718601214752011-09-05T14:31:00.000-07:002011-09-05T14:31:14.972-07:00

A song by Pete Mayer Tea Bowl -- repaired. Lacquer and gold leaf, Freer Gallery, Washington, DC.  Photo by Flickr user ghbrett, Creative Commons license. I’m like one of those Japanese bowls That were made long ago I have some cracks in me They have been filled with gold That’s what they used back then When they had a bowl to mend It did not hide the cracks It made them shine instead So

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-37621978484071941562011-09-04T14:54:00.000-07:002011-09-05T15:10:39.440-07:00

We attended the exhibit of the Ganbare Nihon! tsunami relief project this weekend. The photographs and multimedia presentation were incredibly moving. Coordinator Fukiko Marshall and journalism student Ashley Ward speak with guests at the exhibit. This show will be up only from Sept. 2–7 at the Vance Hotel, 521 2nd Street (corner of Second and G streets) in Eureka's Old Town from 11:30

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-78397212594467791762011-08-30T16:28:00.000-07:002011-08-30T16:51:08.346-07:00

Ganbare Nihon! is a media exhibition of tsunami disaster/relief in Japan. The exhibit features photos and videos by Fukiko Marshall and three students from Humboldt State University who traveled to Japan last spring. This show will be up only for a short time from Sept. 2–7 at the Vance Hotel, 521 2nd Street, in Eureka's Old Town from 11:30 a.m.– 7 p.m. The opening reception is during Arts

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-13919531477586106492011-08-10T21:25:00.000-07:002011-10-10T19:51:05.609-07:00

Ever get the feeling that somebody is sending you a message? In the space of a week, Harvey found these passages in books he was reading: When Coleridge tried to define beauty, he returned always to one deep thought; beauty, he said, is unity in variety! Science is nothing else than the search to discover unity in the wild variety of nature, — or, more exactly, in the variety of our

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-26963798464794856182011-07-27T14:37:00.001-07:002011-08-10T20:34:43.835-07:00

In July, we demonstrated chabako for a small but appreciative audience. Since the ceremony is meant to be performed outdoors, chabako is affectionately known as "picnic tea" but we routinely practice the procedure indoors. We were able to enjoy chabako outdoors several times last year. I hope we have a chance to have tea outdoors soon, before summer ends.

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-31377787219174272262011-07-22T15:50:00.000-07:002011-08-08T16:48:02.445-07:00

We reviewed chabako temae for our Tea Ceremony demonstration this Sunday. Harvey-sensei and Laura practice chabako together Since the ceremony is meant to be performed outdoors, chabako is affectionately known as "picnic tea" but we routinely practice the procedure indoors.

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-34613547182113314962011-07-12T17:48:00.000-07:002011-07-12T17:56:09.548-07:00

"I think we should have a tea ceremony for the unemployed. But you have to leave your resume and work worries at the door. Kind of like the way samurai had to leave their swords at the door." -- posted on the LinkedIn Japanese Tea Ceremony discussion board

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-35473257435200924722011-07-10T11:23:00.000-07:002011-08-09T17:16:01.821-07:00

It's an apparently simple process: chop wood, boil water, make tea. Tea bowls also appear simple, but we learned recently their simplicity belies their making. We met pottery artist Thomas Fossier a couple years ago at an arts and crafts fair, and were quite taken by his tea bowls. We struck up a conversation, shared anecdotes about travel in Japan and invited him to learn about Tea with us. One

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-87626978025627560142011-07-10T09:38:00.001-07:002011-07-10T09:38:53.263-07:00

http://jimkenhara.wordpress.com/2011/07/10/green-tea-cola/

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-89299190844168288142011-07-07T14:31:00.000-07:002011-07-07T15:54:17.217-07:00

Star-shaped campanula flowers in anticipation of Tanabata 23 June 2011

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-71086866261989972172011-07-07T14:13:00.000-07:002011-07-07T14:13:34.640-07:00

Our June Tea Ceremony demonstration of furo usucha was for three lovely people, one of whom studies chado with the sensei of a mutual friend in the Omotesenke school (we study Urasenke style). As is usual, Harvey-sensei narrated and answered questions while we students demonstrated the temae. As I brought in the utensils to do the demonstration, I realized we had forgotten to place a tea scoop

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-38895644409228048392011-06-05T05:36:00.000-07:002011-06-05T05:36:40.878-07:00

Last week, shipment of tea was banned from four prefectures near the failed Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant due to high levels of radiation: The government banned on Thursday the shipment of green tea leaves grown in four prefectures in eastern Japan after samples were found contaminated with radioactive cesium above the permitted level. The shipment ban covers tea leaves, including

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-32011691154663362792011-06-05T04:19:00.000-07:002011-06-05T04:19:30.983-07:00

"Carefully look at nature, including insects. It's a way of life."-- From Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo What sounded like a Saturday monster movie matinee turned out to be a charming and thoughtful examination of the relationship of insects and Japanese people and culture. A must-see for lovers of Asian culture and insects alike: "Like a detective story, the film untangles the web of influences

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-71306095537546991452011-06-01T08:00:00.000-07:002011-06-01T09:04:53.279-07:00

On the memorial day of Eisai,Higashiyama is awashwith the steam and aroma of tea-- Seisei Myōan Eisai, 1141–1215 To say there would be no tea in Japan without Eisai might be an overstatement, but there can be no question that the Zen monk was vital to Japanese tea culture and the Way of Tea. Eisai brought tea seeds to Japan in 1191 when he returned from studying Chan (Zen) Buddhism in China.

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-89186161284875589972011-05-25T10:20:00.000-07:002011-07-10T11:24:04.698-07:00

On Sunday we hosted eight lovely guests at the Ink People Center for the Arts for a lively tea ceremony demonstration. First, Harvey-sensei demonstrated furo-usucha, with Holly and area potter Thomas Fossier as okyaku, then Holly made usucha for other guests -- two at a time -- while Harvey answered questions. It was lovely to see familiar faces and meet interesting new people. The highlight

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-63120623257454305132011-05-22T23:02:00.000-07:002011-05-22T23:02:00.353-07:00

The Northern California Region of the Omotesenke Domonkai will host an East Japan Great Earthquake Relief Fund Chakai on Sunday May 22, 2011. All proceeds from this Chakai will be donated to the disaster victims.Place Nichibei-Kai 3rd Floor, Kanso’an 1759 Sutter St. San Francisco, California Time Usucha (thin tea) Seating #1 @ 12 Noon Usucha Seating #2 @ 1 PM Usucha Seating #3 @ 2 PM

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-35668775272703735422011-05-09T10:10:00.000-07:002011-05-09T10:10:52.419-07:00

Tango no Sekku, Boy's Day Chabana by Laura

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-76419479242942174732011-05-09T09:42:00.000-07:002011-05-09T09:45:10.604-07:00

Gamelan Sekkar Sequoia New beginning Gamelan community music class: Three Sundays (June 12, 19, 26) -- from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Sharon's house in Arcata (11th & D).  Cost for the session: $20. No previous music experience necessary, no long term commitment required, no performance expectations (unless you join the performing group!).  All learning is hands on, without notation. 

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-71427111167362585672011-05-05T10:52:00.000-07:002011-05-22T23:37:38.230-07:00

At Hakone Gardens, Saratoga, California Sunday, May 15, 2011, 11 AM – 4 PM A yearly event to enjoy mouth-watering chicken yakitori and other dishes, musical and dance performances, a silent auction and various other cultural events. Admission is free. Highlights of the Event Program: Mochi Pounding Performance, Tea Ceremony, Tsugaru Shamisen, Koto and Flute Performance,

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-30849950239552969892011-05-05T09:39:00.000-07:002011-05-05T09:41:54.594-07:00

Boy's Day Tea Ceremony. Flower arrangement of irises by Laura. Re-arrangement by Nikko.

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-9873933155333823912011-05-04T06:27:00.000-07:002011-05-04T06:27:51.380-07:00

"Georgio and I got back very late last night. Our dinner of eels lasted a long time, we drank more sake, and reached that happy state of vagueness about the exact relations of spatial co-ordinates that leads to the opening of hearts." -- Fosco Maraini  Meeting With Japan

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-77114268072947883882011-04-30T13:28:00.000-07:002011-04-30T13:28:22.308-07:00

Tea creates a convivial atmosphere wherein we make new friends. One such friend is Stephanie, a lovely lady who has come to our monthly Japanese Tea Ceremony demonstrations. She invited us to an English tea party in celebration of England's Prince William's wedding to Katherine Middleton. With pinkies extended, we enjoyed her hospitality with "cheering, jeering and a great smearing of jams" on

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-62566985770521221612011-04-28T08:00:00.000-07:002011-04-28T08:00:06.603-07:00

Google.com celebrates significant anniversaries and holidays from around the world with Google Doodles. Here are some we collected from earlier this year. Mar 03, 2011 Girl's Day - (Japan) Feb 28, 2011 Li Bai's Birthday - (China, Hong Kong, Taiwan) Feb 26, 2011 100th Birthday of Taro Okamoto - (Japan) Feb 17, 2011 Lantern Festival - (China, Hong Kong, Taiwan) Feb 12, 2011 Naomi Uemura's

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-61659738169716429642011-04-26T18:03:00.000-07:002011-04-26T18:03:56.466-07:00

April 25  – Arcata, CA – Dozens of Humboldt high school students have submitted their poems about peace, the abolition of war, hate or violence, or peacemaking in our communities, and have been invited to read their works at the 2011 Peace Poetry Celebration hosted by Veterans For Peace Chapter 56 at 7pm on May 6 at the Unitarian Universalists’ Meeting Hall, 23 Fellowship Way in Bayside, Calif.

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-256845476977869282011-04-10T21:36:00.000-07:002011-04-26T18:44:03.388-07:00

  Blessed with perfect weather and beautiful cherry trees, we shared tea with about 15 people on Eureka's Gazebo in Old Town. Harvey-sensei performed Chabako-temae ("tea box" or "pic-nic box" procedure), and Laura, Holly and Pia assisted. Our gratitude to Kay White who first suggested this idea, to Laura and Pia who are ever-stellar hanto, and to everyone who came to share a beautiful spring

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-14824240550483385022011-04-09T12:41:00.000-07:002011-04-09T23:43:27.303-07:00

"Every temple celebrates Buddha's birthday. Since Buddha is said to have declared at the moment of his birth, 'I am my own Lord throughout heaven and earth,' a Buddhist statue [or its picture], with is right hand pointing to heaven and left hand to earth, is placed in a basin, and based upon the legent that he was given his first bath by Hachidai Ryûô (The God of Eight Big Dragons) with honeydew,

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-21352753128666568982011-04-04T06:21:00.000-07:002011-04-04T06:22:18.534-07:00

The Old Town Gazebo sakura are at their peak!

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-67912291409190086912011-04-03T12:15:00.000-07:002011-04-03T12:15:25.092-07:00

Our next demonstration of Japanese Tea Ceremony is April 10. Weather permitting, we're considering gathering on the Old Town Gazebo to appreciate the blooming cherry trees and enjoy some tea. (Unofficially, of course.) Our usual meeting place is at the Ink People Center for the Arts, 517 3rd Street, Suite 36, Eureka, Calif. (on the 3rd floor, an elevator is available). The Gazebo is two blocks

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-51822206785247596612011-04-02T06:52:00.000-07:002011-04-04T06:53:36.212-07:00

A hypnotic pink froth entrances young and old, Lures us into parks and down tree-lined allées, Invites us to pause in the shower of delicate petals And drink our fill of spring. Kyoto, Japan Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan Sakura to go, Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan Celebrating the Buddha's birth, Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan Sankei-en, Yokohama, Japan Salted cherry blossoms Wagashi shaped like

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-13088191303714221072011-03-24T11:25:00.000-07:002011-03-24T11:25:43.228-07:00

The Redwood Coast Writers Center (another Dream Maker Program of the Ink People Center for the Arts) has a poetry group that meets on Wednesday afternoons at 2:00 p.m. in Arcata (Humboldt County, Calif.). They looking for serious people who want to bring new work to discuss. No cost, no age limit. Contact Daryl at (707) 822-6170 if interested.

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-82646347424409249432011-03-23T13:02:00.000-07:002011-03-23T13:02:53.696-07:00

It's been a busy week for tea ceremony demonstrations. Sunday, March 20, was our monthly tea demo and talk at the Ink People Center for the Arts. No one attended, so we made each other bowls of tea and Harvey-sensei taught us warigeko  as we practiced folding our fukusa. Tuesday, March 22, Harvey-sensei, Laura and Kristin demonstrated Chanoyu to a class of about 40 students of Asian art history

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-60471321319639174892011-03-23T11:10:00.000-07:002011-03-23T11:10:20.523-07:00

Photo by Laura Dodd Our cat Nikko takes great pride in rearranging our chabana, which we now call "Nikkobana."

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-18387272762914284372011-03-22T08:59:00.000-07:002011-03-22T08:59:25.772-07:00

Grotto and F streets, Henderson Center Old Town Gazebo, 2nd and F streets Eureka City Hall, 6th and L streets

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-49580627014195746212011-03-22T00:35:00.000-07:002011-03-22T00:35:45.874-07:00

What is the saying, hope springs eternal? After more than a week of terrible news from Japan, we are ready for an eternally hopeful spring. Let's celebrate O-Higan! Eureka's cherry trees greet the spring with freshly-opened flower buds. On my way home from work yesterday I took note of the status of several of my favorite trees: Eureka Gazebo in Old Town, 2nd and F streets Eureka City Hall,

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-35866215626348301622011-03-20T15:49:00.000-07:002011-03-20T15:49:21.385-07:00

This is from Care2.com: Below is a list of a few organizations helping animals in Japan. I’m sure there are many more, so please feel free to list them in your comments below. All of these organizations can use donations, and I’ve provided a link so you can easily make yours. Japan is a country who loves it’s pets, and while the animal lives are not valued more than people’s, they are still

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-49723390613884337582011-03-19T14:13:00.000-07:002011-03-19T14:13:59.342-07:00

Mongolian New Year is held at the Lunar New Year in February. We celebrated with friends, made buuz, played knucklebone games and toasted one another with Mongolian vodka. In Mongolia, making buuz is a communal event. Groups progress from one household to the next, first helping to make, then helping to eat the tasty dumplings. Recipes aren't necessary, but you can find them with a quick

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-47724048346766988872011-03-14T23:30:00.000-07:002011-03-15T13:38:38.676-07:00

Updated Tues., March 15 AMERICAN RED CROSS Red Cross officials say donors can text REDCROSS to 90999 and a $10 donation will automatically be charged to donor’s phone bill, or donations can be made directly on its Web site. OBUBU TEA PLANTATION "Among the generous supporters of Obubu in Japan, tea lovers who have helped us pursue our dream of spreading tea and tea farming around the

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-23510862255263747202011-03-11T22:55:00.000-08:002011-03-14T21:47:38.806-07:00

How to Follow the Japanese Earthquake on the WebMar 11 2011, 10:35 AM ET By Alexis Madrigal 2 A guide to news and information resources from across the Internet that will help you stay on top of this developing story. A massive 8.9 earthquake struck about 80 miles off the coast of Japan, wreaking havoc on one of the world's most disaster-prepared countries and generating a

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-48028346603361696452011-03-11T17:17:00.000-08:002011-03-11T17:17:14.558-08:00

At 5:30 this morning, we were awakened by a "reverse 911" phone call: an emergency service that alerted us to a tsunami warning created by earthquakes in Japan of magnitude 8.9. We are unable to reach our friends in Tokyo, Yokohama, Shizuoka, Choshi and Kamisu. We pray that they and their loved ones are well. We can do little but check FaceBook, Twitter and YouTube feeds for information. As the

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-20253424068326727952011-02-25T10:54:00.000-08:002011-02-25T10:54:23.119-08:00

Ready for Ryakubondate, photo by Lauraven Dodd Four lovely people attended our latest Chanoyu demonstration last Sunday, including a young lady who had taken a weekend seminar at Humboldt State University in 2006. Harvey explained procedures and a little history behind the ceremony. Laura did a great job in the mizuya -- and took this photo. I did Ryakubondate -- not particularly well, but

Holly Harveynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-23969130222347179972011-01-19T21:51:00.000-08:002011-01-19T21:51:34.125-08:00

Plum trees have started blooming. It makes us giddy to think spring is coming soon.

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-60713746436565851302011-01-14T10:54:00.000-08:002011-01-14T10:54:44.504-08:00

The Ink People Center for the Arts -- ardent sponsor of fledgling arts organizations such as our own Horai Center -- had it tough in 2010. A magnitude 6.5 earthquake on Jan. 9, 2010, damaged the city-owned building that housed the Inker's offices and galleries. Officials yellow-tagged the building, and Inkers found haven in a suite of offices leased to the Northern California Indian Development

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-54748224565746215132010-12-27T11:04:00.000-08:002010-12-27T11:04:10.714-08:00

Clear, cold winter night Bright lantern hangs from a branch Full moon through the pines November and December have been busy months for us. We missed having our monthly demonstrations, but with Holidays, birthdays, teaching and a Chaji it was good that we postponed them until January. It is so easy to get swept up in life’s busy pace -- holiday parties, wrapping gifts, grocery shopping --

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-79732605975667350042010-12-16T10:11:00.000-08:002010-12-16T10:11:14.835-08:00

When we first began to study Chanoyu we had no Japanese utensils to practice with. We weren't going to let our lack of dogu keep us from learning the Tea Ceremony, though. We resolved to practice using household objects to substitute for dogu: a stock pot in place of the kama, a soup ladle for the hishaku, a spoon for chashaku and so forth. We arranged them on our living room floor and practiced

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-18632572893496485822010-12-08T11:24:00.000-08:002010-12-08T11:24:28.926-08:00

November is a fine month for tea gatherings. It is the month of robiraki, opening the ro or sunken hearth, and of kuchikiri, opening of the new tea. Robiraki marks the beginning of the tea year; November is a solemn month. November is also, it seems, a fine month for birthdays. So it's even better when we can combine the two. Harvey Sensei's birthday was the perfect opportunity for us to hold

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-50417355139942942272010-12-02T21:30:00.000-08:002010-12-08T22:30:46.779-08:00

Did you miss Gamelan Sekar Sequoia at November's Arts Alive! in Eureka? Fear not! Fill your ears with Gamelan goodness at Global Village, 973 H St., Arcata (one block off the Plaza), Friday, Dec. 17 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. FREE!

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-91033906500850147862010-11-09T09:52:00.000-08:002010-11-09T09:52:11.486-08:00

Sharon of Gamelan Sekar Sequoia just sent us an update that she will be starting a new session of classes beginning in January: The next beginning Gamelan class will be a session of eight Sundays, starting January 23. The class is from 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m., and meets in the gamelan room at my house at 11th & D in Arcata. $5 per week. No previous musical training is necessary. The level of

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-62965093738769551442010-11-05T11:07:00.000-07:002010-11-09T09:55:36.116-08:00

Eureka's monthly arts night, Arts Alive!, is a remarkable showcase for the area's diverse artistic talents. In May, we stumbled upon a performance by Gamelan Sekar Sequoia (pictured above), a community-based gamelan ensemble. If you're unfamiliar with this traditional Indonesian music, search YouTube.com take a listen: it's percussive, melodic and magical. Live gamelan music is a special

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-6209325774214881962010-10-29T16:09:00.000-07:002010-10-29T16:09:28.697-07:00

Sifted matcha for okeiko

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-87372209797513229572010-10-23T12:17:00.000-07:002011-10-20T16:46:54.030-07:00

Guests attempt to stay dry before the day's first gathering There was that unmistakable patter: A moderate, steady rain that showed no inclination to lighten up. It was here for the day, so too bad for you if you weren't prepared. I wasn't entirely unprepared, but didn't have my foul weather gear with me either so I layered up and trundled on to the Daichakai. This was my first time

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-43871757304972830212010-10-22T11:00:00.000-07:002010-10-22T11:00:20.232-07:00

 Chabana is marigolds, grasses and cilantro seed pods. For sweets, we removed sticks from kurumi dango (bite-sized walnut-and-white-bean-paste-filled mochi) and placed them on bamboo leaves. Pia thought they looked like little snails, so we cut the bamboo leaf to make antennae. Very seasonal: Since the rains have begun we have lots of tiny snails in the garden.

Holly Harveynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-58630711522771031732010-10-12T15:35:00.000-07:002010-10-12T15:35:48.196-07:00

Blueberry (foliage), grasses, California poppy, yarrow and acuba This month's Chado demonstration was Sunday, Oct. 10. We had expectations of low- to no turnout, but we thought that if no one showed up we could make a bowl of tea for ourselves then pack up and go home. To our delight we had six people attend (best attendance yet!), including a friend and two Chinese tourists who were passing by

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-61190369536491031002010-10-07T20:06:00.000-07:002010-10-07T20:06:03.834-07:00

This week's flower arrangement brought to you by Laura: River lily arranged with grasses and columbine foliage.

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-31794478255524476592010-10-02T19:50:00.000-07:002010-10-02T19:50:27.121-07:00

Kristin arranged this week's chabana: huckleberry, penstemon and Japanese maple with red samara (the winged seeds of the maple tree).

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-56204224652662576652010-10-02T19:28:00.000-07:002010-10-02T19:28:23.628-07:00

At a recent Tea practice, I lent Pia my keiko-gi. I thought it would be good practice for her, but when she had trouble putting her fukusa through the loop at the waistband we discovered she'd put it on inside out and the waistband loops were on the inside. Sensei took that opportunity to point out that everything has shomen -- a front, or face -- including keiko-gi. Two bowls for usucha (thin

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-48975921866680219562010-09-18T22:40:00.000-07:002010-09-18T22:40:34.089-07:00

Laura demonstrates ryakubondate temai at September's demo and talk. A small group joined us at our monthly gathering for a bowl of matcha. Laura and Holly demonstrated ryakubondate temai, and Harvey presented a slideshow about the history of Tea and its introduction to Japan. 

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-19611136049581227722010-09-15T15:24:00.000-07:002010-09-15T15:24:43.167-07:00

I've been collecting websites about kimono and obi for some time now, and the list continues to grow. This links to a dynamic feed of bookmarks that will expand as we find more and more information. You may check here frequently, or subscribe wth an RSS reader: http://feeds.delicious.com/v2/rss/HMHarvey1/kimono?count=15 Send links to me if you find something helpful about wearing kimono and

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-37683634162438220672010-09-10T11:28:00.000-07:002010-09-10T11:28:56.766-07:00

You are invited to learn about Chanoyu, the Japanese Tea Ceremony, and Chado, the Way of Tea. Our monthly gatherings feature a discussion and demonstration of Chanoyu. Sunday Oct 12, noon Ink People Center for the Arts 517 3d St., Suite 40 (3rd floor, elevator available) Old Town, EurekaWear comfortable clothing, be fragrance-free and wear minimal jewelry. Everyone is welcome, but this event

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-72289334078052733122010-09-09T15:21:00.000-07:002010-09-09T21:58:44.701-07:00

... untie the obi and start over. Holly, David and Pia enjoy tea after struggling with kimono To gain more practice in wearing kimono, sensei has us practicing temai once a month in kimono. It felt like we were sent back in time to when we were two-year-olds learning to tie shoelaces and button our own coats. After much fumbling and frustration we managed to get ourselves respectably

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-70996973645063108502010-09-03T11:39:00.000-07:002010-09-03T11:42:12.344-07:00

Shizue Harada’s poignant poems, (pen name Sanae) along with artwork created by her granddaughter Amy Uyeki, are the subject of a poetry reading of Sanae, Senryu Poet: Her Life in 5-7-5, read by Amy and editor Aiko Uyeki, Sanae’s daughter. Following the poetry reading, the Uyekis will conduct a workshop exploring senryu and haiga, which combines poetry with artwork. Wed., Sept. 15, 2010

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-63312190131732018892010-08-23T15:55:00.000-07:002010-09-03T14:06:05.290-07:00

Last winter, Harvey-Sensei taught us Unohana Chabako or "picnic tea," as it is sometimes called. It is a temai meant to be enjoyed outdoors. We were able to enjoy chabako on several occasions this year. In the spring we enjoyed chabako at a Tango-no-sekku (Boy's Day) garden party. In July, Harvey presented chabako to his friends at their annual group camp-out: Photo by Lauraven Dodd In August

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-81752219832293922542010-08-17T18:17:00.000-07:002010-08-17T18:17:39.426-07:00

If you missed the Senryu poetry reading and workshop earlier this month, you have another opportunity to listen to readings from Sanae, Senryu Poet, Her Life in 5-7-5, the poetry of Shizue Harada. And, of course, purchase a copy and have it signed! Friday, Aug. 27, 7:00 p.m. Northtown Books 957 H St., Arcata 822-2834

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-47502123781566103782010-08-16T11:42:00.000-07:002010-08-16T11:42:11.272-07:00

Horai Center friends welcomed five very nice people to our first Chanoyu demonstration on Aug. 15 at the Ink People Center for the Arts. We are already planning our next presentation. Harvey demonstrated Ryuakubondate temai* without narration (above), then narrated and answered questions as Laura and Kristin demonstrated the temai again. It was wonderful to be able to share usucha* with

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-24249378807918919822010-08-09T15:08:00.000-07:002010-08-09T15:08:01.874-07:00

Horai Center will be providing a demonstration and discussion of Chanoyu (Japanese Tea ceremony) at the Ink People Center for the Arts, 517 3rd St., Eureka, Calif. We recommend guests wear comfortable clothing, be fragrance-free and wear minimal jewelry. Everyone is welcome, but this demonstration is not recommended for small children. When/where: DatesSunday Aug. 15 Timenoon-2 p.m. VenueInk

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-81360813245263291382010-07-29T10:29:00.000-07:002010-07-29T10:29:14.504-07:00

Shizue Harada’s poignant poems, (pen name Sanae) along with artwork created by her granddaughter Amy Uyeki, are the subject of a poetry reading of Sanae, Senryu Poet: Her Life in 5-7-5, read by Amy and editor Aiko Uyeki, Sanae’s daughter. Kumi Watanabe Schock will serve as translator. Following the poetry reading, the Uyekis will conduct a workshop exploring the poetry medium of senryu and

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-36597258896104610072010-07-28T13:16:00.000-07:002011-04-12T09:19:02.279-07:00

We first posted this question nearly a year ago ("So where do you get your Matcha?", Aug. 22, 2009, and "Matcha source update," Oct. 5, 2009). Recently, we purchased Matcha from, of all places, Amazon.com and we were pleasantly surprised. We conducted a taste test of these teas: DoMatcha Green Tea, Organic Matcha 1.06-oz. (approx. 30 g) $25.97 Cost per gram: 87¢ http://www.amazon.com/gp/product

Holly Harveynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-37648064514745882362010-06-17T09:32:00.000-07:002010-06-17T09:32:52.413-07:00

Strawberry blossomEaten by an oppossum Tea is awesome! -- Kristin, Pia and John's haiku written during chaji, June 6, 2010 We held a Chaji this June to celebrate Pia's 33rd and Kristin's 33-1/3 birthdays. John joined them as a guest. Even though the weather was gray, muggy and drizzly, the mood was lighthearted and playful. Annie made the omogashi and was teishu (host). Shana was our kimono

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-37829002281328880092010-06-11T10:30:00.001-07:002010-06-14T10:14:44.627-07:00

On August 1st, the Ink People Center for the Arts (Horai's foster organization) is holding a fundraiser, and we can get in on the action! The Ink People is still in temporary quarters after their offices were damaged by January's big quake. Their quake-rattled offices are not slated to be repaired any time soon and they may soon need to find more permanent offices. Naturally this is all a huge

Holly Harveynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-72588788514214039782010-06-08T18:15:00.000-07:002010-06-08T18:22:01.090-07:00

Shortly before she left the U.S. to return to her home in China, Shuai Chen, an HSU student and practitioner of the Chinese tea ceremony, invited us to her house to enjoy an afternoon of tea and conversation. It was a luxuriously sunny Sunday last September, and her presentation was as lovely and fluid as the delicious tea we sipped.I began this entry right after our gathering, but set it aside

Holly Harveynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-9655066245499596322010-06-04T12:53:00.000-07:002010-06-04T12:54:22.659-07:00

Kaiseki a light meal served during a Japanese Tea gatheringLocavore one who dines upon food grown or produced close to homeLaura has been studying Chado for several years but had not yet enjoyed a formal Tea gathering, or Chaji. She, along with friends Pia, John and Tony, joined us for a chaji in February in honor of her 50th birthday.I've had no training other than working at the shoulder of my

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-76924872779109825122010-05-19T09:58:00.000-07:002010-05-23T00:12:32.622-07:00

May is tea harvest time in Japan. In February, tea plants are clipped into their classic hedge-like shapes. As the weather warms up, tea plants put on up to four inches of new growth which is picked in May. Most tea is picked by machine, but the highest grade teas are picked and processed by hand.Tea plantation, Saiyama Hills near TokyoWada-san, proprietor of Wada-en tea plantation in Saiyama,

Holly Harveyhttps://profiles.google.com/105060227937518922873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-74548406587044531762009-10-05T23:11:00.000-07:002009-10-05T23:11:13.169-07:00

A couple of recent trips to San Francisco took us to Japantown and Asakichi stores. Asakichi operates four stores in Japantown, one of which specializes in tea and equpment for chanoyu. The matcha they sell is Uji Koyama-en. We stocked up with several tins of their delicious tea.

Holly Harveynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-72674520337993689272009-09-24T10:23:00.001-07:002010-02-10T22:00:40.257-08:00

This Omotesenke web page has one of the best Chanoyu glossaries I've seen:http://www.omotesenke.jp/english/chanoyu/glossary.htmlIt has wonderfully clear explanations, and many are accompanied by pictures. I'm considering printing a copy to keep with my notes.

Holly Harveynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-77960409277530675492009-08-22T10:38:00.000-07:002009-08-22T10:38:43.943-07:00

Weekly Tea ceremony practice with four or five people will use up a tin of tea in short order so we're always looking for good and affordable matcha. We often stock up when friends go to Portland or San Francisco, and until recently have ordered delicious tea from Pacleaf.com. However, necessity dictates we broaden our tastes and shopportunities. Here are some sites I found while cruising for

Holly Harveynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-69707759875370758782009-08-22T10:25:00.000-07:002010-02-10T21:48:48.331-08:00

Recently, Laura discovered Chanoyu while visiting Montréal.While planning activities for Montréal, I discovered that the Montreal Association of Chado Urasenke Tankokai offered demonstrations of Japanese Tea ceremony at the Botanical Gardens' Japanese Tea Garden. I determined to go, and made a day of it. ...Her photos of the beautiful garden and impressions of having Tea are here at Lauraven's

Holly Harveynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-45885112523776834242009-08-21T20:52:00.000-07:002010-02-10T21:58:46.231-08:00

These three bowls viewed together told a unique story that could not be conveyed by any of them individually.Oribe, raku, modern -- reading about these tea bowls tugs at my heartstrings and I wish I could have held them too.http://www.asianart.org/blog/index.php/2009/06/20/teabowls/(Thanks for the link Kumi!)

Holly Harveynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-60766241115131327532009-08-16T08:00:00.000-07:002009-08-16T08:00:01.017-07:00

Recently, Harvey found a darling picture of a Japanese shrine cat which reminded us of our cat, Nikko. The photo was taken at Umemiya Shrine in Kyoto. Curious, I did a quick Google search to find out about the shrine and came across this website:http://eos.kokugakuin.ac.jp/modules/xwords/This is a good introduction to Shinto, an important influence on Chado and Japanese culture in general.

Holly Harveynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-12790389746809556542009-08-09T08:00:00.000-07:002010-02-10T21:57:41.253-08:00

I found a beautiful photo and culture blog and had to share this link about the use of sensu in Tea Ceremony.Kyoto Daily Photo: Another purpose of sensu, paper funTake time to enjoy other posts and photos.

Holly Harveynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-88586666139860289622009-08-02T09:00:00.000-07:002009-08-02T09:00:02.377-07:00

Milpitas is usually not a destination for me. It's straight up and down the 101, either to Santa Rosa or San Francisco, attempting to avoiding lunatic drivers and trying to not give in to road rage. However, I think I have found a reason to make a side trip. Ku Day Ta looks like an intriguing little tea shop, just right for washing away any vestige of road rage. Here's an offering from last April

Holly Harveynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-59605683929846391932009-07-26T09:57:00.000-07:002009-07-26T09:59:48.193-07:00

I was time wasting on the internet and found this extremely cool blog that has now made be very hungry.http://shizuokagourmet.wordpress.com/Enjoy, and try not to drool on your keyboard like I didJeff

brewdudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00788973422732769487noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5763101114977513064.post-91094293853747335832009-07-26T08:00:00.000-07:002009-07-26T08:00:02.176-07:00

You have a photo of yourself in kimono, perhaps meandering the roji, and you say to yourself, "I sure wish I could make make my photos look like they're from the Meiji era!" Well now you can, with the amazing Bakumatsu Koshashin!http://labs.wanokoto.jp/oldsJust upload your photo then click the button to see yourself transported back in time!After you've converted your entire iPhoto library, take

Holly Harveynoreply@blogger.com0