Outings with Noriko
- At August 04, 2019
- By admin
- In Annes Letters
0
Dear Family and Friends,
“My heart is very cluttered. I need a break. Would you go on a day trip with me?” my friend Noriko asked the other day. I do not have a car and am usually busy with one thing or another, so seldom get out of Sendai. So, a day outing was a privilege I could not refuse.
“Let’s take a local ferry and visit the farthest island on that route,” she suggested. Of course, I agreed.
The ferry was indeed carrying local fishermen.
And also a group of wonderfully precocious little boys on a school trip.
The island we selected was very small. All the houses were obliterated in the 2011 tsunami, but seventeen brave souls decided to return and rebuild their lives there. Thanks to the Red Cross and other admirable NGOs, the islanders were given money for new homes and a dock. The people we talked to were proud oyster fishermen and doing very well.
My friend and I returned home relaxed and filled with the delight of a day spent appreciating the beauty of ordinary life.
A few days later, Noriko contacted me again. “I need to go hiking. I hunger for it for my spiritual wellbeing. Everyone else is busy, but maybe you have time to join me. Will you?” she queried.
How could I say no? So, again we set off together, the second time in one week. That in itself was surprising since we usually make day excursions together about twice a year.
Unlike south Sendai, which is built up with factories, highways with huge trucks, the port with enormous freighters, the north side of the city immediately tumbles into thick forests and vivid green paddies. We both felt immediately soothed.
The hike we took was not difficult. And the charm of the setting was enhanced by mist that turned trees into ghosts or spirits beckoning us to join them. With pleasure we did.
Recently my art pieces have begun with only a vague idea. I put a color here, a line there, slowly unfolding where I want to go. Throughout the entire process I let the work instruct me. That way together we create something that speaks to us both. For me that seems to more authentically express my relationship to life at this stage.
Today’s beautiful outing seemed to mirror back to me what I have been working on for months in my art. Without hesitation, but with deep respect, I walked into the mist, the mystery, and slowly, encouraged by the forest, found my way.
Love,
Anne
“My heart is very cluttered. I need a break. Would you go on a day trip with me?” my friend Noriko asked the other day. I do not have a car and am usually busy with one thing or another, so seldom get out of Sendai. So, a day outing was a privilege I could not refuse.
“Let’s take a local ferry and visit the farthest island on that route,” she suggested. Of course, I agreed.
The ferry was indeed carrying local fishermen.
And also a group of wonderfully precocious little boys on a school trip.
The island we selected was very small. All the houses were obliterated in the 2011 tsunami, but seventeen brave souls decided to return and rebuild their lives there. Thanks to the Red Cross and other admirable NGOs, the islanders were given money for new homes and a dock. The people we talked to were proud oyster fishermen and doing very well.
My friend and I returned home relaxed and filled with the delight of a day spent appreciating the beauty of ordinary life.
A few days later, Noriko contacted me again. “I need to go hiking. I hunger for it for my spiritual wellbeing. Everyone else is busy, but maybe you have time to join me. Will you?” she queried.
How could I say no? So, again we set off together, the second time in one week. That in itself was surprising since we usually make day excursions together about twice a year.
Unlike south Sendai, which is built up with factories, highways with huge trucks, the port with enormous freighters, the north side of the city immediately tumbles into thick forests and vivid green paddies. We both felt immediately soothed.
The hike we took was not difficult. And the charm of the setting was enhanced by mist that turned trees into ghosts or spirits beckoning us to join them. With pleasure we did.
Recently my art pieces have begun with only a vague idea. I put a color here, a line there, slowly unfolding where I want to go. Throughout the entire process I let the work instruct me. That way together we create something that speaks to us both. For me that seems to more authentically express my relationship to life at this stage.
Today’s beautiful outing seemed to mirror back to me what I have been working on for months in my art. Without hesitation, but with deep respect, I walked into the mist, the mystery, and slowly, encouraged by the forest, found my way.
Love,
Anne
