We are coming down to the end of the year, when the days run shallow and the nights long, we look forward to the return of the light at the winter solstice. A good gomei for these times is: Yonaga – long night.
Already I am becoming nostalgic for the year of the sheep. As I look back on the year, I think of my travels to Japan and France and the many kind people I met that made these trips so memorable. It was also a year filled with many classes, and new students. Other students have moved on.
The holiday season is also upon us. It is a time to get together with family and share. For those far away from family or who are estranged, we can share with friends. Whatever your circumstances it is a time to come together, to be charitable, and connect with others.
For tea people, December is a busy time. Before the end of the year, everything needs to be cleaned top to bottom, shoji repaired, and get ready for Hatsugama. My mother always said that besides cleaning up your space, you should clean up your relationships. Apologize to the people you hurt, forgive the people who have hurt you, pay your debts, keep your promises, and communicate with people you have lost touch with. Start the New Year with a clean house, a clean conscience, and a clean slate.
To end this year, I’d like to express my gratitude to all of my students for being so dedicated to the way of tea. Thank you for coming to class every week, for pitching in, for teaching younger students and for working together so harmoniously. To all of my teachers and Sensei, thank you for investing your time and energy in teaching me. To all of my sempai, thank you for all your care, sharing and teaching. To my dear husband, thank you for supporting my dream of teaching the way of tea. To all of my tea friends and acquaintances who have read and commented on this blog, thank you for your interest and encouragement.
I hope you all have a marvelous holiday season.
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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too.
Merry Christmas Happy New Year!
Author
Liesl,
Thank you for your comment. Please enjoy reading the blog. And Happy New Year to you.
Margie
I just found you and yes, the end of the year is a busy time, but I am looking for ward to a new year filled with learning many new teas and ties (for my obi).
Kind regards,
Liesl***