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Hatsugama, The New Year at Issoan
On January 11, the students and supporters of Issoan gathered at the Cedar Tree Hotel to celebrate Hatsugama. A bento, koicha and usucha were served with portable table style.
The traditional New Year kagami mochi was displayed as well as a shikishi and bell denoting the year of the horse. In keeping with …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/hatsugama-the-new-year-at-issoan/
Six poets gather on New Year’s Day
On New Year’s Day, six poets gathered at Issoan Tea Room to compose linked verse poetry, share incense, food, sweets, tea, and fellowship. This year’s poem below.
Gathering of friends Tea, food, incense Fellowship Fresh year Hatsu uta (first poem)
Hatsu uta breathless silence birds welcome the new day horizon faintly glows life begins anew
…
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/six-poets-gather-on-new-years-day/
Happy New Year
Happy New Year as we head into 2026, the year of the Fire Horse!
A fire horse year signifies a rare, powerful period of rapid change, passion, and bold action, combining the Horse’s natural energy (speed, freedom, ambition) with the Fire element’s intensity, leading to innovation, personal growth, but requiring balanced ambition to avoid …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/happy-new-year-5/
Winter Solstice 2025
After a spectacularly busy summer and autumn, I decided to take some time off to recover and care for my brother who needs care following the loss of his wife and suffering a stroke.
But here we are at the turn of the year, one of my favorite times, the winter solstice. They call …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/winter-solstice-2025/
Making tea
Those shelves full of things for making tea for your guests one bowl at a time
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/making-tea/