Most commented posts
- Heart to heart connection — 8 comments
- April update, a Midorikai interlude — 6 comments
- Making a good bowl of koicha — 6 comments
- It is harder than it looks — 6 comments
- Seeing things as they are — 6 comments
Author's posts
Shaon chakai and graduation – Midorikai interlude
The final week of classes was spent relishing our remaining time together. Our last jitsugi was spent doing shaza, a teaching exercise that combines flower arranging, laying of the charcoal, incense appreciation, making koicha (thick tea) and making usucha (thin tea). It’s a really fun one, as everyone has a task that they are responsible …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/shaon-chakai-graduation-midorikai-interlude/
Issoan undergoing renovations
After many of years of planning and we have finally begun phase 3 of Issoan renovations. The first phase was just tatami mats on the floor in the spare bedroom. Phase 2 we added the shoji window screens, fusuma closet door, cedar moldings, painted the room, and added the outside portal door.
We have …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/issoan-undergoing-renovations/
Chaji results – a Midorikai interlude
The day of the chaji arrived. The four sempai and Makela-sensei headed to Nashinoki temple, one of Rikyu’s most convenient famous water locations (and the same place where I got water for my chaji). Then we headed to Toin-seki and unpacked our groceries and remaining implements and started our preparations. We each had our tasks …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/chaji-results-midorikai-interlude/
Chaji – a Midorikai interlude
The weather has become warmer (thank goodness!) and the plum blossoms are waning as we look forward to coming full circle and some of the early blooming cherry blossoms are beginning to bloom. I’ll be doing a lot of bike riding around the city when school is finished on my brown “Waffle” bike to go …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/chaji-midorikai-interlude/
A party for my kanreki, 60 years
Last Wednesday, I had a few of my regular students show up for class. This is not unusual as students can come as many times a month with their tuition. Sometimes they come to make up for missed class or they want to come twice or three times a week. About halfway through the class, …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/party-kanreki-60-years/