Yesterday, Issoan celebrated the opening of the winter hearth. The day was cold, rainy and windy. A great day for a cozy tea gathering. Guests arrived from across town, from Seattle area, and half a world away via zoom for two seki. It was especially exciting for three new students, who had never attended a …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/robiraki-2023/
After a long hiatus for Covid, I opened the tearoom last spring. I did not teach any beginner classes for 2 and a half years while the tearoom was closed. There were about 20 people on the waiting list and when I opened the new introduction to Chado class, it filled quickly. Then I …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/shoshin-the-beginners-heart/
Here in the Pacific NW we are usually blessed with beautiful clear days and pleasant temperatures for Autumn. The new school year starts, and football season begins. But for me, moon viewing signals the beginning of the Autumn. This year the September moon came late in the month, but we had hot weather into the …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/autumn-has-arrived/
I have much to still to process about the 50 year Midorikai reunion. I think overwhelmingly it was being in the company of those who have had the experience of studying tea in Japan. Everyone learns how to get into kimono in less than ideal conditions. Everyone starts as a beginner learning to walk, sit …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/reunion-reflections/
Something to think about the next time you are making tea for guests.
“When you are not confident at making tea, everyone is looking at you. When you are good at making tea, everyone is looking at the tea.”
I thought that I would take a few moments to look back at some posts from …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/a-look-back/
