I had a wonderful time at KWAR this Saturday. Though I didn't have a chance to attend any of the classes offered, I enjoyed working/watching the tasks that happen "behind scenes". I was unfamiliar with the procedures of the Lincoln Signet, which is the officer for the Midlands Region in charge of collecting and preparing the award/scrolls that will be given out during court. My friend and fellow Canton member, Hillary of Langeforde, recently accepted this position and allowed me to watch some of the processes and explained the other responsibilities of the office that happen prior to the day of the event. It gave me a better understanding and greater appreciation for all the efforts that are made in order for court to proceed with ease. The evening was especially great. I had been in communication with Mistress Sarafina Sinclair, who had asked me to consider an Apprenticeship with her. We had another chance to meet during the event, where I informally but officially accepted her offer over drinks and merriment. Court was to begin shortly after, where my presence was requested by their Majesties. It was unusual and most amusing for me as the populace applauded my presence, which came after many other individuals had be called upon that were not in attendance. I can only assume the populace was merely happy that someone showed up. It was announced that I was to receive the Award of the Purple Fret. I was delighted by the many kind words both Their Majesties bestowed upon me, while in their presence. I was especially thrilled that King Dag expressed his gratitude in my native language, with a simple "Doumoarigatougozaimasu." In midst of the moment, I briefly lost my language skills. But I regained my composure, bowed respectfully with proper response. "Douitashimashite." As much as I might appreciate Their Majesties, I understand that many of our societies' awards are determined by the recommendations submitted by members of the populace. Thank you very much to those that felt I was worthy of such award and took the time to submit your recommendations. I received a wonderful scroll and a pewter medallion, with the blazon of the purple fret. Initial thanks went out to Master Etienne le Couteau des Roches for the medallion, but he mentioned this particular medallion was casted by someone else, using his mold. My apologies that your name escapes me, but thank you to the maker of my new medallion. It is beautiful. To Kara Atladottir for her work on my award scroll, thank you for providing me with a great piece of artwork. It will eventually be framed, though I really want to frame the comment you left for me on the back, more than anything. And a special thank you to the gracious Lord who offered his escort for my award acceptance. I did not have a chance to be properly introduced but I thank you for your service, as my Lord was not able to attend.
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This past Saturday I had the pleasure of teaching a class on Japanese tea ceremony at Maneki Neko Con, a first-year anime convention hosted by the Anime Club of Prairie State College. Thank you to all that attended my class and to all that attended the convention as a whole. Without you, there is no convention. The guests in my class were wonderful, attentive and above all very patient with my ramblings and scattered preparations. The class layout was intended to be a lecture on the history of chadō followed by a live demonstration of a small portion of tea ceremony for the class to watch. Unaware of the size of the class, I prepared for a large group. I was pleasantly surprise to have a small group to work with. This allowed me to have all of the students participate in the ceremony itself. Unfortunately we did run out of time and I wasn't able to "serve" everyone tea, but they did get to enjoy sweets and watch a few bowls of tea be made. Though I needed to clean up and prepare for the next class, I made sure to whip up sample cups of matcha to send with the rest of the attendees on their way out. This would not have been possible if it wasn't for the unexpected assistance I received from some of the guests. Thank you so much for helping me clean up and allowing me to focus on accommodating the other students. I mentioned to the class that I would post some references and supply stores on my website for further research. This information will eventually be put permanently in my links page, but for now I've included some of that information below. And of course, if you have further questions don't hesitate to contact me. RECOMMENDED READING The Book of Tea by Okakura Kakuzō (this book is of public domain, available online) http://www.sacred-texts.com/bud/tea.htm Chadō: The Japanese Way of Tea by Sōshitsu Sen ISBN: 0-8348-1518-4 The Tea Ceremony by Sen'ō Tanaka, revised by Sendō Tanaka ISBN: 978-4-7700-2507-4 REFERENCE WEBSITES Dai Nihon Chadō Gakkai (Japan Association of the Tea Ceremony) http://www.santokuan.or.jp The Japanese Tea Ceremony http://japanese-tea-ceremony.net/ Urasenke Foundation http://www.urasenke.or.jp Way of Tea http://www.wayoftea.com/ ONLINE STORES
Asian Ideas http://www.asianideas.com/ Charaku Fine Japanese Tea http://www.charaku-tea.com/ Phoenix Tea http://www.phoenix-teashop.com I took a break last year from teaching at Pennsic. But this year I'm back at it with a full load of classes, at least for me. I tend to like to be a spectator at Pennsic but I've been encourage to get back in the classroom. Below are the courses I will be offering this year.
Wednesday, August 1st - 1:00PM Not Without Your Kosode! - AS 07 Essential garment for every Japanese persona, course includes overview of kosode and its uses throughout medieval history. Bring paper, pencil and tape measure (calculator optional) to participate in the custom pattern construction. Wednesday, August 1st - 3:00PM Hakama For The Anglo Saxon - AS 10 Course includes overview of hakama (Japanese pant) and its uses throughout medieval history. Bring paper, pencil and tape measure (calculator optional) to participate in the custom pattern construction. Friday, August 3rd - 12:00PM Happy Japanese Games - AS 02 Course will review three Japanese games of leisure with a portion of class dedicated to game play. Saturday, August 4th - 3:00PM Known World Courtesans Social - Private Camp 1st Annual Social for Courtesans and those interested in courtesan history. Activities will include a discussion forum, refreshments, talent exhibition (guest participation encouraged) and special entertainment. |