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Holm is this Way

Ikenobo & Education

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Meet Avery

ALT in Japan with a passion for flowers, education, and travel. Want to know more? Click here

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On Friday I said goodbye to Karatsu. This whole week, I said goodbye to my schools and snapped one last picture on Karatsu Castle from the hill over looking the city. I received many goodbye presents and photo albums. I said goodbye to Takushima Sensei and the rest of the Ikenobo community.I sold my grumpy old car, Romeo Blue. I closed accounts and somehow cleaned my apartment with the help of the BOE. I ate my last lunch with my friends at Milano’s. And I said goodbye to my teachers and friends at Karatsu Station while fighting back tears. Somehow I did it all. I wrapped up 4 wonderful years and said goodbye to place I will always call home. Thank you everyone for your friendship. We will meet again and I will come back. Thank you. #karatsu #唐津 #goodbye #jetprogramme #itsnotgoodbyeitsseeyoulater #foundfamily

Probably from early spring 2017 Moribana arrangement with plum blossoms Right side is my attempt# Left side is Sensei’s lesson and notes #ikenobo #ikebana #moribana #flowerarrangements #japan #日本 #生け花 #いけのぼう #盛り花

Part 2 of Hinamatsuri in Kyoto. After enjoying the gardens at the Silver Temple, we grabbed some sweets. David tried the Daifuku mochi and I tried the dango. It was a nice pick-me-up before we meandered down the Philosopher’s Path. For people who don’t like crowds, but want to enjoy blossoms, I seriously recommend visiting during early March. The weather is warming up and the plum blossoms range from a vibrant pink to soft white. The Philosopher’s Path isn’t crowded like it is for Hanami, cherry blossom season. The day ended on a very special note. When David lived near Kyoto a few years ago I sent him on a wild goose chase looking for an antique kimono shop that was pretty much a shack filled with kimono floor to ceiling and everything else covered in pictures of people who had visited the shop. I had stumbled across the shop on my first trip to Japan, which was also my first solo trip, and I had no idea where I was as it was before I had a smart phone. I met a really nice old lady who sold me a simple blue haori and let me practice my basic Japanese with her. The shop was almost magical. I felt like I had stepped into a fairytale. I promised myself that I would return to that shop and buy a kimono if I ever made it back to Kyoto. When David had no luck finding it with my awful directions/memory I pretty much gave up. But low and behold, we stumbled upon it at the end (or beginning) of the path. I almost jumped out of my skin with excitement when I saw her sign. I introduced myself to her and explained how I knew her shop and the promise I made if I ever found my way back. She recommended a beautiful yellow and peach kimono and gave me a really nice deal. It was a fantastic end to a fun day. If you ever find yourself in Kyoto take some time to get lost and wander. You might find a sweet little shop at the end of the path. #kimono #japan #kyoto #hinamatsuri #storytime #wander #philosopherspath #日本 #着物 #京都 #ひな祭り

March 2019, Hinamatsuri in Kyoto. David and I did a quick day trip to Kyoto to celebrate Girl’s Day and I got to wear kimono with hakama for the first time. I love wearing hakama because I can wear boots and have more freedom to take wider steps. If I could I would totally wear the “student” look more often. We started the day bright and early to get dressed then headed over to Kiyomizudera before it got too busy (it was still busy) and then bopped over to the Silver Temple to enjoy the earlier spring flowers. #hinamatsuri #kimono #hakama #japan #thatclassicstudentlook #kyoto #ひな祭り #着物 #はかま #京都

Moribana style arrangement in Feb 2019. The first two pictures are of my arrangement (front and side view respectively). I was happy to see Sensei had only a few notes for me. I always love using Enishida エニシダ, or Common Broom, in arrangements to make interesting shapes and wind patterns. #ikenobo #ikebana #flowerarrangement #flowers #moribana #生け花 #いけのぼう #花

Day 2 and KonMari Method complete! Wow I got rid of a lot of clothes. The lump in the middle is winter clothes that are being sent home. It’s nice to have everything in order again. I’m glad I was able to get my clothes sorted this weekend. Now, I have to tackle all my papers....(T.T) #konmarifolding #JET #gettingready

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Tag: 生花

Ikenobo Arrangement #6

March 24, 2018June 9, 2019 · Leave a comment ·

I honestly don’t remember this lesson (it’s from awhile ago). This week just enjoy the before and after. Maybe you can find the differences and the potential lesson in the … Continue reading Ikenobo Arrangement #6

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