Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Cherry Blossom Festival at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Hosted by JASA (the Japan-America Society of Alabama), the Sakura Festival will be taking place this Saturday, March 19! It will run from 11am - 4pm and include lots of neat activities like martial arts demonstrations, ikebana, origami, anime/manga and calligraphy.

Download the flyer here!
http://members.canpan.info/kikin/products/detail.php?product_id=1080

Of course, the most exciting thing is that the T
oshin-an (燈心庵) teahouse will be open for viewing!


My partner and I are fortunate enough to be members of the wonderful Birmingham Urasenke Chadou Study Group, and will be participating in tea ceremony demonstrations planned for 1pm and 2pm. I'm the 正客/principal guest, gah! I am going to try my best. We will also be assisting in the preparation and dissemination of free tea.

It should prove to be a very fun day. The gardens are magnificent right now, with so many plants in bloom. Come out and get a taste of the immense wealth of culture that Japan has to offer.

I think I would be remiss to not mention the terrible disaster that Japan is facing right now. It will be a lovely day, but all who attend would do well to participate with a spirit of remembrance, support and camaraderie. I cannot help but have thoughts of those who are suffering in the back of my mind each day... Keep Japan in your thoughts (and your prayers as well, if you pray). Below are just a few ways to donate & support the relief efforts:
• Google Donate: http://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html#donation
• Send a text to the American Red Cross:
Text REDCROSS to 90999 to Give $10.
• Buy a Gaga wristband: http://ladygaga.shop.bravadousa.com/Product.aspx?cp=14781_42444&pc=BGAMLG88
• Donate directly to the Japan Foundation: http://members.canpan.info/kikin/products/detail.php?product_id=1080

一期一会 - cherish each moment...

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