ikebana

Ikebana :: the Japanese art of flower arranging.

Did everyone know about this besides me?

Everyone I've mentioned it to is all, like, "Oh, yeah, I did that in grade school."

Well, we did not do Ikebana in grade school in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Because I went to school in 'Merika.

I did learn Konichiwa at one point, though.

Too bad no one in Japan every says Konnichiwa.

That's disappointing.

But, Ikebana! Yes! Now that's rather wonderful.

It's delicate arrangements, with a focus on stems and leaves; symmetry, minimalism, and balance.

 Taught to us by one of the most welcoming Japanese women I've met yet, Kazumi Sensei.

My friend, E, brought me to the class. It's a lovely group of women, and we grab lunch and Starbucks before the class. It begins at 1, and we always show up at 1:30. 

Usually, one has to be ON TIME in Japan. But for Ikebana, it's okay.

Kazumi orders the flowers for us, and sets up a long workstation in her living room. We sit in a row and work on arrangements.

I did Maribunda, which is the most traditional... and easiest.

Some of the gals were on freestyle arrangements.

Kazumi flits and flies and gently corrects and adjusts our work.

Sensei that she is.

According to Wikipedia, Ikebana should be practiced in complete silence, so that followers can appreciate things in nature that are often overlooked.

Our classes are - decidedly - not silent.
In fact, BYOB: Bring your own baby.

Which is awesome.

At the end of class, we remove the flowers from the vases, package them up in newsprint, and bring them on home.

Because we live in a hotel, mine are now arranged in water glasses.

They add a certain amount of 'homeyness' to our room at the Marriott.

I'm glad they're here.