Kokochi

Putting on a kimono

I started taking lessons on how to put on a kimono with the goal of being able to put it on properly by myself. There are various levels I can try to achieve, but I'm focusing on the simplest obi tie that will take months to learn, and I'm not even planning on delving into the dos and don'ts for each season (color, cloth make, obi match etc).

First lesson was going over all the stuff we need, and how to properly fold kimono back for storage. My amazing mom handed off a lot of things to me this past summer, and now I know what a valuable gift it is. I have what is needed but  I've learned from my kimono teacher that very recent kimono tools make it easier, so I'm about to ask my mom to send me that stuff that utilizes velcro, stretchy bands, and other hidden tricks.

   

Now, I can't imagine back in the day putting on formal kimono by oneself without the modern shortcuts. I simply never knew the layers and layers involved in getting properly dressed. I've worn kimono before but was either helped by someone, or utterly misdressed myself.

Luckily I have a fellow student (another mama at Rosa Parks Elementary, Ikuko-san) to share laughter at how one ideally needs to have amazing arm strength and flexibility to put oneself in a kimono, mainly to tie the obi. If assisted it's much easier.

By the end of today's lesson, Ikuko-san and I were rather exhausted. We couldn't fathom how women then went on to a formal tea ceremony that lasts for hours, and if in the city, requires riding a train, but you can't sit back because of the beautiful obi you sweated over to get right and don't want to smush. And we're doing the casual "living in America" version - meaning we can break rules.

I'm thrilled at the depth there is to learn. And so grateful to my mom who shared this, and was happy to hand over her gems to me. I hope if I can actually learn the rules, and my kids see me dress and wear it out more often (which is my goal), then somewhere, later, they will feel a connection.

  

I do feel very happy feeling snug in a kimono, a bit like a corset.

 

 

This n that around Goshono, Akita

Some everyday pics from the beautiful town.

KC's neighborhood, and a coffeeshop that didn't open until 11:30 (!!) so I sadly went for canned coffee from the machine.

  

Park that requires adult supervision only if kids are under 6. The whole town had older kids running around playing on their own.    Aila inspecting a bug.

   

Our walk to preschool after we dropped off T.

  

Part of the time we stayed at this hotel, the other part at KC's. The hotel had Japanese breakfast which the kids enjoyed too. The kids running off to school.

  

A local shrine. Eating omurice (rice wrapped in egg) with okosama set (special sets for kids) that come with enticing toys.

  

Local park.

  

Ocean view from a ferris wheel.

Anpanman rides at zoo.

  

 Cute old-school train we rode to main Akita station, and the modern shinkansen back to Tokyo.

 

 

Aila turns 3 years old!

Aila's birthday is May 20th. We did have a party! I'm just late posting about it (so I can later show her that many people celebrated!)

I can't believe my baby is 3, and just months away from entering preschool. I vividly remember Tesla's first day at preschool. It was such a shift not to be with her during the day, her creating  bonds with other kids and adults, creating a whole new world on her own. And now Aila will take that step. Time really really  zoomed by. I treasure all of it, and I'm so happy she is part of our family.

 The bounty: it's fun to see her delighted, knowing everything is just for her : )

When the cake came, she was so serious. We sang the regular birthday song, then finished with the Callaghan traditional addition. T knows it well. Aila is certainly learning it.

I love this pic of Lizzie and Jonathan, doting on Aila. They made a necklace for her.

Three generations of the Callaghan family. Every week, Aila spends a full day with her grandma Marie and great-grandma Maria. Tesla did too. This is the reason I didn't send Aila to daycare. We very are lucky. 

My brother and I skyping my parents in Japan to include them in the merry making:

The aftermath: