The last three weeks of my life have been simply amazing. For the most part, the events contained in the short 21 days have been positive and a blessing that enrich my existence.
Sure, for every few great events there usually follows one that is negative or not so great. But....we take the good with the bad and try to dwell on the things that make us happy.
The last post detailed birthday number forty eight, and the year ahead. Since then, I've had a race, some new ink and a new addition to the family. Yep. That's right. Stay tuned.
On Saturday last I had the privilege of running the Clark County Running Club's Turkey Trot 5K down at Marine Park in Vancouver. These races are always well attended as there are turkeys given away to lucky names picked. This race was no exception as at least a hundred turned out in the cold drizzle. Yet that rain went away at the most perfect time for our race!! This took us along the waterfront to Wintler Park and back. As I was unsure of how my legs would feel after a lot of work days and some sciatica issues that morning, I decided that as I had another race in a week, the Hot Buttered Run, I would go out slower and see what happened. Yeah, right. As if I could ever go out slow on a shorter race. Nope. Here are some photos from the race:
************************************
***************************************
A lot of fun was this race and I ran much better than I expected. My time was 21:59 at a 7:05/mi pace. If I can only do the same at next week's race, I shall be supremely happy. A very nice Saturday 5k race for sure and thanks to Russ and CCRC for this.
***********************************************************************************
The next day, on Sunday, I traveled to The Parlour in St Johns, Portland, to receive some new ink on my filling up canvas of a body. This was no ordinary tattoo though.As many know, I'm an admirer of Japanese art, especially woodblock prints from the 16th-20th centuries. During this time period there were many artists of renown who also produced shunga, or erotic art. No, this was not porn for them but art, in rich detail and superb colours, showing the Japanese side of sexuality and human living. And, as I'm also a student and researcher of human sexuality, these elements of art and sex combine to make for some stunning works. So, what better way to celebrate sexuality and art than to have one of these shunga pieces tattooed on my body.
Sure, this would be provocative, taboo to some, and a real dare to ink.
Really? Why? Seems the West, especially the United States, has a lingering problem with sexuality in almost any form unless through Hollywood or religion. neither of those being reality in my opinion . And I don't like either of those two in their portrayal of love and sex. Not a bit. Other cultures seem to have a much better understanding and acceptance of sexuality that does not make it a dirty or disgusting thing, or only for reproduction. Yet another reason I like this Asian form of art. So...I searched for quite awhile in hopes of finding the piece I wanted. Alas, I could not find one that did it for me in all aspects. I DID find two though, that if combined would be a wonderful example of shunga . These are the two pieces that I settled on:
If one has not viewed shunga before and is a bit timid with sexuality, it can be a bit daunting to look at. Yet this writer sees such beauty in it!!!!
The piece to the left is contemporary but done in the style of Ukiyo-E artists. This one is by Senju Horimatsu . I decided that I'd rather have the lovers kissing instead of the way either had them positioned. And I knew this would be detailed work. Notice the tattoos on the man's legs and arm. Amazing. Here is the completed tattoo, which is on my left hip.
Simply stunning work!!! Thanks so much, Doug!!
***********************************************************************************
Now, about this addition to the family. Well, after the Seattle Shakuhachi Matsuri in October, I realized that my need for a better instrument was crucial to me learning this beloved flute. So, I looked at selling a few things, got some funds together, and contacted Perry Yung at Yung Flutes in New York. He had a Japanese made Tozan style 1.8 shakuhachi, that was harvested and made in the mid-late 60's. This flute had incredible sound and was within my budget. Finally, an advanced flute for my studies!!!! I paid for the beauty and received it a week later after a detour to visit Hawaii. What a delightful addition to the "family" this shakuhachi is!!!
The root end of this flute is beautiful as is the whole thing!!!
The photo at left is the flute, now named "Hideo", next to my Earth model flute (also from Perry Yung) .
There it is. A wonderful addition to my household and one I plan on keeping a very long time, if not for the rest of my life. Superb!!!!!
***********************************************************************************
No comments:
Post a Comment