hatsugama

 初釜 Hatsugama, First tea ceremony of the new year. 

This is our first opportunity to have tea with several old friends. 

Larry, shakuhatchi maker, musician, and close friend 

of our first Master, Paul Motoyoshi joins us for a bowl by candle light.

light a light

 for your loved ones near and far

maturity

the mid summer garden is happy and healthy 

as evidenced by the moles

wreaking havoc in the pathways.

the soil is beautiful and aerated. the plants and worms are thriving, too.

this year, we replaced a few plants and moved a couple more to 

better habitat for sun exposure.

 the hostas will need dividing, the ground covers trimmed back

 and some native ferns need cleaning up.

it's perfect in that wonderful wabi sabi way.

a new point of view

the captain has built a new tatami platform

to sit and contemplate the

garden from the deck above.

this week, while enjoying his new vantage point, 

 the morning sun shone

through the trees

and on to the 

back of the yoritsuki wall.

the tea garden is small so the outer and inner garden are in close proximity.

our waiting room (yoritsuki) also serves as the

koshikaki machai (waiting area) where the guests

wait for the host to welcome them

into the tea room.

late summer haiku

First red Parrot leaves

 anticipate the Maple
Season's transition

                                     -isshi

light a light

many new lanterns have arrived around the garden

winter garden shadows

despite the 'great snow and ice storm'
which traumatized 

public transportation in the pacific northwest last month,
the winter has been quite mild on the island.

 the extra warmth and light encourages the plant life

 but also keeps the hummingbird feeder from freezing.

tea light

the rustic ishidoro was recently installed and is a focal point when entering the outer garden.

Shadows and Light

backyard light