bitter herb grows tall

May 22 through 26

Liza Dalby touched on how misunderstandings so easily occurs when one language is translated into another.
The iris, ayame in Japanese, is the plant and flower the Japanese think of when they think of the flower that once decorated the Heian era palaces. Actually the plant was Acorus calamus, sweet flag or also known as blue flag.

This essay stopped me in my tracts. I began thinking about all the different ways miscommunication happens, inaccurate translations and limited listening to name just two. I began seeing how much miscommunication was happening in my life.
This essay once again prompted me to do some research.

I also enjoyed reading how she wrote her first and last waka.

Worms come forth

After all of our rains the worms are coming forth.
I see them on the sidewalks when I walk.

After reading this essay I began singing the childhood rhyme, "When ever you see a hearse go by you will be the next to die. The worms go in the worms go out, the worms play pinochle up your snout". I live across from a cemetery. Hearses go by daily. This little verse transported me back to being six years old and playing jacks on the front porch. I easily can see how Liza Dalby also was transported and how the simple phrase "worms come forth" can lead one on a meandering path.

May 2 through 6

"the hoopoe alights in the mulberry"

I was intrigued by this essay. I like birds and this one is exotic!
I did a bit of research.

I enjoy learning about Dalby's geisha days too.
I find every essay so interesting.

Some nights I am too tired to read.
I am never too tired to imagine what my almanac will say.
I find I am thinking about that as I fall asleep at night.
How I will organize it; how I will name my days.
I will write one.
I want photos to part of it.