Ikebana With a Latin Flair

The March, April, and May Ikebana programs were cancelled as a result of the March 11 tsunami, but today we met to install next year's officers, raise money to help the victims of the tsunami, and listen to a Cuban guitarist/singer. I was a bit skeptical when Alexander Padron strutted into the hotel ballroom in his bright turquoise suit but by the end of his performance I was on my feet boogeying around the room like everyone else under the age of sixty, ie, about half the audience.

Some of our members, the dozen or so who actually know how to arrange flowers, treated us to an exhibit of their work.

Incoming President Cheryl on far right

Serving on the Ikebana board of directors this past year has been quite an experience, but not one I plan to repeat. Our last year in Japan will pass much too quickly. I'd rather be exploring than sitting through meetings. Does that sound terribly selfish?

Wearing Green with the JAW Ladies

Keiko says, "Happy birthday, David Lawrence Patrick Sykes!"



At the JAW St. Patrick's Day party we learned that there are more Irish-Americans in the United States than there are Irish in Ireland.

Then we helped the Japanese ladies play bingo and word search. My partner won both games. I almost feel bad about elbowing her out of the way in the heat of that word search.

Then we learned an Irish step dance. We tried to remember to keep our knees together because our quite pregnant instructor told us that is how authentic Irish dancing is distinguished from clogging, an American derivation involving much looser moves with knees flapping all over the place.

Begorrah, thought I, no doubt that knees-apart clogging is how there came to be more Irish-Americans in the United States than Irish in Ireland. But I did not blurt out my latest insight during the party. I was too busy trying to breath while skipping and jumping and reeling.

The corned beef and cabbage was a big hit with the Japanese ladies. The baked potato bar was a big hit with me.

The next time we get together the Japanese ladies are taking us to a temple in Kanazawa-bunko to view cherry blossoms. I think I will bring along my Dropkick Murphys CD and try to stage Irish step dancing under the cherry trees. Look for it on YouTube.