My heavens

[flemmings]

AMLA has disappeared from yahoo groups. Or possibly I, the list maintainer, have somehow been bounced from AMLA. But so far it appears to be gone.

In other news, I have two Hasui calendars hanging on my walls. Well, four, actually, because 2009 and 2010 have been turned to my favourite prints therefrom. The other two, 2011 and 2012's, arrived from kickinpants earlier this week, which is commendably fast (it usually takes two weeks plus to get anything here from Seattle.) I suppose it was because she sent them traceable and requiring signature. She also gifted me with a personally dedicated volume of Connie Willis short stories (where have you been, TTG?) and Havemercy. I take it this is Lady Jaida turned pro? It is all very lovely and I am extremely happy, especially with Hasui's Meiji Iris Garden and the rainy hot springs. This outfit rather tends to fixate on Hasui's snow and temple scenes-- there's four each in both calendars-- which I think is a mistake. Seen one red temple in snow with umbrella-carrying kimono-clad woman and you've seen them all.

I've often been ear-wormed by a song, as has everyone, but for the past fortnight I've been ear-wormed by half an album. It's fortunate that I like most of Warren Zevon's Desperadoes under the Eaves because I have it with me *always*.

Comments

[mvrdrk.livejournal.com]

The art teacher was showing me how the Japanese used wood block prints to allow them to play with color and light over and over with the same scene. It was fascinating, and his point was it lit a fire under the painters in Europe and was part of what started the whole impressionist movement. It was very cool. Actually, art history is very cool, when approached in certain ways.

[incandescens]

I've just received the Loves of the Samurai book, by the way. Thank you very much indeed!

[i-am-zan.livejournal.com]

oooh is that the same (or another volume of) "Comrade Loves of the Samurai" (http://books.google.com.sg/books/about/Comrade_Loves_of_the_Samurai.html?id=3VzfIX1M_B4C&redir_esc=y)?

I've read that. ^_^

[flemmings.livejournal.com]

Same volume. Selections from Saikaku's Great Mirror of Manly Love.

[kickinpants.livejournal.com]

Yay! I'm glad everything made it safely. (Again, sorry about that one calendar that is...one year late...^^;;; That's pretty bad, even for me...)

I'm actually a big fan of the January 2012 Hasui winter scene. (I have one up in my kitchen.) It just looks like someplace I'd like to see in real life...until I got cold and would look for the nearest kotatsu or ofuro. :-)

Thank YOU for your Hasui gift. It is lovely! When I opened it, I thought, "Are we an O Henry story?"

Willis came to Seattle for a signing. She's a very funny speaker. If she ever swings by your neck of the woods, I recommend stopping by.

I thought Havemercy was overall pretty enjoyable. It came off as a solid stab at pro-writing and didn't seem to be fanfic with a coat of paint on it.

[flemmings.livejournal.com]

One year late merely means more richness when it comes.

The Ginkakuji *is* rather nice, especially the dark louring winter sky. And because it's dank Kyoto, yes indeed, you'd want a nice hot ofuro very soon, with sake to follow.

I too had a moment of 'oops, reduplication.' But I see it's an entirely different outfit.

I'll put Havemercy near the top of the reading pile, then. And thanks again.