As a young child I used to watch my father cook and help my mother bake. This explains why I find cooking relaxing after a long day working at the computer. As the primary evening cook in my household, I decided to purchase some iron cookware pans. I was used to them from my childhood. But in talking to my Mother, she stopped me from purchasing them. She said that I could take some of the old cast iron ones they weren’t using anymore. This was great as it saved money, and saving every penny is … [Read more...]
Searching for a Soul Mate – choosing a calligraphy brush. Part II
Continuing my somewhat metaphysical thoughts written in Part I of this article, in Part II, I would like to discuss the technical aspects of choosing a suitable calligraphy brush. As with everything in life, one’s first impression is crucial. You will spend hours working together with a brush that you choose, so make sure you enjoy its aesthetic side. The one I bought (as shown in Figure 1) has long, well-arranged and carefully selected weasel hair (鼬毛, いたちけ, itachike), mounted on a wooden … [Read more...]
Searching for a Soul Mate – choosing a calligraphy brush. Part I
Suspended on elusive ropes of moments Whirling particles of silver incense smoke Upon the translucent stairs of air they climb Bouncing off the shiny rays of the yellow star The mind sneaks quietly through a door of nothingness Into a realm far beyond the wildest dreams of time Leaving me detached from the burdens of life With my soul’s Four Treasures and their irresistible charm A calligraphy brush is not simply a tool used for writing. It is a warp gate to freedom of mind, a … [Read more...]