Written on February 20, 1991 [Permalink]

February 17

Prepared for tomorrow's wrapping. Inspected the prints, signed them, and put them into the folders that the ladies have prepared, and then these into the waiting cases. Tomorrow is shipping day, and this mountain of blue cases should disappear. Sure glad the post office has a pick-up service!

February 18

While the women are back home wrapping parcels, I'm off to Tokyo for a few visits. First stop was Matsuyoshi, to pick up some more vermillion (for next month's kimono), some more sumi (for next year's bokuju!), and to restock on some of other colours. I also left him a copy of the new print, to replace the copy of Ono no Komachi he has on the wall. I don't know who ever sees it, but might as well have something that represents my current printing ability on display ...

Next was Ishii-san, who had asked me at the Shinnenkai for one of Usui san's blades. I guess he read what I wrote in Shimano-san's copy of the newsletter, and wants to try one. I left him one, but sure hope that more people don't ask, as I've only got a handful left, and there aren't going to be any more where they came from. On the other hand, if a bunch of people show interest, perhaps Usui-san will make some more!

Around the corner to Shimano-san's place, to pay for the last blocks, deliver his print, and talk about more blocks. I forgot to leave the money (!), and there doesn't seem to be much action on more blocks right now, but at least I got the print delivered OK. As I was sitting there watching him work, he actually tried to converse a bit with me, asking a few questions about this and that. This is quite a big deal, as he has never before felt it possible to communicate at all with me. Speaking with him is quite enlightening, as he is actually completely uninterested in hanga, and literally can't see beyond the end of his plane. Even after all these years, he still has no idea what I am actually doing (his wife knows), and was completely surprised when it came out in the conversation that I was making all 100 in the set. It's good to have him feeling a bit less uncomfortable when I'm around.

Last stop was Matsuzaki-san's place. I had hoped to be able to spend the afternoon there watching him work, but it didn't happen. I think he had some business on, because after a half-hour or so, giving him his print, and chatting a bit, he put out some 'you should be going soon' body language, and I had to be off. It wasn't uncomfortable at all, and they were completely friendly as usual, but I guess this just wasn't my day. Maybe next time.

February 19

Delivered the Hamura prints, and paid a bunch of bills. Ordered a few hundred more sheets of shipping cardboard from Yamashita-san. The previous stock has just filled this month's needs, and I'll need a bunch more for next month.

Spent the morning at a meeting of Michiyo's food cooperative. They needed an 'interesting' guest for one of their affairs, and I'm it! It involved about a thirty minute talk followed by tea and questions, etc. It was 'ok', but should have been better. I can get pretty well organized when giving an talk in English, but have a lot of trouble keeping it on track and interesting in Japanese ... There's one more coming up on Friday.

February 20

65 more sheets wet for the second run. Getting a bit close to the deadline for the next newsletter, so spent time planning the layout and finishing off the articles.