The JASV (Japan-America Society of Vermont) had its annual Moon Viewing Potluck Saturday night in South Burlington's Dorset Park. Toshi, who is the president, got out there more than an hour early to set up, which included "planting" the beautiful moon-viewing flag. The night was very cold and the moon was hidden behind thick cloud cover until the party was over and almost everyone had left for their warm homes. Those of us who were still chatting and shivering, jumped up and down in glee (at least I did) when the clouds parted briefly to give us alternating glimpses of both the "man in the moon" that we Americans see, and the "rabbit in the moon" that the Japanese see. All were relieved that the predicted rain held off until we were back at home.
There was good company and good food to be had, and it seemed that everyone appreciated the warmth (and taste) of my contribution - a big pot of steaming buta jiru (a miso based soup with pork, Japanese sweet potatoes and other vegetables).
There was good company and good food to be had, and it seemed that everyone appreciated the warmth (and taste) of my contribution - a big pot of steaming buta jiru (a miso based soup with pork, Japanese sweet potatoes and other vegetables).
I had a copy of my book with me, as I always do, just in case someone might be interesting in buying one. But it was too dark to show it to the two new members (well, one is new and the other will be shortly) who came to the moon viewing. I'll have to try again another time.
I may have missed a chance to try to sell a copy to either of them Saturday, but this morning I received a wonderful e-mail from someone who bought a copy when I gave my talk in New York last week. She wrote saying she'd like to order another copy for a friend named Susan who lives in Massachusetts. The friend lost her mother within the past few years (as I lost mine), and is going through journals, photos and such in order to write a book (like I did). What a thoughtful, generous friend!
Time to return to the present, and face what looks like a potentially lovely fall day in Vermont. Have a good one!
I may have missed a chance to try to sell a copy to either of them Saturday, but this morning I received a wonderful e-mail from someone who bought a copy when I gave my talk in New York last week. She wrote saying she'd like to order another copy for a friend named Susan who lives in Massachusetts. The friend lost her mother within the past few years (as I lost mine), and is going through journals, photos and such in order to write a book (like I did). What a thoughtful, generous friend!
Time to return to the present, and face what looks like a potentially lovely fall day in Vermont. Have a good one!