Bye bye, Reporter

A couple of posts on this blog had links to stories in the Eureka Reporter newspaper. Recently it shut its doors and took down its website as part of an agreement with the Times-Standard newspaper. (Read more about it in the North Coast Journal.)

At first it distressed me that the website was taken down (there were many community interest stories archived there). Then my inner Zen Master swatted me awake and reminded me of the nature of impermanence.

But if you happen to have kept a copy of those articles, let me know.

Hands across the water

I'm watching a television program (Africa Trek) about a French couple who walked the length of Africa – " from Cape to Kili." As I watch, I wonder what possessed them to engage in such a journey, trekking from one stranger's house to another, sometimes through dangerous territory. In tonight's episode, Sonia Poussin makes a comment about how they generally haven't stayed in one place long enough to make many friends, but in this episode they linger with some Masai in Tanzania, enjoy their hospitality and, yes, friendship.

What makes us want to reach out to strangers? Are we seeking to connect with a distant cousin, or looking for something better, or perhaps greater, than ourselves? Sometimes, as I sit in the chashitsu with my friends, I ask myself these questions. I look into my tea bowl as though it's a crystal ball. The tea doesn't answer. Yet we are friends and we return to each other again and again.

In the previous post I briefly mentioned our introduction to meeting delegates from Eureka's sister city, Kamisu, Japan. I have been interested in our Sister City for many years, yet – for whatever reason – we haven't made a connection. But fortune smiled on us this time and friend Tony Smithers, director of the Eureka Humboldt County Convention and Visitor Bureau, invited us to join him and his wife, Eileen, to have dinner with the delegation.

Dinner was in Myers Flat at The Groves. After a bit of wine at the adjacent Riverbend Cellars tasting room. (Allow me to sneak in a small song of praise for the Syrah — beautiful — and the duck — cooked to order.) Food and wine aside, our partners at table were the centerpiece: Ariko Sekine, English translator and HSU wildlife major, and Mitsuko Sunouchi, Vice Executive President of the Kamisu International Friendship Association.

After introductions we settled into sipping wine, snacking on grilled oysters and sharing stories. We learned the delegation was in Humboldt County only for three days, then would spend one day in San Francisco before flying home to Japan. They toured the city of Eureka, took a cruise of Humboldt Bay on the MV Madaket and learned about Humboldt Bay's famed oyster production. They saw the redwoods along the Avenue of the Giants and drove through the Drive Through Tree. Three days are not nearly enough time to enjoy all that the area has to offer.

Perhaps it's not so important why we're friends, but rather that we are friends. We put differences aside, we find common interests to share, we sip wine and share stories. And drink tea.

About Eureka's Sister City program

The Eureka-Kamisu Sister City Corporation was founded in 1991. Kamisu is a port city on Japan's east coast. The Sister City relationship offers an opportunity for the two cities to gain valuable benefits through exchanges of art, culture, education, and commerce.
Exchanges promote goodwill, broaden understanding and create lasting friendships between community members. The Sister City Corporation provides an ideal opportunity for individuals to have a role in developing understanding between the people of Japan and the United States of America.
— City of Eureka city plan

More

Sister city residents explore Eureka -- The photo is from the Kamisu International Friendship Association website [and originally posted on the website of the now-closed Eureka Reporter]. It shows the delegation in front of Eureka's famed Carson Mansion. On the far left is Masami Nagai, City Clerk Planning Division; second from left is Mitsuko Sunouchi. We regret not learning all the names of the delegates. (Send us names! We'll post them!)

http://www.kifa-global.jp/info/2008-11/11_eureka_english.html
 

More Eureka Reporter links to stories about Kamisu-Eureka sister city relations

Update 11/12/08 The Eureka Reporter has folded and taken down its website as part of an agreement with the Times-Standard (see North Coast Journal).

Kitchen Tea

So much going on!

Harvey and I met the delegation from Eureka's Sister City, Kamisu, Japan, on Sunday. And our wandering wayfarers, Pia and John and Karin and Laura are back from their respective journeys. Because we were chatting and visiting and chatching up, we did tea in the kitchen. As well as eating snacks and drinking namazake and wine and ... well... here:

Kristin brought the sake from Portland. Mmmmmmmm yummy. Very effervescent. As she said, "comes alive in your mouth." She also brought some daifuku which were quickly devoured with our tea.

HSU to host Chinese junk skipper

Liu Ning Sheng, the skipper of the Chinese junk Princess TaiPing that recently visited Humboldt Bay, will discuss his globe-spanning sailboat adventures on Thursday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. in the Fishbowl at the Humboldt State University Library.

http://www.times-standard.com/ci_10744063?IADID=Search-www.times-standard.com-www.times-standard.com

More pictures from Chinese Tea and Happy Hour

Kumi took these pictures at our recent tea gathering:

Shuai describing the tea she brought from China.


Shuai making tea for the hosts and their guests.



Ali was more interested in the after-tea hors d'oeuvres than in tea itself.

Thanks, Kumi!

Chinese ship replica visits Humboldt port

Harvey made new friends on a visiting Chinese ship, the Princess TaiPing. Harvey doesn't speak Chinese, the crew didn't speak much English, but they all spoke "boat" and had a great time together. Local media has these articles:

Eureka Reporter
Chinese ship replica visits Humboldt port

Update 11/12/08 The Eureka Reporter has folded and taken down its website as part of an agreement with the Times-Standard. (Read about it in the North Coast Journal.)

Times-Standard
Sea change: Blending technology both ancient and modern
Castaway: American sailor tells how he got stranded from his Chinese junk

We'll get our own photos and more details posted soon.

Tea brings friends – and fiends – together

How fitting that as October is upon us, our favorite Goth, Silvia, and her sweetie Zoe (I hope I spelled his name correctly!) should visit Shanna, and that they should all come over for tea practice.

Shanna, Harvey (Holly in white shirt), Silvia and Zoe

Shanna prepared Usucha with PacLeaf's "Moonlight" for Silvia, Harvey and Zoe. Nikko probably tried to rearrange Harvey's flowers (red yarrow in a tall, green vase). I arrived home too late to enjoy tea with them, but was able to visit a little with them before they had to leave.

Good to see you, tea friends!

Chinese Tea Ceremony and Happy Hour

The subject of Kumi's email said, "Chinese Tea Ceremony and Finger Food Potluck." Our response was, "Where?! When?!" We leapt at the opportunity to enjoy Shuai Chen's tea ceremony.

After a summer home in China with family and friends, Shuai has returned to Humboldt County and her studies at HSU. At this tea gathering Sunday afternoon, she made tea for a dozen or so friends and acquaintances, including Kristin, Harvey and I. Our gracious hosts, Ange and Chantal Lobue, opened their home for tea, snacks, libation and lively discussion. We enjoyed seeing Shuai again, and of course, Kumi and Jay. We also made some new friends with whom we hope to share tea again soon.

The tea Shuai served was called "Red Robe" which she brought back from her recent trip to China. She explained that it had a special fragrance and flavor of a particular "rock" but I was not close enough to the center of discussion to hear clearly what that particular rock was. I did, however, appreciate Red Robe's unique flavor and aroma.

The photos above show Shuai steeping and straining the first infusion, then warming the aroma cups (tall cups) and drinking cups.

The aroma cup (the tall cup) is rolled between the hands
while appreciating the tea's fragrance.

One detail I noticed which I did not remember from Shuai's demonstration at HSU in April: When steeping the tea in a small covered cup, she twirled the lid around in a circle, as if to allow a little steam out or a little air in. Was it unique to this ceremony or variety of tea? Or did I forget this detail from April?

Shuai twirls the lid while steeping tea.

After we appreciated several infusions of Shuai's tea, we enjoyed snacks and drinks, and made new friends. We hope to gather with them again for Japanese tea appreciation later this fall.

If you can't enjoy Shuai's tea in person, read her latest offering of Tea Tales for North Coast readers:
http://www.times-standard.com/ci_10369331?IADID=Search-www.times-standard.com-www.times-standard.com

Wonderful Water Sculpture

Couldn't resist posting this, it's fantastic:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HeUixe_Lpg&eurl=http://videos.komando.com/2008/08/19/water-painting/

And suddenly, it was Shubun no hi

It's hard to believe that it's Autumn already, but the signs are here: Geese are migrating, leaves are turning red and gold, mornings are chilly, hordes of students have swarmed back to Arcata.

Here's a quick update on what we have been doing.

Tea practice during our ersatz summer has been a little irregular (like the weather), but we managed some good practices in Haiken, folding fukusa and working with the ladle. Annie resurfaced after being swamped for weeks with work and a hectic schedule.

For the next few weeks, Laura and Pia are traveling with their respective spouses to different destinations. Perhaps they'll have a tea story from their travels.

In a couple weeks Shana will bring her friend Sylvia to practice. We haven't had tea with them in quite a while.

Harvey and I will also be attending another Chinese tea demonstration with Shuai Chen in a week or so. (More about Shuai's tea here...)

Read more about Shubun no hi
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holidays_of_Japan
http://gojapan.about.com/cs/japaneseholidays/a/holidaycalendar.htm

Thé sur la table

Harvey's been surfing, found this:

http://mllelasouche.blogspot.com/2006/07/high-school-clubs-tea-ceremony.html

We've been giving to teaching a tea appreciation class through OLLI. This might be a good setup, don't you think?

Oh, not familiar with OLLI? Check it out: http://www.humboldt.edu/olli/osher.html

I <3 Google

I randomly clicked on a Google ad and found a website with a lovely introduction to Tea. Enjoy.

http://www.hibiki-an.com/readings/japanese-tea-ceremony.html

Don't be gone so long next time

Long-time Tea Friends Becky and David have returned to the West Coast after a seven year quest to obtain the Holy Grail of Higher Education, first in New Mexico, then in Arkansas. Becky just earned a PhD in public health education and has accepted an associate professorship at a university in Washington. They were passing through town on their way to their new home in Washington.

David began studying Tea with Harvey in the ’80s, but has not practiced in years. He was able to make a bowl of tea with coaching from Kristin (above). His knees weren't up to it so Kristin and Harvey finished making tea for Laura, Becky, Pia and Holly. More photos in the photo album.

Lazy Tea Practice in the Kitchen

This week's practice was at the kitchen counter.

Kind of awkward for whisking the tea, but we were all feeling a little bit lazy. Blame it on summer. At least we enjoyed sweets and tea, and Pia remembered how much she'd forgotten about making tea. Some more photos are in the Photo Album.

Two weeks ago we practiced with the ladle.

New Tea Tales

Shuai Chen's latest installment of Tea Tales in the Times-Standard, "The Covered Bowl Has A Long History":

There are a total of 25 Chinese tea wares, according to Lu Yu of the Tang Dynasty, who is the author of the “Book of Tea” and a recognized “Sage of Tea.”

All tea wares can be divided into several categories, including bowls, cups, pots and so on. Choosing the suitable wares for a tea ceremony, be it formal or informal, is based on personal choices and customs, certain conditions and even one's aesthetic standards....

Click here to read on.

TEA TALES: Treasured tea started as a dream

Shuai's latest article on the Chinese Tea Ceremony published by the Times-Standard "Tea Tales: Treasured tea started as a dream."

According to legend, during the Qing Dynasty around the year of 1725, there was a tea farmer, Wei Yin, in Anxi County who was very diligent about growing a tea bush. Wei Yin also believed in Guanyin, which is a Bodhisattva in Buddhism. He showed his devotion by enshrining a statue of Guanyin at home…

Tea Harvest begins!

Kumi sent this: "The tea harvest season began in Japan! This picture is from Asahi Newspaper in Osaka, Japan."

Thanks, Kumi!

Tea Tales by Shuai Chen

This is the first of what promises to be several articles by Shuai Chen, Chinese tea practitioner, HSU finance student and tea friend. Shuai joined us for Cha-no-yu recently.

http://www.times-standard.com/lifestyle/ci_9103812

HSU Tea Demonstration April 10, 2008

Each year, Humboldt State University's Associated Students and the Multicultural Center organize an Asian-Pacific Heritage Celebration, a week of events and exchange of Asian culture.

We demonstrated ryakubon date (O-bon temae, tea made on a tray) in a three-mat "room" for about 19 attendees — students, staff and faculty. It was a very simple and informal demonstration, but perfect for the occasion. The tea we served was Pacleaf "Starlight."

Above, L to R: John, Kristin, Harvey, Pia and Laura. (Holly is behind the camera.) Harvey gave a brief introduction before Kristin, Pia and Laura demonstrated tea:

After our demonstration, Shuai Chen demonstrated Chinese tea ceremony. I was impressed by how differently each ceremony expressed appreciation of tea, yet I could sense an underlying similarity — perhaps a common stem from which both ceremonies grew. The tea she served was Oolong. Each step of the ceremony had a poetic name — and forgive me if I get this wrong — such as "Peacock Spreads its Tail." Her motions were as graceful as a dancer, and small flourishes while pouring or closing the teapot lid were deliberate and restrained. The tea leaves were rinsed once (a preliminary infusion which, I assume, should remove most of the bitter elements such as caffeine) then there was a series of seven infusions. The first infusion was poured into a tall teacup called the aroma cup, a shorter cup was placed over it then both cups were inverted. When the tea was served, the participant would remove the aroma cup (now on top) and appreciate the fragrance of the tea before drinking from the second, shorter cup. Here are photos of her beautiful equipment:

After both ceremonies, there was a relaxed time for questions. Shuai made more tea, and Kristin, Pia and Laura made bowls of tea which we shared with attendees in paper cups. Not as good as a chawan, but good for a first taste of matcha. (I'm always amused by the variety of facial expressions when someone tastes matcha for the first time!)

Chinese-Japanese Tea Exchange

Recently we were approached to demonstrate Cha-no-yu to a Chinese student who practices Chinese tea ceremony. Shuai has studied Chinese tea since she was a teen and learned through a mutual friend at HSU that we practice Japanese tea ceremony. On March 15th we arranged a demonstration at our home chashitsu.

Kristin performed Usucha. Guests were Laura, Kumi, Jay (Kumi's husband), Shuai (the Chinese student) and Holly. Harvey narrated. Kumi and Jay had just gone to San Fransisco and brought fresh manju sweets. We enjoyed Haiken after Usucha.

After tea, Shuai asked several questions about the ceremony, and was interested to know about any symbolic meaning what movements or actions might have. Harvey explained about the Four Principles -- Purity, Tranquility, Respect and Harmony -- and their influence on Cha-no-yu. And later, while we were enjoying sake and senbei in the kitchen, Harvey and Shuai sat down at the computer and watched YouTube videos of both Chinese and Japanese tea ceremonies.

Shuai is anxious to demonstrate Chinese tea ceremony for us, and we are equally excited to see it. We hope to see it at HSU's Asian-Pacific Cultural Festival or sooner if we can manage.

Here's an article written by our local paper about Shuai and her tea practice:

http://www.times-standard.com/ci_8622571

We are arranging a tea demonstration of our own at the HSU festival, but nothing has been finalized yet.

Deadlines and flower arranging

Originally published
Wednesday June 28, 2006

The biggest drawback of working for a publication is meeting its deadline.

Now, I am not whinging about either work or deadlines. I enjoy my job and the the newspaper I work for is published weekly. But the one evening a week that I need to work late is the same night that we practice Tea. On a good day, the paper is finished by 7:00 and I'll be home somewhere between 7:30-8:00. On a rough day we still can be working at 8:00. Or later. By the time I'm home I'm ready for shoes-off, sweat pants-on, cocktails and dinner, not sitting seiza and folding fukusa. In the end, though, Tea practice refreshes my weary mind and I'm glad for it. My knees are another matter.

This week's practice -- with Annie, Kristen, Pia, John and myself -- was excellent. I was home at a decent hour and since I had not been able to arrange Chabana that morning as I usually do -- nor had Harvey been able to -- I asked him if he still wanted me to take care of it. He replied that he was going to have one of the other students volunteer to select and arrange the flowers. I pulled a selection of vases from the cupboard and brought in a variety of flowers from the garden. The situation evolved into a workshop, with everyone arranging flowers (except me!). Annie was especially inspired. We put all the flowers in the tokonoma, whereupon Nikko the Evil Ninja Tea Cat selected one of John's arrangements and removed nearly all its petals.

After Nikko apologized to John (in her own fashion, of course), Annie and Kristen coached Pia while she made usucha. John was shokyaku and the rest of us played musical guests while taking turns making tea (except me!).

Doldrums

Originally published
Wednesday June 7, 2006

dol·drums
Pronunciation: 'dOl-dr&mz, 'däl-, 'dol-
Function: noun plural
Etymology: probably akin to Old English "dol" foolish
1 : a spell of listlessness or despondency
2 often capitalized : a part of the ocean near the equator abounding in calms, squalls, and light shifting winds
3 : a state or period of inactivity, stagnation, or slump

=^..^=

I'd like to blame this period of apparent inactivity on the weather: It's been rather warm, muggy and overcast, making me inclined to take nap (and I'm not much of a nap-taker). There are other reasons for my inactivity, which I'll deftly avoid addressing, and go on to talk about last night's tea practice.

A full complement of students appeared at the house last night, after several weeks of Kristen having company, or Annie or me having work issues, or John and Pia housesitting. I was even done with work early enough to be home in time to enjoy tea with them. Harvey, on the other hand, was having a bad day with back pain and could not sit with us in the chashitsu. We practiced basic folds for fukusa, and then had usucha.

Nikko -- the tea cat -- was particularly well-behaved and didn't eat the flowers in the tokonoma (last night's chabana was white Dicentra/bleeding hearts/Dutchman's breeches). She did sit in the tokonoma for a spell, and I commented to teshu, "Those are lovely flowers in the tokonoma. What are they?" To which Kristen replied, "They are called 'Nikko-breeches.'"

Cherry blossoms and hailstorms

Originally published
Friday March 17, 2006

2006 has been a year of extremes in stormy weather, but somehow the cherry trees know when its time to bloom. Even though they have been pelted by unseasonable hail and sleet last week, some intrepid trees have managed to blossom and are making a nice show. By next week, I expect my favorite tree on the corner of Grotto and F streets in Henderson Center (Eureka) will be spectacular next week. That is, unless we have yet another merciless storm. Is that more rain I hear on the window?

The plum trees were blooming -- back in early February -- when I made my last post. We've been rather busy since then, doing tea on a fairly regular basis and, as promised, taught another Tea Ceremony seminar at Humboldt State University (HSU) in Arcata. The format for this seminar was much the same as in 2005 (see previous post) and was attended by 20 students, who, for the most part, enjoyed the class. Several expressed interest in continuing study.

Harvey II taught the class and delivered a history lecture. Eric S. made the trip from Portland to assist in teaching the seminar, and he and Kristen J. and Mie M. all did Usucha and Ryakubondate. We were also assisted by John J., Pia G., Annie, Sherry and myself. Shanna C., as always, kept the dogu cleaned, organized and cataloged. Rich P., his wife Gail, and Shanna's husband Eric assisted in moving dogu and the weighty tatami mats (about 20-1/2 in all). (I hope I didn't forget anyone!) We extend our gratitude to Dr. Gwen Robertson, the HSU Art Department and Dr. Richard Paselk for making the course possible, and to everyone who helped that weekend. We truly appreciate everyone's help, it couldn't be done without you all!

Last year, students were given an assignment to write one Haiku poem. This year, they were assigned to write three Haiku: one which was shared with the class, and two to share with fellow guests while enjoying Tea. One student's poem expressed surprise at how physically demanding Tea is (something to the effect of, "More sweets, more tea, quick! My knees hurt!") Another expressed feelings of longing for a loved one's phone call. Several wrote about dogs (for 2006, the Year of the Dog) and about smiles (the theme for Haiku competition in Japan this year). Others observed weather, trees or flowers. All were wonderful.

We're looking forward to another seminar at HSU. If the budget allows, perhaps there will be one in the fall.

Tea Ceremony Seminar, Spring 2005, HSU

Originally published
Thursday Feb. 2, 2006

A year late in getting out this info. Ah well, it is a teaser for the upcoming 2006 seminar which will take place on February 11-12, 2006.

On the weekend of February 26-27, 2005, Harvey taught another seminar at Humboldt State University. This was the third seminar offered by the HSU Art Department with Gwen Robertson as the instructor of record.

Professor Robertson, along with Dr. Richard Paselk of the Chemistry Department, were instrumental in getting these seminars off the ground. Dr. Paselk was a long-time friend of Professor Lloyd Fulton, and offered assistance and encouragement in launching these seminars.

The seminar began on Saturday with a slide lecture and demonstration of usucha. After a lunch break, class resumed with instruction on being a good tea guest. A homework assignment was given: write a haiku to share with the class. On Sunday, there was discussion, sharing of haiku, and demonstration of dogu (chawan, chaire and natsume, scrolls, futaoki and so on). Instruction on being a guest continued until the lunch break. After lunch, students participated in a tea ceremony, either usucha or ryakubondate, and drew lots to determine guest order and which ceremony they would take part in.

Most students seem to really enjoy the class and gain insight from it.

Harvey was assisted in demonstration and instruction by Kristen Jesenko and Eric Scheenstra; Shanna Cowgil, Mie Matsumoto and Holly Harvey assisted with organizing and cleaning the dogu, and flower arrangements. We received much assistance moving tatami and dogu by Dr. Paselk and several other friends.

Happy Dog Year

Originally published on

Tuesday January 31, 2006

The rain continues on and off, good for growing moss but not for planting cherry trees. The soil is soggy and the wind has been chilly. The cherry tree I bought last fall really needs to go in the ground but I hate to plant it when the soil is so saturated. My garden-mentor Bonnie encourages me to plant it anyway, so the next time there is break in the weather I'll start digging.

And since the rain continues to thwart most outdoor activity, I did some new year weekend garden activities indoors. Mr. Mailman insists on walking through the moss garden, so I've built a little bamboo fence to suggest to him that he might find another route.

Gong hee fat choy!

Chinese-Japanese Tea Exchange

Recently we were approached to demonstrate Cha-no-yu to a Chinese student who practices Chinese tea ceremony. Shuai has studied Chinese tea since she was a teen and learned through a mutual friend at HSU that we practice Japanese tea ceremony. On March 15th we arranged a demonstration at our home chashitsu.

Kristin performed Usucha. Guests were Laura, Kumi, Jay (Kumi's husband), Shuai (the Chinese student) and Holly. Harvey narrated. Kumi and Jay had just gone to San Fransisco and brought fresh manju sweets. We enjoyed Haiken after Usucha.

After tea, Shuai asked several questions about the ceremony, and was interested to know about any symbolic meaning what movements or actions might have. Harvey explained about the Four Principles -- Purity, Tranquility, Respect and Harmony -- and their influence on Cha-no-yu. And later, while we were enjoying sake and senbei in the kitchen, Harvey and Shuai sat down at the computer and watched YouTube videos of both Chinese and Japanese tea ceremonies.

Shuai is anxious to demonstrate Chinese tea ceremony for us, and we are equally excited to see it. We hope to see it at HSU's Asian-Pacific Cultural Festival or sooner if we can manage.

Here's an article written by our local paper about Shuai and her tea practice:

http://www.times-standard.com/ci_8622571

We are arranging a tea demonstration of our own at the HSU festival, but nothing has been finalized yet.