Day 3846: Miyabi and wet stuff.

   

"Old news":junk mail collage, inks

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Miyabi Creates Stunning, One-of-a-Kind Kimonos for Coming of Age Day

The second Monday of January is a special day for youths across Japan who are turning 20. A national holiday in Japan, Coming of Age Day is meant to celebrate, congratulate and encourage those who are entering adulthood. The Kyushu region of Japan in particular is known for their youths who sport over-the-top kimonos that break every rule of Japan’s culture of conformity. And one artist helps their special day be perfect be creating custom-made attire.

Based in Fukuoka, with outlets in Tokyo, Chiba and Osaka, Miyabi works with individual clients to custom-create their perfect attire. She’ll listen to their many wants and needs and then spend several months working with a team of textile designers and seamstresses to create the look. Titled “Kimono Rebellion,” the New York exhibition highlighted the many rules and norms that, only on this day, were tossed out the window. Pink hues and colorful flowers which are typically seen as feminine are freely adorned by men. Rhinestones and faux-fur, another fashion faux pas when it comes to traditional kimonos, are also heavily used, making each kimono more colorful and theatrical than the next.  A great, short video, here.

 

The kimonos don’t come cheap though, and many youths will begin planning and saving years in advance. But for many, this one final hurrah before stepping into adulthood is more than worth it.

A gift of wet stuff from the sky!

I love the rain & we don't get much in SoCal. However, last week several days in row & I am thrilled!

Happy, happy, happy! 

At a stop light I noticed the birds on the traffic light ... do you ever notice how they congregate?

 

Usually in groups.

But I wondered why this one bird was alone? Was he tired of the other six? A disagreement maybe?

I wanted to get a close up, 

but ... as you can see, 

my left turn light signal lit up.

I love to do errands in the rain ...

lots of different views.

My shots are mainly determined by red lights ...

or really slow traffic ...

or heaven help us ... 

 traffic!

 

 

A great 2+minute video, Bowhead whale, here.

 

Just because ...

 

Black-naped pheasant-pigeon

 

Smiles for Tuesday ...

 

 

 

  

 

                             Thanks for coming by today ...

 

 

Day 3845: Permafrost plants and more Karate.

"Constant Pressure": junk mail collage, digital.

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What you are looking at are plants that were grown from seeds buried in permafrost for nearly 32,000 years after being discovered on the banks of the Kolyma River in Siberia in 2015.

More details/photos: http://bit.ly/3Zc0vcV

Thanks Rad Nana!!

 Two-time Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame honoree Fumio Demura marks a rare milestone anniversary this weekend as he celebrates his 75th anniversary

 

As mentioned earlier, this weekend was a whirlwind of activities, culmination in the 53rd Annual Goodwill Tournament, held at Century High School gym. The day featured, judges, Sensei's and competitors from all over the globe. Argentina,  Costa Rica, Panama, France, Germany, Greece, Chile, England, Mexico, Canada, and dojos from all over the US, as well as invited dojos and visitors.

We had a stellar celebration banquet Saturday evening at Angelo and Vinci's in Fullerton. I am going to post random photos from this event.

The head table had visiting Chief Instructors to join Demura Sensei

 

 

Pittsburgh, Kansas Dojo

 

Saturday, Daytime featured batto competition

and many clinics at Sunday's tournament site. 

Despite the abnormally cold and rainy weather this year, I think all of our visitors had a great time in California! The long days were been full of training hard and learning a lot about karate, kobudo, batto, competition, and Genbu-Kai ourorganization.The short nights consist of resting and recuperating the tired muscles and achy bodies.

 

Sunday was Tournament Time ...

 

Sean Kannon and Bassilio Bessis (Greece)

Denise Carras and Demura Sensei in a very cold gym!

It has been incredible to see Genbu-Kai family and friends from all over the world once again. It's hard sometimes to find the right words to adequately express our gratitude and gratefulness to Demura Sensei for what his existence and accomplishments truly means to all of us. We celebrate with him this inspiring achievement.

 

Congratulations to Demura Fumio Sensei who has Celebrating his 75th year practicing Karate-Do. Wishing him many more years of good health, happiness, as an inspiration for all of us. 

 

 

 

A cute 3-minute video, Twins, here.

 

Just because ...

 

Albatross

 

Smiles for Monday ...

 

  

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

                             Thanks for coming by today ...