The DPW (Dutchess Putnam Westchester) Ikebana Sogetsu Group began its class on March 23, 2026. I jokingly thought, I had hibernated for three months! The warmer weather, longer daylight and Ikebana class are really helping my depression.
We have three lessons: (1) Basic Slanting Style Nageire, book 1-10.
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| My arrangement, boxwood and mum |
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| Sensei’s demo arrangement |
I had done this subject before in Mainline Sogetsu Branch, PA. I remembered Hata Sensei used more than two containers then. So, I would like challenge myself to use three containers this time in the DPW class. I have to use the flower materials that the class provided. If I could have prepared my own flowers, I thought I might do a better job, because of containers I brought were a little bit of a challenge for me.
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| I brought my own branches forsythia, the others were provided. |
In book 3-20, the subject was to sketch your original idea of the composition which you would like to make an arrangement of. But at the end it always looked somewhat different than you think!
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| Vine, Aspidistra and mum / ceramic |
This was a letter that I randomly picked out from my husband’s many letters, that he wrote six decades ago. Here’s the translation for English version.
Dearest Lynn (玲):
I was so delighted to receive your letter yesterday! I haven’t seen you and we haven’t been together for so many days! I miss you very very much! Have you ever heard of anyone not sleeping for 36 hours? I was so busy delivering babies and …(he was on Ob/Gynecology rotation, on his shift). I was so sorry for not writing you a letter sooner! You must be anxious and restless! I am so sorry! But you must understand, to be a doctor is not hard but to be a good doctor is a tough task, a lot of sacrifice and dedication. To be a good doctor should be respected, right?
That evening, I was so excited to see you, you looked well and healthy! Although we only had a couple of hours together, it left me with such happiness, sweet memories! Your apple red cheeks, smile and joyful look, I couldn’t tell you enough how pretty and lovely you were! My heart was filled with love and longing for you. I didn’t want to leave you, but this was only a temporary goodbye, until next time when I am off duty, I will see you again.
I love you and I miss you! 深愛妳的常吉(Chanchi) 10/3/1966
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| Everlasting Love. pine and Japanese anemone |
The weather this week was surprisingly warm, two days reached up to 70+ degrees! But it was just a fleeting moment. It’s back to reality now, still in the winter. I took advantage of the warm and sunshine to take a walk with my husband to nearby Northern Dutchess Hospital, where we were able to stroll around the park path comfortably! We did the walk three times in a row this week. It lifted up my spirits a little and had me feeling cheerful a little too!
I really admire and appreciate this Cattleya orchid plant! The condition of this house for orchids is not very ideal but the two orange color orchids (from division) are blooming still! This tough Cattleya blooms almost every year! (3/13/2026)
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| 3/10/2026, 3 flowers (right) |
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| 7 flowers. 3/10/2026 |
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| Two plants, small one from division |
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| 2/17/2026 |
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| 2/17/2026 |
