Bucket List Item #2 Accomplished Today-Long Photo

A long time ago I lived in Japan as an exchange student. This was in 1986-87 so we are talking way long ago. I had no idea what the cherry blossom meant to the Japanese people before I went to Japan but I learned all about it. As part of my learning I got to make my own kimono by hand. I had the grandmother at the Buddhist temple where I was living at the time every night give me sewing lessons. That was precious I mean she spoke no English. She told me great stories of before the war and after the war. She taught me about Buddhism and peace. She was a wonderful old lady.

During the time I lived at the temple it was cherry blossom viewing time. I went to all sorts of parties indoor and outdoor. I saw kimonos that had cherry blossoms woven into the design. By this point I already had a maiden's kimono and didn't need another one. I still loved cherry blossom kimonos.

Ever since I read the magazine No-No and saw all the sakura (cherry blossom kimonos) I had to get one. This is 32 years later today I got my cherry blossom kimono. I was shopping on Etsy and saw one and I loved it. It was not that much money. It has never been worn as the basting that is done at the end of a kimono being sewn has not been removed it is a giveaway it is new. I could tell all this from the photos on Etsy. I had found my kimono. The colour is the colour I have loved all these years. I don't have an obi any longer (or accessible) and don't need one. I can just wear my kimono and love it forever.

Elannah エラーンナ