It is kinda off the topic of this account, but I thought it was important to share. When I decided to move to the US, I had nothing but my wife. Toward the end of 2013, I lost pretty much everything I had. The ordinary I never doubted to lose became something extraordinary I don’t ever enable to regain. I was devastated, and even worse, I had no way to get myself back. I couldn’t “work” in the US due to my immigrant status. I couldn’t validate my existence.
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It is funny to say that I enjoy paying the Tax, but I do. I feel I am contributing to society, and more importantly, it validates that I am doing something “with/for” Sashiko. We all have ups and downs. Sh_ts can happen to any of us. It is often difficult to realize happiness. However… well, in fact, “therefore”, I would like to protect the ordinary of (our) Sashiko.
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I enjoy Sashiko being in trend. It means a lot more people have a chance to come across this interesting culture. I hope we don’t fantasize Sashiko more than necessary. Sashiko isn’t a silver bullet since Sashiko exist(ed) in the ordinary. However, when we keep learning what Sashiko is, we may be able to find another form of silver bullet. Therefore, I ask, please keep learning what the Sashiko really is.
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3月27日の刺し子運針会。3名の方よりご希望頂けて、開催が決定しました。「不定期＆問い合わせが必要」という、このご時世に反する超面倒な手順を踏んでいる運針会ですが、こうしてご縁が頂けること、何よりも嬉しく思っています。運針はあくまで入り口です。料理でいうと出汁の取り方とか、包丁の使い方という感じです。なので、「運針だけ学べばOK」とは全く思っていなくて、その運針をご紹介した後も一緒に刺し子を楽しめるように丁寧にお伝えできたらと思っているのです。
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やっぱり、「刺し子友達が欲しい」っていうのが一番の動機なんでしょうね。4年前に配信を始めた時から動機は変わってないです。
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2021-03-17 10:06:48
3名の方に楽しんでいただけますように😊
Congratulations! It’s so hard to be an immigrant, and even harder to be one where the main language isn’t your native one. I know what you mean about paying taxes, because I feel the same way about paying mine in the UK! (I’m an American who moved to England nine years ago.)
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Bellísimo trabajo bordado ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for your thoughtful posts and inspiringly beautiful work. You have again reminded me to be grateful and never take anything for granted. 💛
Yes ! 😊🤗🌺
The vilification of paying taxes is wild to me too! Being able to say that I have enough, I can now take care of others is really gratifying, esp knowing that that money goes to schools and Social services and safety nets! Cultural artefacts as well, things we didn’t think we’d lose but do, are very important for identity performance! A lot of my interest and work is discussing this exact feeling! 🙌🙌🙌 Love to see it my friend!
The original ordinariness of sashiko is exactly why I find it so interesting. The fact that it was a craft for survival. This, to me, means it carries a great deal of extraordinary importance. Nowadays perhaps the trendiness means it is more valued for beautiful stitching in an aesthetic way, or in a symbolic way (through repeating a craft we can remember and keep alive a cultural heritage) but I think even if the modern stitcher isn’t so aware of the origins while making a piece, the stitching itself can carry the story for others who see it and who do understand. I absolutely understand the high value of ‘ordinary’. When I make a list of my most precious items I own, the handmade items by my family and friends, those which were made with thought and care and effort, are always at the top. Also other very ordinary objects like my favourite wooden spoon for cooking 😂 Sorry to hear you lost everything but glad to hear your work is now bringing you purpose!