Before our Japanese student Akari left, she gave each of us presents to thank us for hosting her during her visit in Atlanta. She gave us some wonderful candies, snacks, chopsticks, personal notes, origami paper, and her personal calligraphy pen (which was the most touching of the lovely gestures). She demonstrated how to write her name and her parents’ names with the pen before handing it to my daughter and asking her to share with all of us since she only had one. Akari’s name is actually quite intricate in terms of the characters—she admits it is a very difficult name to write, and that it means (if I recall well enough) something like vivid blue everlasting. Her father named her. I told her I thought he chose so very well. Before she went to bed (we would have to awake at 3:00 am to meet the airport shuttle), I asked if she might keep one petal of the flowers I put in her room for her visit. Some yellow roses.
While my family laughed at my gesture, Akari knew what I meant—to press a petal and let it dry between sheets of paper, so the flower is a reminder of the time we shared. I’m so glad she understood.
My get-pushed partner Nada this week asked me "to celebrate [my] love of words in pictures - open to however [I] choose to interpret that." So, I chose for my first attempt Akari’s name with one of the roses I had in her room. Her name is as intricate and beautiful as the way a rose opens up its blossom. Vivid. Everlasting. Akari.
I am tearing up.I love the idea of cultural and personal exchange.It is a powerful experience.thank you for sharing Daryl. This is amazing for your push.A fav.
D, so amazing your exchange. That petal will travel half way around the planet as a remembrance of Akari's visit. And your have her name to remind you of her as you writ eit with her pen. Priceless.
Daryl, this is a fantastic way to meet your get-pushed challenge. I loved your narrative to go with a beautiful image. I was drawn in by the calligraphy and the perfectly shaped, vivid rose. What a special time you had - it's clear from reading the lines as well as between the lines.
That rose looks so REAL that I'm sure I can smell it! And what a sweet story of Akari's gift, and your response. I wish we could sit down with a cup of tea and talk about that whole visit! btw, thanks for your help and feedback in helping @vankrey and me finalize the text for the website. We launched it on Friday (and posted a discussion on it, thanking you for your help!)
