So, I’m late on the new year’s wishes and felicitations. That’s OK, right?
I travelled back to my hometown of Gotemba for the occasion. Arriving at night, the town was as quiet as ever. But I could see that the old royal residence wasn’t immune to the tides of time.
The Subway I had eaten at many times was no longer there, much to my dismay. They’ve been disappearing slowly across the country, I feel. Would anyone be interested in investing in some sub stock? I could really use a good sandwich!
A few steps from Subway, there was a ramen shop I’d aim to partake of every Friday to celebrate the end of the week, but that too was either closed or gone. I still couldn’t tell after squinting in through the window from across the street.
Here are some more highlights from my trip:
Lastly, I took some time out on Sunday to hit up my local shrine for my yearly fortune. Before you skip ahead, you can read what last year’s fortune had in store for me!
The quote about the plum blossom blooming after a hard winter fulfilled its prophecy as we all stumbled into a year with Uncle Covid. Seriously, who invited him? Not only did I have familial brushes with possible infection, I also lost my Aunt Judy. She had a brain aneurysm that ripped her rather violently from us and I’m still sad knowing I won’t ever see her again.
Let’s have a moment of silence. That 2020 fortune had “a sad event” pinned down to a T.
I panicked too after hearing that my only grandma had fallen and broken her leg. What a heart stopper that was! I thought I would have to drop everything and move back home. Mixed in there was a several month-long mental breakdown that had me questioning if I even belonged on this earth.
Through it all, I managed to regain a sense of myself by concentrating on my painting, floral wreaths, and my relationships with my friends. Yay!
Another something that came true was the advice not to travel. I don’t think any of us saw a worldwide shutdown in the cards, but it happened! I ignored the warnings and was extra careful taking some time for myself as I worked my way around Kanazawa.
This year in 2021, my fortune is extremely lucky! I had some help from an acquaintance translating it. Thank you, Mika! The words of wisdom, too, are very auspicious.
渦を巻く (うずをまく – As the whirlpools spiral)
谷の小川の丸木橋渡る (たにの おがわの まるきばし わたる – Cross the log bridge over the valley river)
夕べの心地するかな (ゆうべの ここちするかな – You’ll arrive at your heart’s hearth tonight)
My interpretation is affected by others’ interpretations on Japanese ask sites in that there are difficulties ahead, but I have the faculty to overpower them and reach the other side. Life is a powerful current that pulls and pushes us where it may, just as the water in the river ebbs and flows.
Below is my complete fortune for the areas of life:
- 願望 (ねがいごと, negaigoto, hopeful wishes) – You’ll remember how to get over your misgivings.
- 待人 (まちびと, machibito, awaiting person) – They won’t come.
- 失物 (うせもの, usemono, lost item) – It’ll be difficult to find. It might be low to the ground.
- 旅行 (たびだち, tabidachi, travel) – Travel on a lucky day.**
- 商売 (あきない, akinai, business) – Buy stocks that have a low risk of loss.
- 学問 (がくもん, gakumon, school) – Be relaxed. It’s a good time to study.
- 相場 (そうば, souba, stock market) – Sell; you’ll have a large profit.
- 争事 (あらそい, arasoi, quarrels) – You’ll come out the winner if you wait.
- 恋愛 (れんあい, rennai, love) – You’ll have happiness.
- 転居 (やうつり, yautsuri, moving) – Now is not a good time.
- 出産 (おさん, osan, pregnancy) – If you are careful, you’ll have a safe delivery.
- 病気 (びょうき, byouki, sickness) – If you believe in the gods, you’ll be cured.
- 縁談 (えんだん, endan, marriage) – You will be tempted by others’ words.
**Have you ever noticed that there are markings on each day of the month on a Japanese calendar? These are called 六曜 (ろくよう, rokuyou) or the “days of fortune” and follow the Buddhist practice of auspiciousness. Nippon.com offers a succinct chart.
How was your New Year’s celebrations? Did you do anything exciting or did you just chillax and hang out?
Let me know!
Until next time.
A Journal for Ashley 