Tuesday, September 29, 2009
The Seasons: Early Autumn 2009
October * Onitsura * Basho
Almost seamlessly or, one can say, without losing a stride we moved from summer into autumn. October is around the corner. Two days back the day-time temp. was in the 90's (31 deg. C). Today it is in the 70's. Hopefully, the rains will come soon. We need them.
"Early autumn:
Tree leaves flutter, and autumn begins."
-- Uejima Onitsura (1631-1738)
Translated by Hiroaki Sato and Burton Watson, From the Country of Eight Islands
"Mottoes:
Don't dwell on your virtues.
--Matsuo Basho, 1692
Translated by Hiroaki Sato and Burton Watson, From the Country of Eight Islands
It is the time of the year when I think of hot soups, roasted root vegetables, and foraging for wild mushrooms. Last season was disappointing. I have a feeling that this year the chanterelles would be back in force.
