Showing posts with label Wedding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wedding. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Breaking News: Duddhist Monk on Okinawa !

Never a Dull Moment



Taking a circuitous route to work this morning, an extra mile was added to the trip. 

Knowing, I would be doing some strenuous exercise, I stopped at a supermarket.

I bought some energy drinks and powerful energy snacks, six boxes of them.

A park, has a circuit course of exercise benches and weight lifting machines, I wanted to try.

The athletic park, is near the store.  I got hungry along the way and started munching.

Those power bars are sort of dry and crunchy so, I washed them down with power drinks.

There was enough energy stored in me, to do the course, twice. What a buzz !

By the time I got to the office, I still felt supercharged. So, I talked myself into a new challenge.

A friend, told me, I could get online and become an ordained priest. So, that's what I did.


Certificate of Ordination Church of the Latter-Day Dude

Heathens Can Read It and Weep



After I got ordained, they said, I could call myself a priest, minister or, whatever, I want.

So, I decided Duddhist Monk, would be what I'll go by, for the time being.

It's a lot of work, getting started. Spell Check keeps trying to correct me. I don't mind.

Duddhist people are supposed to be really laid back. Get used to us, we're everywhere.



An Extra Mile



As soon as, the documentation was downloaded, I had to get things printed.

A certificate, framed and hanging on the wall, was one necessity, which couldn't be overlooked.

And, a bunch of identification cards (wallet size) needed to be printed.

The sunny weathed disappeared; it got cold, windy and cloudy. No problem.

Duddhists are always cheerful and, an umbrella would protect my documents.

Nobody would notice, a new monk, walking down the street; I was in my regular duds.

It's a good walk, to the Family Mart, I was using to do my printing.  

Placing my umbrella in the rack outside the front door, I went and started printing.

A large color photo paper print and several credit card-sized ones, was only about 2 bucks.

On the way back, I forgot my umbrella, I was so happy. Maybe, I levitated.

Halfway to the office, I remembered the umbrella and, had to float back, to get it.



The Investment Could Be Worth a Million Dollars



There are a few more items, I'll have to purchase, Duddhist stuff like, a robe and hat.

A pair of dark welders glasses, I think, would be more appropriate.

Some sort of flowing robe and maybe, a yellow traffic cone, to be made into a hat.


GIF of a Duddhist Monk performing a matrimony


All I had lying around the office, were some props, I used for a wedding rehearsal.

The back-scratcher, will be replaced with some sort of sacred tree branch.

The black thing, was used to represent my holy (see the hole?) scripture.

Walking that extra mile, I was trying to find a traffic cone but, came up empty handed.

What's most important, is to get practice, being reverent, at the moment.

The wardrobe, will fall into place, eventually.  I need to work on my presentation.

Things like, "Do you take this ___  and, In sickness, health and, all that stuff."

Oh, yeah "Until death do you part unless, one of you get caught cheating."

Then, "By the powers vested in me by the Church of Latter-Day Dude....

I now pronounce you Man and Wife."

I'm thinking of adding something: Generously Tip the Cameraman on the way out !

Monday, June 22, 2015

Okinawan Folktale: The Frog Son

Things Not Always What they Seem

 

 

This story comes from Irabu Island, part of the Miyako Island group.

Different versions of this folklore, may be found in Korea and elsewhere throughout Asia.


green frog, Ryukyu


For years, a wealthy couple were unable to have children.

Long ago, a childless couple would divorce if they could not produce a family heir.

This couple was really in love so, they kept plugging away.

When the woman finally became pregnant, they thanked God for answering their prayers.

Sad thing is, the child was a frog not, a baby.

The couple kept the frog, fed it meals at home and, let it live in a nearby pond.

The frog would be happy, out there, rain or shine, croaking away.

20 years later, when the mother came to visit at the pond, the frog started speaking.

"Hey Mom, ask that girl down by the river to marry me." he says.

Mom thinks he's a little crazy. No girl wants to marry a frog.

But he says, "How can she refuse if, you don't ask her?"

Since this was his first time speaking in twenty years, Mom figured she'd humor him.

She packed up some gifts and went to meet the girl and her parents.

She explained that her son was different but, wanted the girl's hand in marriage.

Of course, the girl's parents want to know more about the lad.

The Papa wanted to know what she meant by "different."

She didn't want to reveal the frog thingy so, she said, "He doesn't speak or, come out much."

The girl was intrigued by this different sort of boy and wanted to meet him.

The frog's mother gave directions to her home and ended her visit.

A few days went by and the parents approved of the marriage.

A wedding was planned.  Friends and family brought gifts to the bridegroom's home.

Strangely, when they entered the house, they became drowsy; couldn't stay awake.

The wedding had to be postponed and everyone went home, except the bride.

The young maiden stayed at the home of the frog's parents and, slept in his room.

The parents wondered but, never asked about the frog. The girl seemed happy.

She would go about the home doing chores each day.

And, the frog stayed at the pond croaking.

A week went by and the wedding celebrations were rescheduled.

The bride put on a feast for all the guests, promising to introduce the husband later.

One of the guests said, "I heard, he isn't a human."

The bride laughed, "He's as human as all of us and, handsome, too."


The frog had a secret. He would go and croak all day at the pond, as a frog.

At night, he took off his frog outfit and stayed with his wife.

Early each morning he dressed as a frog and returned to the pond.

The bride had a secret, too.

She woke up earlier than him and threw his frog suit away, that morning.

The mother overheard the newlyweds discussing the frog suit and entered the room.

She had never seen her handsome son, as a human.

She brought him clothes so, she could introduce him to the guests.

The man became a Ryukyu Lord.

His name was Untana, the big boss.

In the Miyako dialect "untana" means frog.



REFERENCE:
 
Okinawa Folk Stories ISBN978-4-99009-146-0 



OTHER OKINAWAN FOLKTALES

Monday, October 13, 2014

From Yesterday's Wedding: GIF of the Week

bride,groom,mom and dad,wedding

Typhoon Vongfong Didn't Stop Them

 

 

My nephew and his bride had a beach wedding planned.

Along came this typhoon and cancelled the shindig on the shores of Okinawa.

The groom's mom had to think of something quick.

The bride's father had to catch a flight back to Tennessee, today.

Well, she got this kind minister, to let them get married in his church.

And, even got me permission to wear my yellow flip-flops inside.

We were all so excited, hardly anybody could stand still for the wedding.

It took awhile and, lots of shots just to get a few good photos.

But, we gotterdun and, after that, had one heck of a party.

See more photos of the event on my Facebook Page






Thursday, May 15, 2014

Yes RyukyuMike Wears Leather Shoes to Weddings

 Photographic Evidence Attached Below

 

 

Okinawa Wedding place card

The only thing, I stole was this place-card, because my name was on it.

A brand new pair of yellow flip-flops were waiting for me in the car.

A well known fact: After a few hours in shoes, my feet would be killing me.



Okinawan Weddings Are a Blast


The event was held in Precious Hall at Zanpamisaki Royal Hotel.

And, from the minute we walked in to Precious Hall, we were treated like royalty.

A young gal, pulled out my chair and helped me get seated.

Maybe, she thought I was some visiting dignitary or, a senior citizen.

Someone else will have to tell you if all guests, get seated that way.

I didn't  notice.

As soon as I got comfortable, it was time to look around the banquet room.

It's always nice to know, which direction the food and drinks come from.



The Bride and Groom

 

Takatoshi is the guy who invited me to the wedding.  We call him Toshi, for short.

Who ever the artist was, on that card, did a heck of a good job.

The bride's name is Rui.  She's prettier in person.



Precious Hall

 

It's a huge banquet room with seating for 500-600 people.

The tables are round and each one has eight chairs.

It would be nice to know how many folks attended.

The room, filled up, before I could figure out how many tables were in there.

Anyway, after three beers, who's counting ?


Live Dinner Theater

 

Fortunately, the cameras, stayed at home. No photos, were taken by me at this event.

In case, you've never seen an Okinawan wedding, I'll give some links, later.

While all the ceremonies, skits and dances were taking place, we were eating and drinking.

The round tables, are equipped with Lazy Susans.

And, every kind of food imaginable, from rice pasta to Filet Mignon, was served.

There wasn't anyone going away hungry, after this party.

And, they had my favorite drink, Orion Beer.

Only one act, that took place on the stage, caught me by surprise.

There was an Eisa group dancing and beating drums.

The groom, Toshi, was up there, leading them.

Were they trying to wear him out before the honeymoon ?


Enough Rambling

 

By popular demand, here it is.  No drum rolls, please.


RyukyuMike,dressed in shoes for a wedding

Photo Credit: Miss Emi Iha


Note: Black leather shoes on both of my aching feet.

The peace symbol: It's just what people do in Japan, whenever a camera is pointed their way.

Hopefully, if I ever get invited to another wedding, the theme will be Beach Party !







Wednesday, May 7, 2014

The Japanese Wedding Invitation and What's a Kotobuki ?

wedding,invitation,Japan,kanji

A Fancy Card Arrives in the Mail


This photo shows the outside view of a wedding invitation in Japan.

Fortunately, there are friends and family to help me with the translation.

The gold kanji character reads, Kotobuki.




Translation to English Can Be Tricky

 

 

Serious research, on this kotobuki thing, started last night.

Verbally, I probably, got as many different meanings as the number of beers I consumed.

But, I like to get verification from some written source, before, I start writing.

Jeffrey's Dictionary says it can mean: Congratulations, felicitations, best wishes.

And, longevity or, long life.


Namiko Abe, teaches Kanji characters at About (dot) Com

She shows you how to write it, useful compounds and even, sends out a newsletter.

Her definitions:  Longevity and Congratulations

She got me checking and, I found one of those compounds, engraved in stone.

If somebody took the time to carve "Long Life" on a rock, that's good enough for me.



Variations in Kanji

 

Just as sure as our handwriting may differ, kanji characters can change, too.

So, I took the research a bit farther and found all kinds of stuff.

People paint these letters, have them tattooed and do all kinds of things with them.

There's one, I'd call a bellybutton box.  How wild is that ?


Several variations of the script may be seen at StockKanji.

And, you could order some fancy calligraphy from them, at reasonable prices.




What to Do After You Receive a Kotobuki Card

 

Inside this card, is a smaller one, about the size of a business card.

Customs and proper etiquette may differ from prefecture to prefecture, in Japan.

It would be wise to consult with a local expert, in this case.

In Okinawa, the little card, tells you which table you will be seated at.

In the Expat's Guide to Japan that card, is handled differently.

It should be sent as an RSVP.

For people living in the Ryukyu Islands, there is no need to RSVP.

Everybody goes, anytime there's a party !


Over at Surviving in Japan, they have an article worth reading.



 Japanese Wedding Etiquette at eHow, is worth looking at, too.


wedding,card,Japan


 Just to be on the safe side, I took my wedding invitation to a book store.

And, asked the gal at the counter to help me select an appropriate wedding envelope.

With all my studying and searching, caught up for the day, I pointed at that gold kanji.

She was surprised.  I could read, Kotobuki !













  


Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Photo of the Week: It Really Is A Small World After All !


Crazy things happen to me all the time.

Like yesterday,  I was taking photos at the International Orchid Show.

This guy come up and taps me on the shoulder and says, "Mikesan."

Well, I looked at him and said, " Sashiburi.".

Don't worry.  I wasn't cussin'.  That's short for "Long time-no see."

Talk about a small world.  Sometime, last century,  I was the best man at his sister's wedding.

That was in California, USA.

When he found out I was a cameraman, everyone in his group wanted pictures.

Well, some gal handed me one of those throw-away film cameras and I told her I forgot how to operate them.  So,  I took a few photos with the newfangled thing for them.

Folks, over here, of a certain age, don't have internet and email.  That's the easiest way for me to send them printable photo files.  Email is kinda scary, ya know and computers even worse.

Dang,  I wish I could remember that gal's name from the wedding thing, I did.

Maybe, she has a computer back in California and will recognize her brother.

That way,  I could get an address and mail a photo to the guy and his friends.








Sunday, November 6, 2011

Sunday's Silly Sign (Photo) NOV 6, 2011: Fire in My Hand


WARNING !

I carry a 700º C fire in my hand

WITH PEOPLE WALKING ALL AROUND ME.

Facrynoutloud dude, that looks like it could be the OLYMPIC TORCH !

This Sunday's Silly Sign was discovered at a beach, somewhere in Okinawa, Japan.

Now, I ain't giving the location away.




TO SEE MORE OF OKINAWA'S SILLY SIGNS VISIT THE DOOZIES


STOP BY MY WEBSITE FOR THE PHOTO OF THE DAY


Saturday, October 29, 2011

On the Beach in Okinawa, Japan We Have Everything

There's sand, surf, beach volleyball, swimming, boating, fishing.....

... and sometimes.....


.....sometimes.....


.....SOMETIMES.....



WE HAVE WEDDINGS AT THE BEACH.

Do you have everything, including weddings, on the beach where you live ?


VISIT MY HOMEPAGE FOR THE PHOTO OF THE DAY