2/8/26 Calligraphy Workshop #1 at the Poughkeepsie Galleria

The atmosphere of our member’s “Kakizome”, the First Writing of the Year, was not as chaotic as the traditional one that we remember as school kids, when we would try to write characters as large as possible before burning them at the Tondo Festival and seeing whose ashes would rise the highest. Instead, here we were in a much calmer and quieter atmosphere at the Galleria’s community room, trying to write something suitable for the new year to raise our spirits. But the inner energy was as high and positive as when we were kids.

Today’s workshop reminded me of the true meaning of the First Writing of the New Year – that from where you are standing at the beginning of the new year, you can see the future rising higher than where you are. That is, I believe, the pure spirit of the Kakizome.

This is a rare 60-year cycle with the Year of the “Fire” Horse, a symbol of vitality, passion and high energy. I hope everyone who works hard will find triumphant achievements this year.

Midori Shinye

Calligraphy Instructor