Years ago, when I was attending college and teaching Art to school-aged children for the YMCA’s after school program in Manhattan (NYC), I stumbled upon and became fascinated by Origami. I purchased a kit at a local Barnes & Nobles, a favorite spot for starving college kids or at least for me.
When my child became old enough to learn how to fold paper into different shapes, I returned to Barnes & Nobles, this time in Madison, WI, and purchased an Origami calendar. I have had the immense privilege of watching my child love this technique and elevating her art by creating hundreds of these beautiful cranes and hanging them up at the shop where I work or gifting them to others.
I also realize what an immense gift it is to have paper to fold in the first place, any kind you like, because of the vast varieties available to us today, here, in the USA. I did not have that. Growing up I also did not know about Origami and I had never seen a real life crane until moving to the Midwest.
In Japan, the crane is one of the mystical or holy creatures… and symbolizes good fortune and longevity because of its fabled life span of a thousand years (google dictionary).
Living in a small town continues to be a journey for me; Art and a number of you, have helped me get through the toughest of times. I can’t convey enough how traveling and teaching in other communities have strengthened my resolve to make it work, and spread joy through Art, right here.
My family and I continue to volunteer and give back at every opportunity we can; we want to enjoy living where we are and contributing to the town with our talents and sweat. We feel immensely grateful to be able to share our lives with Ai, our exchange student from Japan, however short she is here. I have my friend Joanna to thank for introducing me to 4H in general even though my partner grew up being a member. Seeing our lives through Ai’s experiences will go down as a top five all time high for me. I can now say the same for my partner and child.
I also am grateful beyond belief to have been born in another country, to experience a rich life here and continue to expand on the knowledge base that living affords us.
