Over the last 4 years or so, many kindly advise me to structure the system of “Certification” or “Atsushi Certified Sashiko Teacher” to expand my business. I know how this will impact me financially, but I do not plan to issue a “ticket to teach (represent) Sashiko” as I am still in the learning phase, and I will be in the same phase 50 years from now in Sashiko. Again, money is an important vehicle to reach the goal of me keep sharing the Sashiko. Money is not the “Goal” of what I do.
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Although I do not issue “certification”, I encourage everyone who takes my workshop & keeps stitching with me to “teach” Sashiko when they have opportunities. I am so glad that Jade (@the_jadefalcon) decided to take her first step. In the trend where anyone can copy what I do & “imitate” from a technical & appearance perspective, it is very grateful that someone who is serious in learning can speak on my behalf. A new teacher may not teach Sashiko as efficiently as I do, but I am sure that they can convey the most important message I have been sharing.
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In the workshop FL, some participants told me that they would like to take my workshop again – not because they didn’t get what they expected, but they thought there would be more to learn & enjoy stitching. I am now getting more confident in what I am sharing – please learn “the Sashiko we have been practicing”, which isn’t introduced in English yet. It will make a significant difference in your Sashiko – not only the way to respect the culture, but also the way to respect yourself. I am sure that Jade will do a fantastic job! (For Sign-Up, check her Account)
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刺し子を教えるようになって5年。多くの方に「刺し子教えたらどう？」とお伝えしてきました。軽い感じで伝えるので真剣に捉えて頂けないことも多いみたいなのですが、日本、オーストラリア、イタリア…と少しずつ私達の運針を伝えて下さる方が増えていて嬉しい限りです。これまでは全て日本人の方だったのですが、今回はアメリカで非日本人の方の挑戦。沢山話して、準備もして、一歩を踏み出す勇気を出してくれたことに感謝です。
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昔は「教えることを教えるのも技術」と思い、金銭的なことも考えていましたが、もう今は「源流が明確な刺し子が伝わればいい」とだけ思っています。ウェブ上に転がる刺し子を自分なりに解釈した「独学」が悪い訳ではないのですが、誰から教わったかを辿ることはとても大事だと思うから。文化って先人あってのものですからね。
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#Sashiko #刺し子
Starting this weekend, this account will be a bit “busy” in terms of “Stories” and posts as I will be in Japan for the first time in the last 10 years. It is scary that I feel scared to go back to my own country… I will still try to share our Sashiko Stories with photos from Japan. The difference would be the amount & contents of the writing. As I often wish you to think through or contemplate in reading my stories, I write to encourage you to read between the lines. For the coming 2 weeks, it will be more direct, and I will focus on narrating the stories.
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I set up a “GiveButter” funding site for those who had offered (or wish to offer) some financial support for this Japan Tour. In there, I will share as many photos/videos as possible as we go through our special itinerary. For the link, please check the “Story Highlight” of Japan Tour.
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Tomorrow (April 7th) is the last day that I can prepare the order for Sashiko supplies via @Upcyclestitches. If you wish to receive the Sashiko Thread in April, please place the order before tomorrow’s sunset. I really appreciate your support & understanding!
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今週末から2週間ほど、このアカウントが少し忙しくなる予定です。日々不安と恐怖が増していく自分の生まれ育った国への一時帰国が、もう目の前です。8時間ぶっ通しで超絶緊張下にあるワークショップと違い、比較的時間にも心にも余裕があると思いますので、できるだけ沢山の写真をここで紹介できればなと思っています（一番の詳細は英語で、PatreonやGiveButterと行った作家支援サイト経由でご紹介する予定です。興味がある方は英語版のJapan Tour Story のハイライトをご覧ください）
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4月19日から22日の間に開催される「刺し子の展示会」についても、今後しっかりと宣伝していけたらと思っています。開催期間中に行われるワークショップは、一部満席になってしまっておりますが、コースターのワークショップはまだ空きがありますので、恵子さんや運針会の皆様の刺し子を見ながら、恵子さんが見る刺し子を楽しんで頂ければと思っています。21日のオフ会も、会場を変更したことから、もう少し余裕はある感じです。日本とアメリカと世界中と…刺し子がご縁でインターネット上で繋がれた皆様とオフラインで会う機会です。楽しみだー！
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#Sashiko #刺し子 #刺し子展示会
“How can I reach the summit? I want to see the view from the top of the mountain you introduce”. Well. I can show some photos or videos of the view from the summit. One can probably use a helicopter to get to the summit without climbing. Even when they decide to climb the mountain on their own foot, there are millions of mountains and millions of ways to climb the mountains. For the mountain climber, the view from the summit is one of the joys – but not whole joy. Do they only enjoy the view from the summit? I believe they enjoy the process of being on the top of the mountain.
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I feel similar when someone asks me for quick answers. Yes, I can tell them what it looks like. Many books & tutorials explain how beautiful the views from the summits of each mountain are. Some offer a ride to the summit. The other may live-stream the view from the summit. “Every possible way” is a great way to enjoy “it”, but not the whole picture.
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There are no (universal) answers, but there is (your own answer). My job is to teach how to climb as many mountains as possible safely & respectfully so that one can find their own way of enjoying the process. Therefore, Sashiko is a cultural practice – not just an Art form. Therefore, “teaching” without cultural context can destroy the practice itself.
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I know the joy of reaching the summit. It isn’t only about the view from the summit. It is the process of climbing, sometimes by myself, or sometimes with someone who shares the same value. There is nothing wrong with asking for the photos from the summit. However, when you are ready, please join me to be a climber to say “I like mountains”.
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一人の作業が多いはずの刺し子を通して、運よく素敵なご縁に恵まれて素敵な時間を過ごすことができています。この出張の次は日本。「刺し子そのものが大好きです」という私にとっての初めての日本です。きっと全く違う日本なんだろうと思います。鏡を見る度に親父を思い出して、当時大嫌いだった親父が思っていたことに思考を寄せてみています。過去は美化されるものだと承知の上で、10年経って漸く父親の死に向き合う時が来たのだろうと思っています。
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#Sashiko #刺し子
Sashiko is “more” than just making “perfect (accurate/even) stitches”. Therefore, we do not embrace the imperfection to begin with as it exists outside of dualism. The workshop/class I offer is an opportunity to share what “more” is like by going through the technique, then stories to explain the techniques. 6 years ago, I started the workshop in self-doubt if I were to have something to offer. Now, I enjoy being a graduate, but certain changes in their eyes. A new student who also doubts my words that “everyone can do this” will become my friend who thinks it is not that difficult. I am proud of myself working hard to develop this, appreciative to those who have me as a teacher/lecturer, and sincerely thankful for those who invest their time & money to learn “it” from me.
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Sashiko & related stories are non-significant to me. They are just my ordinary. However, the “ordinary” is very different from the ordinary you may have. Unfortunately, the Sashiko introduced in English are filtered & adjusted to fit your “ordinary”. One needs to realize & go through something “uncomfortable” to learn something new, especially when they think they are learning something foreign. It can be a painful path to learn – yet, it is my job to make it enjoyable. I will go through the uncomfortable & difficult times together. I am strict, but not suppressive. I am stubborn, but there are reasons for that.
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As I trust teachers who do the practice (here Sashiko), I prioritize stitching over teaching. The opportunities aren’t everywhere… but if you find one available, please consider taking it. It is NOT the workshop where I go over things saying “let’s do Sashiko together” – I believe I am offering something more than just “fun time” to share what is “more” in Sashiko.
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また素敵な機会を頂きました。初日の1時間で運針をお見せした際に「こんなんできる訳が無い」という怒りにも似た諦めの表情をされる中で「大丈夫だから」と断言した言葉を証明する三日間です。二日目以降には笑顔で談笑しながら刺し子をされているのをみると、これこそが刺し子の本質なんだろうなと思うのです。初日の皆さんの顰めっ面を冗談にしながら、「刺し子とは」という命題に各々で向かってもらう。何より「できるようになってもらう」。教え続ける為には刺し子をし続けることが大切なので、ずーっと教えてばかりとは行きませんが、年に数回でもこうやって素敵な機会を作っていけたらと思っています。楽しかった。めちゃ疲れたけど。
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#Sashiko #刺し子 #SashikoWorkshop
10 years ago. Everything of my current Sashiko Journey started in 2013. My life was full of Sashiko even before 2013. However, the dedication, commitment, and passion I had were released at the end of the year. Ever since, I have not been back to Japan. There are several reasons that I have not done yet so… but in today’s society, it is kind of insane to not to go back to one’s own country for that long time. I am a bit scared… yet, I have a strong purpose in this visit. It is to share the “Sashiko Stories” of others from my own views. I will be visiting Japan from April 11th to 25th. This is a project of “Visiting Sashiko Japan 2023” – and I sincerely appreciate your support on this Journey. (As a return, I would like to offer the dedicated webpage for the “Visiting Sashiko Japan 2023”).
The main purpose of this Japan visit in 2023 is to fulfill the promise I made in 2020 – that I will take my Sashiko friends to Japan. There are many who trusted, supported, and encouraged me in the very difficult time in the Pandemic by waiting me to re-arrange the tour. So, I will take my Sashiko Friends to Japan, to enjoy the Sashiko I have been sharing to.
This main purpose is going to be fulfilled as I have already booked most of the things & planned a quite detailed itinerary. With paying attention to our health & safety, I consider it to be almost satisifed… now, I have another purpose crossing my mind. This is probably not a “Purpose” when I put it into the words. This can be more like my “wishes”, or even my “mission (responsibility)”. While visiting Sashiko Japan 2023, I would like to share “Someone’s Sashiko Story”. Almost every day, I share my own Sashiko Stories on SNS (such as Instagram). It is my own personal stories – yet there are probably millions of Japanese who have been (or have done) practicing Sashiko. I would like to, and I feel responsible, to share the stories of those Sashiko Artisans especially with decades (like 50+ years) of experience in Sashiko. Thanks to many support from Japanese friends, we are planning to see several Sashiko Artisans who aren’t well known, yet very experienced, in Japan. I will share some of the stories on the SNS. However, the SNS is a platform to share my own Sashiko Stories. Therefore, I prepare the dedicated webpage for this story. I really appreciate your support to sustain this by joining the Givebutter Funds Page Above.
*If you are already a supporter on Patreon, you will find a link on the Patreon Page at the beginning of April 2023.
*I prepared a dedicated postcard as a memento for your generous support. Please check the detail above.
Why can we find more “Sashiko Stories” in English?
I wrote my honest consideration about “Sashiko Stories”. Why is it so difficult to find someone who share their own Sashiko Stories in English? (If you know anyone sharing their Sashiko Stories – not the techhnique of “How to”, but more like their Stories to illustrate what Sashiko is for them).
One of the biggest barrier is language. The second possible obstacle is the Japanese Cultural “Expectation”. I will be overcoming both by being a “Japanese Sashiko Artisan” who actually stitch, instead of purchasing for trade, critiquing their culture, and researching for the history. I am 100% sure that there are millions of stories that I can listen to as an actual practitioner.
The purpose of Visiting Sashiko Japan 2023 has developed from just taking my friends to Japan, to share the Sashiko we love to everyone, including you.
For 2023, I can only take a very few Sashiko friends with me. It isn’t a commertialized tour, a simple friend trip to Japan. Therefore, although I have a list of Google Form Submition received, I feel bad that I cannot offer anything to them. As I always say it here and there, “Inclusion” is always my intention. Even the discussion of Cultural Appropriation is for the purpose of inclusion.
I have been thinking what I can do for those who wish to be in Japan, yet not being able to for many reasons. The answer is the dedicated website (a series of blog with photos & videos) for those who are interested & have been supporting our activities.
I won’t be able to take everyone with me, but I want them to be a part of this experience. I will share as many Sashiko Stories, including mine but more importantly “Other’s Sashiko Stories”.
I hope to see you there on the Dedicated Website (the detail is on the GiveButter platform above).
*If you would like to be on the Waitling List for the Future [Visiting Sashiko Japan], please fill out the Google Form below. Thank you!
I sometimes say that it is “too late” to pass down “Sashiko”. Many encourage me saying “nothing is too late”, yet some agree with me that the Sashiko in English has become something different. It is true that nothing is “too late” to start. However, there are reasons for my pessimistic expression: Why is it so difficult to find someone who shares stories about Sashiko rather than just teaching “How To”? As Sashiko is a cultural practice, there should be millions of stories out there, right? ☆ The language barrier kicks in here. Decades (or +50) of experience & English Proficiency do not come together often. Also, a Japanese character of “Shame” may influence why their “personal” stories are not out there. I understand that the Stories often are contained within a family. So, what I am doing is insane, or even embarrassing for some Japanese. Yet, therefore, I say, it may be too late to fully understand what Sashiko is as those family members who received Stories are getting old. ☆ Well. “Too Late” isn’t a reason for me to quit. No matter how devastated I become, I won’t stop stitching & sharing stories as I receive much support. The more I receive, the more I realize the importance of my role. It is just “Sashiko” as ordinary. But, because it’s ordinary, it is so precious to preserve. The visit to Japan is this. I am so fortunate to greet a number of Sashiko practitioners in Japan. I sincerely appreciate your Support (Donation) on GiveButter, and I will make sure to use it as effectively as possible – to share the Stories we, as Japanese Sashiko Artisans, will carry. (Detail Story will be available in a dedicated webpage). ☆ – ☆ 昨日、無事運針会を開催することができました。開催を重ねる毎に運針とは面白いものだなぁと実感を重ねています。刺し子に限らず日本的な技術や知恵というのは「見て覚える」側面があります。学ぶ側の努力が必要なんですね。逆に西洋では教える側が努力することが求められます。「技術を伝えられないのは生徒か先生かどちらの責任か？」面白い文化比較です。 ☆ 見て覚えることが当たり前だと、教える側が「何が分からないか分からない」と言う究極の悩みからはある程度解放されます。私が運針会を始めた時に、「運針の何をお教えするの？」とこぼした言葉に真実があります。刺し子を再始動する中で一人になり、刺し子と向き合い、自分にとって当たり前をできるだけ細分化してきました。結果が運針会であり英語圏での活動です。結果、とても簡単に刺し子をお伝えすることができます。まじで。簡単だと思う。 ☆ 次回運針会、5月22日（月）の朝9時からを検討しています。興味のある方は是非プロフィール欄のリンクから詳細を一読頂き、ご連絡頂けましたら幸いです！ ☆ #Sashiko #刺し子
When we share something “Cultural”, it is important to pay attention to the “Connection” to each dot. Here, a dot is a piece of information (or a simplified “answer” or “definition”). As we look for fast & instantaneous answers, we often get satisfied with the dots themselves. We search for the answer online, and we stop looking into the topic when we find “one” dot. It is okay when we just “enjoy” someone’s culture, I guess. However, when they “teach” or “share” about the culture, ignorance/indifference to the connection can destroy the culture. I believe the core of the Cultural Appropriation Issue is “missing connection” – mostly unintentionally, and worse case, “intentionally”. ☆ I say “Sashiko Thread Matters”. I appreciate many agreeing with me after they use it. I often get ignorant comments saying [thread doesn’t matter as Sashiko is mending]. Yes, mending is an important part of Sashiko, yet when we focus on the “connection” between dots, one cannot say “thread doesn’t matter” as Sashiko was developed on the “wishes” of people with no choices for them to avoid mending as much as they could. Instead of us embracing the mending with an abundance of choices, Sashiko started its practice to “hide/avoid” the mending itself. Therefore, thread matters. The thread we use is an outcome of the wishes. ☆ A.I. can give us millions of “dots” when we ask. We fear that humans may lose our own significance. I believe this “connecting dots” is the way to co-exists in the wealth of culture & life-quality. Sashiko is the opposite of A.I., so I don’t want “Sashiko Teachers” to be like an A.I. which only provides the dots. Sashiko is more: Connection, Ability to read between lines (read what is NOT said/written)… Sashiko can represent some of the “superpower” we have – so, please don’t give up on that. ☆ – – – ☆ 「点を線に、線を面に」。この当たり前のようなことが、実は海外ではとても貴重なのかもしれません。点と線と面。点の自己主張が強すぎると多面的な変化はありません。文化とはきっと様々な線で作られた面の集合体だと思うのですよ。刺し子も同様で、針目と線と布で形ができます。一つの針目だけで完結する刺し子はなく、それはきっと「一人の人間では完結しない人生」という人間の本質にも繋がるのではと思っています。自己主張は大切です。個人の自由は尊重されるべきです。ただ、「繋がり」を軽視することは文化の、そして人間そのものの否定に繋がってしまう。だからこそ、英語圏での「自由な刺し子」には疑問を投げ続けたいと思っています（日本語圏では自由で最高だと思っています）。 ☆ #Sashiko #刺し子
As I talk about Cultural Appropriation (which is probably different from what is discussed in general, so please read what I say first), I sometimes get a comment asking what they can do to respect it (avoid C/A). In Sashiko, they ask if purchasing “it (items, supplies, and tools)” from Japanese people would be respectful enough. Maybe so. That would be great. However, this is not always true. Understanding 2 categories of “business” would be more important than filtering based on the background. ☆ The key concept is “vehicle” as a means to bring us to the destination (goal). We have to know there are 2 categories here. (1) is the one who uses Sashiko as a vehicle to reach their goal of making money. (2) is the one who uses “money” as a vehicle to reach their goal of continuing to enjoy Sashiko. My wish is to purchase “it” from those in category (2). This categorization isn’t good or bad. It is how we approach our days (ordinary). ☆ In this society, the majority would be (1) as capitalism strongly focuses on “money”. A merchant teaches Sashiko to sell their products rather than an actual practitioner selling what they use for cultural sustainability. When the merchant misrepresents themselves as “masters”, then the C/A will happen. If they are merchants, they should be proud of being merchants. ☆ Some accuse me of “selling” my own culture. I never say “making money” is bad. Money is necessary to keep it going. I just want the world to be mindful of the “vehicles” and “goals”, though. My goal is to pass down the Sashiko we practice, and money is the vehicle to go there. No matter how “rich” I become, I will be stitching like I do today. Be mindful whom you are purchasing from – and what they (merchants) set as their goal. What is their “vehicle” and “goal”? Don’t be fooled by words. It is often represented by their actions. ☆ – – – ☆ 刺し子家業に生まれて、刺し子を「商売」としてずっと見てきた経験から、商売という営みも文化が強く影響するなぁと思っています。近江商人の経営哲学、「三方よし」が徹底されていれば文化の盗用という概念すら生まれない訳で。「目的」と「手段」の話だと思います。お金を稼ぐ為に刺し子をするのか、刺し子をする為にお金を稼ぐのか。どちらも正解です。ただ、偽っちゃいけない。今の英語圏の刺し子は、これを偽っている人が多い気がするのです。だからきっと私のアカウントのような好き勝手言ってる（でも矛盾にはできるだけ気を付けて愚直に）スタイルをフォロー頂けるのかもしれません。 ☆ #Sashiko #刺し子
When I say “Sashiko is NOT Art (to me)”, some agree saying Sashiko is a form of “Folk Art”. The general definition of “Folk Art” may describe Sashiko, yet I feel a need of sharing another Japanese word – “Mingei (民藝)”. Well… when I look for the English translation for Mingei, it will be “Folk Art”… so, I am like playing with words… but before offering the answer Sashiko as “folk Art”, I want the world to know the beautiful & unique concept of “Mingei”. ☆ “Mingei” is a more popular word than Sashiko. Soetsu (Muneyoshi) Yanagi found the beauty in “usage” – calling it “You-Soku-Bi 用即美”. He defined “Mingei” with 8 characteristics of its function & beauty. Sashiko was also found as a part of this movement. I am “Not” saying Sashiko is equal to Mingei, though. It is true that Sashiko “can” be under the definition of “Mingei”, but for me who actually have observed people stitching, it is more… personal. When Mingei categorizes the beauty in a “community”, I find Sashiko in a smaller size such as “family”… or even “parent and child”. ☆ I won’t explain the whole picture of my understanding toward Mingei & Sashiko here. It will be like a chapter (which I wrote & it became a chapter on Patreon…). All I am doing here by sharing stories is to ask you/them to not to “define” the answer so easily. Unfortunately, without understanding Japanese, one cannot fully understand what Sashiko is. No need to understand Sashiko fully to enjoy Sashiko itself – I just want to stop the trend of “someone” being a master without even knowing these “basic” knowledge. In Japan, I will try to find a sample of “Mingei”, and hopefully I can elaborate more while sharing more photos & stories. (But again, for me, Sashiko isn’t really equal to Mingei). ☆ – – – ☆ もしかしたら配信で図を書きながらの説明になるかもしれませんが、個人的に「刺し子」と「民藝」は横一列には並ばないと思っています。「用即美」の概念含め、民藝で定義された美学と刺し子が一致する箇所は沢山あります。でも、では「刺し子は民藝か？」と問われると、自信を持って「はい！」とは答えられないのです。多分民藝だけど、でも、ちょっと民藝っぽくないとこも…と曖昧にしたまま今日を迎えていて、もっと言うと、この曖昧さが大切かなすら思っているところです。そんなに難しく考えなくて良いのですが、日本国外で言葉が一人歩きして勝手な答えを身に纏い出すと、やっぱり考えてしまうのですよ。 ☆ #Sashiko #刺し子 #JapaneseSashiko #民藝 #mingeivia IFTTT
Interested in the Sashiko We practice? Please Learn Sashiko From US!
10 years. It is a bit too long for one person to be away from “Home” without reasons. I cannot believe I am nervous to go back to my own country. It is insane. I have reasons that I didn’t go back to Japan for this long. I am not taking a risk to share what are the “reasons” on the Internet… but it is happening thanks to many people from the Internet. ☆ Many tried to convince me of the importance for me to go back to Japan. I had a good & strong excuse – “money” – for not going back to Japan. I didn’t have enough luxury to go back with my family, or even by myself. Some even offered me financial help – which I didn’t have to take for the cancellation due to the pandenic… but it was very encouraging to receive supportive comments. ☆ This year, I am very happy to share “The Sashiko I have been talking about” throughout this tour with 8 participants. At the same time, I would like to involve as many people as possible, especially those who have been supporting us & offered some support to us. Although I cannot take them with me, I want them to be a part of this tour somehow. After thinking about it for a long time, I decided to open a platform to accept support. This is probably a way to be fair with everyone, and try to involve them as much as I can. While I am in Japan, I won’t have an hour everyday to write a post. Instead, I will share as much as I can on “Stories” on Instagram & a Blog I prepare. I will share the platform soon on “Story” with a link to it. ☆ Again, I cannot thank those who offered financial support when I got stuck years ago. I have reasons that I hesitate to go back – yet, the encouragement was heartwarming, and I am still here sharing thanks to those kindnesses. I get many “attacks” from trolls here, but I get more kindness & that’s the reason I keep sharing the Sashiko we practice. ☆ – – – ☆ 母国である日本に10年帰っていない。常識的に考えれば「帰っていない理由」があるはずで、私も例に漏れず帰っていない理由があります。これまで向き合うことを拒否してきましたが。実際に帰国が近づくにつれ、体が拒否反応を示しだしているのですが、「今帰らないとマジで一生帰れなくなる」気がしているからこその色んな意味での強行突破な気がします。いつか笑って話せる日がくるかなぁ。もう10年経ってるけど、痛みも記憶も薄れないもんなんだなぁ。 ☆ #Sashiko #刺し子
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