Living only for the moment, turning our full attention to the pleasures of the moon, the snow, the cherry blossoms and the maple leaves; singing songs, drinking wine, diverting ourselves in just floating, floating; ... refusing to be disheartened, like a gourd floating along with the river current: this is what we call the floating world--Japanese novelist Asai RyōiUkiyo-e is commonly translated into English as "pictures in the floating world" which is very poetic. Decidedly unpoetic are the images coming out of Japan now. Please help by visiting the International Red Cross link & donate what you can. As always, don't worry if you cannot donate a lot of money. Five dollars (or 5 pounds or 5 euros) adds up. Read more on Ukiyo-e here. Also here about Van Gogh's admiration of Japanese art. (images above are by Hiroshige on left and Van Gogh on right)
ciao-subdued-meow/GG Central