Photo Shoot!

I was happy to have modeled for Aryanna-san, owner of Geisha Dreams store.
The details on her kimonos now are so beautiful, and the obis are...omg, they make me drool!


It's so much fun...

Left: Midori Maneki Joy. Middle: Murasaki Maneki Joy. Right: Kuro- Maneki Joy.

Ozashiki Time!

I haven't posted much about our Ozashikis in Kaishi Chou.
So here is a small post about what we did today.


Famous protector and Samurai Locken-sama visited our Ochaya upon notice.
Always a pleasure to have him. He is my Oneesan's danna.


Tsumugi-san, an applicant for our Okiya also graced us in the Teahouse.

Wonderfully light-hearted and enjoyable conversation was had, and tales and comments of wisdom were shared.

(From left to right) Tsumugi-san, Minarai Miharu (me), Jr. Maiko Aizuyuri-san and Locken-sama.

See how the white of our make-up brings our faces out of the candle-light.


~Minarai Miharu.

Quiet Time In The Hanamachi

In Kaishi Chou it has been quiet.


We had a small Ozashiki, but almost all sisters were online. Not bad at all!
(Sumahen, I could not take photos because I was helping out, and taking photos now crashes me)


...So, while reading through some notecards, I took a photo of myself as I studied deeply, for my upcoming exam.

Ookini arigatou! :)


~Minarai Miharu.

Upcoming Joy!

I haven't blogged in a while.
I apologize for this!


Soon I will have my exam that will determine whether I once again become a Jr. Maiko-san.
I am enjoying my time at Kaishi Chou, a lot. Though I still miss Arakawa deeply.


My photo editing skills have improved!


From this...

To this!

I hope to see you in Kaishi Chou sometime!
Look out for our Ozashikis and Odoris.


Ookini arigatou!

So Far, So Good.

So this is my second post since Arakawa went to sleep for a while.


In Kaishi Chou, I've been going through some classes and attending a couple of Ozashikis and one festival.
Tonight at 12am SLT, there will be a small performance.
Stories will be told and we will be dancing our hearts out.


Have to get ready by learning the performance class first.
Wish me luck. :)

The End Is Only The Beginning

A very sad day for Arakawa.
I will not post any photos until my third new post. Only in memory for the moment.


Arakawa Okiya is closing down sadly. Due to a lack of clientele, and no-one being very bothered to come in and keep her awake.


This day was fast coming, and I and Oneesan Minako, even Okaasan knew this. But we didn't want to give up.
However, there is still, if only very little, hope for Arakawa's rebirth.
It will be a long time, but I know it can happen.


Until then...


...As for where my training is concerned, I didn't quite make it to Geikosan.
But I'm not downhearted, I had to secure a place at the famous Kaishi Chou Okiya.
Here I start as Minarai.
Going to redo my course of training and hopefully I'll be able to claim the title of Geisha.


No matter how long it takes, I'm going to have lots of fun doing it and cherish my new life at Kaishi Chou.


Arakawa will never be forgotten, without her and her daughters, I would be no-one.
Someday in the very near future, we will be reunited. I promise.


~ Otano Moushimasu!

Gomenasai For Absence!

Gomenasai minnasan for such a long absence!!


However, I'm almost fully back and pleased to announce that Arakawa is still going.
We had a great Ozashiki tonight, thanks to those who came!


Firstly, I created a cover photo for our Facebook page.
Arakawa Okiya SL
I'm proud of it. :)

Using an old Jr. Maiko photo, I created a visage for the cover.


Next, there was a great Ozashiki evening! ^__^

I can say that despite my nervousness from being very unprepared, my guests had a lovely time. :)

And to make it even better, after so long, Okaasan Kokoro graced us!
She looked gorgeous as she leant sophisticatedly against the side with kiseru in hand. ;]


Otano moushimasu!!


~ Sr. Maiko Miharu.

A Virtual Memorial

I haven't been seen around SL much lately...because I've been here:-

Peace Valley Pet Cemetery.


It's been almost two years since I lost two of my dogs in RL...but recently a new wave of grief has taken a hold of me. I have no idea why...but I am struggling so much to get over this wall.
I believe in hope though...I am not a religious person, but I do believe there is a kind of Heaven.
I came to hear of something called 'The Rainbow Bridge'. It is a most wonderful poem, and is based off Norse Mythology.
Rainbow Bridge Pet Loss Poem
After reading, I became engrossed with its origin and meaning. I sincerely believe in such a place.

Part photo of the virtual memorial I made in honour of my boys. With the poem sat beside.

A photo showing my rented plot at Peace Valley.
This sim is just beautiful, it really does live up to its name. Peaceful and serene.
I vow to visit each day, as there is no-where for me to go in RL for my boys...it may be virtual, but it is something, ne?
Atleast I know there is somewhere I can go, a place that's mine, to silently remember the good times in life that we shared.

The tears will dry soon, as in RL...but the pain will stay, until we meet someday.


I'm not asking for your support, but it is welcome. I'm simply sharing this because I know there are people with hearts out there...if you stumble across this blog post, I hope you are one of them...one that will understand why we grieve so much for our lost 'furbabies'. Because that's what they are...the bonds we share are as close to those we share with our own species.


I thank you for taking the time to read all of this if you did. Because a lot of you will not, and only probably read this last sentence.


We will cross that Rainbow Bridge together, someday.

A Lovely Evening!

Today has been amazing.
Another successful Ozashiki on Wednesday night!
My best friend, Miehinachan from Kaishi Chou graced the Arakawa's Ochaya, even helped serve later on as the hours* yes, HOURS...went by. :)
The longest time yet that I have kept the Ochaya open.
Once one person left, another graced the scene. It wasn't ending until around 5:40m SLT, since 1pm.

Nanochan arrived, she is once again, hopeful for Arakawa.
I know she will bloom in no time. Already, without really supposing to, she played her shamisen and even danced to show Miechan what she had learnt. Even later called me 'Oneesan'...is this a great sign? If not, I can say I would be saddened!

This is when I was playing Koto for my guests, Miechan is on the far right, now in formal as she had to leave a little to visit someone.

Here you can see how close Miechan is sat to Yasynsan, she served him tea for me while I played the Koto. I was so grateful, it was as if she was working for Arakawa alongside me in this great time of...well, for Arakawa, this is quite busy! ^__^


Ookini san dosu minnasan for coming.
And thank you to my wonderful friend, Miehina of Kaishi Chou. You are amazing <3


~Yoroshikuu otano moushimasu!

Ready For Your Close-Up?

Recently, I've been working on my lineup of poses, for the Floating World and her occupants.
I suppose you could use them for anyone really, but they are truly made with our kimono and demeanor in mind.


Store location on Marketplace: ~*' є м ι - н o т a r υ '*~
Also, going to become a small store in Uguisu sim, where Arakawa resides. :DD

For picking pretty flowers. :3

More for Shikomi as they slide open the doors for their older sisters.

My personal favourite, I used this once opening the Ochaya.
A playful peek around the door to see who was visiting. Hehe.


~Yoroshikuu otano moushimasu!

Book A Trip To The Hairdressers?

I had a real look through my inventory and found that I have a lot of Hana Katsuraya stuff, not just Kanzashi...but every hairstyle for Maiko and Geiko. Hehe.


I adore the Tenran style, as you all well know by now, because I feel it fits my face shape much better.
But trying out the HK ofuku hairstyle has made me re-think.
Tenran fits face...
HK fits hairline...


I need a little bit of help!

On the left is Tenran. On the right is Hana Katsuraya.

I'm torn between both, what do you think?

Comment below! Ookini!

Photos!

Upon my unexpected promotion to Sr. Maikosan, I requested my Okaasan to take my photo for this rank.
As ever, she agreed it was a perfect time to do it.
I got them back today, edited slightly in photoshop. They are absolutely stunning!!

Ozashiki And A Surprise!

Wednesday night Ozashiki went okay, we had one lovely guest in the form of Geikosan Kokimi from Pontocho. She was entertained by myself as I served her a hot cup of O'cha tea.
Okaasan Kokoro graced us with her presence again this evening and after a while, something amazing happened!


Just like when I was promoted to Jr. Maiko from Minarai...up pops a new notice, saying how I'm now Arakawa Sr. Maiko!
I'm so so happy, and to top it all off, my Oneesan Minako is coming back after some RL troubles!
This day couldn't have been better.
I know someday soon, I'll have my Misedashi and Mizuage organized so we can show SL how much Arakawa is blooming.

Showing off my new Sr. Maiko kimono, the Tora Grove Susohiki by Geisha Dreams.

I think I've improved my makeup skills hehe, not a mark out of place now. ^_^

My full and new Sr. Maiko formal ensemble for this year. I'm now working on perfecting the Gion Kouta dance for our Okiya. It seems to flow much more smoothly now I'm a senior. ^_^
...Perhaps my dancing has improved? ;D


More posts to follow up!


Yoroshikuu otano moushimasu~

The Old Times!

This post is called 'The Old Times' because I consider my life to be moving forward into the future.
...Although the old times I'm talking about were only around 7-8 months ago when I first moved into the Okiya.


My viewer began to play around so I forced a crash and decided to drag up the past.
Here are a few of my photos from when I was just a young Shikomi.

Cleaning was a mandatory task for young girls who first join an Okiya family. They are set to work, cleaning and looking after the house and its occupants.
At this probationary stage, a lot of girls do not make it to Minarai because of the work involved beforehand. To be honest, they refuse the easiest start to a job that pars so many rewards...
...Thankfully, I remained determined, as did my sisters and my friends from other Okiyas.

The steps to the Ochaya had to be swept a lot during the day. By night there was no time and it was too dark. I wouldn't have liked to stay outside while my older sisters entertained the patrons, I was always so eager to get inside and learn, but I was only to work hard and study harder at this point.
...Though I really enjoyed my studies, and still do.

Already learning the iki aspect of the Geisha, I took many photos of myself as I tried to look the part. The most noticeable things on here are my eyes...and the fact of how big the Komon makes my bottom...I was never so fond of this one, hehe.


Ookini arigatou~

Gomenasai For Late Post!

There are a few good things that have happened lately.
But some I have no photos for, they will come later I think.

I serve all sorts of different people in our Ochaya. This is a photo of me and my friend, Thermite-san. He is a Furry, obviously...and a very cute one ^_^ he is only just learning of the respectful custom of the Japanese and the Geisha World.
I had to educate him a little on first visit, but it was fun and he was eager to learn.

After that, I decided to begin creating some poses for Zashiki-Gi kimonos, made by Toshihana-san from Gion Higashi Hanamachi...I think anyway, will update this if wrong.
I wanted to ask for her permission first as I thought it rude to make such things for other people's products, without them giving their consent.
This is the first one I made. My poses are really only for the Geisha and kimono community, because each pose is made with the kimono in mind. Each movement made to keep our kimono silk looking and fitting at its best. I am a perfectionist so I like to see no prims inside each other. ^_^

I went to visit Kaishi Chou for a performance. And it was beautiful.
The two Geikos, Murasaki-san and Aiyuzuki-san dance atop platforms that overlooked a rippling lake. Sr. Maiko, and my best friend Miehina played the koto in assistance.

So enchanting. :)

Musume Aiyuzuki on left, Okaasan Murasaki to the right.
Their dancing was sugoi! :D

There were lots of patrons.

We all looked so enchanted hehe.
And Mie-chan looked so beautiful. :D

A nice sized audience and stunning stage performance. The Geikos told a hauntingly beautiful story while they danced.
Miehina's blog has the story. :) Journey To Become Geisha / ToBecomeGeiko
The Geikos look pretty, like little dancing swans upon their platforms.
You can see me, in my black kurotomesode. Looking tiny on the right at the front hehe.

Pretty trio of Geisha.
Ookini minna-san of Kaishi Chou Hanamachi, for giving a wonderful performance.


Yoroshiku otano moushimasu~

Video Time!

A lovely time for Arakawa when her Okaasan films her daughters dancing, to show the world our beauty!


Here it is. Please enjoy!

Otano moshimasu!

Ichiban Nakano ii Tomodachi! (My great friend)

Miehina-chan from Kaishi Chou Okiya joined me today.
She asked if we could have a couple of pictures together and of course, I said yes!
But first I had to buy Hana Katsuraya February kanzashi, I feel it looks slightly better than Tenran but goes very well with Tenran hairstyle!
...After a little editing of course! Hehe.

These are the two coloured photos I took before editing for Mie-chan. ^_^
She requested I have our name Kanji on them, and that they look antique.

I think I made her proud. :)
...Her Oneesan, the one and only Geiko Murasaki Kimono, Okaasan of Kaishi Chou, has requested I become photographer for their Okiya. :)
I would be so so honoured... <3

Ganbatte Kudasai Kaishi Chou Okiya!

It was story night at Kaishi Chou Okiya!
It is also the home of a good friend of mine, you may know her or know of her. :)
...Miehina, Sr. Maiko of this wonderful Hanamachi!


Mie-chan played the Koto on my arrival, it was sad that I was the only guest at this event, but I suppose a lot more special because I was treated so well with lots of attention.
They really outdo themselves. ^_^

Sr. Maiko-san Miehina on Koto. Me, then Minarai-chan Yasuha, Geiko-san Aiyuzuki and Jr. Maiko-san  Hoshiko !

They were really hospitable hosts, little Yasuha-chan looked so pretty in the corner, observing, I just had to tip her for being there. So cute. ^_^
Ayuzuki-san poured me a cuplet of soft, sweet green tea. Was very lovely. I will be requesting that recipe! ;D

Hoshiko-san on the Koto now as Mie-chan tells her first story!

The first story was very interesting, about the actual life and adventures in Japan of the author, Lafcadio Hearne. I have to admit, the whole way through, she had me hooked!
The second story, about The Vampire Cat Of Nabeshima!!
Very spooky story indeed but with a happy ending! :D

Mie-chan looking very pretty in her green hiki this evening. A cheeky glance over by the lovely Hoshiko-san too there hehe.

Arigatou gozaimasu the girls of Kaishi Chou Okiya.
I had a most memorable night.


...And HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIE-CHAN!
Hehe. Love you so much, like my very own sister. :) ganbatte kudasai <3

A Fun Day At The Hanamachi!

Again, a beautiful and inspiring time when your Okiya sisters can make it online for an Ozashiki, or quiet Ochaya opening!
Then when your beloved Okaasan graces the grounds with her light and presence?

Left: Minarai Seacheou, Maiko Kumiko and myself. Middle: Okaasan gracing the scene! Right: Getting our positions ready to show Okaasan my new dance!

Oh what a wonderful day!
My sisters and I showed Okaasan the dance, which I'm deciding on the name.
The Flight Of The Spring Sparrow? Or The Blooming Of The Winter Blossoms?
She filmed the dance, so hopefully in near future I will post! I can't wait to see!

After Sea-chan had gone offline due to RL and still illness, Kumiko-san and myself had a visitor.
He was very interested in the Geisha culture and requested some answers to his questions over a cup of hot tea!
We also showed him our dance as he'd asked if we were trained in such a thing.
I do have to say that we are proud of how well we dance together. In unity, as our hearts may always be!

I hope you can visit soon!
Otano moshimasu!