KOI TATTOO - Probably surprising to many westerners is the large of amount of ancient myth that surrounds these beautiful fish in the Orient and their elevated status there.
Generally known here as the brightly colored fish that are common in public ponds and fountains, carp (koi is Japanese for carp) can be found in colors that include white, yellow, gold, a deep orange, and some are even calico-colored.
Particularly beautiful specimens have been known to fetch prices in excess of half-a-million dollars from private collectors who specialize in their breeding and showing. However, the koi is more than just a colorful and collectible fish. It is also one of the most popular and beautiful of Japanese tattoo symbols – a beauty which belies its symbolic meaning.
Although Chinese in origin, the carp is now widely celebrated in Japan, particularly for its manly qualities. It is said to climb waterfalls bravely, and, if caught, it lies upon the cutting board awaiting the knife without a quiver, not unlike a samurai (warrior) facing a sword. This theme dates back to ancient China, where a legend tells of how any koi that succeeded in climbing the falls at a point called Dragon Gate (on the Yellow River) would be transformed into a dragon.
Based on that legend, it became a symbol of worldly aspiration and advancement. Eventually, the stoic fish came to be associated with so many masculine and positive qualities that it was appropriated for the annual Boys' Day Festival in Japan where even today colorful, streaming koi flags are traditionally displayed for each son in the family.
In tattoo imagery, especially in combination with flowing water, it symbolizes much the same: courage, the ability to attain high goals, and overcoming life's difficulties.
Start playing this
The Higland Sessions (2): Suil A Ruin
Well, boys and guirls, since I last left you, hang on, I need to check this one…
Right, Cork got beaten by Waterford and the following week Waterford got beaten impressively by Limerick, well done Limerick.
Then I went West, turns out it works out cheaper than going to Amsterdam and places like Spain, way cheaper and lived like I was 70 years old and retired, but not quite dead, manys a good tune was played on an old fiddle, never really quite imagined meself playing the fiddle or violin, the only difference I think is the type of music played on them, but anyway for 6 days I was retired out west and the difference between having a good time and a wet time is a golfing umbrella, all you need is to get one and you’d never know what a rainy day is about i.e. not getting wet.
My daze consisted waking up, having a pot of tea, putting on the shoes and strolling over for the paper, coming back reading the paper and consuming more tea, having a bit to ate as the man said, going for a walk around lunchtime, maybe 10 kms to the next village listening to music no 70 year old would listen to having a Guiness or 2 (or maybe 3) and strolling back, lighting the fire, reading one of many books, then watching a movie, then see you tomorrow world, which I always would, I’m not that old you know !
Walked to Inchegela 3 times, walked back twice and over the O’Leary way, very nice.
The barman and proprietor, Joe Creedon put me on to a book I’ve always wanted to read about Celtic Spirituality ‘Anam Chara’, translates as ‘Soul friend’, I’ve always understood ‘Anam’ to be name, but it means ‘Soul’ and I suppose when you dive in, it makes a lot of sense, don’t go changing into your swimming attire just yet though.
Called to Art, the old Dutch guy up the road who as he describes it, his own piece or paradise, yep I’d have to agree, just yourself and a few goats, no cars and the like.
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Got the first part of my tattoo done, getting it finished tomorrow, got some stuff together for that, so if it comes out good, it won’t be a complete fluke.
Started reading Zola’s ‘General’, very good, need to set a bit of time for that task.
Saw John B Kanes ‘The Matchmaker’, it’s about courting for boggers before they had nightclubs and you could pay a guy and he would tell you which person would be good for you, without even talking to them, and it was staring ‘Miley’ from Glenroe (Old irish soap opera series)
Across the road they had ‘Music on the hill’ (Good title) but for me it was ‘Music across the road, which it was, well anyway they had the ‘Black sea don cossocks’, some really amazing voices, has to be the best part of ‘Multiculturalism’, you get to see different things, not just the guy down the road singing after a few pints, because they were from Russia, so they wouldn’t know anything about the Irish goingons, because they’re not from here, the’re Russian, didn’t I just say that ?
Went to see ‘The Importance of being Ernest’, great show, which it was, I knew that, if memory serves me, Susan was being a bit under the weather because she is a bit of a ‘Daddys little rich girl’ and wasn’t going to be entitled to a grant, awwwwww. Flash backs of Annie ‘…the sun comes out tomorrow’, get on with it !!
Went the Bantry masters festival and saw Steve Cooney among other’s, quialty, quality, quality is all I can say, ok so, quality, do you need to hear it again ?
Put some ‘Magic beans’ on my Facebook profile and I did get an offer from some guy
Goodday to you Seller, I want to know if this particular Item is still avaliable for sell, If yes then i will like to buy it from you and you should he me send it to me sister In california. She is handicap, so i will like the item to be ship to her door step. Please calculate the shipping cost and add it to your Item fee. I will pay for it as well.
This is how i would look on the Simpsons
Didn’t think that would come to much, how much are Magic beans worth these days, especially with the world markets being in the state they’re in ?
Now watch this, it doesn’t have any sound, the boys order a shot in barcelona
Vivian from the Galapagos on the beach
