I went to Toulouse !
A solo trip for two nights and three days—my first in ages, and I was thrilled. This was probably the first weekend I’ve been away from home for work since my daughter, who turns four this year, was born.
What’s more, thanks to a connection through my community friend, Lucille Tsukamoto Natsuko, I did calligraphy practice at the Toulouse Japanese Supplementary School.
We split into two groups and enjoyed calligraphy with children ranging from lower elementary to middle school.
For many kids, grinding ink was a first—their eyes sparkled with fascination. Watching the older group each choose their first-stroke character and practice with such focus was heartwarming.
Children absorb like sponges; a little correction or advice leads to astonishing improvement.
It was a deeply insightful and precious experience for me too.
