Sunday morning found us on small rainy roads winding their way to the outskirts of Okayama.  Our instructor had promised a morning of calligraphy training with students from the local community.  Hardwood floors were covered with first the blue tarp and then twelve large pieces of felt.  As the student artists arrived they greeted us with smiles and curiosity. 

One particular artist, Nagao-san, immediately headed over to me.  I think he knew we had much in common. Through an interpreter, he asked “Have you ever seen a UFO?” To which I responded, “Yes, as a child.”

Nagao-san then proceeded to ask me if I knew Harry Truman, President Lincoln and Nostradamus.  Before I could respond, we were called away to paint. Large pieces of paper stretched out before us. Each individual took their turn copying symbols from examples that the instructor had provided.  Ink started to fly and sweat came to our brow as we painted, the students painted, and we all painted again.

While catching my breath, Nagao-san came over and said something to me. I motioned for the interpreter to ask if she could repeat what he said. He asked if I knew The Beatles.  We spent the next bit of time singing early songs of The Beatles.  I asked him if he knew “I am the Walrous” and he replied that he preferred the early Beatles. 

At the end of the day we spread all the work created in the large area.  All the works seemed to become one.  When the day began I was looking forward to creating calligraphy.  I never dreamed I would get the chance to do it with a soundtrack provided by The Beatles.