preparation is essential

It seems like preparation is sometimes the biggest part of getting something done.   This week my desk went through what was akin to an archeological dig(out).

invoices/orders from last year

Due to a printer breakdown, its replacement inspired a whole clean out of the “office” area.  Since the sales tax returns have to be filed by the end of the month  this was a good thing.  I had been avoiding it.  But it did get me wondering about printing a copy of each order to include in your box when I send it.  Since we all get an email or have access to our own online purchase activity I am no longer going to include this with each shipment.  I think the planet will thank me for “going paperless” .  Woohoo…50% less printing just like that!

Moving on, I cleaned every nook and cranny- every slip of paper- no drawer escaped my wrath!

sensitive information..

-and in the process I unearthed a few things- fun things!  like some old family photos-

(and i do mean old!) greats and great-greats

And although it wasn’t “lost”, it had been shelved-a gift from an old friend so very long ago.  A bound set of an old Japanese publication from 1925 called “The Graphic”  or “The International Graphic” published by Kokusai Johosha.  At some point while Ricard is here we will sit down and look this over.

bound set-Feb. 1925-Dec. 1925. Vol 1 Nos. 1-11

Inside there are may colorized photos of western women, geisha, politics, foreign culture as well as ukiyo-e prints and a couple fold outs.  My guess is that these are not woodblock but early litho reproductions.  Still very beautiful-and suitable for framing if one wished.  Here is one I thought you might find interesting-

artisans making katazome fabrics

And in the end, the desk was cleaned (and I feel so much better!) So the rest of the evening was spent working on tour business. I am getting excited for everyone!

waku waku suru!

Richard arrives tonight and we will be in the studio for a few days before next weekend’s workshop.

わくわくする!