I was trying to show a butterfly (a Monarch butterfly, actually) just coming out of its chrysalis, its wings still wrinkled and wet. But what does this have to do with our topic? Well, the Japanese words say Okage-sama-de, which is a common response we make when someone asks after our health or expresses gladness for our good fortune. We often use the term simply as a polite, all-purpose, "Thank You."Kage means shadow or shade. And what the whole phrase literally means is "I owe it to your honorable shadow (or the shadow of God or various un-specified people) that things are well with me." I like this phrase a lot, and I think about its original meaning every time I use it. Because I mean it. The good things in my life, from start to finish-- they are all okage-sama-de.
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This is beautiful! And lovely meaning behind it too!
ReplyDeleteI love these insights into the Japanese way of thinking. The image is very tender and expressive of many things, I guess without the Japanese writing we could all take something from it. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a great use of the topic. The picture is amazing. I love seeing traditional styles of art being used for such beautiful creations!
ReplyDeleteI like this one A Lot!
ReplyDeleteReally interesting post!
ReplyDeleteClever post for the topic. Beautiful description for a beautiful little illustration!
ReplyDeletereally, really beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSo here I go again with another california reference. The town we last lived in was Pacific Grove. It was called Butterfly Town because Monarch butterflies migrate there every October on their way to Baja.
Such a cool illustration for a cool phrase! Love it Deb!
ReplyDeleteLovely illustration and enjoyed your explanation. I learn something new everyday :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful as usual!
ReplyDeletewonderful as usual! and again I learned something new! It turns out I owe a lot to your honorable shadow! thanks!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to have found your site...I held and enjoyed your sketchbook in Seattle this past weekend. It was a random choice that my friends and I were thrilled to chance upon!
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