Wednesday, May 1, 2013

children's day give-away

You may remember this etegami from when I first posted it as part of my earthquake/tsunami memorial series. It became widely known after it was printed onto T-shirts and mugs to help raise funds for disaster relief, and it will always have a very special place in my heart. It depicts the carp windsocks (koi-nobori) that we fly from flagpoles to celebrate the Kodomo-no-hi (Chidren's Day) festival on May 5th of every year. Carp, which are known to swim against the current, symbolize our hopes that our children will grow up to be healthy, strong, and courageous against adversity.

The original is made of two parts: two cards taped together to make one long card. It has fulfilled the purpose for which it was painted, and I'm finally ready to let go of the original cards. I've separated them, adding words to the side that didn't have words, and my name seal to the side that didn't have a seal. The writing can be translated as "We're all connected" or "We're in this together." If you'd like one of the cards (I can't say which you'll get if picked), please tell me so in a comment below. On Sunday, May 5th, I will pick two "winners." I plan to laminate the cards and mail them without envelopes.
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16 comments:

  1. AnonymousMay 1, 2013 at 11:43 PM

    They are beautiful! I would love to be the lucky recipient of one of these lovely cards. It's very kind of you to give them away.

    Amalia in the UK

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  2. ThérèseMay 2, 2013 at 12:25 AM

    Such wonderful windsocks! And what a great way to participate.

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  3. poppylockeMay 2, 2013 at 1:31 AM

    These are beautiful, colourful and created with such sentiment - I'd be thrilled if I won one, thank you!

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  4. Mio DebnamMay 2, 2013 at 3:18 AM

    I'd like to be in the draw too, please! Seeing koi-nobori 'swimming' and snapping in the wind takes me straight back to my childhood... And your etagami is lovely! Good luck to everyone!

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  5. SadamiMay 2, 2013 at 4:10 AM

    Hi, Debbie,
    Lovely! Thank you for reminding me of Kodomono hi!
    Cheers, Sadami

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  6. Jade & GoldMay 2, 2013 at 6:33 AM

    Love the illustrations and the sentiment that we're all connected!

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  7. Carol BonomoMay 2, 2013 at 7:29 AM

    Made a good memory out of horrible ones. good for you.

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  8. RobinMay 2, 2013 at 12:16 PM

    I adore these!!! But, I didn't know you then...(sadly)...and now that I have a piece of your beautiful art. I want someone else to share.....
    whoever wins will be so lucky! You have talent - but - also heart..and the combination is priceless!!!!!

    I am so happy we have met and are friends!

    Love,

    ♥ Robin ♥

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  9. AnonymousMay 2, 2013 at 1:35 PM

    Of course I would want one... what a treasure..

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  10. Mike SzwarcMay 2, 2013 at 1:35 PM

    I still remember Children's Day-- we usually had a field trip from the base school to some event in Fukuoka. I'd love to have one of these cards.

    Mike

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  11. MargieMay 2, 2013 at 1:51 PM

    Oh dear, I love these AND the way you split them up. What a grand idea. Of course, I would love one to add to my growing collection of Debbie treasures.

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  12. Casey ShannonMay 2, 2013 at 6:05 PM

    Dear Debbie, I would love to have one of your cards. They are such a treasure and so beautiful. What a kind thing for you to do. Cheers!

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  13. Pamela KMay 2, 2013 at 6:55 PM

    Debbie- they are fabulous! I would be honored if I received one of your cards. :)

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  14. Paula KuitenbrouwerMay 3, 2013 at 12:19 AM

    Just to say I very much like your initiative and wonderful card, but I prefer you pick somebody else since I already received such a wonderful card made by you.
    Paula

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  15. SarahMay 3, 2013 at 5:24 AM

    I would love to add one of your cards to my new and growing selection. Thanks so much for the daily inspiration.

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  16. RachelMay 5, 2013 at 12:09 PM

    Oh, dear, you are a day ahead and I think I missed this. But celebrating anyway. :-)

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