This has been a busy week for me. I’ve participated in several shows, two at Asagao Treasures (Photo of me playing the koto for guests at Asagao Treasures) and one at the Market Stage. The most important thing for me is that I’ve completed all but one of my required activities to become a Junior Maiko. Today or tommorrow at the lastest I’m hoping to finish the final requirement, performing the Japanese Tea Ceremony.

I’m studying the Ceremony in detail and trying to make it memorable for my guests, but the more I learn the more I realize how much I do not know. This is really true about all of the geisha training I believe, because becoming geisha is a commitment to learning about the culture, traditions and rules that are the way of the geisha. There are problems to resolve as you move along the path, but of all the Second Life activities I’ve participated in so far, this persuit is the most fulfilling.

In many ways, Second Life is unquie in being able to offer an individual the opportunity to play roles that are not possible in real life. I think this explains why such a large percentage of guys choose to have female avatars (you know who you are, guys!… hehe… and more on this topic in the future). My role play as an aspiring geisha has opened up an entirely new world for me, one that is more compatible with my notion of what life as an avatar can be.

Several friends and acquaintences have taken an interest in my quest to become geisha, and this is such an honor for me. Just a couple nights ago, I got an IM from Nottoo Wise and she was interested in booking a giesha show. She had seen geisha Amber-san in a show and really enjoyed it. So, when Nottoo discovered my commitment to becoming geisha it re-stimulated Nottoo’s interest.

Also, I’ve found many friends who I would never have expected to have an interest in Japanese culture or geisha just out of the blue, reveal their interest to me. My friend Magi McBride is a good example, Magi is on the A-List of the bluesy crowd and I was surprised to learn that she has chosen to live in a Japanese style home, and has an interest in Zen gardens.

I won’t be posting again until I have completed my final requirement and been accepted into the Yoshiwara Okiya as a Junior Maiko. I will tell you though, my Onesan (Suzume-san) and I have selected a stage or maiko name for me already. The name honors both my new onesan and first onesan (Miyuki-san). So, you are welcome to try and figure out what that might be. Hehe.