Fuyusaki

After the Mizuekai odori passed, I had a lot of practice to do. It was no longer just serving tea, sewing obis and beating drums... The practice got hectic and every morning I would wake up early so that my soon-to-be-older sister, Chisaki-neehan could help me practice.

My Chisaki-neehan and I, preparing for dance practice.

My best friend, Kiyomi-tan passed her minarai test the first try, after a very nerve wrecking evening of waiting, I was overcome with joy when I found out she passed and became a minarai, her new name being Hanaka. But it wasn't more than a few days later that I would take the very same test. 

I was fairly confident, I admit. The two girls who had taken the test before me and both succeeded were very nervous but both did quite well. However, hours before the test came I was still practicing my dances and my songs. Present at my test was my dear Okaahan, and my beloved sisters, Mamehana-neehan and Hanaka-tan [Who from this point on, will be called Naka-tan.] My soon to be older sister, Chisaki-neehan had an overloaded night of ozashiki to help out with and was unable to make it, but I am glad she didn't see all the mistakes I made! In the end, I didn't pass with a 100% or anything, and I made many mistakes. I wasn't nervous until the test began!! Not only did I have to perform and show how I have grown, I had to answer many questions. 

After I bowed and was dismissed, I waited for quite awhile, keeping my feet warm under the thick blanket of the kotatsu in the Shikomi quarters. When Naka-tan returned, she promised me that I didn't do as bad as I thought....

And, what would you know!!

Naka-tan and I had to get lots of photos around the hanamachi ^^

We even stopped in Pontocho!

The rock that says "No matter what, I love Gion..."

Lately, I have been taking many classes but also spectating quite a lot. That is what Minarai do! We spectate! And we learn from what we see.  Though I have earned a little seniority within the Okiya, I must remember to continue my hard work. 

Tomorrow, I must return to the hair dressers. Sleeping on the Hakomakura is very uncomfortable... I always fall off and mess up my hairstyle. I am not looking forward to getting my scalp tugged raw, but...

You know, Pain is beauty, right?

It's funny how even when I am not dressed up with my kanzashi and make up on, I feel much more mature.

Being able to wear the taiko obi rather than the chocho musubi... 

So much more sophisticated! But less cute! ;-;

As a Minarai, I also received my Geimyo ^^

My name is no longer Sooki, It is now Fuyusaki.

Fuyusaki means winter blossom, like the camellia that blooms in the snow.

This name was chosen because I hopefully will really blossom and bloom during this coming winter~

I got to paint my own Hanameishi! As a Meishi is a business card in Japanese, 

Like all Geiko things, a Geiko's business card is flowery~

This is why we call it a hanameishi! Or that is my best guess.

I have yet to make my debut in the Ochaya... 

Let's hope I have good luck my first night @_@