Work In Progress Wednesday - Some Little Stitches

I've been very busy this week and haven't spent much time with a needle and thread.  I did pick up the little project I showed last week from time to time.  I finished the first layer of the blue fob and got a good start on the first layer of the red fob.  

If you are wondering what I mean by "first layer",  here are a few photos of some finished fobs to show what these two might look like when finished.

Temple 83 - Ichinomiya-ji

This is Temple 83 of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. This temple was only a 90 minute walk from my apartment, all on flat land. The temple grounds for this one was smaller than the other three I visited, but still interesting.

Temple 83 is located next to the Shinto Shrine, Tamura Jinja.  I read that there is a hole in the ground under the stone hut which houses the Yakushi Nyorai statue which leads to hell, and that the sound of hell can be heard here.  What is that about?  I didn't hear anything.

World of M. C. Escher

I spent an enjoyable afternoon with two friends at the Takamatsu Art Museum, seeing the World of M. C. Escher exhibit, then talking over dessert and coffee. 

From the Museum's website:

Maurits Cornelis Escher (1898-1972) was a genius printmaker produced by 20th Century Netherlands, and is a familiar figure even in Japan as an artist who worked in “trompe-l’oeil” (trick pictures). Based on the theme of an abstract concept of “changes in appearance, circulation, infinity, and rivalry between two dimensions and three dimensions”, Escher left behind a great number of works with a unique style of painting, and even now he is highly regarded as a leading Dutch artist.

More Takamatsu Castle and Grounds

I had visited Takamatsu Castle when I first arrived in Kagawa, but not all of the areas were open at that time.  On Thursday, when I went to see the musket demonstration, the park was open and there was no admission fee for the day, so I decided to look around at other things also.  

I went inside the Ushitora Turret - three steep stories, beautiful view!

I also visited Hiunkaku.  The last time I visited this building was closed off, maybe for some type of event.  It was gorgeous, inside and looking out.  There was even a bride having pictures taken in one of the gardens.

Such a pretty place and a pretty day!