(no subject)
Jul. 12th, 2015 08:55 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
rainoOnce, in an annotated translation of Heian period journal or collection of diary poems, I read a scene which is stuck in my mind. A lady watches the moon. While sitting on the veranda, she receives a letter. It says, more or less, "Nothing in particular". This is very chic and delightful. And the annotation states "even by Heain standards, this is a rather laconic communication", and goes on to explain how we can assume that the recipient was to understand that it was to ask how she was doing on this moonlit night.
Now I can't find out anymore where I read this scene, and it maddens me. I want to read it again. I should think nearly all books were digitized by now, but these phrases can't be found.
But while I was searching for it, I came across a most delightful piece of Sei Shonagon and Murasaki Shikibu fan-girl fiction: http://archiveofourown.org/works/1742573 . I'm so glad someone has captured the period and the ladies in question with such skill.
I have wasted an entire day, it is already evening. I did wash my hair and change out of the nightgown, but otherwise have done nothing worth even the most casual mention. My family is at the summer cottage and I live like a hermit. I can only wish the writing urge descended upon me now, but alas! no such luck.
Now I can't find out anymore where I read this scene, and it maddens me. I want to read it again. I should think nearly all books were digitized by now, but these phrases can't be found.
But while I was searching for it, I came across a most delightful piece of Sei Shonagon and Murasaki Shikibu fan-girl fiction: http://archiveofourown.org/works/1742573 . I'm so glad someone has captured the period and the ladies in question with such skill.
I have wasted an entire day, it is already evening. I did wash my hair and change out of the nightgown, but otherwise have done nothing worth even the most casual mention. My family is at the summer cottage and I live like a hermit. I can only wish the writing urge descended upon me now, but alas! no such luck.
