Monday, January 19, 2009

Organizing for Fun

Mah Jongg lessons begin for me this morning. Mah Jongg is frequently called “the game of one hundred intelligences” because of the innumerable variety of play methodologies.



Since all my fun new classes are underway, paperwork seems to be rapidly accumulating: confirmation/receipt slips, class handouts, homework assignments, etc.



I’ve organized it all in labeled folders and arranged them alphabetically in a leather accordion file found on clearance at Home Goods—perfect for carrying in my car.



Whatever file is needed is readily available on any particular class day. It’s much the same system I used in grad school except then a couple of large milk-crate style boxes were necessary to carry everything.



Loosely defined, Mah Jongg means “clattering sparrows”, evocative of the tiles click-clacking together. My set is inherited from someone now gone from this life.



Thank you, dear Leo. The sparrows are chattering that you are always in our thoughts.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

what a lovely post to Leo. How fortunate to have this beautiful set. I've always been intrigued about Mah Jongg but living in such a remote area I wouldn't ever have a chance to learn it. I often go weeks without seeing another human being ... so there's no way I could find someone to learn with ... I love that you've shared some of these incredibly interesting tidbits such as the "clattering sparrows". Love that.

Darla said...

What a beautiful set of tiles and it must be a joy to own as it was given to you by someone dear.

Darla

Anonymous said...

How fun that you own your own set! I played years ago, and really enjoyed it. It may seem very exotic and complicated, but it isn't (it's actually similar to gin rummy). You'll have a great time!

Yummers! said...

Mah Jongg was so popular when I was in High School. I never played it as I was a bridge fiend at the time. I play it on-line daily but have no idea how to play the real thing. Your box and tiles look so beautiful!! Lucky you!
RNJOY!
Joni

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

What a magnificent Mah Jongg set! I'm sure Leo was happy to pass it on to someone who loves it so. I never knew the name Mah Jomgg meant "clattering birds" and love Leo's name too :-)

I also love that accordion folder! I am forever organizing my papers and then going back to purge them and refile new papers. We certainly do accumulate a lot of paper in a lifetime don't we? Organization is the key!

Hugs, Pat

Mrs.Kwitty said...

Clattering Sparrows...I love that!! JunieMoon, you are a font of information! Love your beautiful Mah Jongg set, and I'm sure Leo would be very happy knowing that it is still being used and loved.
Smiles, Karen

Kim Campbell said...

What a beautiful set!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful set! I have some tiles I purchased at a flea market that simply pale in comparison! And I have no idea how to play. Clattering Sparrows: what beautiful thoughts.