I remember one morning at Machiko's home there was some free time. I browsed a bookshelf and found a book on the Zenga ("ga" means "art") art tradition - i.e., "zen art." I don't know how long I sat and looked at the book, but excitement built up. I gathered the book close to me and ran looking here and there for Machiko, calling her name. I did a dance as I said in English, 'Machiko, I'm a zenga artist!' Since I have returned to Wisconsin, I have read more about zenga to acquaint myself with Buddist philosophers who lived long ago

The day I found a book on zenga art in the Kitayama family library was like coming home for me. I am a zenga artist practicing meditation and making art on a middle western prairie. I was this long before I left for Saitama in 2002, but I didn't know it.