ZuCritter

A very merry Christmas to all parched fanyus! May the new year bring us all health, happiness and the joy of a renewed and resplendent Yuzu. I can't thank you all enough for the laughter, tears and camaraderie I've found on this very special Planet. ありがとうございました

And while we're at it, how about his hairline in the back, with the two little wisps that fan out to either side?

I'm just trying to imagine Mama Tracy's face. .

His WD from JNats hit me hard -- which is ridiculous, since it's a) what I expected, and b) what I hoped he'd do (to ensure the fullest possible recovery). Like so many satellites, and Yuzu himself, I suspect, I'm grappling with a whole raft of uncertainties that loom far beyond this particular injury. Warning: What follows is long and may strike some as downbeat, so I'll hide it for the sake of those who want to pass on to lighter fare.

Thank you! A much needed laugh in the midst of the sadness over his missing JNats.

And this is what I have to say to that:

I will never get over that footage of him immediately after the injury, skating around the rink and figuring out how to change his layout so he can skate a program that will win but be less damaging to his already-damaged ankle. We often throw around words like "superhuman" to describe him, but in this case they seem warranted. How can a mere mortal, and a 23-year-old at that, have the focus and the emotional strength to do that rather than simply dissolve in despair? Yuzu's body can do things no other skater has ever done, but it's his mind and heart that make him absolutely untouchable and worthy of all the world's love and admiration. As I've said before, he makes me want to live like he skates. Thank you, and be well, Yuzu, from the bottom of my soul.

122. For his poor, twisted pinkie. I think of it as an example of the Japanese aesthetic of wabi sabi (侘寂), which holds that a flaw or the nicks and scuff marks created by use only make an object more precious.

59. For murderface.

27. The Purple Pants of Sin. 28. Having the *cough* gumption to actually wear the Purple Pants of Sin. (Sorry, somebody had to say it. At least I didn't say the Trashbag Pants.) *slinks off to watch LGC*

21. For crying, often and openly. 22. For "Why am I crying?" and "I'm not crying."

One tradition in many strains of Buddhism is to dedicate the merit of one's practice to something larger than oneself -- typically, to the enlightenment of all beings. So, for instance, a practitioner will often say a few words of dedication at the end of a meditation session. But it can apply to any situation in which the practitioner might accrue merit by making a a conscious attempt to live skillfully, with wisdom and compassion. I've decided that for the foreseeable future, I will dedicate the merit of my practice, in part, to Yuzu's healing and happiness. I hope that will not only bring him some small measure of goodness, but it will inspire me to live in a way that generates merit, making me a little more conscious of my actions and spurring me to live my life a little more skillfully. For me this feels like a fitting way to repay the immense gift Yuzu gives me by skating, living and existing so beautifully. He makes the world a better place in so many ways; I hope I can make my tiny piece of the world a better place in tribute to him. Any other satellites who find this concept appealing are more than welcome to borrow it. Love and solace to each and every one.

It is her! I've always loved how she seemed to enjoy Yuzu & Brian's interaction after the WR skate. Cool that she got to be close to him again. You go, girl!

Or DKC for short, but it definitely needs its own emoji! Pretty please?

Well, it's the morning after my first in-the-flesh competition, and I'm still overwhelmed. A few thoughts, which I'll try to keep brief: First, foremost and always, I am so so so grateful that he is who he is, that he still chooses to compete, that we all share a tiny piece of his magic. In particular, I was blown away by the practices, by seeing the thought and care he puts into every moment of the programs. It's like watching Michelangelo carving the David or a world-class surgeon doing open-heart surgery. I love the more mature, more relaxed Yuzu. He's intense, but he never seems frantic. The second OGM set him free, and that freedom will only send him to new heights. Given that he set a whole raft of new WRs with performances that were clean but far from perfect, I don't think he's in any danger of being eclipsed. (And as much as I miss Javi, Jun is shaping up as a worthy training mate -- and a joy to watch in his own right.) Finally, much as I dread returning to a world that often feels dark and scary, I carry Yuzu's image with me, a little piece of light and beauty in my heart. (Sorry to be so emo -- I could blame it on lack of sleep, but we all know that would be a lie ...)

Helsinki will be my first time to see him live -- which seems surreal enough. The thought that he might bring Nessie ... *trembles, whimpers, starts to hyperventilate*

I'm bringing this banner to Helsinki -- hopefully it explains the Nessie reference to anyone who happens to see it. I'm willing to have it travel to other competitions, if we can figure out a series of handoffs. I'd also love to have satellites sign it, so I'm hoping for a general Helsinki meetup.

Didn't see any Nessies on the ice at ACI (watching via video stream), but I'm packing these babies for Helsinki:

Swanyu was my clear No. 1, but I had six at No. 2: Origin Otoñal Seimei Ballade No. 1 Hope and Legacy Romeo and Juliet 1.0

I begin to see Beijing in my future.

Source: fancam video by Beth S Before ACI I was totally fixated on Origin. Since then, I find myself returning more often to Otonal. Besides the fact that he skated it more cleanly, I'm just bowled over by the beautiful, subtle touches Jeff and Yuzu scattered throughout, like grace notes. The way that, with an imperceptible shifting of his weight, he swoops around a corner to punctuate the long spread eagle. And the resonance of the beginning and ending poses. It's basically the same pose, but at the beginning, his outstretched hand is drooping downward, and he's looking back over that same shoulder with his chin slightly down. At the end, his outstretched palm is upward and he's looking over the other shoulder with his chin lifted. For me the whole piece is about the movement from nostalgia and melancholy to anticipation and hope. So lovely.

Getting prepped for Helsinki. These arrived today. Now for the banner ...