Today I practiced my shakuhachi and wrote alittle poetry. I worked on translating the Mushishi manga I bought, that is keeping me busy and I'm learning lots of new words at the same time. This seems to be a good way for me to learn new vocab. Some things I will have to have help on, but for the most part I think it is going well. Here is alittle bit I did today; if anyone can comment on if it is correct or not that would be helpful : )
山の様子がおかしいんでお役に立てるかとおもいましてね。
The mountains strange state is due to the role in erecting something I'm thinking. (something like that anyway)
長。。。ああ。。。ならば　ぜひ。
Chief... like that... in that case certainly. (the village people talking to the chief)
お頼みしたい事がある。
There is a favour I want to ask. (directed toward Ginko san (main character).)
この山深くに住む
In this mountains depths lives--
ムジカという蟲師を捜してはもらえまいか。
We must search for Mujika the mushishi. (?)

I did quite a bit more, but will certainly need someone to see if the translation is correct at all.