For more than 170 years, folks much smarter than me have stood before Thomas Cole’s five “Course of Empire“ paintings and been struck by his painting genius and their provocative message. For most of that time they have hung in the Museum of the New-York Historical Society, to me an unusual setting for such an important masterpiece. Cole’s enormously popular four part “Voyage of Life“ series is on display in the National Gallery of Art. Seeing these originals in NYC was, for me, a magical moment. End of gush.
There will be a full (snow) moon this new years eve. Native American and other cultures named the full moons (more info) and I guess were also able to adjust for the lack of synchronicity of the lunar and solar cycles. They named 12, but I’m not sure what they did with the extra full moon like this December.
We’re ready to finish the year 2009 and, depending how you count, close out the first decade of the 21st century, CE.
Last year had highs and lows, often analyzed around now. I’m glad we elected a President with a clear and open mind and generous heart. Keep him safe. I am sad that we continue waging wars that harm so many innocents and solve little, and that we still don’t eat properly or spend more time appreciating our natural world. I’m optimistic that eventually we will learn how to live together. Meantime, there’s still a few things we can laugh about and that’s good for you.
I’m particularly interested in the the new words and phrases that are added to our “kultural” lexicon each year. My 2009 favorites: Botax, Beer Summit, Hiking the Appalachian Trail, Government Motors, Balloon Boy, Tea Bagger, Wise Latina Women, Death Panels, Sexting, Aporkalypse, Cash for Clunkers, Dracula Sneeze, Net-Top, Octomom, Warmist and “You Betcha.”
Blessing or curse, we live in interesting times.
I hope you have a good year ahead. Be kind to each other.
Bill, we received your card today in the mail, thank you so much for sending it through! Wishing you a VERY Happy New Years!