Yearly Archives: 2010

Miscellany

On to a new year

31 December 2010 – 1:00 am

033

Twilight has come for 2010; and 2011 dawns. 

How will you celebrate? 

We’ll be savoring the time we have left…and trying desperately not to think that this particular visit is now down to hours.  Hours, I tell you.  *whimper*

Lord help me if I hear Auld Lang Syne.

But before I head out for more kisses on those sweet little cheeks, I’d like to thank you for putting up with me for an entire year.  Not only did you allow me to blabber about for days on end, you actually came back for more.  You even left comments {and just so you know, the amount of energy that must go into commenting some days is not lost on me}. 

Perhaps next year I’ll actually have something to say … though I wouldn’t hold my breath.  If there’s one thing 2010 taught me, it’s not to get your heart set on any one thing.  Still, I promise to try. 

So to you, dear readers, I wish a bright & joyous new year–may you be surrounded by those you love, have a thousand reasons to celebrate, and be blessed with a dream or two come true …

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My life

With a pack on my back

30 December 2010 – 9:54 am

I’ve been informed by my wee nephew {who just so happens to be an expert on such matters} that my new robe makes me look like Santa Clause.

Sure, you could say I’ve sipped one too many eggnog lattes; but I prefer to think it’s simply the fact that my robe is mauve and luxuriously soft.  It’s one of the many fabulous gifts I received this Christmas.  I received all sorts, you see–fine teas and coffee, festive napkins, candles–necessities for making a new year bright.     

And look what I found under the tree … 

{The Peasant by ?}

This being a print I completely fell in love with a few months back.  It was hanging on a wall at an estate sale… a wall I revisited several times.  Can’t you just see this picture displayed in a large comfy library–next to the floor to ceiling bookshelves, complete with wheeled ladders? 

Of course, since I don’t have a large comfy library–but do have bills–I opted to leave it behind. 

So imagine my surprise when I unwrapped Santa’s gift to find the greatest treasure of all! 

The back states that it’s “The Peasant” by Brueghel.  For those unfamiliar, Pieter Brueghel the Elder was a 16th century Flemish painter.  It is said he would dress up as a peasant to mingle and get the most accurate images, thus earning him the nickname, Peasant Brueghel.  Of course, his children were artists as well … artist who, occassionally, even copied their father’s work, making it somewhat difficult to know who painted what.  And, while I’m no art expert, I have seen a few Brueghel’s … but never a portrait.*   

What I do know, however, is the artist painted him perfectly.  Certainly he’s a kindly peasant … lending a hand where needed and sneaking sweets to the children.  You’ll hear him hum as he works … it’s always slightly off tune. Though he wouldn’t hurt a fly, he has an ornery streak … which shows itself in each unsuspecting prank …

I will love him and name him Bartholomeus. *sigh*

And what treasures did you unwrap this Christmas?

*Update: There’s a reason I’ve never seen a painting like this of Brueghel’s … see the comment, if you will …

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My life

Do you know?

28 December 2010 – 10:41 am

{happiest of birthday wishes to The Birthday Girl}

The Birthday Girl turned 90 on December 26th–which, she will be the first to tell you, is a most unfortunate day to be born.  People are tired of eating, and celebrating, and otherwise spending large amounts of money.  And that leaves you with birthday presents wrapped in Christmas paper–if you’re lucky enough to get separate gifts at all. 

It’s a sad, sad state of affairs.  Sigh. 

This year, however, The Birthday Girl got to choose–whatever she wanted to do for her birthday, the family would do it.  She requested a small family dinner {with the inclusion of a lifelong friend} … at the Olive Garden … “Because, you know, we never got to eat there when Russell was alive.” 

And it just so happens, the manager working that day was also a December 26th baby.  So while The Birthday Girls compared horror stories, the rest of us sampled the complimentary appetizer trays.  The wait staff came out to serenade, they picked up The Birthday Girl’s tab–they even supplied her with a paper cone, filled to the brim with her favorite mint chocolates, all to take home. 

Of course, to each and every person who stopped by to greet her, she would say, “Do you know how old I am?”

“How old?”  they’d respond.

“Ninety!” she’d exclaim, chuckling, and shaking her head.

Apparently, it gets no easier to believe you’re as old as you are; perhaps that’s the reason birthdays may continue to shine bright … even on the 26th of December …

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My life

Good stuff

27 December 2010 – 5:05 pm

You know, I like those countries that allow an extra day or two for the Christmas holiday.  They know a thing or two.  We are, after all, celebrating the birth of the greatest life that ever lived.  You can’t expect the frivolity to end in one day.  Please.

Though we did manage to pack a lot in that one day.  We ate entirely too much food, lounged about, and took a stroll in the park.  We had us a visit from Santa; young and old—we were spoiled beyond measure; and we loved every minute.   

You know me, I could go on—and, more than likely, I will.  But for now, I must turn leftover ham into Asparagus Ham dinner, give Barefoot’s new Sweet Red a try, and nibble Christmas treats. 

In other words, I’ve got to keep the Christmas cheer going just a bit longer. 

Hope the same might be said of you …

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Life of greatness

A merry little Christmas

25 December 2010 – 1:00 am

{The Nativity, by Gerard van Honthorst (1590-1656)}

Another Christmas is upon us.  There are gifts to give and those to unwrap, meals to prepare and share.  As we celebrate, let us not forget to find a quiet moment or two to remember the true meaning of Christmas… 

Let us fall in line with the shepherds and wise men, following that great and shining star; let us smell the dusty road, hear their tales of wonder, and see the angels sing; let us join this odd gathering as they tiptoe through the straw, kneel at a musty manager, and offer precious gifts to a newborn king.  What will we give?  What will we take away?  These things let us treasure, and ponder them in our hearts.       

Merry Christmas, my friends.

xoxo

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