On Valentine’s Day, the world may sway, With roses and hearts on display. But true love blooms in everyday, In acts of kindness, come what may.
Not in grand gestures or lavish affair, But in the tender moments we share. In simple joys and burdens we bear, Love’s essence found, beyond compare.
It’s in our laughter that fills the air, In quiet moments, hearts laid bare. In comforting hugs, always there, Love’s beauty shines on us, a pair.
Our love is found in the mundane, In whispered words like gentle rain. In steadfast presence, free from strain, A bond that weathers every pain.
So on this day, let’s not forget, That love’s true worth, we shall not fret. In day-to-day acts, our souls are met, In the special moments, love is set.
Wishing you all a wonderful Valentine’s Day on the 14th! xo ❤️
Another day awakens, sunlight gently streams, Yet, I lie entangled in elusive dreams. Mountains of tasks, a daunting array, Head heavy with the weight of the pending day.
The dawn whispers of responsibilities vast, A symphony of to-dos, shadows cast. Bed’s comfort tempts, a refuge to stay, But, the world outside demands its sway.
The ache in the head, the burden of thought, Projects loom, battles to be fought. In the warmth of the sheets, a plea is said, To linger longer, and avoid the day ahead.
Ah! If only I could luxuriate in bed for a few more minutes!
Photographed by Joan Currie – The Botticelli Drawings Exhibit, Head of a Youth, Roman, 2nd century AD, marble
Ode to Cutting Off a Nose by Joan Currie
There was a young man who was vain, His self-absorbed nature was plain. Despite all the money he’d spend, No one thought of him as a friend.
He was vengeful, spiteful, and mean, People say he was rarely seen. His mother was wary of him, His future – decidedly grim.
One day when he looked in the mirror, He pronounced that he looked rather queer. So he cut off his aquiline nose, And fed all the parts to the crows.
As I was examining the marble Head of a Youth at the Botticelli Drawings exhibit at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco, I thought of the expression, “cutting off one’s nose to spite one’s face,” as well as Vincent van Gogh cutting off his ear, and the ominous “Wheat Field with Crows,” one of van Gogh’s last paintings executed in 1890 before his death. The above poem was born out of that Joycean stream-of-consciousness.
I wonder what other people think when they look at great works of art? Who knows, but it could be very interesting!
Photographed by Joan Currie at the Seattle Art Museum – The Great Wave off Kanagawaby Hokusai
During the Ebo period, ukiyo-e, woodblock prints became enormously popular. Sold in small shops and on the street, an ordinary print went for the price of a bowl of noodles. People of very modest income, therefore, could collect prints in albums or paste them on their walls. A highly efficient production system made this wide distribution of Japanese graphic art possible. From Gardner’s Art Through the Ages
It was thrilling to see The Great Wave, pictured above, at the Seattle Art Museum exhibit featuring the Japanese artist, Katsushika Hokusai (葛飾 北斎, c. 31 October 1760 – 10 May 1849). He is celebrated for having created approxiamtely 30,000 woodblock prints, paintings, illustrations, and sketches during his lifetime.
As this year hurtles towards its end, I thought of Hokusai’s Great Wave, and found myself amidst a sea of unfinished tasks and uncharted waters. Like the towering wave, these last few days of 2023 have loomed large, yet I am carried forth by the inexorable force of time.
As I look at the intricate details of Hokusai’s work, I see parallels in my own year-end reflections. The waves symbolize exquisite beauty, contrasts of dark and light, highs and lows, dynamism, chaos, and complexities of life, while the boats – the challenges I have faced throughout the year (a little trying to stay afloat but mostly enjoying the ride!).
I look forward to catching a new Great Wave in 2024!
I remember that pomegranate well – the leathery red skin, the fleshy weight of it in my hand promising wine-sweet clusters of ruby fruit. As I lifted it off the pile, I imagined the satisfying crunch the release of tangy perfume, the juices glazing my lips and running down my chin. Ah, that biblical fruit with its poignant umbilical tip, choice of the gods and food of the dead. from The Book of Unholy Mischief by Elle Newmark
‘Tis the festive season, and amid the glistening ornaments and twinkling lights, one color stands out in vibrant splendor – red. At other times of the year, I prefer a tranquil Scandinavian, blue and white color palette with bursts of color from my (perhaps, too many) watercolor and oil paintings crowding out the wall space. But, come December, I embrace the bold, passionate primary color wholeheartedly!
As I unpack my Christmas decorations, I rediscover my love for red and its various shades: from the bright scarlets and crimsons to fun Barbie and opera pinks, and then the darker, more sensual vermilions and carmines. My house transforms into a home that Santa and Mrs. Claus would approve of with: cranberry garlands, garish vintage baubles, soft velvet ribbons, authentic sleigh bells, Santa and Rudolph red-nosed felt ornaments, tiny neon lights, pots of luscious poinsettias, bulging amaryllis bulbs, and, finally, a cornucopia of blushing pomegranates, Anjou pears, and Ambrosia apples and cinnamon sticks.
Smell the sea and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly. – Van Morrison – Into the Mystic
I have had an amazing summer traveling in the Pacific Northwest. This charming fleet of sailing camp boats on Puget Sound caught my attention. I, too, learned how to sail at a very young age and the knowledge garnered about points of sailing and wind, helmsmanship, racing, knot tying, tides, currents, and weather has served me well. I have been inexplicably drawn to the sea my whole life and these lessons learned have helped keep me safe in some very challenging and even treacherous waters.
Known as a symbol of protection, Japanese parents often receive a small statue of an Akita when their child is born. The Akita is not only a symbol of protection, but also one of health, happiness, and long life. – hillspet.com
Meet our newest family member, Kimiko – but we call her Kimmie! She is a beautiful Japanese Akita rescue dog who is nearly two years old. She weighs about 65 pounds and has a fluffy, thick coat of fur. She is a devoted guard dog and very affectionate to those she knows and accepts.
Normality is a paved road: It’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it. – Vincent van Gogh
The Kröller-Müller Museum is located in Otterlo, the Netherlands in the Hoge Veluwe National Park. I have wanted to visit this museum for many years because of its stunning collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, particularly those of van Gogh. However, the trip there appeared to be somewhat daunting – one train to Ede-Wageningen station, two bus rides, plus an additional walk, bike, or bus ride after arriving at the National Park gate. This trip I was determined to visit and it was well worth the effort!
If you are able, be sure to ride one of the hundreds of bikes, provided free of charge, to get to the museum from the National Park’s front gate. Great fun!
Satin & Sand 