Today
is the birth anniversary of Norwegian painter and print-maker Edvard Munch
(1863-1944). Now, when you read “Edvard Munch,” you probably think of his
best-known work, The Scream. But how about this idyllic scene?
Reflections and meditations on music and singing, birds in my life, books and literature, reading, art and art history, history and humanity, words and writing, and things that catch my eye or cause me to wonder.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
To perceive freshly
When
some rare northern bird like the pine grosbeak is seen thus far south in the
winter, he does not suggest poverty, but dazzles us with his beauty. There is
in them a warmth akin to the warmth that melts the icicle. Think of these
brilliant, warm-colored, and richly warbling birds, birds of paradise, dainty-footed,
downy-clad, in the midst of a New England, a Canadian winter. The woods and
fields, now somewhat solitary, being deserted by their more tender summer
residents, are now frequented by these rich but delicately tinted and hardy
northern immigrants of the air. Here is no imperfection to be suggested. The
winter, with its snow and ice, is not an evil to be corrected. It is as it was
designed and made to be, for the artist has had leisure to add beauty to use.
My acquaintances, angels from the north. I had a vision thus prospectively of
these birds as I stood in the swamps. I saw this familiar—too familiar—fact at
a different angle, and I was charmed and haunted by it. But I could only attain
to be thrilled and enchanted, as by the sound of a strain of music dying away.
I had seen into paradisaic regions, with the air and sky, and I was no longer
wholly or merely a denizen of this vulgar earth. Yet had I hardly a foothold
there. I was only sure that I was charmed, and no mistake. It was only
necessary to behold thus the least fact or phenomenon, however familiar, from a
hair’s breadth aside from our habitual path or routine, to be overcome,
enchanted by its beauty and significance. Only what we have touched and worn is
trivial,—our scurf, repetition, tradition, conformity. To perceive freshly,
with fresh senses, is to be inspired. Great winter itself looked like a
precious gem, reflecting rainbow colors from one angle.
—From
the Journal of Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862), December 11, 1855.
A Bloody Stain
My response to an editorial in the New York Times on the perceived utility of guns in our society:
The bloody stain of our obsession with guns, and our passionate belief that guns are necessary tools in our everyday lives, seeps beyond human society.
The bloody stain of our obsession with guns, and our passionate belief that guns are necessary tools in our everyday lives, seeps beyond human society.
Labels:
Birds Out and About,
Commentary,
Current Events,
Human Nature,
Outrage
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Snow Birds
Today’s
snow brought the birds in to the feeders. These were all present within the
space of about a half hour this afternoon:
Monday, December 9, 2013
Zucchini and Ricotta Galette

This Zucchina and Ricotta Galette is worth every minute of preparation:
Inside the buttery, flaky crust is a perfect balance of savory cheeses, vegetables,
and flavor.
And of course, the presentation is stunning even when it doesn't come out perfectly round, such as the one I made, shown at left.
And of course, the presentation is stunning even when it doesn't come out perfectly round, such as the one I made, shown at left.

Though this original zucchini version is delicious, I also like the spinach variation I devised, described at the end of the post.
Do try it! It's not difficult, and you will enjoy the result.
Chill a bottle of your favorite Pinot Grigio, and get started.
Labels:
Recipes All,
Recipes Appetizers,
Recipes Vegetables
Saturday, December 7, 2013
To console
“Art
is to console those who are broken by life.”
—
Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890), Dutch painter
Via K
Roses by Vincent Van Gogh. Oil on canvas, 1890. National
Gallery, Washington DC. Photos by Quodlibet ©2012
[click to view]
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