Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Happy Hour

If ghosts ever belly up to a spirit world bar, I doubt they reminisce about the huge events of life. Sure, jackpot lottery tickets and Academy Award speeches are life's exclamation points. The winning touchdown, the heroic escape, the artful dodge -- they're loud and exciting. They break things up and flex the adrenals. But nobody wants to listen to a continuous drum solo, and too many fireworks obscure the chorus of stars. It's the day-to-day stuff that gives life it's base. We need to find our footing on solid ground in order to tilt at windmills, right?

I've been thinking a lot about the joy of ordinary things. Flowers from the Farmers Market next to a well-used teapot? Not exactly high art. But then again, if Van Gogh is up there nursing a scotch and talking about glory days, I'll bet what he remembers most are the irises, not the fact that he got famous for painting them...

15 comments:

Gunn said...

Very nice photo and text.
"The joy of ordinary things" is important!
Thanks for sharing this important message.

Shanna said...

I agree. Happy Hour is to be celebrated...day after day.

Anonymous said...

Your writing inspires me as much as your photography. Thank you for this. I love seeing my town, and the world, through your eyes.

Dixie Jane said...

Yes, the joy of ordinary things. What a happy picture. And I enjoyed your text as well.

I feel privileged to have seen Van Gogh's Irises at the Getty Museum.

Judy Williams said...

Your appreciation of the little things is so profound. I love how you see the world and your simple kitchen top still life is fantastic!!

Anonymous said...

Sigh.

Kat said...

I'd love to sit there and have tea with you. But I promise I wouldn't talk. I'd just enjoy the teas and the flowers. Beautiful, simple photo!

Mister Earl said...

Amazing that you should write this today. Just yesterday I was reading a book about writing and creativity written in 1939. She use Van Gogh as an example. Based on his letters, she said that he loved beauty in ordinary things and his painting was only for the purpose of sharing it with others.

Mister Earl said...

Book is If You Want to Write (A Book About Art, Indpendence, and Spirit) by Brenda Ueland. Recommeded by songwriter Mary Gauthier for her songwriting workshop.

Anonymous said...

Laurie...great light in this one. Just love how the flowers are backlit..the colors are magnificent.

Ken Mac said...

wonderfully placid

Anonymous said...

Although watching Mitch Mitchell playing a drum solo with Jimi Hendrix sounds kinda happy hour.

Trish said...

my mother used to grow ranunculus...ranunculi? beautifully. It was the anniversary of her death Monday and this pic just lit up MY day! thanks! been a lot of years, but they so bring me back to her garden in the Altos!

Petrea Burchard said...

This is a lovely photo, topped only by your exquisite prose.

Laurie Allee said...

You guys are so nice. Thanks. ANd Anon(2) the Mitchell and Hendrix jam does sound pretty cool!

Until tomorrow...