December 24 2023 — Existential Autotrip

existential auto trip

December 24, 2023
# 1636

Monet Snow at Argenteuil 1875
Claude Monet - [Not given; presumably [1]] https://archive.is/Ucnpy

Claude Monet's "Snow at Argenteuil," painted in 1875, is a striking example of the Impressionist movement's exploration of light, color, and atmosphere. This masterpiece, one of a series depicting the small French town of Argenteuil under a blanket of snow, encapsulates Monet's fascination with the transient effects of weather on the landscape.

In "Snow at Argenteuil," Monet employs a muted palette to capture the chilly, serene ambiance of a snowy day. The painting is dominated by whites and grays, but closer inspection reveals subtle hints of color – soft blues, gentle yellows, and faint pinks – that bring life and depth to the scene. This nuanced use of color is a hallmark of Monet's work, showcasing his skill in conveying the natural world's complex beauty.

The composition itself is a blend of traditional landscape elements with modern, almost abstract techniques. Monet's loose, rapid brushstrokes give the snow a textured, almost tactile quality, contrasting with the more defined shapes of the houses and the figures. This contrast creates a dynamic tension, a hallmark of Impressionist art, that captures the fleeting, ephemeral nature of the moment.

"Snow at Argenteuil" is not just a visual experience; it's an atmospheric one. Monet transports the viewer to a quiet, snow-covered town, inviting them to feel the cold air and hear the muffled sounds of a world blanketed in snow. This painting is a testament to Monet's genius in depicting the delicate interplay of light, color, and atmosphere, making a simple landscape resonate with emotion and beauty.
ChatGPT Classic

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Commentary
Being alone on Christmas

Sucks because you’re all alone.
Is great because you’re all alone.

Is a loud reminder that you have failed in your relationships.
Is an opportunity to indulge yourself without regard to others.

Precludes going out to eat, unless you don’t mind being an object of pity.
Provides an opportunity to order in, and going for extravagance.

Means you lose out on group hugs.
Gives you an opportunity to work on a project that you love without interruption.

Deprives you of collective joyful moments.
Protects you from family dramas.

Deprives you of presents and other happy surprises.
Saves you from spending money on gifts.

Deprives you of the conviviality of a group dinner.
Provides you with the opportunity to watch a favorite movie while you nosh on a great meal.

The hiker stands as a back figure in the center of the composition. He looks down on an almost impenetrable sea of fog in the midst of a rocky landscape - a metaphor for life as an ominous journey into the unknown.

This Romantic masterpiece depicts a solitary figure gazing out over a fog-covered landscape. The vast, empty space emphasizes the theme of isolation and contemplation.
Caspar David Friedrich - https://www.tiqets.com/ja/hamburg-attractions-c64886/tickets-for-hamburger-kunsthalle-skip-the-line-p976728/

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Do You Believe in Magic? Anthology of Stories from the North End
Edited by Dom Capossela

Joseph,
I enjoyed your story. Thanks for sharing it.
I can easily recall a similar fist fight when I was 14 years old. It was in the Eliot School playground on Charter Street. I can’t remember the reason for the confrontation but it was with a friend and possibly because he was better at what we were doing. If I was not better than you, I became ashamed and embarrassed.I was the quintessential sore loser. A devastating character flaw which afforded me much pain as a youngster. We squared off, traded some punches when suddenly I dropped my fists and extended my hand to my opponent which he accepted. A cowardly act, but I convinced myself that getting punched in the face wasn’t worth it…until the next time!
Victor

My Mom Graduated!

Last week, my mom graduated college. It took her 35 years, and she walked the Arizona State University stage with tall pride and an immense amount of joy.

Going into the weekend, I was nervous. I didn’t know what emotions would come up for me, how gracefully I could handle the event. All I wanted was to be there for her, by her side in the celebration, and be nothing but her biggest supporter. It’s what she deserved.

Witnessing her happiness and the overbearing weight being lifted off her shoulders will be a memory that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. Watching her from the bleachers, beaming up at the various speakers and shrieking when her own face appeared on the big screen, brought me to tears. For 25 years I saw the effort it took her to get here. The dozens of attempts, the obstacles, the heartache. And, finally, finally, it paid off. I didn’t realize how much this meant for us, as a little family, until the water poured from my face and wouldn’t stop.

I took a deep breath. I reminded myself that I was a good daughter and of why I was here. I knew every assignment my mom so effortfully worked on. I edited her resume, coached her through turmoil with her classmates, forever encouraging her to keep on, keep going, and get the degree.

Before the graduation, my mom spent two hours carefully applying makeup and fixing and refixing her hair in the graduation cap. Not one thing could be out of place for one of the biggest days of her life, likely in line with the day she had me. She called me into her bedroom for a final check.

“How do I look?” she asked.

“Absolutely perfect.”

And she did.

Kat’s mom looking at us w a smile as big as her accomplishment

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Tucker’s Corner

Travelling can be exhausting but I wasn’t going to let a manic final day in NYC stop me from returning home in time to catch one of my all time favorite films at the Brattle Theater. Seeing it every Christmas season has actually become a tradition for me and my wife. This movie is so lovely and though for most of you it probably isn’t anything new I felt the need to write about it for our Christmas issue. This is It’s A Wonderful Life.

It’s A Wonderful Life - Directed by Frank Capra

The best thing that ever happened to "It's a Wonderful Life" is that it fell out of copyright protection and into the shadowy no-man's-land of the public domain. Because the movie is no longer under copyright, any television station that can get its hands on a print of the movie can show it, at no cost, as often as it wants to. And that has led in the last decade to the rediscovery of Frank Capra's once-forgotten film, and its elevation into a Christmas tradition. PBS stations were the first to jump on the bandwagon in the early 1970s, using the saga of the small-town hero George Bailey as counterprogramming against expensive network holiday specials. To the general amazement of TV program directors, the audience for the film grew and grew over the years, until now many families make the movie an annual ritual.

What is remarkable about "It's a Wonderful Life" is how well it holds up over the years; it's one of those ageless movies, like "Casablanca" or "The Third Man," that improves with age. Some movies, even good ones, should only be seen once. When we know how they turn out, they've surrendered their mystery and appeal. Other movies can be viewed an indefinite number of times. Like great music, they improve with familiarity. "It's a Wonderful Life" falls in the second category.

The movie works like a strong and fundamental fable, sort of a "Christmas Carol" in reverse: Instead of a mean old man being shown scenes of happiness, we have a hero who plunges into despair. The hero, of course, is George Bailey (Stewart), a man who never quite makes it out of his quiet birthplace of Bedford Falls. As a young man he dreams of shaking the dust from his shoes and traveling to far-off lands, but one thing and then another keeps him at home; especially his responsibility to the family savings and loan association, which is the only thing standing between Bedford Falls and the greed of Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore), the avaricious local banker.

George marries his high school sweetheart (Donna Reed, in her first starring role), settles down to raise a family, and helps half the poor folks in town buy homes where they can raise their families. Then, when George's absentminded uncle (Thomas Mitchell) misplaces some bank funds during the Christmas season, it looks as if the evil Potter will have his way after all. George loses hope and turns mean. He despairs, and is standing on a bridge contemplating suicide when an Angel named Clarence (Henry Travers) saves him and shows him what life in Bedford Falls would have been like without him.

Frank Capra never intended "It's a Wonderful Life" to be pigeonholed as a "Christmas movie." This was the first movie he made after returning from service in World War II, and he wanted it to be special--a celebration of the lives and dreams of America's ordinary citizens, who tried the best they could to do the right thing by themselves and their neighbors. After becoming Hollywood's poet of the common man in the 1930s with an extraordinary series of populist films ("It Happened One Night," "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town," "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," "You Can't Take It With You"), Capra found the idea for "It's a Wonderful Life" in a story by Philip Van Doren Stern that had been gathering dust on studio shelves.

For Stewart, also recently back in civilian clothes, the movie was a chance to work again with Capra, for whom he had played Mr. Smith. The original trailer for the movie played up the love angle between Stewart and Donna Reed and played down the message--but the movie was not a box office hit, and was all but forgotten before the public domain prints began to make their rounds.

"It's a Wonderful Life" is not just a heart-warming "message movie." The conclusion of the film makes such an impact that some of the earlier scenes may be overlooked--such as the slapstick comedy of the high school hop, where the dance floor opens over a swimming pool, and Stewart and Reed accidentally jitterbug right into the water. (This covered pool was not a set but actually existed at Hollywood High School). There's also the drama of George rescuing his younger brother from a fall through the ice, and the scene where Donna Reed loses her bathrobe and Stewart ends up talking to the shrubbery. The telephone scene--where an angry Stewart and Reed find themselves helplessly drawn toward each other—is still one of the most romantic scenes I’ve ever watched. And the darker later passages have an elemental power, as the drunken George Bailey staggers through a town he wants to hate, and then revisits it with the help of a gentle angel. Even the corniest scenes in the movie--those galaxies that wink while the heavens consult on George's fate--work because they are so disarmingly simple. A more sophisticated approach might have seemed labored.

"It's a Wonderful Life" did little for Frank Capra's postwar career, and indeed he never regained the box office magic that he had during the 1930s. Such later films as "State of the Union" (1948) and "Pocketful of Miracles" (1961) have the Capra touch but not the magic, and the director did not make another feature after 1961. But he remained hale and hearty until a stroke slowed him in the late 1980s; and he died in 1991. At a seminar with some film students in the 1970s he was asked if there was still a way to make movies about the kinds of values and ideals found in the his films.

"Well, if there isn't," he said, "we might as well give up."

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Clay Hill Farm
Dinner with Dickens: A Christmas Carol!

Below is the announcement of the event. My cousin and I had dinner there and we both loved the performance. Kirk Simpson retold the story during the course of the dinner and he was all in.
Here’s the company write up.

Journey to jolly old England in this fabulous, one-man HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA! Local actor, Kirk Simpson, returns as all your favorite characters in this unforgettable dining experience...

Travel back to merry old England this Holiday season, as Clay Hill Farm Presents… A Christmas Carol: Dinner with Dickens, starring local actor, Kirk Simpson. For the 12th consecutive year, Simpson will bring to life this timeless classic by Charles Dickens with theatrical brilliance and animated characterizations, for 9 performances at Clay Hill Farm. Opening Sunday, December 3rd, this one-man extravaganza will return to become your favorite Holiday tradition!

A Christmas Carol: Dinner with Dickens, instantly puts guests in the Holiday spirit as the fabulous tale of love and redemption comes to life during dinner. Audiences interact with that old curmudgeon, Ebenezer Scrooge prior to the show opening, giving them an intimate taste of who this “wicked old screw” really is. With a little help from the audience, Simpson, as Charles Dickens did over 150 years ago, performs a powerhouse, one-man dramatic performance, bringing ALL the beloved classic characters to life while guests enjoy Clay Hill Farm’s delicious drinks and fabulous fare from their classic coastal menu.

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Writing
I have finished editing my new novel, Conflicted. Now I will begin looking for an agent. Wish me luck.

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Food

I asked ChatGPT Classic: Help me to create a simple dressing for steamed asparagus with mayonnaise, lemon, salt and pepper and your thoughts.

ChatGPT Classic Response

A simple dressing for steamed asparagus using mayonnaise, lemon, salt, and pepper can be delightful and easy to prepare. To enhance the flavor further, you might consider adding a few additional ingredients. Here's a recipe suggestion:

Simple Asparagus Dressing

Ingredients:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

Juice of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon lemon zest (for added citrus flavor)

Salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 clove of garlic, minced (for a bit of sharpness)

1 tablespoon of olive oil (for smoothness)

1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley or dill (for freshness and color)

Optional: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (for a little heat)

Instructions:

Combine Base Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and lemon juice until smooth.

Add Flavorings: Stir in the lemon zest, minced garlic, and olive oil. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Season: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix again.

Add Herbs: Stir in the chopped parsley or dill (or both, if preferred) for a fresh flavor and a pop of color.

Optional Heat: If you enjoy a bit of spice, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the steamed asparagus just before serving. Alternatively, you can serve the dressing on the side as a dipping sauce.

This dressing combines creamy mayonnaise with the brightness of lemon and the fresh flavors of herbs, creating a perfect complement to the delicate taste of steamed asparagus. The garlic and optional red pepper flakes add depth and a slight kick to the dressing, enhancing the overall dish.

You

i'll let you know how it turns out

ChatGPT Classic

That sounds great! I'm looking forward to hearing how your asparagus with the lemon-mayonnaise dressing turns out. Enjoy your cooking, and if you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Happy cooking!

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Chuckles and Thoughts
Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.

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Six Word Stories
Winds of change, sails set, adventure.

“ The Child Between”
Christmas Day
Victor Indrisano
277 North Street
NO End Boston MA

Dear Katherine,

I wanted to share something with you. As a writer you understand, that there are times when a

writer has an experience that fascinates and nurtures a writer. Writing further helps to further

understand the experience and have access that experience. I also hope to acknowledge you

and the rest of the librarians and staff who have contributed so much to my life by sharing this

story.

We were both working at the library. I at my desk and you behind your desk as a librarian, one

who specialists in the care and management of a library, library, a place which literary musical

or artistic works are kept for use for everyone by librarians but not for sale. The real treasures

of our civilization? A father and son came upon us unexpectedly. It appeared to me from no

where. The young boy stood between us or maybe uniting us like a jointer making together of

all parts.

While you and the child’s father engrossed in a conversation and the child turned toward me.

I felt someone surveilling me. I looked up to see him standing like a watchman on his beat

with a smile not too big or not two bright looking in my eyes as bright as night. I did not want

to disturb the sanctity of his innocence by speaking without permission, but he continued

looking at me. Finally, I raised my hand to say hello, but before I knew he turned his back and

went back to be connected to his father. I didn’t mind. Children are sane and they know to

stay away from crazy adults. The Child faced you and both of you became engaged in

conversation. You approached the child coming as close to the Child as one could be.

Adults often become enchanted by children’s cuteness loosing part of their focus in the

process. Your eyes gave so loving a gaze devoid of wanting. You were giving “nothing but

yourself” and taking nothing. “For love is sufficient unto love.”

I watched until I heard the wordless symphony was complete. I could not tell what transpired

between you and the child. But, I am sure there was more nothing than words. I went back to

work delighted by this sublime intervention. I again felt the presence of eyes calling me from

across my desk. I looked Up. Our child was sitting right across from me. I thought again to

take a chance to make our connection. I raised my hand and waved and said “Hi!”. Our child

must of thought that he was a submarine because he submerged himself under the sea of my

desk. I could not miss a minute of this spectacle by going back to work even if there was no

spectacle.

I’ll talk when I want

I have since always been wary of opinions.

Sean Buzzard’s Cup of Coffee

Picking Sides

I once knew an old lady, I forget her name. I helped her on the bus with her shopping once riding from Barrow back to Dalton.

She had a full head of white hair, and was always dressed all in black. She wouldn’t have been out of place perched on a broom.

I was maybe 16 at the time? And full of erratic thoughts and ideas with no direction discernible to me.

We struck up an intense conversation on that 25 minute bus journey, about politics and morality and everything else I knew, and still know, so very little about.

I remember telling my mum about it and she knew of the lady. She said, in very hushed tones, that she was a known local socialist.

It wasn’t the first time I’d heard “socialist” said like something you look over both shoulders before saying. Usually about teachers.

I never quite got that, being from a Labour area of a certainly socialist “flavoured” western country; I think that may have had a lot to do with me not being old enough to remember the massive rifts torn through northern families associated with the labour disputes of the 60’s, 70’s and early 80’s.

Regardless, I would often meet that same lady on the same bus route and strike up the same conversations about everything. She was fascinating to me.

Once, she simultaneously paid me the highest compliment and gave me the soundest advice. Despite not being able to recall many of the details of our talks, I will always remember:

“You have a keen mind, Sean. Never stop thinking. At some point someone will want you to stop thinking, but don’t”

It sounds even better now than it did then.

I have since always been wary of opinions. I love to foster, hear and be informed of diverse opinions, and have often been mistaken as opinionated, but I don’t like them.

An opinion marks the end of thinking.

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Last Thought
I met my great nephew today.
What a fine human being!
What a fine job of parenting on the parts of Marlo and Jen.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dec 20 December 24 2023