Comments on: Reflections

By: Vineca Gray

Vineca Gray — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 23:10:37 +0000

Yes, 2010 is going to be all about transformation. I urge you to view the drole little feature film ‘Withnail and I’,a story told in 1969, as the year was coming to an end. It is a Handmade Film, produced by the inimitable George Harrison.

As was the case in 1969, everything has changed forever, and a new decade will define itself by the decisions each of us make in our lives.

Peace to us all and Godspeed to Coalition Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Errant Aesthete, thank you for indulging me on this final point.

By: home before dark

home before dark — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 17:11:16 +0000

I agree with California Girl above. The corrections we are seeing are long overdue but I fear the hate mongering spewings of the Republican Party and how they will spin their mess into Obama’s failure to solve it while they resolutely do everything to keep him from doing that. Insanity.

On a personal level—as if politics isn’t—my goal is finish a few projects in my home and my garden, to have more order in my life and not be overrun with my creative excess, to volunteer more to causes I care about, to read more challenging works, to cherish my husband every day, to let go of people in my life who cannot or will not treat me with respect, to end each day as a small remembrance that life is uncertain, each day is a gift. I turned 60 this year, a year my beloved mother-in-law did not get to celebrate. All these years I have wondered what I would feel when I reached this moment. And what I feel is grateful, humbled, and hell bent on using each day the best way I can. Happy new decade, EA, I hope it brings you what you need.

By: John Agee Paris

John Agee Paris — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 10:57:24 +0000

The thoughts that people have left here only reinforce my belief that EA is much more than a blog on style or aesthetics or the life well lived. There is a gentle spirit that reigns in these posts. It’s refreshing, it’s why I enjoy visiting.

2009 has been one of the most mentally challenging years of my life. I’m surviving, my business is surviving (somewhat), my friends are surviving, but I’ve begun to question some of my most basic assumptions and menatally preparing once again, I fear, for a transformation. What form that transformation will take, I know not. I know, I know, we’re all supposed to embrace change. The tree that does not bend breaks, and all that. But it’s hard. Everyone’s lovely thoughts of hope posted here are soothing to read for a soul like mine.

So we move forward towards 2010, sometimes with hope, sometimes with trepidation. May we all be surrounded by hope, happiness, goodness, and of course, wonderful aesthetics.

By: Another human being

Another human being — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 22:08:03 +0000

In 2009, I lost a lot of cynicism, a lot of sarcasm, and a lot of anger. In 2009, I (re)discovered the existence of God after having lived many years believing there was no such thing. With the discovery of faith, I have found joy, compassion, and a sweet gentleness that I never imagined lived within me.

This gift of the spirit is the most amazing thing I have ever received, and I am so profoundly grateful for all of the losses, tragedies and devastation that brought me to this point that words cannot express the gratitude I feel.

By: Mary-Laure

Mary-Laure — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 19:01:05 +0000

Thanks for this post. I loved it all – the intriguing painting, with its odd colors, the George Eliot quote, your writing… And the name of your post!

By: Jane

Jane — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:59:49 +0000

Imitation being sincere flattery, I may try putting some of my images on my webpage sidebar, as they look so well on yours. Happy New Year and thank you for the gift of your website.

By: California Girl

California Girl — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:58:12 +0000

Many are happy to see this year, this decade, end. Eight years of George Bush, two wars, a severe recession, uncertainty at every turn. The corporations of the world keep on keepin’ on and we are just beginning to react to their greedy ways. Perhaps we’ll rally and refuse to accept the lack of regulation they enjoy. Perhaps we’ll demand more of our politicians instead of less. That being said, we’ve elected our first President of color, we are re-evaluating our lifestyles, spending habits and hopefully what is truly important. We are FINALLY acknowledging our environmental frailty and trying to reduce our carbon footprint. I don’t think the recession has been a bad thing. It’s a long overdue wake up call which may help us learn to save instead of spend and be more self sufficient. I really want to begin 2010 optimistically, looking forward to health care reform, a curtailment of the war in Iraq and, hopefully, a shorter stint in Afghanistan. Those are my hopes and my thoughts. Thanks for the forum.

By: Anna

Anna — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 16:43:08 +0000

My God. I recognized my own entry from 2007. My friend with cancer continues to survive vibrantly; his wife was treated for an equally devastating cancer attack and survives beautifully as well. My beloved pooch could not defeat bone cancer; with her phenomenal spirit and heart intact but with a failing body, we laid her to rest in 2008.

This is a year for gratitude. Grateful for good health, a roof over our heads, financial stability in the face of reduced work opportunities, family that successfully negotiates their many hurdles. The low points: a long, soul-grinding fight with Kaiser for responsible medical care for my mother; a painful court battle to free a family member from abuse. The highs: everyone’s ok; a new puppy just adopted a month ago; a new grandbaby on the way.