We see the world, not as it is, but as we are.

The saying is not original to me.  It’s something I read and never forgot.  Another argument for reading widely.  Reading can save one’s life.  Too often I find myself in a ditch, having painted all that I perceive with the color of my mood, invariably a dark shade.  Fortunately a statement such as this brings me to my senses, putting me on notice that reality, life is nothing but a curve, whimsical, ironical, deliciously weird. 

Time for a break from thinking about politics, about social criticism, taking a respite from philosophical inquiry! 

My wife took responsibility for putting the finishing touches on the Christmas tree.  The tree is a kaleidoscope of color, illuminated with tiny white lights offering for view ornaments, each a memory from years past.  The Christmas tree tells the “story of us,” of our history. The ornaments are a look-back at what a wild ride the past proved to be.  Each ornament was selected by an individual for purchase and hanging upon the family tree.  Many personalities are revealed by those ornaments.   Here are a few that caught my eye.

I also add, — we have a “thing” for snowmen.  A snowman is the product of a child’s imagination, snow, and the materials at hand.  The purity of snow reminds me of an ideal, perfection that causes me to feel awe.  A snowman is a non-sectarian way to shout a “yes” to Christmas, and to the season of winter.

This song gets a prize for whimsy!  Chris Farley is missed….