War & Johnny Carson's Shirt Size
I was going to tell my happy husband and Handsome Prince when we retired - a huge list of neat things women "keep in their hearts". Fun things to share when we were white-haired and satisfied, enjoying the view from the porch in our rocking chairs: like why I watched "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson long past the time one does. Can't do that now. He died before retirement. And so I must share it with you:
a true story from the 1960's dedicated to deployed military and their loved ones at home.
I was going to tell my happy husband and Handsome Prince "when we're old" - a huge list of neat things couples "keep in their hearts". My handsome Prince got home from war just fine and to a fine successful life in work and love and fatherhood, but I'll never get to tell him these things I saved. He died suddenly one morning, well before retirement age. But I can share it with you:
He was an officer, with USACEngineers, Black Diamonds special ops - showing Army Engineers how to NOT to use the horribly carcinogenic Agent Orange to clear foliage. Just graduated with a degree in Chemistry, a healer - He loathed all Chemical Warfare. He enlisted before his draft notice arrived in July, because, if he did so, he was promised that he could choose his job.
It was worthy , but it was war.
The news shared a list of horrifying new war words daily, with "body bag" at the top! I'd blanche and take a chair. No Norman Rockwell and John Wayne easy patriotism - no. Unable to sleep, the popular "Heeerrre's Johnnny!" called my attention and tried to not be "one tough audience" to get a laugh from - though things for us were grim.
Replying to audience comments and questions, he told us his shirt size ! What a guy won't say, to get a laugh! But if you are Johhnnnnny, you can say ANYthing and bring down the house - even his shirt size won the moment. OK, funny!
But NOT for me; Hypersensitive from love and fear, the mention of "fourteen-and-a-half / thirty-two" made me jump up - Though my husband was taller, the shirt size was the same. And suddenly for a moment I smiled in happy peace , remembering the first time I bought him a shirt, the first time I pressed one up for him for a fete, and the first time I trashed a worn out one that he loved secretly and replaced it with a spotless twin. Oh dear, I WAS missing him so much!
It was 1968 - there was no media - no internet - no SKYPE - no email - nothing to bring reassuring live images of my deployed husband. There was Silence, and often lost or delayed mail. Food and other goodies I'd send were raided and never reached him.
I praised our baby, whose health made me NOT hold onto stress that would upset the infant in my arms. Being a good mommy meant NOT hugging our son tighter than I should over it.
But the silly moment worked and after that night, I'd watch Johnny Carson and fix on that shirt size, over and over - for the power of a factoid to generate connectivity. It worked, somehow, till my husband's tour was done. It was a way of poking fun at my own fears.
My late husband's homecoming from war remains the happiest day of my life - surpassing our wedding, our children's births, and even my art at the White House. Till then Death was there constantly taunting me with promises to destroy all the work and love of my own birth and development to make a fine adult life. Fear taunting constantly, no matter how cool and good and brave and busy I could be.
But, NO - you won't win this one....LIFE this time. My Lieutenant USACE Black Diamonds - some months later, walked through that door at LaGuardia - HOME - "all ten fingers, all ten toes", and the love better than ever for the test!
No Johnny Carson story for him - NOT that day. Time - the gift of time was ours - no rush. My husband had plenty of stories, as well, but one look at one another and we exulted : "We'll talk about it when we're old! We're not gonna have a problem ." And we didn't! Boundlessly grateful there was no PTS for us! Life - we won our right to a good life - with a down-payment on the mortgage for it.
Even years later, with our babies half grown and softly sleeping in the next room , curled up safe and sound, "watching Carson" with my husband - I'd sometimes remember the time of his deployment and that night when I was saved by "Johnny Carson's shirt size" on tv; and I'd feel "moreso" blessed for a moment, by comparison to those late nights alone, with nothing but a fixation on a "shirtsize-in-common" to help me hold onto my mind. Grateful praise !
Even widowed, years later I am fine and thriving for the goodness of the many years we made and enjoyed so well!
To all who serve and to all who love them, l send a good wish and a prayer that the Angels send at least a helpful bit of silliness, like "Johnny Carson's Shirt Size" to help any who need one.
My radio show - if I had one - Thanksgiving 2017 musings...
What would I do with my own show?
I promised to post this today. my show.... What would I call it? The funny name club show? Sassy seniors with long hair? Snak-l-frok !
But it is not like that - my name means light and if I had a show it would be to bring light into a dark place - many dark places. Confront dilemmas and mysteries and get them solved.
My housekeeper said "you really get things done" - and there is that feeling of a doing a thing for the world - but I want to focus on things my Normal Rockwell Childhood brought to table for action - then tabled and never done.
I think "Occupant Safety & Escape Technology" for planes and tall buildings would lead my campaigns - for years death from their failure has NOT been necessary, but no one is making them do it. In fact, I'd put it away, then forgot it - parents' orders. Then on NINELEVEN, I literally had to grab the counter to NOT fall down, when the memory found me and stunned me. NO ONE needed to die that day. NO ONE. If the escape tech had been done on time, two things, in fact would have happened: if attacked occupants could safely leave the plane or building FAST - super fast. But with such tech in place, terrorists may have skipped it for an idea, since there would be so few victims.
On my show, I could invite the dozens of contacts whose job it was to make and use the Technology but who could not or would not. I would talk with them to see what it would take to win the breakthrough.
This is a priority topic: lives depend on it and I am still a good redcrosslady. But I do have a list of topics I would share from my own experience and observation - I will add them here or linked.
We have so much for which to give Thanks! BECAUSE we got things done, leaping to meet opportunities and win through obstacles - and no other reason!
Blue " Hallelujah"
Peter Hollen and Jackie Evancho sing a pretty a capella version of Leonard Cohen's iconic "Hallelujah" - this year at YouTube for the holidays ......find it if you can. I think I wrote this "Variation on the Theme" for a memorial to the author's passing this November 7th
Peter Hollen and Jackie Evancho sing a pretty a capella version of Leonard Cohen's iconic "Hallelujah" - this year at YouTube for the holidays ......find it if you can. I think I wrote this "Variation on the Theme" for a memorial to the author's passing this November 7th
A ' Different' Hallelujah
What , sweet angels, do you do
It's Christmas and they don't like you,
And to be truthful, you're not keen on them ?
Skip them, and go find your friends
and play till New Year's parties end
Find the new year full of Hallelujahs
Hallelujah ! Hallelujah ! Hallelujah ! Hallelujah !
When big hurts hurt, they do deplete -
It isn't pretty, isn't sweet
You cry, "Please, Santa, ANY Hallelujah ! "
You pray to find a new insight
it won't run clear, it won't go right
Till you can't even spell out 'Hallelooojah' !
Hallelujah ! Hallelujah ! Hallelujah ! Hallelujah !
I found my son today online
With Bride, too far away, but fine
But why assail me with UN-hallelujah !
And now they'll have to charm this dear,
to find the former welcome here
And still I know I'll know that Hallelujah !
Hallelujah ! Hallelujah ! Hallelujah ! Hallelujah !
His sister's newly-wedded smiles
Just dreams - we are apart by miles
Some one-day moment here - for Holy Yule - yah !
Again a merry company
For Christmas, once again, and we will
Sing ensemble, truly, Hallelujah!
Hallelujah ! Hallelujah ! Hallelujah ! Hallelujah !
The strawb'ry top still spins, my loves !
The spirit's there and more above
A power of its own, sing Hallelujah !
I love the wisdom of my years
The invitation's loud and clear, so
I'll close now and just get back to my Yule - yah !
Hallelujah ! Hallelujah ! Hallelujah ! Hallelujah ! Hallelujah ! Hallelujah !
May YOUR "Hallelujah" and "Gloria" and "cheers", glow with family spirit this year and always!
elle
Thanksgiving Notes 2016
Such sneaky kitties! Going from Halloween wild fun, straight on to Christmas - skipping the "Thank You" in-between. If you know when this began, it would be good to comment on it here. BECAUSE skipping the Thank Yous can be dangerous: if we fail to appreciate it, we'll lose it .
Fortunately there are no one-way streets in this world, actually - so we can fix the places where we veer off the winning path.
To start, we should restore the Thanksgiving season among us as the GOLDEN - not BLACK - time of year it is supposed to be. GOLDEN FRIDAY, and no longer Black Friday is just so much better in every way! Healthier and more cheerful and less rotten greedlust. I have heard a dozen explanations of why they chosethen name, "Black Friday" for a day of joyful gift shopping for the coming winter holidays.
I don't believe any of it - Black Friday is straight from Mordor and like the evil powers in the dark days of Middle Earth, in "Lord of the Rings". Black Friday reeks - its emanations are insidious and folk do not realize the evil till it dominates and it begins to hurt - really hurt - and then they wail and yell. I plan to begin an online petiton on this topic and more. Comment here if it interests you.
The stock market is up, and we can all do our part to "Make America Great Again" and it is easier than you think. There is probably a good talk at your home, church or wlrkplace to get people thinking winning thinking again and then most can do a small thing that helps and support those whe are doing the bigstuff.
We have a long list of thanks to share this year! Most conditions have improved and we can ACT again and appreciae teh good in our lives, plain and fancy! We jump up in the morning and run to do our day and often there is not time to stop and appreciate, they say. NOW there is time and we should not skip the Thank yous. The day comes when we hang our heads in sorrow and acceptance of our failures, but it does not need to be that way, so much.
Look in the mirror and thank yourself, for at least aiming to NOT fail YOU. Then look around you - your warm home in cold weather and AC for the hot days; full fridge, and shops for the bit of delicious healthy things and sinful treats as well. People to share with - to wave hello and big farewll and friends to work with and play with, and maybe if you are realllly blessed a special someone who makes it all effortless - to celebrate with now and remember later!
We are free and healthy or cared for if we are not fit for the road race! We seen the new problems of the new millennium but we are ready to go at them and win! IN fact, with interplanetary and space and astral things evolving so, peace on earth is likely to become closer to a reality than ever, since we are likely to be TEAM EARTH in all the real ways that used to be science fiction.
Thank you for this day to see these miracles and may we be worthy and quick and full of fun while at it...and full of thanks afterward!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Patriot pages
"The Constitution was not perfect when it was framed.
It is not perfect today.
Our Constitution, even our Bill of Rights,
Provides no set formula that fits all peoples around the world.
But they do offer an inspiring example of ageless ideals realized and made to work,
with the eternal message that men and women everywhere
were intended to be free to shape their own destinies."
...Warren Burger, Chief Justice of the United States (1969-1986) at 200th Anniversary of the Bill of Rights, from the Bowling Green, Kentucky "Daily News" January 27, 1991
Patriot Pages ~ May you find, here, patriotic inspiration, refreshers and helpful links ! ~ elle
THE VOTE FOR THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is a holy thing and Voting Day almost here - November 8th. Many places have extended the registration options, in their desire to make it easier to vote, so if you forgot, there may still be time. Check with your local government registrars or League of Women Voters or - "Voters Page" some basics and links to Voting and Elections IF you already feel fine about your own vote, get busy helping others - we are the family of Man and if we can, we should! -elle
LINKS from this page :
- GALLERY OF PATRIOTIC IMAGES FOR PURCHASE
- "Patriots Primer" link to Basics for Americans
- "Veterans Page" of helpful links and other contents
- "Voters Page" some basics and links to Voting and Elections
- Elvis the Wrecker - an Mid-Century, All-American TRUE Story
American Flag by Elle Fagan Price on Request - contact artist. These and other patriotic images and symbols are for sale here at the site and for your enjoyment at the Gallery of Patriotic Images link, above.
Great Seal of the State of Connecticut, my Home State - central to our State Flag, the motto means "They who tranasplanted sustain", a reference to our success as transplants in the New World , symbolized by the grapevines, whose transplanting has always been holy.
Love of Country,
Please do not skip these quotes from Great Men & Women
"...its soul, its climate, its equality, liberty laws, people, and manners.
My God! how little do my countrymen know what precious blessing they are in possession of,
and which no other people on earth enjoy!" -Thomas Jefferson
"All I can hope to teach my son is to tell the truth and fear no man.
The only thing that counts is the right to know, to speak, to think...
that ,and the sanctity of the courts.
Otherwise it's not America" -Edward R. Morrow
"...when shall all men's good
Be each man's rule,
And universal peace
Be like a shaft of light
Across the land"
-Alfred Lord Tennyson
"God grant, that not only the love of liberty but a thorough knowledge of the Rights of Man,
may pervade all the nations of Earth, so that a philosopher may set his foot
anywhere on its surface, and say, "this is my country."
-Benjamin Franklin
"He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide for many peoples;
and they shall beat their swords into plowshares,
and their spears into pruning hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more.
-William Makepeace Thakeray, and the Bible
"The Constitution was not perfect when it was framed.
It is not perfect today.
Our Constitution, even our Bill of Rights,
Provides no set formula that fits all peoples around the world.
But they do offer an inspiring example of ageless ideals realized and made to work,
with the eternal message that men and women everywhere
were intended to be free to shape their own destinies."
...Warren Burger, Chief Justice of the United States (1969-1986) at 200th Anniversary of the Bill of Rights, from the Bowling Green, Kentucky "Daily News" January 27, 1991
Patriot and the Arts
Grants for the Arts make the news . One headline stated that the President asked for much more than was granted, especially for a Major Project to help America become more familiar with its own Amazing American Artists . I think the project is important to America and the World; the American Arts History. ENJOY MY BLOG ENTRY: "Art in America - a Timeline"
POWERED BY SQUARESPACE
The Angels and the Bloomsday Soliloquy 2016
What do they call it when you see the most beautiful thing! It is a glimpse, out of context, perhaps, but you feel redeemed, renewed and more alive than before you met. But the high turns to horrified, when the entire image reveals itself! OH! And then, just as passionately one is "RE-redeemed", when insight and the angels come to help? There must be a word for it. Let me explain, and ask me for clarity where it gets obscure:
Page 7 of the hard cover original of this book , now in its 60th Commemorative Edition, where I found the best of Bloomsday! in 1963. Thanksomuch school chum!
What do they call it when you see the most beautiful thing! It is a glimpse, out of context, perhaps, but you feel redeemed, renewed and more alive than before you met. But the high turns to horrified, when the entire image reveals itself! OH! And then, just as passionately one is "RE-redeemed", when insight and the angels come to help? There must be a word for it. Let me explain, and ask me for clarity where it gets obscure:
Tomorrow is a literary holiday - more popular each year: "Bloomsday" - honoring James Joyce and his hero, Mr. Bloom - June 16th , the Day after my parent's wedding anniversary. So many beautiful things go unnoticed, but Bloomsday is celebrated worldwide.
I am not a terrible critic and I am very Irish, but James Joyce's most famous book is on my hate list. I hide from it. Then feel worthier for having won through it. There is a story that explains:
I first read the romantic Molly Bloom's Soliloquy, the final passage of the book, as an excerpt in the iconic, "The Family of Man" ( The show and book were the famous 1955 MOMA NY Photo installation ) used as a caption, to clarify a famous romantic photo.
Taken out of context it is brief and breathtaking in its strong , profound simple Beauty!
"...and then I asked him with my eyes to ask again yes and then he asked me would I yes to say yes my mountain flower and first I put my arms around him yes and drew him down to me so he could feel my breasts all perfume yes and his heart was going like mad and yes I said yes I will Yes...."
What more could there be?!!
I swooned. I was just seventeen and it was just a bit before meeting my late husband, a fine Irish Prince, then and always. English major or no, finding the thought/words for that upcoming "moment" needed help and this excerpt did it! Soon, I would be able to finally say YES and I prayed to say it even half as right as the words in the caption: I was in class, but The passage made me want run and read the rest of "Ulysses" , immediately!
Ever kind, loving and watchful, the good Sister saw that I wanted to read the whole book, and she gave me one of those looks: super discrete , nun's eyes down, and catching mine sideways, wordless but definite, " you don't WANT the whole book yet...not just yet", nodding ever so sharp/subtly - no.
So I skipped it!
Thrilled to read the excerpt again and again; I would swoon and soar and, soon after, as I prayed, the right words were there on the right day when I met the man of my dreams, at the dance, the one I'd seen in my mind's eye four years before. It was HE! ...looking back at me with the same expression! He said , "Hi , let's dance! " heaven! But afterward, when he said "let's go neck" , my holy romantic reply was NOT quite the one , but the quick stall, "We need to talk." :-)And Inspired? Sighhhh..no. But we'd known one another five minutes...really! He won thru it and liked me better for it and the talk was the Good Talk and full of promise and more.
I realized that my rejection at first, only made the excerpt truer - since, it wasn't SO long after, at my cue , he "asked again" and we were okay to say yes and the rest is no one's concern but "ourrown".
...and then we were busy and I FORGOT to READ THE BOOK.... and got away without reading it for thirty years!
Till my husband's sudden early death.
Irish angels must have helped 'back then ' but now it was "Dies Irae" - "Day of Wrath" and , no grace and no skipping things. Uncanny and cruel, now, Such things FOUND ME, like bills of a sort to pay, that I'd skipped out on, merrily, so long ago.
And, sadly yes - one of the things was the entire book "Ulysses" by James Joyce . It just fell into my lap one day to read.
I remembered the excerpt and cried , and then I sighed and then I started the book and reminded the angels that I was still grieving, because "Ulysses" was NOT pretty...but I hung in and finished it....sad duty.
I did not cry at the end...the in-context reading of the famous Molly Bloom's soliloquy ends the book.....and it was SICKENING - my blood stopped! James Joyce's telling was an extreme contradiction of the nearly holy, lovely excerpt that I found in "The Family of Man" book in 1963.
Since the lovely words were so powerful to me, this "update" in their meaning was powerful, too. I was numb and sullen and sluggish and sickened and angry - with my husband dead, one more and one more thing to deliver sorrow. Unfair.
I struggled and in time I felt redeemed - because I could see the beauty in the soliloquoy - no matter the context and I was grateful, and I understood sister's recommendation, long ago - thank you Sister! A good thing was done in that.
But I ask YOU and YE GODS! Why MUST the artist aim at the worst interpretation of the way of life, to twist beauty into deliberate ugliness! How degenerated ! WHY?? With so many stunning paths to find and make and follow and actualize - so many good things - why choose the other??? So many true reports of it all, told in ways that inspire and give life! Why the evil?
MISTER JOYCE! Your gift, your destiny to be Dream weaver and empowerer for the grandest things our human limitations allow. Was it his desire to help us to find our own redemption in spite of the writings? Or his conceit? Or .....
If the artist is of the Irish persuasion, it is not merely an option but a mandate to empower for the best. And they feel their approach does DO it! Sometimes, in the taking up of this path, the lights are found, and then it proves worth! Sometimes. Not so cheery a prognosis. But we do it and that too is value!
I am quiet and grateful that my truth is its OWN redemption. And most of all, grateful that I did not need to read the entire story too soon - that I found the beauty in an excerpt, in a heartbeat, and the glimpse lasted for thirty years, ready to glow again if called up.:-D
Thanks Angels!!!!
elle smith fagan Bloomsday 2016 vigil note.
EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG
Irish and Other Celtic
Gramps, called "The Chief", celebrated his Saint Patrick's Day Birthday with his darling wife of 50 years, seven sons, one tiny daughter, their families and a lifetime of friends, associates and neighbors. The line of party visitors began at dawn andended at midnight. Those days are passed, but their abundance is mine always to share! Have some!
Toasts & Cheers:
For my Irish-American Gramps “The Chief” and his beloved “Else” - for our Father, his eight siblings, and all their respective loves and children
~~~~~~~
My childhood world entertained me - I sang for my Father, leapt at every interesting moment with glee, to help with the Mothers and Gram - dressed in royal blue satin and white lace or red velvet and bunnytfur or summerdresses of perfect organdy over our little swim suits , pails and shovels and littlegirl beahshoesies for rocky shores in New England beach outings and sunny plaids and sweaters for back to school.
Special.
We loved our social times
but also enjoyed a passion for good work,
and, afterward, celebrations with bustling ladies,
songs and good men, filling the skies with
broad laughter from hearty food and great ale.
And after get-togethers of great meals, fine pipes and cigars and an ale or brandy or port, the songs might go on till midnight- fun growing up in Hobbiton?sort-of.
The main thing was that A child got the idea - life was a great occupation!
And so, I cannot, in truth, omit this!
"May ye be in Hivven, half 'n' hour
before the Divvil knows yer' gone!"
Another Irish Toast, from the Famous Irish poet::
A Drinking Song
Wine comes in at the mouth
And love comes in at the eye:
That's all we shall know for truth
Before we grow old and die.
I lift the glass to my mouth,
I look at you, and I sigh.
~ William Butler Yeats (1865-1939)
SAINT PATRICK AND HIS DAY
An old Saint Patrick's Day Rhyme from Christin Fagan 3-17-2011
Good St. Patrick traveled far, to teach God's Holy word
And when he came to Erin's sod, a wondrous thing occurred
He plucked a shamrock from the earth and held it in His hand
To symbolize the Trinity that all might understand
The first leaf for the Father
...And the second for the Son
The third leaf for the Holy Spirit
All three of them in one.
thanks, Christin !
Biography: Saint Patrick - also known as Maewyn Succat; Apostle of Ireland; Patricius; Patrizio ~ Memorial: 17 March
Profile:
Kidnapped from the British mainland around age 16, and shipped to Ireland as a slave.
Sent to the mountains as a shepherd, he spent his time in prayer.
After six years of this life, he had a dream in which he received a command to return to Britain; seeing it as a sign, he escaped. Studied in continental monasteries.
Priest. Bishop. Sent by Pope Saint Celestine to evangelize England, then Ireland, during which his chariot driver
was Saint Odran, and Saint Jarlath was one of his spiritual students. In 33 years he effectively converted the Ireland.
In the Middle Ages Ireland became known as the Land of Saints, and during the Dark Ages its monasteries were the great repositories of learning in Europe,
all a consequence of Patrick's ministry. Born 387-390 at Scotland as Maewyn Succat
Died 461-464 at Saul, County Down, Ireland
Canonized... pre-congregation, meaning that the pronouncement was made before good written records.
Name Meaning warlike (Succat - pagan birth name);noble (Patricius - baptismal name)
His Patronage:
against snakes, engineers, "excluded people", fear of snakes, and a range of several spiritual sees, including of course, all of Ireland.
Representation: bishop driving snakes before him; bishop trampling on snakes; shamrock; snakes; cross; harp; demons; baptismal font
Images Gallery of images of Saint Patrick at CatholicForum.com and other Church and Celt sites online...have a fun search!
too little was known of Saint Patrick, and at one time , he was thought to be a fiction, an invention
to explain the Christianization of his part of the world. However we know his profile much more accurately now,
thanks to modern data manipulation. I want to spend myself for that country, even in death, if the Lord should grant me this favor.
It is among that people that I want to wait for the promise made by him, who assuredly never tells a lie.
He makes this promise in the Gospel:
"They shall come from the east and west and sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob."
This is our faith: believers are to come from the whole world.
... from" the Confession of Saint Patrick"
saint patrick, per catholicforum.com:
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"LORICA"
Morning Prayer of Saint Patrick
"Lorica" means "Breastplate", or the chest-protector in a suit of armor, as this prayer is meant to be, and was, for Saint Patrick and his followers whose work was the transition from pagan worship to Christianity. They were sometimes physically threatened, and an alternate name for this prayer is "Faed Fiada", or "Deer's Cry" because an old legend says that the saint and his monks escaped pagan pursuers by turning into deer and running swiftly out of harm's way.
This prayer is very empowering if used sincerely. You may wish to read the entire Lorica, then choose one line or paragraph that reaches you specially, for a true spiritual vitamin.
I arise today
Through a mighty strength,
The invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the threeness,
Through confession of the oneness
Of the Creator of Creation.
I arise today
Through the strength of Christ's birth with His baptism,
Through the strength of His crucifixion with His burial,
Through the strength of His resurrection with His ascension,
Through the strength of His descent for the judgement of Doom.
I arise today
Through the strength of the love of the Cherubim,
In the obedience of angels,
In the service of archangels,
In the hope of the resurrection to meet with reward,
In the prayers of patriarchs,
In prediction of prophets,
In preaching of apostles,
In faith of confessors,
In innocence of holy virgins,
In deeds of righteous men.
I arise today
Through the strength of heaven;
Light of the sun,
Radiance of the moon,
Splendour of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of the wind,
Depth of the sea,
Stability of the earth,
Firmness of the rock.
I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me:
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak to me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's host to save me,
From snares of devils,
From temptation of vices,
From every one who shall wish me ill,
Afar and anear,
Alone and in a multitude.
I summon today all these powers between me and those evils,
Against every cruel merciless power that may oppose my body and soul,
Against incantations of false prophets,
Against black laws of pagandom,
Against false laws of heretics,
Against craft of idolatry,
Against evil spells of witches and contrivers and wizards,
Against every knowledge that corrupts body and soul.
Christ to shield me today
Against poisoning, against burning,
Against drowning, against wounding,
So there come to me abundance of reward.
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every one who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye of every one who sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the threeness,
Through confession of the oneness
Of the Creator of Creation.
Note: There are many Loricas, or prayers for protection, but Saint Patrick's is so famous, that his is the definitive Lorica.
It is one of dozens of translations from the early Celt
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LESSER SAINTS AND SACRED LORE
new, incomplete, so please return!
St. Celsus of Armagh, also known as Cellach Mac Aodh, was born in 1079 and much of the information of his early life has been lost. In the year 1105 he became bishop of Armagh, in Ireland, a position he would hold for the rest of his life. Soon after becoming bishop, Celsus began to develop a wide reputation as a reformer and as an effective administrator. As bishop he traveled throughout his diocese, and other parts of Ireland, calling for reform and encouraging the clergy and the laity to a more zealous practice of their Faith. In 1111, Celsus was requested to preside over the Synod of Rath Bresail. This synod worked to bring several practices of the Church in Ireland in line with the rest of the Church. After completing the synod, Celsus returned to his diocese and oversaw the rebuilding of the cathedral at Armagh. Throughout the rest of his life, he often served as a mediator for political conflicts and he was widely respected for his wise decisions. Celsus died at Ardpatrick on April 1, 1129.
I hope to link here,soon to some of the many more Celtic Saints I am meeting, lately, and hope you will enjoy it all along with me!
ERRATA: In my writings about my Irish-American side of the family, they lived in the same town for the most part, and so I saw them constantly and interacted frequently and happily and yet, in my writing , I misplaced an entire Uncle, making it nine, not eight in total ! A major 'errata' indeed!
I omitted the eldest - Tom - and a lifelong friend on fine terms - who was Gramps' son in a very early marriage that was brief - not even sure of the details. Tom was eldest he was "grown 'n' gone off on hizzown" on the other side of the state and not at the homestead very often, though visits were joyful and Gram loved him, too. We would Tom, his wife and children loved by all and of fine schools and work, and wife and children.
Apologies! Tom, Em, Bill, Jim, Dad, Hank, Al, Joe ... and Bob, still with us! ...and their loved ones - oh, what picnics in the summer we'd enjoy! And our wedding? oh..... With even a modest collection of friends and maids, groomsmen, flowergirl and priest - it was over 200 at the reception. I helped pay for it, at the nicest non-countryclub reception center in the area at the time - you could hardly call it a "hall". Lovely, with its sunken dance floor and stage, and more. Gram also had a child who did not live from a too-early marriage that did not last, as well. I do not know why they keep lowering the age of reason, when the statistics of error from too early assuming things are skyhigh.
Irish and Other Celt
Gramps, called "The Chief", celebrated his Saint Patrick's Day Birthday with his darling wife of 50 years, eight sons, one tiny daughter, their families and a lifetime of friends, associates and neighbors. The line of party visitors began at dawn and ended at midnight. Those days are passed, but their abundance is mine always to share! Have some! - Elle Smith Fagan
The Finest Music
Fionn Mac Cumhail was a legendary Irish hero, urbane, cultured and cunning,
who combined elements of warrior, seer and poet.
In one story, Fionn sparked a debate when he asked his followers
what they thought was the finest music in the world.
"Tell us what you think," said Fionn, turning to Oisin.
"The cuckoo calling from the highest tree in the hedge," cried his jolly son.
"That is a good sound," said Fionn. "And Oscar," he asked,
"what do you think is the finest music?"
"The best music to my ears
is the ring of a spear on a shield," cried the sturdy lad.
"That is a good sound," said Fionn.
And the other champions told what
best pleased them:
the bugling of a stag across water,
the baying of a melodious pack heard from afar,
the song of a lark,
the laughter of a gleeful girl,
or the whisper of a moved one.
"Those are all good sounds," said Fionn.
"Tell us, chief," one ventured, "what do you think?"
"The music of what happens," said great Fionn,
"that is the finest music in the world."
- James Stephens, Irish Fairy Stories
Above: Watercolor, "Jesuit Celtic Cross ", by Elle Fagan
Gift to Sacred Space Dublin, Ireland -
Not For Sale - Special display for
Jesuit 500th Anniversary Celebration
Ask me about other available Celtic Crosses & Similar
A Serious note:
Here in America, we pray that the new millennium will bring new solutions to old conflicts, and that "Peace In Ireland" will be more than a prayer and a wish!
May it be that the FOUR green Fields of fame and song will once again be “the way of it” .
May harm to a beating heart, within and without the womb no longer be. Education, birth control and morning after care are more than enough to help us through these complex times. There is NO NEED TO KILL the very lives of the helpless, which man is given responsibility to protect above all!
The loving spirit and fearlessness of my Irish forebears gave me the illusion that humanity comes first. An illusion that I have never surrendered.
So I am horrified at the laziness we must be allowing to let this murderous way exist. Free Ireland - Protect the unborn beating heart!
NOT ONE OF US is excused from life's challenges, BUT these are the very opportunity to shine!
Good sense, good work and good love, and willingness to strike out on one's own, team play for a cause, the worst days could be" turned 'round" completely - we celebrate the win!
I am not an activist, but follow the news and have helped in some civic and US Patriotic, and my art was shared at the White House in 2007, so, In hope for all of us for a finer future , I felt this link to The Bogside Artists was worth the posting.
I am no expert and they may be the most unworthy blokes to call themselves Irish, but I think they aim well and strong, at least, they are not “lukewarm” as the Bible warns us against ! Their work portrays the 70's uprisings and the time of Bernadette Devlin in "unmissable" format, and fine skills. Lest we forget....looking for the right things for this page, re: Michael Collins and The man, DeLorme of early 1900's fame in "the cause".
SAGA OF A LITTLE WHITEHOUSE
A 20th Century Irish-American Song
Irish and other Celt cultural have been enjoying a rennaissance!
And I have been enjoying time spent with all branches of my senior relatives and friends, an All-American collection of souls, but at one time, with a strong Irish contingent! They were so challenged and still made it a life to interest and delight us!
It will always be my prayer that in their senior years, they would pat themselves on the back at least a little bit, for the grand business of life and all our parts in it...
And it is also my wish that you might rap on the door of the little house, below, to enjoy their story!..
a fun and rhythmic "read"...and a "bunny in the bottom of the bowl" for those who follow it to completion.
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Visit the complete posting at Knowth.com & its "Art Works" link at the home page head, for complete show/sale data, a treasury of text, image and links about this mystical occurrence. I will say that the backstone is the spot at the back of the inner walls of some of the Ancient Irish Burial Mounds. Like the astrological arrangement of the famous Stonehenge rocks, the doors of the mounds were constructed to admit the lights at specific times, revealing the ancient glyphs, runes, carvings and symbols. Thousands of years later, the effect is still true and impressive.
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Aon-Celtic Art by Cari Buziak Comprehensive.Award-winning. Don't miss it ! Lost arts, crafts, lore and more, Rediscovered Our parents did well by us and so we were able to be their fans in the preservation of their heritage, to learn and share more of things Celtic...the memory of their special charms compels us to listen, and remember, research and share ! Most of "our own" have been Americans too long to do more than learn and love and respect the ethnicity, but most of us also have an interest in understanding it all and learning more... so, I hope to keep my promise to this page.
You, too, can design and create stunning examples of this lost art ~
Winter leaves by Aon-Celt artist Cari Buziak! Her site and advice was a Primer for my own interest and work in the Celtic Traceries. You will not be disappointed in a visit to her site.
Thank you so much, for visiting this page and do contact me with comment, corrections or ideas to enrich its offerings! ~ elle
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Page Links, with a Celtic Touch, from Around the World:
Elle Fagan artworks, with a Celtic tone - Commissions accepted!
Saint Patrick Profile Modern data & "Celtic Cross" watercolor/graphic by elle fagan
Lorica, or "Breastplate" of Saint PatrickAncient Power Prayer
Fun with "my own" - An entire page of artists named "Fagan" and
Link to the Clan Fagan Website
Celtic Webmerchant.com based in Holland, features some Elle Fagan artworks and others celebrating the Celt-Viking Connection
Celtic Britain Net ~ originates in Holland ! Global-be-gorra!
Tolkien & Lord of the Rings for fans, Old & New! Prequel, "The Hobbit" is coming this Christmas!
NEW ~ Amazon Portal for Reading and Research of Things Celt from Ireland's famous "Knowth.com" & Michael Fox
Loughcrew Backstone at Solstice 2004 The year's first lights, at the ancient site! by artist, Elle Fagan
"Sacred Space", Dublin-Based Daily Inspiration
Aon-Celtic Art by Cari Buziak Comprehensive.Award-winning. Don't miss it !
Knowth.com ~ One of the best on the Web ! Irish & Celt resource ~ Special focus on the Mounds ~ And much more! Do visit !
Mythical Ireland and Shadows & Stone Do stop in! The latest stunning photos and reference,history and current activity reports.
"Spirited Ireland" a wealth of Irish Experience
The moving "Four Green Fields" from the iconic late Tommy Makem
A very strong "Support Tara" Group Goal to enjoy modernity, but to protect the ancient sites! TaraWatch.org is active, worldwide and worthy. Stop in and see what you think !
Story & Crafting of "Saint Brigid's Cross"
National Art Gallery of IrelandGreat place to start!
Heritage of Ireland
Romance and the Irish
Johanna Murphy, artist/hero
George M. Cohan, Patriotic Music
Celt Cheers, Wishes & Toasts
Gaelic Language Lessons Online
Erin go Braugh! Irish spirit &Irish-American song, "Saga of A Little Whitehouse"
Unicorns, "Beowulf"and Other Celtic Creatures in Fact and Lore Contributors to this page most welcome ~ perhaps a blog here, soon!
Michael Flatley's "Lord of the Dance" Official site!
"Christmas In Killarney" at Winter Holiday Page!
My pages at Jigzone.com Puzzlefun - Irish & Travel images. Try one! A Fine Wish: May there always be work for your hands to do; May your purse always hold a coin or two; May the sun always shine on your windowpane; May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain; May the hand of a friend always be near you; May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you! ~~~~~~~ And another: "Love covereth !"(Saint John) ~~~~~~~
a really fine page of Irish Toasts with translations! Have fun!
Art in America - a Timeline
ART IN AMERICA ~ HISTORICAL OUTLINE and a MYSTERY
I posted this timeline in 2003 at my first site. It made a good thing to share and handy reference for me. But in the loss of things from the old site hacking, is the loss of the SOURCE of this neat post. In trying to find it, I found ten newer ones but none so simple, elegant and easy to USE. Will continue the source search and will add a few links to other good sources. Thanksomuch - Elle
ART IN AMERICA - A TIMELINE
March 2, 2016 SketchcrawlHartfordConnecticut USA 8-15 esf
SketchcrawlHartfordConnecticut USA 8-15 esf
ART IN AMERICA ~ HISTORICAL OUTLINE and a MYSTERY
I posted this timeline in 2003 at my first site. It made a good thing to share and handy reference for me.
But in the loss of things from the old site hacking, is the loss of the SOURCE of this neat post.
In trying to find it, I found ten newer ones but none so simple, elegant and easy to USE.
Will continue the source search and will add a few links to other good sources. Thanksomuch - Elle
Art in America of course begins with Indigenous Art - long before the 1600s, the land now called America 1000 BCE or Early Ancient Period already shares pottery and leather crafed goods, and it goes on from there - I am sharing this resource for a great overview I found, for you and for my own updates and reference. http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/ancient-art/american-indian.htm
Colonial Period: 1607-1788
With survival uppermost in the minds of our earliest settlers, the arts were slow to take root, but there are always crafted items for practical use, made from materials in the New World - I think they sold well “back across the pond” immediately . The earliest painting, primarily portraiture, was accomplished by untrained artists called limners, whose main task was to record the likenesses of the stalwart colonials.
The first artwork was, naturally, derivative and found its inspiration primarily through imported prints that reflected styles then prevalent in England, Holland, and Spain. Many artist/artisans divided their time between attempts at fine art and designing utilitarian objects, such as signs and carriage decoration. Our first glimmerings of serious sculpture, for instance, were done by gravestone carvers.
The earliest trained painter to come to the colonies was John Smibert, whose hefty portrayals of landed gentry and merchants derive in style from the seventeenth-century Dutch realists. Our first native geniuses of the brush, Benjamin West of Philadelphia and John Singleton Copley of Boston, found it necessary to leave the colonies in order to fulfill their artistic visions, although Copley's highly illusionistic colonial work surely remains a monument to American ingenuity. West eventually became painter to King George III and opened his London studio to a continuous stream of emerging American artists.
Early Republic to 1812: 1789-1812
A new nation, the United States of America, continued its reliance on Old World artistic traditions, especially with few opportunities for training in this country. American artists John Vanderlyn, Washington Allston, John Trumbull, and others sought instruction in London (under our own Benjamin West) and in Paris but also sojourned in Italy, where they absorbed that country's rich classical style and subject matter.
Upon their return, these artists and enlightened American citizens recognized the need for creating institutions where artists could be trained and where art could be exhibited. Trumbull was instrumental in the running of the New York Academy of the Fine Arts (founded 1802), with its imported casts of antique sculpture, which offered a definite teaching tool to eager students. Boston followed suit with a cast collection located at the Athenaeum (founded 1804) and exhibitions that began in 1827. Charles Willson Peale was a pioneer in creating Philadelphia's art circle, establishing the first art gallery in 1782 and the first American museum in 1786.
An awareness of our history inspired the nation's leaders to recognize the need to capture images of leaders in significant portraits by Peale, Gilbert Stuart, Samuel F.B. Morse, and others, but history painting itself made little headway until later in the 1800s. When sculpture was needed for the neoclassically-inspired government buildings in Washington, D.C., Italian sculptors were hired to embellish them. Home grown sculpture, however, always flourished due to its ties to functional objects such as gravestones, ship's mastheads, and practical decorations.
The first glimmerings of landscape painting surfaced at this time, thanks to trained artists who came from abroad (for example, Robert Salmon), who concentrated mostly on recording the emerging cities, harbors, picturesque places, and native inhabitants of a new world. The unique talents of John James Audubon elevated the recording of America's flora and fauna to unprecedented artistic levels.
Jacksonian Era through Civil War: 1812-1865
With the election of Andrew Jackson in 1828, an era of democratization and equality swept America and with it a period of vast expansion of creativity in the arts. Landscape artists Thomas Doughty, Thomas Cole, Asher B. Durand, Frederic Church, and George Inness strove to document the untouched look of the "new Eden," blending their individual styles with the Old World romantic traditions of the sublime and the beautiful. It was the American landscapists who first captured the symbolic features of the new nation. Instead of ancient ruins, these painters found history in spectacular land and water formations and, especially, in the inclusion of Native Americans within their scenes. Unleashed waterfalls, soaring eagles, and other emblems of liberty came to represent the country's image.
A narrative or genre tradition of depicting everyday experiences began in the Jacksonian era when artists like John Quidor matched imagery to Washington Irving's History of New York or when William Sidney Mount committed the rural life of Long Island to canvas or when Lilly Martin Spencer explored images of her own household. An expanded audience for landscape, genre, and another relatively new Jacksonian subject, the still life, came with the mid-century explosion of magazines, newspapers, and journals, and with prints produced from original artwork, distributed through organizations like the American Art Union. Lush beautiful still life paintings by Severin Roesen, John Francis, and others celebrated the American harvest, offering little indication of a major civil war on the horizon.
The 1820s and 1830s saw the first cluster of American sculptors working in Italy, where marble was readily available and trained artisans could carry their designs to fruition. By mid-century the colony, which also included painters, was larger than ever and included Horatio Greenough, Hiram Powers, and Thomas Crawford.
Civil War to End of the 19th Century: 1866-1899
The 1860s brought to American landscape painting several options. Artists could concentrate on the tiny details of nature in close-up studies recommended by the American followers of Ruskin such as Aaron Draper Shattuck or William Trost Richards. They could expand their subjects to include highly dramatic views of the West, such as those portrayed by Albert Bierstadt and Thomas Moran, or scenes of the arctic by William Bradford and others. Or they could concentrate on quieter views that explored the full potential of light, a style known as luminism. Gradually the extreme detail of Ruskin's adherents and the dramatic subjects of late Hudson River landscape painters turned inward, capturing the spirit rather that the topography of America's natural views. Inness's conversion to Swedenborgianism, William Morris Hunt's adherence to Barbizon influences, Albert Pinkham Ryder's and Ralph Albert Blakelock's choice of dream-like subjects--all reflected the nation's somber mood at the end of a devastating internal war.
Beginning of 20th Century to World War II: 1900-1940<br><br>
The twentieth century has been one of continued emulation of European styles, exploitation of those styles into unique American trends, and, beginning in the 1950s, leadership in the contemporary art world. A group of Philadelphia journalist/artists later known as the Ash Can painters--Robert Henri, John Sloan, William Glackens, George Luks, Everett Shinn--began the century with a new brand of realism, their subjects drawn from the street life of New York, where they ultimately settled. The first decade also saw the initial glimmerings of European modernism in American art in the work of Alfred Maurer, Max Weber, John Marin, Arthur Dove, Marsden Hartley-all members of the New York circle around the photographer Alfred Stieglitz. A groundbreaking event was New York's 1913 Armory Show, where Americans saw in huge numbers the work of Matisse, Picasso, Kandinsky, and Duchamp.
Between the world wars, however, American art took a more conservative bent, echoing the nation's isolationist posture. Pride in our industrial architecture-skyscrapers, grain elevators, barns, machines-found a visual counterpart in the work of the American Precisionists Charles Demuth, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Charles Sheeler. Other realist movements between the wars were Studio Realism in the work of Kenneth Hayes Miller, Yasuo Kuniyoshi, Eugene Speicher, Leon Kroll, and the Soyer brothers. American Scene painters Charles Burchfield and Edward Hopper explored the sometimes lonely existence of town and rural living. Regionalists Thomas Hart Benton, John Steuart Curry, and Grant Wood celebrated agrarian life and culture as no one had done before them. Social Realism flowered in the Depression era in the scenes of heavy labor, shopgirls, and the unemployed as shown in the work of William Gropper, Ben Shahn, Philip Evergood, and, later, Jacob Lawrence, who, like many American artists, received his first incentive as an artist through the Federal government's Works Progress Administration (WPA), organized in 1935 for artists on relief.
Abstract art was kept alive in this country during the 1930s through groups like the American Abstract Artists association. A huge explosion within the American art world came in the 1940s and 1950s with Abstract Expressionism, a New York movement concerned with the process of painting itself. Painters Arshile Gorky, Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Franz Kline, and Mark Rothko, and sculptor David Smith were all pioneers in this new instinctual method of working.
A reaction to abstraction came with the precise geometric imagery of Josef Albers, Ellsworth Kelly, Kenneth Noland, and Richard Anuszkiewicz in painting and Donald Judd in sculpture. The 1960s brought Pop Art, suggesting in its title a celebration of the commercial world; practitioners were Claes Oldenburg, Andy Warhol, George Segal, Roy Lichtenstein, among others. Sol LeWitt's conceptual art and Robert Smithson's earthworks also evolved in the 1960s, focusing on the idea and less so on the product, if one were produced at all.
The Post Modernist era has capitalized on the art movements of the 1950s and 1960s. Abstract Expressionism in all its manifestations, pure geometric styles, the art of the absurd--have all opened up a new artistic exploration of our world. The human body, long the basis for representation, has now been fragmented and super-analyzed from both within and without. Our gender roles in society have become grist for the artists' mill; private worlds have been exposed for all to see and imagine. Democratization is key to the understanding of the new art, whether created by the professional, the untutored, or other "outsider" artists. It is important today to understand how the viewer thinks and how people learn in order to form a more engaging dialogue among the artist, the onlooker, and the art itself. A healthy questioning of the past, quoting from it with skepticism at times, has also created an atmosphere out of which new art can develop for the future
In Art, writing, patriotic, American Art, ConnecticutTags Elle Smith Fagan, Patriotic Art, Patriot, Writing, Connecticut
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Charles Ethan Porter - Hartford Artist of the Black Elite
Charles Ethan Porter (c. 1847 – March 6, 1923) was born near Hartford, and, among other things, was a protege of Mark Twain, who raised the money to send Mr. Porter to Paris to refine the training of the talented Rockville, Connecticut , Black American native.
He is said to have painted in the Florentine style and always elegantly. His works are found in the leading collections of the world and spotlighted - top honors- in Black American Culture venues.
"Apples", by Charles Ethan Porter.
References to the work of a former neighbor in time and space.
Wikipedia's fine Biography of Charles Ethan Porter at this link - click, please.
Charles Ethan Porter (c. 1847 – March 6, 1923) was born near Hartford, and, among other things, was a protege of Mark Twain, who raised the money to send Mr. Porter to Paris to refine the training of the talented Rockville, Connecticut , Black American native.
He is said to have painted in the Florentine style and always elegantly. His works are found in the leading collections of the world and spotlighted - top honors- in Black American Culture venues.
At one time, his artwork was so much in demand he kept a studio on Fox Hill in Vernon, Connecticut AND one in Hartford.
All sources agree his work was later suppressed by racial discrimination, only to triumphantly re-emerge in these more correct times.
But many of his paintings remain hidden, from those old days, and then rediscovered by descendants.
The new day we enjoy today is making it possible for all to enjoy his fine work once more...... elle
Vernon Historical Society in Connecticut, USA keeps a veritable shrine to his work. The town is very proud of his beginnings there.
The State Historical Society and the Hartford Public Library and the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford are also fine resources, online and off.
Links to Charles Ethan Porter art online...
much of it from our Connecticut Historical or the the Amazing Mr. Driskell of Black American Arts Elite. This one from the Arts Center named for the famed David C. Driskell, http://www.driskellcenter.umd.edu/index.php
Thomas Colville Fine Art, LLC http://www.thomascolville.com/index.cfm?pg=2&pgtitle=Inventory&m=a&k=281
Citizens of Color, 1863-1890: The Black Elite: The 'Talented ... Citizens of Color, 1863-1890: The "Talented Tenth". Charles Ethan Porter. Mounting racism certainly was a barrier that narrowed the ... http://www.hartford-hwp.com/HBHP/exhibit/05/3.html
More about the Elite and the Talented Tenth
I hope you will wish to Link to a Top Source for all things "Charles Ethan Porter" at the Vernon Connecticut Historical Society, located northeast of Hartford; we are apples and ice cream and once a Megapolis for Textiles.
Vernon's Fox Hill with its three-state view was Mr. Porter's home for part of his life.
Mr. Porter's archived writings include recommendation from Mark Twain, courtesy letters of introduction, and the Historical Society here has reverently Archived and shared his work and history.
Mr. Porter's work and life are favorite local school display projects.
Whatever your source, do look up his work - it is truly elegant and top-notch!
Charles Ethan Porter, noted Black American Painter
Purpose
Also named "A Splendid Torch" or, "Purpose" - this is A New Years Inspiration for everyone! A vitamin of a sort, from George Bernard Shaw, one of my least favorite persons, but most favorite storytellers. It is reprinted everywhere under several titles. I hope you enjoy the easy read! Elle
This is the true joy in life,
the being used for a purpose
recognized by yourself as a mighty one; ...
Also named "A Splendid Torch" or, "Purpose" - this is A New Years Inspiration for everyone! A vitamin of a sort, from George Bernard Shaw, one of my least favorite persons, but most favorite storytellers. It is reprinted everywhere under several titles. I hope you enjoy the easy read! Elle
This is the true joy in life,
the being used for a purpose
recognized by yourself as a mighty one;
the being a force of nature
instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of
ailments and grievances
complaining that the world will not
devote itself to making you happy.
I am of the opinion that
my life belongs
to the whole community,
and as long as I live
it is my privilege
to do for it whatever I can.
I want to be thoroughly used up when I die,
for the harder I work the more I live.
I rejoice in life for its own sake.
Life is no “brief candle” for me.
It is a sort of splendid torch
which I have got hold of
for the moment,
and I want to
make it burn as brightly as possible
before handing it on to future generations.