New Year Muses

I missed you all during this holiday break. How are ya? Rested? Exhausted? Both? (That would be me.) Whatever state you find yourself in, I hope that this year, 2009, brings you peace within yourselves, joy, accomplishment, as well as strength and wisdom to deal with the inevitable challenges.

It’s a contrived milestone, the January 1st turn of the year (and contrived it was, for when I researched this notion on Google to understand why the new year is celebrated when it is, I see that it was all about calendar tampering from Babylonian times through to the establishment of the Julian calendar). And while life is a continuum, our own fluidity possibly being one of the best modes of survival in that we remain open to the monumental changes and challenges thrown in our path, sometimes it is beneficial to frame our existence as a point of measure.

I am not one to see a movie twice or read a book twice by and large, though with exception. One of those exceptions is a poem by T.S. Eliot that I first read in my academic days: The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.

It is an epic poem that when read aloud trips off the tongue; Eliot was such a glorious wordmeister. In it, we are privy to the thoughts of a man in middle age whose passion for life and self esteem are in dire question.

It does not depress me; rather the expressions of vulnerability and insight continue to guide me to the fruits of life. If you have the time and the inclination to read it, here is an Internet link: www.usask.ca

Yours truly kicked off 2009 with a broken foot (just a hairline fracture). In my vanity, I went for a buzz at the tanning salon the day there was quite the layer of ice impeding everyone’s last minute tasks (and mad quests for post-Christmas bargains) before the new year respite. On the way out from my ten minute beach fantasy, I went flying on the ice...and landed squarely on my two feet.

I was amazed, for it was an out of control slip that should have culminated in a total wipeout. I remember thinking at that moment that that was my sign from the universe that the new year was gonna have me firmly planted and able to withstand anything. I took my next step with great caution and saaawoooooooooossshhhhh uh oh! Plonk! The ice iced me. Go figure.

So I took off on my fabulous prepaid and non-cancellable vacation to Lake Placid to cleanse myself from a year of blindsides, driving standard, clutch foot aching from the pain but I was capable (and was reminded of a friend who valiantly completed the 60 kilometre walk for breast cancer on a broken foot a few years back). And while I was not able to take my eagerly looked forward to long walks around the lake, or trip the light fantastic on the dance floor on New Year’s Eve, I was able to fully enjoy our suite which was luxury incarnate. A perfect panoramic view of the Adirondack mountains, Whiteface the centerpiece, the lake and village at its feet…a fireplace and Jacuzzi in the room…surrounded by all my high tech toys that I plan to use in my staged multimedia theatre piece.

I spent four days pouring through manuals, nurturing creative possibilities, with the serenity and strength of the geographic majesty as my muse (and wi-fi connection so I could Facebook!). I’ve started off years much worse, even though I already had to resort to plan B.

In this “what next?!” world of ours, now seems to be a time of many changes. I’m hoping to see people less disengaged from the external forces that have led us to where we are, less cynical (though some is certainly healthy) that circumstances are out of our control. I think it is pretty awesome, for example, that taking recyclable bags to the grocery store is becoming accepted practice.

I take inspiration from those close to me who have met their challenges with consummate bravery, grace, and even humour. I take inspiration from those who have not lost their joy or their quest for learning, teaching, or giving.

In the Eliot poem, Prufrock ponders whether he should “dare to eat a peach”. Well Alfie…don’t know about you…but I will eat the peach and up you a passionfruit!

One thing I do know for sure, asserts this eternal optimist in the what next world…spring is just around the corner. Mark my words. A peachy new year to you all!