Here we are in 2024. Forty years since George Orwell’s novel, 1984, cautioned us to beware how truth and facts can be manipulated. The novel was published in 1949, his last completed novel. My, oh my.
“Perhaps one did not want to be loved so much as to be understood.” George Orwell, 1984.
I hearken back to the song, “Christmas in the Trenches,” by John McCutcheon, remembering the remarkable event in 1914 World War I; truth, genuine humanity.
“We shall meet in the place where there is no darkness.” George Orwell, 1984.
Ah, today would be my Dad’s 104th birthday. 2024. It is fun to remember him, how he supported my various endeavors, as well as tried to teach me to play golf then gave up as I was a bit random and dangerous with swinging golf clubs. He took me out in his log truck for first time when I was about 8 or 9. He taught me to be safe and enjoy the excitement at the same time. I even got to climb to the top of the load of logs! Wow!
Humanity. This mosaic on the wall was a delight to find as my friend and I walked the streets of Langres, France, last year. It is on the corner of Rue Claude Forgeot. We could see no identification or information on it as to who created it or why or when.
Creativity.
Art.
Time and effort.
Sharing.
Beauty.
O la la!
To my knowledge, my dad never traveled outside the U.S., although he was born in Saskatchewan. His family was in Seattle by the time his younger brother was born about a decade later. He was stationed in the U.S. during his Army time in WWII.
Dad, and my mom, would be pleased that I am such a blood donor. Yup, I’ve donated gallons over the last few decades. They were big advocates of leaving the world better than you found it and modeled that behavior by their own volunteering and giving. Ah, humanity finds it way to us, hopefully.
2024, May this year bring you challenges to grow from and joy to bloom into.
Judy Ridge
January 12, 2024 at 7:25 pmAs usual I have enjoyed your writings.
Mary
January 12, 2024 at 7:26 pmMerci, grazie~~
Pat
January 12, 2024 at 7:39 pmWhat a gracious thought .. “challenges to grow from and joys to grow into “ that log climb was likely a contributor to your “ how hard can it be? “ attitude , Mary . Thank you for writing this
Piece that prompts perspective .
Mary
January 14, 2024 at 3:10 pmMerci bien, Pat.
Anjani
January 15, 2024 at 3:28 pmBeautiful article, my twinsy! mwah!
Mary
January 16, 2024 at 1:52 pmHey you! Great to hear from you. Thanks for reading abd commenting~
LEWalker
January 16, 2024 at 10:10 amYou inspire me to be like you when I grow up. Thank you
Mary
January 16, 2024 at 1:52 pmWhen we grow up! Merci beaucoup.
Donna M Rudiger
January 18, 2024 at 4:29 pmThank you, Mary…..the mosaic is a lovely testament to diversity. I also enjoy the optimism for the future you’ve captured from the past. And, I’m encouraged by your astounding accomplishment of donating blood….can we actually say you are changing the world one pint of blood at a time? Like planting seeds, your contribution will impact future generations to come!
Mary
January 18, 2024 at 6:58 pmDonna~ Thank you as well. Ah, changing the world one pint of blood at a time. Another blog? Blessings upon you.