This illustration was commissioned as a non-denominational holiday card for a jewelry/accessories company in NYC, hence the rings.
My life is still a bit unsettled at the moment, less than golden, which is why I have been so erractic in posting of late but I see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Me Mum has regained her health and sharing this Christmas with her in Upstate NY has meant the world to me. I try to be a good Catholic son, sort of, but I am tired, especially of the limited local cuisine.
Two days before Christmas I received a chilled FedEx package from NYC containing Russ and Daughters assorted bagels, lox, cream cheese, cavier, and my favorite, sable.
This annual indulgence, which I was resigned to pass up due to geographical logistics, was sent to me by my friend Larry Silver, it was perhaps the most thoughtful gift I have ever received.
Martha Stewart yaks on about Russ and Daughters but I knew about them before she did, she does not yak on about Larry Silver's paintings, she should.
I want to wish you all the best this season has to offer, forget golden rings, geese in labor and swans. I wish you health, love and bagels from NYC, whatever makes you happy. X David
12 comments:
That was indeed a present from a person who cared enough to know what you'd need...and thank you for the introduction to his work.
I'm glad your mother is getting better....and happy that you'll be able to put the 'family' behind you soon.
Best holiday wishes
Wonderful illustration! Wishing you the joy and peace of the season.
What a great illustration but it is far from a non-denominational song on the contrary it is a convert Christian song.
I'm very glad to see improvements in your mom and for you. What a great present you got.
I'm just glad God did not give us the gift of his life with conditions !
Merry Christmas David
The Meaning Behind The Song
The twelve days of Christmas are the twelve days between Christmas Day, Dec. 25th, the birth of Jesus, and the Epiphany, Jan. 6th, the day Christians celebrate the arrival of the Magi (Wise Men) and the revelation of Christ as the light of the world.
The Christmas song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" may sound silly and contrived to many of us. But it actually had its origins in religious symbolism - and with a serious purpose.
It dates from a time of religious persecution. The song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas," was written as a kind of secret catechism that could sing in public without fear of arrest - a learning or memory aid to Christians in fact.
The song can be taken at two levels of interpretation - the surface meaning, or the hidden meaning known only to the Christians involved. Each element is a code word for a religious truth.
1. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus.
2. The two turtledoves are the Old and New Testaments.
3. Three French hens stand for faith, hope and love.
4. The four calling birds are the four Gospels.
5. The five gold rings recall the Hebrew Torah (Law), or the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament.
6. The six geese a-laying stand for the six days of creation.
7. The seven swans a-swimming represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.
8. The eight maids a-milking are the eight Beatitudes.
9. Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
10. The ten lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments.
11. Eleven pipers piping represent the eleven faithful Apostles.
12. Twelve drummers drumming symbolize the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles Creed.
If you think Jesus being symbolized as a partridge in a pear tree sounds blasphemous, remember:
"Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered thee under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but thou wouldst not have it so." (Luke 13:34 and Matthew 23:34)
The "true love" in the song refers to God Himself.
The "me" receiving the gifts is every Christian.
So that "silly" song we sing at Christmas time has more meaning than we thought.
I wish the same for you David.
Good to hear your mum is doing better.
xxx DJ
D'abord merci à Dominique pour ses explications car je ne connaissais pas les "5 anneaux d'or" dont David parle.
Dans la vie il faut serrer les dents et continuer d'avancer et comme dit le proverbe : la roue tourne....
Bon Noël et bonne nouvelle année.
Quant aux cadeaux c'est le geste qui compte.
Love reading your posts, I happen to know with a cousin of yours Mike McGrievey, he pointed me to your blog! Beautiful art and poetic posts, Happy New Year!
love your talent, happy holidays!!
fashionableroad.blogspot.com
I'm glad you enjoyed your time with you mother. And that was indeed a thoughtful gift from a thoughtful friend (the best kind).
Have a great rest of the holiday season and I always look forward to being privy to your talent.
Great news in this post, mother's health, caviar, bagels, painting, friendship and all.
I wish you the very best for 2012!
It's so nice to see that illustration again and to recall Larry Silver and all of our crazy fun nights on 2nd Ave (sp?) ...Love and miss you. xoxo
LB
Hi David
for a while, I did not come here!
I am glad to hear of your mother's recovery, and also for you to be back in the big city
and whenever possible to have near you, things that make you happier!
This past year, it was really boring ... also here
More joy for us in 2012!
ps: I just stand being outside Sao Paulo, at most a week ...
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