A few weeks before Christmas while cleaning out the storage area under the house in preparation for a new furnace and some asbestos removal work, I found this long neglected print.
The artist, a childhood friend, called it “The Music of the Spheres.” It dates back to a time, when young, we both gave unconditionally of ourselves and our work, fully expecting that the universe always made right the innocent. And it does, although not in the ways we expect. I framed the print and it sits on the piano. A good start to a New Year, making right at least one of the treasures cruelly hidden in storage.
I rarely post pictures of my family but here, for Norm’s Thursday Doors is my favorite picture from Christmas. This little critter likes to slam doors in the faces of his elders. I suspect he will find many fine doors to slam in his lifetime.
He sometimes gets along with this damsel of the neon lockes.
But she’s rapidly approaching the teenage years. Oh my. Enjoy – I tell the parents because the sun sets on everything. Every year and every innocent friendship of youth.
Above, the last sunset of 2019 reflected in the window of a mobile home in a state park accessible to all.
Reflected in the wall of a gated community just across the street.
Looking up as the sky grew dark.
I hope this next year you uncover many hidden treasures, bring them to the light and enjoy them.
Saying nothing in particular 
I hope so too, but so far it’s only brought pain and worries. Your photos are beautiful 💜
So sorry to hear Willow – I hope it gets better soon.
Thank you I am sure it will 😁💜💜
Willow, I hope Jan will forgive me, but you may want to check out my latest post. It’s all about getting rid of those feelings.
Feel free to delete this comment, Jan!
Music of the Spheres. I love this. And the kids are adorable.
Thank you Bojana!
Hi Jan,
The children look like you. Yes, that is a very nice piece of art by your friend. It would make a nice book cover. Thanks. Duke
Thanks Duke. I love the print – it reminds me of her. Fanciful but deeply complex. Can’t believe I had it stored away all these years.
Great writing/pictures! Loved it!!!!
Thanks Mary Alice – I hope you’re doing well. Hope to be in touch soon. (still getting over the flu)
Words of wisdom from you: “the sun sets on everything”. I now wish I had been much more relaxed when my kids were younger! 🙂
I think that’s a common regret, unfortunately. We get so involved in survival and providing for them that we miss the magic. Not always.
The kids are beautiful. And so is the final paragraph of your essay.
Thank you!
Opposites! They’ll be friends for life 🙂
I hope so!
He has a look of mischief about him. 🙂 But they’re both cute and I like the sunsets.
janet
Very nice article! I enjoyed a lot Reding it. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for reading!
A wonderful take on the challenge. I like how little man looks so sure of himself in regards to that door. Plus a photo of palm trees makes me sigh. We don’t have them around here, but I do love them. Oh yes I do.
It was a lucky shot!
Lovely scenery and sky shots and the kids are adorable. All the best to you and yours in 2020 Jan 🙂
Thanks Norm – the same to you!
I love the shot of your grandson, Jan. He looks so guilty! LOL! Love your other photos too. They set the perfect tone for ringing in the New Year!!!
Thanks Susie! He was feeling guilty – or very good at pretending to look guilty.
An actor in the family!
This is adorable, Jan, all of it. The two young people seem very determined. A good year to all of you!
They both do have a stubborn streak it’s true. A good year to you as well.
Beautiful children, fabulous reflections and I love your friend’s print. That last shot looks like a painting, it’s gorgeous, Jan.
Thank you Jean. Yes, my friend really had a gift – unfortunately the gift came with a tragic twist.
Sadly, this can be the way with some artists, Jan.
Love the print and glad you get to see it every day. I had a young man who liked to lock doors. We spent a couple of years trying to get doors open. Then he grew up. 🙂 Pretty young lady, and, yes, those teenage years are different.
Luckily he hasn’t figured out how to lock the doors yet but I’m sure that’s a coming.
Very nice pictures! I hope 2020 holds plenty of hidden treasures for us all, too. Thank you for sharing, JT!
Thank you! I hope I find those hidden treasures and that you find yours as well!
Beautiful–words and pictures:)
Thank you!
I always laugh at the door-slamming kids — they’re like door-open cats! They’re not unknown and they’re persistent. The kids, though, they outgrow it.
The art is interesting, both in aesthetic and in meaning.