While the Thrill Is On

Mardi Gras Barbie says "Laissez les bons temps rouler!!!" Now, throw her some beads. ;-)

Well, it's Fat Tuesday and we can't let the day pass without some type of celebration.

I've been taking a couple days off. That'll put me in good spirits to power through the Lenten season, in which I plan to post each and every day. I might even write on occasion about religion or spirituality, topics that I avoid but, oddly enough, about which I have a considerable amount of knowledge.

Normally, I don't like writing about matters that might upset my readers. We're here for the fun, not to quarrel across the internet. But changing things up every so often is probably a good policy, keeping fresh the random stuff that pops up here at Paideia. We'll see how it goes.

Boulevard Montmartre Mardi Gras (1897) by Camille Pissarro

But, for today, let's let the good times roll. ;-)

Mood Indigo

Model for Duke Ellington Memorial (1988) by Robert Graham, on view at UCLA

Last year, I wrote a whole bunch of posts expressing my adoration for the music of Duke Ellington. It's a topic about which I can endlessly discuss, but I'll spare you all the gushing fanboy enthusiasm. ;-)

Ellington was born on April 29, 1899. There have been many excellent American composers and musicians, but, for me, Duke stands out as the greatest. So, let's spend some time this evening listening to some swinging American music, beyond category.

Friday Flowers: Marguerite Daisies

Argyranthemum Frutescens: Marguerite Daisies

World's Bliss
(By Alice Notley)

The men & women sang & played
they sleep by singing, what
shall I say of the most
poignant on earth the most glamorous
loneliest sought after people
those poets wholly beautiful
desolate aureate, death is a
powerful instinctive emotion—
but who would be released from
a silver skeleton? gems
& drinking cups—This
skull is Helen—who would not
be released from the
Book of Knowledge? Why
should a maiden lie on a moor
for seven nights & a day? And
he is a maiden, he is & she
on the grass the flower the spray
where they lie eating primroses
grown crazy with sorrow & all
the beauties of old—oh each poet's a
beautiful human girl who must die.


Well, I haven't much to say tonight. It's been a long week and I'm quite happy to see it come to an end. It may be 420 today, but, since I don't partake, I'll have to get my high off of good poetry. ;-)

Alice Notley brings the bliss of beautiful words, imaginative vision, and engaging concepts. Now, if only we could find a way to make brownies out of her poems. . .

Argyranthemum Frutescens: Marguerite Daisies

As for the Marguerites, I figured two consecutive weeks of daisies would be a nice way to celebrate a bright April. Anyways, they certainly are a lovely bunch.