Pondering the Past
“Forget past sorrows,
This world is yours so bright and gay,
Sing and dream about tomorrow,
Treasures are waiting with every new day. “ ~ alexanderart.com/treasures
When my twin sister and I were teenagers and time hung heavy on our hands my Dad always suggested we take the family station wagon and go to the Baltimore Museum of Art. Believe it or not, we actually listened! Honestly, it’s nearly a miracle we did since we were at the stage of life where everything our parents said was “wrong” or as we said back in our teen years, “that’s stupid.” Truth be told, back then we liked the idea of freedom as much we liked the paintings at the exhibits we saw. Our neighbor and friend Marge always went along on our artful excursions and joy rides.
Something good came out of those days. As adults we three have a great appreciation for the arts and our friend Marge is a stained glass artist!
Last week when my book club visited the Peabody Library, there was an added bonus later in the day. A few of us had a delightful lunch at Gertrude’s, voted one of “Baltimore’s Best Restaurants” located in the Baltimore Museum of Art. I hadn’t been back to the museum since I was 18 years old. What a treat to see the familiar sculpture, Rodin’s “Thinker.” Now I’m feeling compelled to return once again for a more lengthy, self-indulgent waltz through the halls.
If you are an individual who rarely frequents museums, I urge you to expand your world. Cultural sites are gifts for public enjoyment! Step out of the box and do something outside of your normal routine – a new perspective on life is oh so healthy for the spirit!
Photo: Author Sue Batton Leonard at “The Baptism of Christ” stained glass installation in the Baltimore Museum of Art. Manufactured by Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company from a design by Frank Brangwyn.
