Well, I was quite miserable today, till I finally received an unexpected piece of comfort.
I was able to visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art gift shop. Of course the RHLC members will understand the signficance of the visit, hehe. Though, I can't be sure if it was the same one (I understand there are actually a number of them) but it was really nice to check it out. Of course it's all lovely and decked out for Christmas, and it was cheering me up...a little.
I passed a shelf as I was getting ready to leave, then I decided to quickly turn around. And right there, was a small painting calender. And to my amazement, the calender read (I swear).....
"
Peonies 2008"
As you may gather, the calender is composed entirely of paintings of the lovely flower (sometimes mixed in with other lovely flowers and butterflies). I have to say I was so surprised and delighted by this discovery, which managed to improve my mood and my night so completely.
According to the calender, part of the flower's uniqueness is how fleeting and precious its beauty is. American poet Mary Oliver referred to them as "wild and perfect for a moment, before they are nothing, forever."
Definitely very touching!
Though, I don't agree that they ever really go away.