Celebrating International Cat Day

“There are two means of refuge from the misery of life — music and cats.” Albert Schweitzer I am celebrating International Cat Day, which is marked every September 8th since 2002 when it was created by the International Fund for Animal Welfare. If you ask any cat, they will tell you that every day inContinue reading “Celebrating International Cat Day”

Celebrating Father’s Day with Benjamin West

“My mother’s kiss made me a painter.” Benjamin West Benjamin West (1738 – 1820) lived during an era of great change – in the time of the American War of Independence and the Seven Year’s War. Born in Pennsylvania, the tenth child of an innkeeper and his wife, Benjamin was destined to become known asContinue reading “Celebrating Father’s Day with Benjamin West”

Happy St. Andrews Day!

  Today is St. Andrew’s Day!  Scotland is celebrating their patron saint. The bagpipers will be out in force, along with the haggis and tartans.  And not only in Scotland.  According to the official St. Andrew’s Day website, there are over 50 million people (of which I am one) around the world that claim ScottishContinue reading “Happy St. Andrews Day!”

It’s May Day!

Art requires philosophy, just as philosophy requires art. Otherwise, what would become of beauty?  Paul Gauguin May 1st originated as an ancient spring festival. It is related to the Celtic festival of Beltane, the Germanic festival of Walpurgis Night and various other northern European pagan celebrations. As time passed, and Europe became Christianized, May DayContinue reading “It’s May Day!”