Private View of a New Collection

A number of years ago, I planned a soiree. It was to be an Art Salon. Set off by the art show invitation in Oscar Wilde's An Ideal Husband, I set to work planning a small group of artistic friends who would create original art to be displayed against a backdrop of canapes and gougeres. The occasional man would sport an ascot. All men would wear jackets. The women in black and pearls or silk.

As this evening has not yet occurred, I have no doubt it will in future. Invitees will send the title, artist name, media, date of the art piece previous to the evening. A Q&A would ensue for all the artists.

Menu: nuts, olives, cheese plate, coconut chicken balls, and the gougeres.

I have doubt that the right people can make an evening.

Anniversary of the Death of the Testator

What did you do on Dec. 10? According to my very accurate calendar, I did nothing. I went to my journal and see I ate dinner at Milton's with my friend G. We then went across the parking lot to Book Works and browsed. I didn't work as much as I had planned. I ordered some books for gifts (which arrived yesterday in case you care). I spoke on the phone to A. And, I made buckwheat butter cookies with cocoa nibs. Strange, I also made them yesterday. They are quite yummers.

And you?

On Dec. 10, my goal in life is to be in Sweden for the Nobel Award presentations and of course, the banquet. It happens every year and if the weather holds, I'll be around for a few more Dec. 10s at least. I am hopeful.

Doris Lessing did not make it to see her award for literature to physical fruition: the diploma, the medal, and the prize money. I imagine she stayed in the comfort of home in front of the fire.

But, if I went to the ceremony and the banquet, I would want to leave with a diploma. I don't need or want a medal. I would feel beholden to the Royal Family if they gave me a significant spot of money.

But, that diploma is right up my alley. I have a weakness for paper products in general and anything in ink. This is Orhan Pamuk's diploma from 2006 in literature. And, dramatist Harold Pinter's from 2005.

If you are unfortunate enough to be asked to share your Nobel with another or several, your diploma will be similar but different. A variation on a theme as it were.

I may need to marry into the Royal Family or become a chef to them to attend, but I look forward to it nonetheless.