A Sense of Perspective

Times like these require a sense of perspective. On a lighter note, let’s talk about some artful perspective as seen at Rockefeller Center, New York City. For years, I’ve been looking up at this painting, which is on the ceiling of the main lobby.

The painter brilliantly used shadows on both sides so that no matter where you stand, it appears that you are looking up into the funnel. The figure holding the massive scales seems to shift his weight from one leg to the other as you walk across the lobby. Those taking a tour of NBC or Rockefeller Center are given an explanation of this. I always take guests to see it and the other paintings that are found of the walls in this area.

So, when things are going crazy, don’t forget that they’ve been crazy before and keep looking up. You never know what you’ll see.

Published in: on October 3, 2008 at 2:08 pm  Leave a Comment  
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The Summing Up

W. Somerset Maugham wrote a great book titled, The Summing Up. It is a biography of sorts in that it’s about himself and his philosophy and experience writing books and plays. Reading this book is like having one long conversation with a person of diverse experience and knowledge. In fact, I recommend a glass of whiskey while you’re enjoying the text, just to properly set the mood.

Maugham started life in odd circumstances, having been raised by an uncle in France but then going to England where he became a physician. This training and his early experiences in poor hospitals provided him with material for Liza of Lambeth. He took up writing full time and became quite a sensation in both the theatre and the world of publishing. At one point he had several plays onstage simultaneously.

What I enjoyed most about Maugham’s reflection on life was the honesty. He takes a hard look at his own desires, how they played out, and how they became something other than he expected. He doesn’t simply make a list of accomplishments or brag about them. He delves into the background, motivation, and even into how some of them were interpreted by the public and critics.

I’m not sure how popular his works are these days. I know that The Painted Veil was made into a movie recently. It was a good attempt but lacked the depth that the book contains. That book contains some of the best character development I’ve read, presenting all the subtleties and contradictions inherent in people. His other works, including Cakes and Ale, will probably seem dated and therefore quaint to today’s readers. But they’re worth a look as the stories tend to be timeless.

Published in: on October 1, 2008 at 7:27 pm  Leave a Comment  
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The Pickup Truck and Life

My oldest brother once said, “You have to have a truck to tote your stuff.” He was right. I’ve always owned a pickup, typically a Chevrolet Silverado. Over the years I’ve had both new and used and they’ve never let me down. They were there to tote my stuff, other people’s stuff, business stuff, and stuff that belonged to someone I didn’t even know.

More than the utility value is the simple pleasure of heading down the road with an ice-cold Coca-Cola in your hand, the radio on, and your favorite person in the passenger seat. This is as American as Ben Franklin, the Grand Canyon, and the Stars and Stripes. I know they burn too much fuel. I know they’re big and clunky. I know all the reasons why some people think they’re the root of evil. That is until they need one. Then they’re on the phone looking for a pal with a set of keys to something with capacity to haul and horsepower.

There are ways to drive your truck responsibly and burn the least amount of fuel. Coast up to those red lights, set the cruise control on 68, and don’t jump from stop sign to stop sign. Make sensible trips by combining your tasks. Go shopping with your pal so you take advantage of all that cargo space. These methods all work. They also help to make the road a safer, friendlier place.

So life is full of contradictions. No surprise there. The pickup is one of those. But its so much fun and so darn useful that we’re stuck with it until something better comes along.

Published in: on September 29, 2008 at 6:45 pm  Comments (1)  
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Ballesteros de Calatrava, Spain

Driving through rural Spain can not be overestimated. I’ve been fortunate to make several trips through the countryside by car. Each of them took different paths, revealing parts of the country that are definitely not on the tourist agenda. One such place was a small town named Ballesteros de Calatrava. There is a castle there, perched high on a small mountain. Here’s a look.

This place is straight from the Templer Knight playbook on how to let people know you’re a serious feudal lord. It’s mostly ruins now, but well worth the stop. The drive up the hill takes about 10 minutes because the road is rough and narrow. When you get to the top, however, this is your view:

You can see why they built the castle up there. The commanding view of the surrounding valleys left no chance for any army passing by unnoticed. Of course, then the Templers would be on the march, heading out to break some skulls.

My wife and I stayed at a fantastic hotel in Ballesteros called the Palacio de la Serna. I highly recommend this hotel and its restaurant. Every room is different, every meal excellent. It is owned by an artist who uses some of the outbuildings as his workshops. Thus, you have the benefit of seeing his work, both finished and in progress. It may not be on the itinerary for your first or second visit to Spain. Nonetheless find the time to get there. You won’t be disappointed.

Published in: on September 13, 2008 at 2:08 pm  Comments (1)  
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