Don Robert's Almanack

It is now the 22nd of January and I've had comments about the absence of blog writing.  No excuses & I intend to do better. It isn't for the absence of subject matter,  that is glaringly plentiful, as I will soon describe.  It may be that to be "swimming" in topics,  stories and like appears to be disarming.  At the moment I am looking at a postcard image of a polar bear trying to jump from one ice flow to another,  while thinking about the giant oil rig being towed to Seattle for maintenance and repairs.  What would our Commander-In-Chief think or comment about the imagery?  It is heartbreaking and undescribed in our media.  Just as so much else,  such as poverty,  the so-called food deserts,  urban and suburban,  and tales of bone chilling cold for those who do not have adequate housing, shelter from the wind.

MPR had a show today about the possibility of changing our Nation's  credo for the world and our foreign relations stance.  It seems we have worn out our penchant for "Manifest Destiny"  and self righteous preaching about our role model nation and its' benefits to all concerned  ... and not.  The other candidate for President wanted to reinforce this credo and put behind it all the corporate ideals and power needed.  Now it seems we are more on the fence about it,  and we will see what happens. 

Writing tonight about poetry to a dear friend I am heartened that poetry is holding its own in our bewildered world.  Our new poet laureate in Wisconsin,  Max Garland, is a gem and it will be a huge pleasure to meet him after having read one of his prize winning volumes.  He is a grounded human being,  a pleasure to read to say the least.  And music,  I look forward to accessing it digitally better in 2013. Again,  music seems to gain more and more importance as this lurching, troubled planet proceeds along.  One of my latest "finds"  is a counter tenor from Germany,  Andreas Scholl.  Try him in his renditions of "Ombra mai fu" by George Frederick Handel (Akademie Fur Alte Musik,  Berlin).  Another dear Friend has helped me by producing three disks of music for my "Last Exit" strategies ...."Impermanence"  the theme.

Good night,  and may you be well and inspired in 2013.  I appreciate your patience with me.  Love,  Don   ps.  The snow leopard pictured is inspired by the great, great Peter Matthiessen book,  probably my favorite of all books.  The cipher of the animal is deeply inspiring to me.