Here we go -- the light's coming back. The 21st thing I learned again this year -- Here's to the light!

Frescoes in a chapel in the 

Siena Cathedral,
in Siena, Italy 
Photo

Barbara Muir ©

We were going to go and watch a friend take part in a parade
to celebrate the solstice, but she fell and hurt her leg, so she
couldn't do it.  But speaking of light -- driving towards the
west at sunset was spectacular today.  Golden light transforming

an entire side of the street -- making it magical.

I found a former post about light that is perfect for today.

Steven and I had our first holiday party -- with party crackers at

dinner -- snap -- hats and silly jokes.  So fun.

So here's my former post:

"I'm showing an image from my time in Florence.  Being part of
the Florence Biennale changed my life in so many ways.  It
was so exciting to meet international artists.  And it's wonderful
that many of us are still friends, some through social media, and
some of us have met again in person -- delighted to see each other.
I think exhibiting in Florence let the light of glorious friendships,
and spectacular memories into my life.

I met new friends, saw amazing art, fell in love with a
country I had only dreamed of, and heard of, both from my
parents and many of my friends who had either been born in Italy,
or had parents who were Italian.

My ancestry connection is that my great, great, great grandmother
was Florentine.  So being in Florence made me very happy.
Part of the thrill of being in Italy, was taking a bus tour around
the area where we were staying, to Siena, and Pisa.  The image
tonight is of a fresco in the Cathedral in Siena.  Our tour guide
used her influence to get us into a spectacular chapel in the
cathedral, and changed my view of art from the period.

It turns out the art that was not damaged (in this chapel very
few visitors are allowed to enter, because breath damages
the colour) is absolutely brilliant in colour.  Every colour was so
bright. All of the Florentine art of the period that was subdued
in colour was -- according to this guide -- damaged.

Woo Hoo.  May bright colour reign supreme!  It was one
of the most beautiful rooms I've ever been in in my life.

Wishing you a very Merry Holiday Season.  Looking forward
would I love to return to Europe? The answer is yes!"

That's my dream for 2026!

Have a loving your life day!