LINES OF THE DAY

". . . But the past does not exist independently from the present. Indeed, the past is only past because there is a present, just as I can point to something over there only because I am here. But nothing is inherently over there or here. In that sense, the past has no content. The past -- or more accurately, pastness -- is a position. Thus, in no way can we identify the past as past." p. 15

". . . But we may want to keep in mind that deeds and words are not as distinguishable as often we presume. History does not belong only to its narrators, professional or amateur. While some of us debate what history is or was, others take it into their own hands." p. 153

Silencing the Past: Power and the Production of History (1995) by Michel-Rolph Trouillot

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Christmas Detour

Today's return from the nearly daily Morton Williams run was at sunset.

Our church, St. Anthony's, completed it's Chirstmas decorations over this past weekend. This took me two blocks out of my way home from the supermarket, because St. Anthony's complex covers the entire block from east to west. Instead of heading straight down Thompson, I detoured along Houston to Sullivan, and then back down, so I could take in all the display of lights and the beautiful traditional Tuscan nativity set-up. There is a small parking area on the Thompson St. corner, which is secular, with reindeer and trees. On the Sullivan St. corner is St. Anthony himself, surrounded with Christmas greenery and lights.

It's very beautiful, particularly when viewed at particular angles that show up dramatically the classic Renaissance Italy style domes and campanile against the lowering cobalt clouds streaked with sun setting rose and red.

Now to fill the mailers and close them up. Tomorrow -- the post office. Pity me.

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