In my humble opinion

Thanks for the memories

By JONATHAN CHARLES FOX
Posted 11/24/21

Good, bad, or somewhere in-between, holidays evoke memories. In the old days, we’d take family photos (with actual cameras, not phones) of the Thanksgiving turkey and relatives gathering to …

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In my humble opinion

Thanks for the memories

Posted

Good, bad, or somewhere in-between, holidays evoke memories. In the old days, we’d take family photos (with actual cameras, not phones) of the Thanksgiving turkey and relatives gathering to break bread, watch football and pass out in front of the 12-inch screen.

Since my age is comparable to that of Methuselah (ask the Google) I have a deep well of memories from which to draw, and old-timey photo albums to peruse in front of my electronic fireplace, after dusting them off and heaving a sigh.

What with COVID-19 numbers on the rise, and plenty of memories packed away, I’ll be staying home with my precious dog this Thanksgiving and relaxing as best I can. I’ll connect with my loved ones online, which is almost like being there, with the added bonus of being able to disengage with grace and dignity, simply by declaring that my “Wi-Fi is on the fritz,” and beating a hasty retreat. We may not be living exactly like the Jetsons, but technology has its perks.

Still, I’m not exactly Scrooge and can get into the holiday spirit with the best of them, so I called a friend and asked her to chauffeur me and the aforementioned dog through “Peace, Love, and Lights” last weekend. It’s now shining brightly at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (BW) through the holiday season.

“Experience our magical light show from the comfort of your car” the venue’s website invites. “Just turn off your headlights and follow the glow. There is nothing quite like this in the area.”

I read that the route has grown to almost two miles long and includes a new themed area (think New York City skyline and a salute to holidays around the world) and I have to say—I was suitably impressed.

BW came through with their promise of “bigger, better and brighter,” and the display is a magical trip down Candy Cane Lane. Some of the new highlights include an animated New York State enchanted forest, an after-show holiday hub with musically synced “mega-trees” and an opportunity to have dinner with Santa, whoever that is. Take the kids. It will create memories to last a lifetime, IMHO.

In an effort to stop something short of being a hoarder, I’ve asked my friends and family to eschew gift-giving this year, because there’s literally nothing I need, short of good health, something that we could all use. That said, it’s lovely to put a little present under friends’ trees, or near their menorahs, the lighting of which comes early this year, beginning Sunday night and lasting for (uh-huh) eight more.

Personally, I’m OK with the shortage of flat screens and video games that we’re told are stranded on cargo ships this holiday season, because it’s a perfect opportunity to shop local.  And what better way to support local than the highly anticipated “Art in Sixes” art show at the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance (DVAA) in Narrowburg, NY? This year’s exhibit features hundred of small-scale artworks by more than 140 local and regional artists, and yours truly is thrilled to be a six-by-six-inch part of the show.

In case you’ve not been to what has become a highlight of the holiday season, “Art in Sixes, as the title implies, is a small works exhibition” according to the DVAA website. “Whether you’re an art connoisseur, a browser, or someone in need of that perfect [little] gift, this event is not to be missed.”

I attended last weekend in time to catch the River Reporter’s Eileen Hennessy placing a tiny red dot (sold!) next to one of my photos on canvas. “It’s my first real piece of art,” she whispered, giving me more props than I probably deserve, but I was thrilled. If you’re not keen on my pieces, (and let’s face it, I’m an “acquired taste” as Barbara Fox was fond of saying) there are literally hundreds more from which to choose. My advice? Shop small and support local. It feels darned good.

Speaking of Barbara Fox, she left this earthly plane 11 years ago this week, so all Thanksgivings since then are tinged with a little sadness, a few tears, and a lot of love. If I could see her one more time, I’d hold my mother tight, give her a sweet kiss and say, “Thanks for the memories.” If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my tenure on planet Earth, it’s that life is short. Be thankful, be happy, be thoughtful, and be kind. Your mom would want it that way. Happy Thanksgiving.

COVID-19, Methuselah, holiday spirit, "Peace, Love and Lights", Bethel Woods, Art in Sixes

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