A Thought on New Year's Day

I resolved long ago not to make New Year’s resolutions, and have not disappointed myself on this account since. Instead, I want to pass along New Year’s greetings, and best wishes for a healthy, happy, and productive year. I decided this morning to share the attached painting, which hangs in my den, as a sort of holiday e-card. George Harada, who was part of the Art Students League of New York, painted it in 1953. I wasn’t sure why I locked onto this painting, except that I have long found it amusing and cheerful, but in thinking about it more, I suppose that my interest really was for the birds. They have obvious symbolic portent as omens or signs, and in dream analysis can broadly represent ideas and proposals for the future, along with the possibility of change. On this day, in this cultural moment, this is at least a nice conceit. I have no crystal ball or insider information, but like many Americans I feel that change is coming, as advertised, and that things can and will improve. In any event, enjoy the painting and let’s hope for the best.