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The Art of Auld Lang Syne

May you and your art prosper in 2024

In the last scene of “It’s a Wonderful Life”, which many of us have probably seen in the past few weeks, the gathered townspeople break into song, singing “Auld lang syne” and toast George Bailey, “the richest man in town.” He may not have had a penny to his name, but he had family and friends and had left a lifetime legacy of treating people decently. Of being human.

In our fast-paced, information-age, attention economy world, it feels, to me, that our humanity is somehow being left behind. Everyone is focused on how to create “content that monetizes.” Every hobby must be turned into a “side-hustle.” And if you’re reading for any reason at all other than to “improve yourself”, you’re wasting your time.

But, as always, the true artists, such as yourself, stand outnumbered, but resolute, holding the banner of humanity high. And as always, we are here to salute you and support you. And increasingly, at least for myself personally, to join you.

So before the bell strike’s midnight, let’s remember the days gone by, when we supported each other as humans. When we said “good day” to one another. When we appreciated beauty. When we read fiction just for enjoyment. When we didn’t argue about politics on Twitter. And let’s look ahead toward 2024 with hope. For everyone reading this newsletter is an artist, a writer, a truth-teller. And we are the light the world needs. We can point the way back to those who have lost their way. We can support the George Baileys of the world and remind them, and each other, that you, a single human, matters.

I hesitate to bore dear readers with definitions but since “Auld lang syne” is an old Scottish Gaelic dialect, I’ll make an exception. Auld lang syne literally means something akin to "old long since"— but a more idiomatic English translation would be something like "long long ago", "days of long ago", "in olden days", or even "once upon a time". "For old time's sake" or "to the good old days" may be modern-day expressions, in common use as a toast, that capture the spirit of "for auld lang syne." (Source: Wikipedia)

Each New Year's Eve, we toast the happy moments of the past year, we look forward to even better days in the new year, and, hopefully, we experience it all with good friends. Most of us ring in the new year to the tune of "auld lang syne"....."to the good old days"....and perhaps an unspoken hope.....that the good "new" days may be even better than the good "old" days. In essence we celebrate hope, happiness, beauty.....the best humanity has to offer. And that's exactly what each and every one of you do, dear artists, with your art. You capture the spirit of "auld lang syne" on your canvases, in your photographs, and in your sculpture.

What is a great portrait after all? It's a visual toast to "the good old days" of the person depicted. Or what about a plein air landscape?....it literally captures the "good old day" when it was painted. You see, dear artists, you all capture the spirit of "auld lang syne" with your work.

So, tonight, as we raise our glasses, and sing the words of "auld lang syne" (which we don't really know properly), we'll reflect upon days past and days future....we'll reflect upon the blessings in our life....we'll make a mental list of things to accomplish in 2024....and we'll pause and give thanks for you and your art.

Thank you for sharing your talent with us and thank you for recording the “good old days” visually, for posterity.

Happy New Year and may you prosper in 2024!

Sincerely,

Clintavo

PS: Should old acquaintance be forgot,

and never brought to mind ?

Should old acquaintance be forgot,

and auld lang syne ?

CHORUS:

For auld lang syne, my dear,

for auld lang syne,

we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,

for auld lang syne.

And surely you’ll buy your pint cup !

And surely I’ll buy mine !

And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,

for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have run about the slopes,

and picked the daisies fine ;

But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,

since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have paddled in the stream,

from morning sun till dine† ;

But seas between us broad have roared

since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand my trusty friend !

And give us a hand o’ thine !

And we’ll take a right good-will draught,

for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

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© 2023 Clint Watson
PO Box 700534, San Antonio, TX 78270
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