Today is the birthday of Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861). For a poem, a mini-bio, and an illustration, please see A Love Story.
Category: Illustration
Leap Day
Today is Leap Day, the extra day added to the end of February every four years since the adaptation of the Gregorian calendar in 1582 to ensure that the rest of the calendar remains properly aligned with the seasons. At first the adjusted calendar was accepted only by Italy, Poland, Portugal and Spain. Over the centuries it was introduced elsewhere, reluctantly, sometimes followed by public rioting, with Great Britain’s American colonies making the change in 1752, and China being the last in 1912.
According to tradition, Leap Day is the day that a woman may propose marriage to a man, instead of the other way around. And if he declines, he is obliged to compensate her with a gift of new gloves, presumably to hide her shameful ring-free hands. Think twice, ladies, before testing to see if this still works; he may surprise you and say Yes.
Annette & Jim
(Once every four years they get to celebrate on the correct date)
In Fountain Court
Today is the birthday of poet Arthur Symons (1865-1945), and I post in his honor this watercolor and poem, although it seems more suitable for a romantic Midsummer Eve than the end of February.
He shares his birthday with Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882), and for a mini-bio, a painting, and the unforgettable opening lines of “Evangeline,” please see Oh Canada…Oh Henry.
The fountain murmuring of sleep,
A drowsy tune;
The flickering green of leaves that keep
The light of June;
Peace, through a slumbering afternoon,
The peace of June.
A waiting ghost, in the blue sky,
The white curved moon;
June, hushed and breathless, waits, and I
Wait too, with June;
Come, through the lingering afternoon,
Soon, love, come soon.
—Arthur Symons
Ash Wednesday
To kick off Lent, a walk down memory lane.
Mardi Gras
It’s that day again. Party while you can!
Wishing for Snow
Today is the birthday of one of my childhood heroines, Laura Ingalls Wilder (1867-1957), and for a comic (created during the Snowmageddon of 2010) and a mini-bio, please see A Long Winter.
Jan & Al
Toss Those Beans
Have you hung your garlic or fish head on the front door? Do you have your roasted soybeans ready? Today is Setsubun, Japan’s annual demon-expelling festival. To prepare yourself, please see Demons Out! Happiness In!
Rise and Shine
I’m afraid this is where our family will be found tonight—snuggled up in our cozy burrow observing what has come to be an annual tradition.
For another picture of the groundhog at home, please see GroundhogCandlemas.
Roshan (“Bright Light”)
Marius
Elaine
Dreams
In honor of the birthday today of Langston Hughes, a poem and and a picture. For another Hughes poem, and a mini-bio, please see Rivers.
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
—Langston Hughes
Dawn