Made it to Chapter 8

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One probably wonders what I’m working on.  As an Independent Scholar, as I am not attached to a University, I am writing a commentary on the first book of a personal journal written by a 2nd Century Roman Emperor. In that book he lists 16 names and describes what each person contributed to his life. That’s the short version. I’ve covered the first 8 so far and hit a wall. Now I’ve gone back and am editing Chapters 1-3 to keep my mojo going. Not sure when I’ll be done but hopefully by years’ end. I already have another project lined up. 

Auld Lang Syne (For The Sake of Old Times)

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 The Beatles captured perfectly the meaning of “auld Lang syne” in their obscure little song titled “The Two of Us”. This one stanza is at the heart:

“You and I have memories

That stretches out ahead”


Memories are precious, because over time, the bad ones fade away. You remember someone showing you a heart made with their hands in a backward look; a trip to the zoo or a park. Maybe an unexpected meeting of an old friend; meaningful conversation; music. Maybe decorating for the holidays or throwing a party, the humor of a private joke, a very expensive meal; a concert; a family reunion, a scent ...


Memories give hope when used properly. 


Books do both. They look back and look ahead. This is why I love the classics. A quote is one thing, an idea we like to carry forward, but reading the source material is another, looking back. 


Head into a blessed new year with good books. Make new memories! Look ahead with curiosity and interest! For the sake of old times, read a book. Always.


Happy New Year!



Thomas Carlyle (1795–1881). “Inaugural Address at Edinburgh.” Vol. 25, pp. 364-374 of The Harvard Classics

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