Tag: dailyprompt-2128

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Go to those who know!

Daily writing prompt
If you could meet a historical figure, who would it be and why?
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We all imagine meeting a historical figure and having them unload to us the REAL reason why they did X, Y, or Z. I can see it now. Moments before Washington crosses the Delaware, he graciously takes the time out to sit with you on camp chairs in front of a cozy fire and explain to you all his hidden ( to history) reasons why. All this over a cozy cup of tea.

In fact, you show up, and an aide de camp hustles you away to the enlisted men’s mess for a feast of the slops that the troops get. On the way out, you get a crudely printed broadside on the horrors of the British occupation. You wish you had stopped instead at the road house you saw on the way down from 2026.

You thought perhaps that you were first in line? The winner of the lottery to meet famous people at a crucial moment? Take a number and sit on the bench. We’ll call you when he’s ready.

Here’s How

I’ve thought about this in odd moments and decided that there are better ways of doing this. In Washington’s case, hang around the Officers’ Mess Tent the night before. Listen to the scuttlebutt as the aide de camp unloads over a glass of cheap sherry.

In my case, I’d like to hang around the studios of famous artists, carvers, and sculptors. Back in much of history, the shops were run by a crop of journeymen and apprentices. They did most of the work. Having a mug or two with the boys in the shop after hours, I’d soon find out which journeyman’s wife was the model for what famous portrait and why.

You want to get answers? go to those who know.

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Not Me!

In the past, I talked about hanging out with Dali, Bellamy, and Van Gogh—artists that I genuinely admire. I actually ran into Dali once in downtown New York City. He told me to watch where I was going—words of wisdom from the Maestro! I do not remember if he twirled his mustache or not.

There are other people who I, indeed, would prefer not to be seen in the company of. Most of today’s political luminaries are at the top of the list. Sheesh! I have to maintain some standards, after all. 

I do not want to be seen in close proximity to “the Donald.” After all, he’s merely from Queen’s, and I am from Washington Heights, Manhatten, in New York City. Remember RHIP (rank hath its privileges). As a former Pius Itinerant, folksinger, applied anthropologist, and consortor with the hoipoloi, I have standards to maintain.

Now for today’s lesson in politics. Always remember what Herman Melville said: When in doubt, it is better: “to sleep with a sober cannibal than a drunken Christian.”

Now, go ye forth and sin no more!

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Famous

I think many people would love to pal around with famous people from the past. OK, I was fortunate enough as a child to run into Dali on the streets of New York literally. He told me to watch where I was going. 

But it would be fantastic as an adult to go out, get coffee and bagels, and head back to the studio. I’d hang out while the Maestro did his thing. You know, nibbling on a bagel, listening to him complain about how the landlord was cheap with the heat. it would be typical New York, but with Dali.

If I couldn’t book with the Maestro, I’d head up to Kittery, Maine, to hang out in Bellamy’s workshop. He was famous for having a sociable workshop. I’d ask him how he lofted the Eagle for the USS Lancaster, and we’d drink coffee from the old pot on the wood stove. Bellamy, with his handlebar mustaches, was quite the fashionista among us carvers. I might get personal and ask what type of wax he used on the ends – my bet is just plain bee’s wax.

Moving along, I could see a more bucolic visit with Van Gogh. Perhaps advise him on how to wrap a dressing around his head.

None of this will happen. So rather than be in the doldrums about it, I’ll grab a coffee and visit with myself as I work. I’ll offer myself some advice that I won’t take.