I’m on a roll tonight. My DH is watching a ballgame at a friend’s house, a friend with a 52″ high definition television. Anyway, I’ve again changed the image header, this time to Van Gogh’s Starry Night. I remember seeing it at the MOMA years ago when some friends and I darted in and out quickly…so much to do, so little time. It made a powerful impression on me, and afterwards I made it my business to learn more about him and the painting itself. The swirling clouds and luminous stars somehow make the tiny village seem safe and nestled as well as small and insignificant…in the grand scheme of things. Since the painting was cropped to fit the heading space, we can’t see the church steeple reaching heavenward, but we can see the tip of the cypress tree.
The hour is late, and that’s about all I remember about the painting tonight. Perhaps someone will enlighten me…and the other bloggers.
mom's musings 
I love Van Gogh and MOMA was one of the places I missed due to time constraints imposed by the screwy airlines. Remember the sad song “Starry, starry nights?
I love that painting. Good choice!
Connie, Want to go back? I think DH and I will go before 2008 is over and done, but I KNOW he will never go again. Next time it will be a girl’s trip.
PersistentIllusion, Thanks. There’s so much out there to choose from, isn’t there? I think I’m going to change it every few months.
I’m enjoying your blog so much. Love Starry Night header as well!!
Christy
Thanks Christy…for dropping by and for leaving such a nice comment. Last night I was thinking about the painting again, and it occurred to me how BIG the universe is and how small we are. All this great action is taking place “out there,” but here on planet Earth we’re consumed with our daily goings-on and don’t often think about the immensity of space. Didn’t mean to get carried away, and yet….
oh love the new header…I like that painting too! Hope your new year was great. I’ve not been on-line so much for the last few weeks.
I’ve missed you! I’ve been checking your blog, and even though I enjoyed your 12 Days of Christmas, I’m ready for some real cowgal stuff.
This painting has always touched me… in a bitersweet way. Vincent Van Gogh was definitely a sensitive and troubled man… and yet, it’s kind of a hopeful portrayal, isn’t it? Anyway, I like it on your blog. 🙂
Thanks Sarah. I see what you mean about the painting. I don’t know this for sure, and yet I feel like he painted it during one of his dark periods. Still, the fact that the heavens have so much action going on seems positive…hopeful, as you said.