An Excursion: For Real!

As the date of my retirement approached, several people asked, "What are you going to do after you retire?" I had no good response to that question. I had decided not to serve a church. I don't have a hobby that occupies significant time. There are projects around the house that need attention, but they don't rise to the level of a defining identity.

Several kind souls suggested that I write, which would fit the bill nicely if an appropriate writing project emerges. I may have a book in me, but other responsibilities make that a questionable undertaking at this time.

Other friends shared memories of The Pine Tree Almanac; but I'm aware that most people are not inclined to read a four-page print newsletter in this digital age. So I decided to write a blog. I like the flexibility: frequency, length, topics, etc. Thus came about Excerpts and Excursions. "Excerpts" allow me to share my love of reading, and "Excursions" are pieces I have authored myself.

My daughter Sara has been encouraging a post-retirement trip to visit with her and Robbie in Atlanta. The discovery that Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring is part of an exhibit at the High Museum provided the dates and sealed the deal.

Girl with a Pearl Earring came to my attention through a novel by Tracy Chevalier. Published in the US in January 2000, the book became a New York Times bestseller and went on to sell over three million copies in thirty-six languages. It was adapted  into a 2003 Oscar-nominated film of the same name and a 2008 play of the same name.

Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675) was a Dutch painter residing in Delft. Only thirty-four paintings have been authenticated as Vermeer's work. Stylistically, Girl is a "tronie," that is, a head not meant to be a portrait.  Among its signature features, in addition to the pearl, are the girl's eyes, her red lips, and the blue turban she is wearing. Its permanent home since 1902 has been the Dutch museum, Maurithuis.

I have been enamored with the painting since reading the novel, and I anticipate my excursion to Atlanta with great delight.