Five on Friday: Calendars For A New Year

Eli Dafaria / unsplash.com

Here we are at that time of year again when Hubby and I make a date to go calendar shopping. We usually go after Christmas and just before New Year's; that way determined Christmas shoppers have already come and gone, and the folks who are now out and about are much more relaxed and unhurried -- which creates an ideal ambiance for browsing.

We do realize that by now selections are much depleted, but we're perfectly fine with that -- the choosing becomes simpler, not having to sort through dozens of designs, as we try to decide what we want on our walls or desks for the coming new year. Shall it be something pretty like flowers, cute like kittens, maybe peaceful like clouds, or flamboyant like Spanish dancers? Do we want art by Monet or Cezanne? Photography of France, Singapore, or England? Do we want sayings and quotes to inspire or photos with no words? What about something to make us laugh ... like those silly cartoon characters making funny comments or pictures of dogs reading their own poetry?

Mulling between this one or that one, we eventually select something that's caught our eye or emotional state of mind, and we gleefully breeze out with our bag of treasures and pleasures.

* * * * *

As you can see, I am one of those people who still likes a physical calendar. It's a reasonable way to display artsy works, and every month I get to turn the page and enjoy something fresh and new. My iPhone and desktop computer calendars compare not in providing that sensory experience of snooping out that perfect bit of art in the form of a calendar that will serve me for a whole year.

And, now for a little parade of our 2017 calendar purchases. Oh yes, not just one calendar, we have calendars in various rooms in the house. Little ones to pin by the bathroom sink, large ones for the kitchen wall, something for our bedroom, and a couple for our two office-studies. Sometimes we even have something fun to post out in the garage or basement (usually the freebies).

*** ONE ***
"Present Moment"
Published in partnership with Sounds True

Thought this calendar, filled with inspirational photography of flowers, branches, even someone holding a bird nest, would work in my office/study ... as a reminder to live my days in the present moment ... not holding onto the past, not fretting about the future, but being mindful of where I am in this moment. And being grateful for it.

*** TWO ***

Ireland by National Geographic

We enjoy calendars displaying wonderful places we'd like to visit in the world. This year we picked an Ireland calendar. Perhaps I was drawn to it because I'm currently reading the latest novel by Canadian-Irish author, Patrick Taylor, The Irish Country Love Story. I love his stories; they are peppered with colourful characters set in the equally colourful Irish village of Ballybucklebo.

"It’s the winter of 1967 and snow is on the ground ... but the chilly weather can’t stop love from warming hearts all over the county. Not just the love between a man and woman, as with young doctor, Barry Laverty, and his fiancee Sue Nolan, who are making plans to start a new life together, but also the love of an ailing pensioner for a faithful dog that's gone missing, the love of the local gentry for the great estate they are on verge of losing, or Doctor Fingal Flahertie O’Reilly’s deep and abiding love for his long-time home and practice. ...

An Irish Country Love Story is a new and heartwarming installment in Patrick Taylor's beloved bestselling Irish Country series." ~ Description excerpt from amazon.ca

*** THREE ***
 Canada by Wyman Publishing

As much as we like seeing what the rest of the world looks like, we also know there is no place like home, and home for us is Canada. You can't tell from the photo, but this is the mini-calendar that will be pinned by our bathroom sink -- providing a glimpse of something local and lovely to look at while brushing one's teeth.

*** FOUR ***

The Group of Seven 2017 by Firefly Books

I don't know a lot about the Canadian artists known as the Group of Seven. So when I saw this calendar, I decided it was time to learn more. Having it on our kitchen wall should help me recognize them when I see the originals displayed somewhere ... as well as remind me to go find out something of who these men were as artists and what motivated them. In case you are not familiar with their works either, here's a bit of info:

In the early 20th century, a group of men began to formulate as they discovered they shared a common artistic interest. Together, these men would embark on weekend sketching trips or socialize at the Arts and Letters Club in Toronto. They were in search for a distinct painting style that would not only reflect the unique character of the Canadian landscape, but would break from European tradition.

These were Tom Thomson, J.E.H. MacDonald, Lawren Harris, Arthur Lismer, Frederick Varley, A.Y. Jackson, Frank Johnston and Franklin Carmichael.

Although Tom Thomson died in 1917, he had a significant influence on the group and his painting style was representative of the Canadian landscape and experience. In May 1920, Harris, MacDonald, Lismer, Varley, Johnston, Carmichael and Jackson decided, for the first time, to exhibit as the Group of Seven at the Art Gallery of Toronto. This marks the founding of the Group and a historic point in Canada's art history, for which Harris is largely credited. Johnston resigned from the group shortly after. Info from Northern Ontario travel website.

*** FIVE ***

 Great Gardens by National Trust, UK

“The many great gardens of the world, of literature and poetry, of painting and music, of religion and architecture, all make the point as clear as possible: The soul cannot thrive in the absence of a garden. If you don't want paradise, you are not human; and if you are not human, you don't have a soul.” ~ Thomas More

This attractive calendar comes straight from England. We bought several while we were there -- I don't know how many we mailed home to share with loved ones.

Did I ever tell you that I love gardens? Although I confess I'm not as keen on the actual act of gardening, I do love the beauty of a well stocked and plotted out, and don't forget an abundantly fragrant, bit of earthly paradise.

So when we spent twelve days in Kent, renowned as the Garden of England, during our visit to Great Britain, I knew I was experiencing a long time dream come true. Walking on pathways that swept past vibrant perennial borders, through allées bordered by majestic trees and shrubberies, and winding their way under rose-laden trellises ... I remember thinking, "Drink this in, Girl, you're really here; you're really standing here in an English country garden. Let it soak into your soul so you never forget."

*** BONUS ***

Cornish Riviera by Salmon Calendars

Oh my goodness, Elizabethd, it had totally slipped my mind until this moment when I read your lovely comment below that I, too, was the recipient of a beautiful Cornish calendar ... the one you gave me when we met in Cornwall this past summer. It was tucked away for safe keeping until the New Year arrived.

I'm so excited ... it's like Christmas all over. I had to come in and adjust my post to give this calendar its rightful place in my 2017 calendar parade.

* * * * *

And, so these lovely beauties wait, like me, for the New Year. With such pleasant items to surround me all year long, how can I not go into 2017 envisioning a brighter, better world? Calendars are not just a time piece for me, I use even them, like gifts to cheer my soul when certain life events hand out the ugly.

On that note, I'm wishing you a hopeful and happy New Year ~

May your days be magical gatherers of those glimpses of heaven in unexpected places.

With love,

Brenda

xox

PS: With the New Year around the corner, I'm looking forward to sharing some of my great store of photos from our marvelous trip to England and Scotland. So many lovely things yet to show you -- I invite you to stay tuned. xox