Over the Horizon

["The Long Count" ice sculpture, Boston; 12/31/11]

We made it slightly late to First Night Boston's Grand Procession down Boylston Street last night. The procession is a family affair and starts at 5:30pm. We'd gone out a little early to have a celebratory glass of bubbly and found two open seats at one of the bars on Boylston. Service slowed as a crowd made its way in, so it took us longer to get back out on the street than expected. But we were able to watch through the bar's plate glass windows as the processioners began to make their way past, including some dragons created for the upcoming Chinese New Year, which will usher in the Year of the Dragon. We followed the procession up to the Boston Common, arriving just in time for the early evening fireworks.

[First Night Boston fireworks display]

The official theme of this year's Grand Procession was "Over the Horizon" and the big 2012 ice sculpture in Copley Square was titled "The Long Count," a reference to the calendar system used by the ancient Mayans. Of course as everyone has heard, 2012 is the year the Mayan calendar ends, specifically December 21, 2012 (ie, the winter solstice), and some have interpreted this to mean the end of the world. I've never taken that the least bit seriously and haven't delved into the history nor the hype, but some sources say that date is just the end of one cycle and beginning of the next. At any rate, many processioners and ice sculptors had fun with the Mayan theme.

[Mayan theme ice sculpture, Copley Square, Boston; 1/1/12]

None of us can see over the horizon. Most of us try at one point or another, stating our intentions and pinning our hopes on a future outcome that we work towards, whether to lose weight or complete a degree, win a race or purchase a dream home. We may enlist the help of sophisticated predictive analytical tools, action plans, prayers, stars, cards, or crystal balls. But time always unspools in its own mysterious, unexpected way.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year. May unexpected joy await you.

Comments

[rr]

That penultimate para makes me think of your poetry. And a happy new year to you too, may it have stanzas in it, if that what unspools!

[Roberta]

What a beautiful and insightful post. Time does unspool in its very own way, doesn't it? And no one, nowhere can change that! A wish for unexpected joy is the best wish of all and I thank you. I hope it finds you as well. Happy New Year 2012.

[Leslee]

Thanks, rr. I too hope the year brings poetry. :-)

Roberta: Thank you! We'll hope for the best.

[Natalie]

Leslie, a very happy 2012 to you and yours and yes,may it bring you loads of unexpected joys - the best kind!

[Leslee]

Thanks, Natalie! Same to you!!