ahacollective

I saw the light.
I also saw Elvis, complete in glitterfied regalia, hanging out with Barbie, Tiger Woods, Elephant Woman, and some guy with a leopard fez hat.

None of this was in a dream, nor the influence of my imagination.  Rather, it was the imagination of the artists who hosted Cosmic Carnival.  True to the title of the show, the artwork was colorful, wild, imaginative and fun.  Popcorn was served, and calliope music jingle-jangled through the crowd. 

There were pieces with multiple eyeballs and numerous legs, worthy of their own sideshow pedestals. Elvis hung from the ceiling, in the form of a gold glitter swag lamp.  A tiny Tiger Woods figure complete with golf club, perched on piece titled 'Tiger Swings His Big Stick'. Barbie pranced on a banner with pickles parading around her.  There were multiple mixed media boxes one could peek inside, and find delightful vintage wind-up toys or profound phrenology heads.

The only thing this carnival was missing, was a barker to guess your weight. That's ok. Because with the smell of pocorn in the air, I felt light-hearted, like a kid.  I saw the light and I went into it. Although my life didn't flash before my eyes, I don't think I'll ever be the same after seeing Elvis on the swag lamp.   Plus, I now have an unnatural craving for cotton candy.

It's a new year.  Many of us  made personal resolutions, looking forward to a prosperous 2012.  Swearing in hopeful promises to ourselves to be richer, thinner, smarter, recycle more, be more compassionate, ditch diet sodas for green tree, donate to charity, and finally clean out the hall closet we've avoided for years.

After a pleasant New Year's Eve dinner with good friends, a belly full of grilled salmon and saffron rice, a prompt phone call from both my children with updates on their midnight whereabouts, and a sweet kiss from my spouse of 22 years, I made only this single resolution; to be thankful for another year.

Besides, I am already rich in so many ways, I think green tea tastes like dirt and hall closets have doors for a reason.

Whatever your resolutions, or lack of, I hope the new year is good to you!