Legacy 52

“Who’s Rachel Carson?” was the repeated refrain heard, after I’d answered the question about my next LEGACY 52 painting.

My stomach felt a bit queasy. Hmm…what did I eat last? Oh yeah. About half a box of girl guide cookies. Groan. I promise myself every year that I’ll ration them, but something primeval takes over whenever I get a fresh box. I can’t seem to help myself.

Susan B. Anthony, an American social reformer and activist, worked tirelessly on behalf of women to secure their right to vote. She died in March of 1906, but her legacy lives on today, often linked to the feminist movement.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas died in 1998, at the age of 108. A long life, well-lived, can leave a lasting legacy. She was a respected political activist, journalist, author and feminist, most known for her determined fight to protect the Florida Everglades, that is, until February 14, 2018.

It can be difficult, these days, to find opportunities to engage in quality family time. There are many potential obstacles, starting with finding things to do together that everyone enjoys. Next, carving out time between work, school and extra-curricular activities can require a master’s degree in logistics and planning. Then, there’s the lack of resources such as money, energy, equipment or tools that might be required to have fun safely.

The red maple leaf is an iconic image that is associated with Canadians worldwide. Many travellers, have worn a maple leaf pin or put it on luggage as a way to declare their nationality. It’s seen as a symbol of peace, tranquility, and neutrality. Yet, how the maple leaf came to be used in the design of the Canadian flag is steeped in controversy, chaos and debate.

According to my (admittedly limited) research, people born during the year of the pig have a calm temperament, remaining unfazed even in the face of danger or conflict. Easy going, patient, reliable, giving, honest, loyal, hard-working, peace-loving and sincere are some of the other traits associated with those born under this sign.

Bubble wrap. We take it for granted. Sure, we appreciate it when our shipment arrives intact, but beyond that, most of us don’t give it a second thought. We may be entertained by it for a while, as we pop bubble after bubble, rendering it next to useless. But, when I learned that January 28th is ‘Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day’, I started to think about the inventors of this versatile material.

Some of my earliest memories as a child growing up in South Carolina during the 60s and 70s were of the signs indicating ‘whites only’ and ‘coloreds only’. Some signs went into more detail, featuring any combination from a long list; No Negroes, No Jews, No Mexicans, No Spanish, No Asians, No Dogs, White Males Only….

Sometimes a legacy unfolds in unexpected ways. Take, for example, Alan Alexander Milne’s legacy.