Here's an image from a brilliant young, um, graphic artist. (Cartoonist isn't quite the right word.)
Lotta truth there, I can attest. But as Patti Smith, mulling over the suicide of a hedge fund manager points out, hard times may mean fear, but don't have to mean despair.
many who won't make it. Not another Christmas. Not another cup of
coffee.
What is the point of this missive? Perhaps nothing but a moment of
reflection and an opportunity to wish the reader well. And since it is
the center of the holidays I raise my cup and wish you all the best.
Hard times are undoubtedly ahead but may we all face them with good
humor, flexibility and resolve.
As we move into a new year we also move into the Chinese year of the
ox. The ox is the sign of fortitude and hard work. Nothing will come
easy; no quick returns, no fast cash, no high profile investing, no
great losses. Prosperity through work. Work that strengthens the heart.
We can do that. Be oxen.
The other day I found an old letter I wrote in 1970 in Paris in a book
of Blaise Cendrars poems. I was reporting with shock that coffee had
gone up to 40 cents. Now it can cost up to 4 Euros. Nearly six dollars.
But we must have our coffee…
And well, its only money.
Kit Stolz 