After the Non-Apocalypse

No other year sapped my energy as did the year 2012. It started with a big shadow of personal sorrow that dimmed my spirit for most of the year. It ended with a deep darkness, in my heart and many other hearts, cast by the tragic happenings in this country and around the world that made impossible to not question the direction we are going as a society and as humanity. The fact that those tragedies were man-made added extra tint to that darkness: the unforgettable tragedy of the Newtown Elementary School, the unimaginable drama of the sexually assaulted woman in India, the unbearably long and harsh struggle of the Syrian people against their government, and the unfriendly and divisive politicking in this country, could only make one sick. Dealing with so many uns, it was hard, or rather impossible, for me to write those cheerful “Happy Holidays Greetings” and I sentenced them to sit in their box till next winter.

When an invitation for celebrating New Year’s Eve among friends came along, I was very grateful since I hardly could wait for 2012 to end. I put my dancing shoes on, and decided to dance all my troubles away that night – into a better, happier 2013.

I already like this year. It ends with number 13, which I consider my favorite number. After all, I was born on the 13^th and according to some predictions 2013 is supposed to be a very good year for those born on the 13^th of any month. Don’t ask me, please, where I got this idea. Perhaps I dreamed or invented it, but I like it!  The next year ending with my lucky number will not arrive for another 100 years….so I need to adopt a “this year or never” attitude without any delay.

I wish you, who read this, to have a Happy and Lucky New Year – regardless what your birth date is! Have great energy and some fun in 2013.

One really good thing that did happen in 2012, or rather that did not happen, was that the world did not end on December 21^st as some believed it would. I was not really fearful of that ending, but “just in case” I wanted to have a picture in front of my studio (aka Word Studio) with The Writer magazine in my hands. Now it will serve as a reminder of that day and my recommitment to my writing, photography and publishing.

So it did not happen! Besides that, according to some theories we are entering the Age of Aquarius – an age of love, light, and humanity! Let it happen, or rather let us make it happen. First of all, let’s celebrate!

An art exhibition celebrating the world not ending is taking place at Raices Teller 222 Art Gallery in Tucson with the opening reception on Saturday, January 12 from 6 to 9 PM. I am part of that celebration and would love to see you there. Please feel invited!

Here is the detailed information:

Raices Taller 222 Art Gallery & Workshop

218 E. 6^th Street

(1/2 block east of 6^th St. & 6^th Ave.)

Tucson, AZ 85705

(520) 881-5335

Exhibition Dates – Jan 12 through Feb 23, 2013

Opening Reception

Saturday January 12, 2013

6:00 – 9:00 PM

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Text and photos copyright © 2012 by Alicja Mann.

Explore posts in the same categories: Art Galleries, Celebrations, Events, Feelings, Photo essays, Photo stories, Photography, Thoughts

Tags: Age of Aquarius, apocalypse, art, art galleries, celebrations, end of the world, good wishes, man-made tragedies, new year, predictions

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