What Your Calendar Says About You

How has the New Year been treating you?

Or, should I say, how have you been treating the New Year?

Every January, I love selecting a calendar in the hopes that it will set the tone for the year. I believe that calendars could be part of a sociological study of the secret longings and desires of the human race! Think about it...the majority of calendars depict European cities, gorgeous natural vistas and lush island paradises. Most people want to escape into their calendars...drift off to another time or place to alleviate stress or the occasional bout with ennui. Some people prefer humorous or silly calendars to brighten their day. Perhaps cute animals rock your boat? Sports teams and athletes are my son's faves. Or, for the sophisticated art lovers out there, many calendars show famous or not-so-famous paintings/photographs by renowned artists. I don't think any of my readers want girls in swim suits! (Unless, perhaps, the bathing beauties might motivate us to keep our diet resolutions for the year...)

Are there any calendars depicting scenes of suburbia? Yawn city! Who wants reality for Pete's sake? On the other end of the spectrum, however, I know someone who had the idea of a calendar devoted to roadkill, with a different roadkill photo each month. Lovely.

In the past, I have admittedly opted for European scenery. Pure wishful thinking! My calendar is in my kitchen near where I wash my dishes, so what better vista for my tired eyes than a Parisian cafe, or better yet, a cobblestone street with ornate buildings, chic women carrying a poodle in one arm and a baguette in another, all with the Seine River flowing in the background. I have also had a "Year in Tuscany, " twelve months of colorful, antique teapots and Georgia O'Keeffe's big, bold flowers on my kitchen wall.

Last year, I gave the coveted kitchen calendar spot over to my husband; my daughter and I selected a Jewish-themed calendar, knowing that husband would be pleased. So 2010 was marked by objects of art by Jewish artists. Some of the paintings dated back 200 years. Other months offered a contemporary piece of art, such as an ultra-modern menorah. One portrait (shown here) was my favorite. Titled Portrait of Aline Meyer Liebman, 1927, it was painted by Stefan Hirsch. For some reason, I love this portrait. I happen to be interested in the history and fashion of the 1920s, but really I find the painting pleasing to the eye. Aline Meyer Liebman, by the way, was an art collector as well as a painter and photographer in her own right. She was friends with the artist.

As I mentioned earlier, I think calendars set the tone or theme for the year. Last year was definitely one marked by the exploration of my Jewish roots, from learning about my Jewish-related genetic mutation to enrolling my daughter in Hebrew school. A real roller coaster ride of a year!

So what is in store for 2011? Well, I let my daughter choose this year's calendar. It is called "Cats in Hats" and I am going to be looking at cute kitties wearing adorable little hats all year long! Meow!