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The Editorial Page   A place for Editorial comment and Letters to the Editor   By Sandy Neilly Welcome, readers, to our Christmas 2011 issue of the Wayback Times.   This November/December edition will be printed in late October and although it seems a little early to be wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, it's our great pleasure to be able to do so.   On our cover for this issue, entitled The Star in the East, is a beautiful Christmas image, one of Gustav Doré's innumerable works of art, created for the compendious, yet enormously impressive Bible Gallery published by Cassell and Company Limited in 1880.   The method used for Doré's work (in this case) was wood engraving, a somewhat fastidious process which involved a relief printing technique where ink is applied to a block of wood fashioned by the artist for the printing press. It could also be pressed by a roller, a "brayer" or even a hand. (And yes, I do wonder where all those wood plates of Doré’s are a century and a half after they were made.)   The forward in the Bible Gallery, written by Talbot W. Chambers, addresses the fact that "For centuries the Scriptures have furnished the favourite themes for artists. Were the famous galleries of Europe deprived of the works which have been suggested by the Old Testament and the New, they would lose at least one half of their masterpieces."   He goes on to explain: "The great French painter and designer, Gustave Doré, after illustrating various secular works, devoted his talent to the sacred volume. In this he displayed great power and richness of imagination and much vigor of conception, united with a wonderful facility and swiftness of execution."   This was possibly an understatement of sorts, as Doré was apparently a perfectionist and thought nothing of destroying plate after plate in "mere wanton fastidiousness" until his work was exactly the way he desired it to be.   That trait was not really surprising considering this talented French artist, at the age of 14, upon his arrival to Paris from his home of Bourg, "escaped" almost immediately from a hotel his father had taken him to and made his way to the office of the editor, a Mr. Philippon, of Journal pour Rire. There he presented his portfolio in the hope that he might find assistance to study as an artist in the scholarly City of Light, his heart’s desire, but something his father couldn't really afford. The good man, editor Philippon, was an astute gent and a good listener and the rest, as they say, is history.   This brief, but intriguing, bit of historical information is the result of a flea market purchase I was fortunate enough to make a few years ago in Florida. I am delighted to be the current owner of this lovely old volume with almost 100 engravings by Doré.   It appears a few are, unfortunately, missing, but that doesn't matter much. The great discovery and purchase of it (for a mere $20) has given me much enjoyment and has encouraged me to seek out more of similar content.   (I see that eBay has a few volumes for sale - what a wonderful Christmas gift for my sister, an artist, and also a pastor's wife.)   My copy is not for sale and when I depart this world, I hope it falls into the hands of someone else who will cherish it.   My point is this: treasures abound for all of you antique and collectible-loving Christmas shoppers to discover and they won't be found at Walmart, Winners or Sears.   Will the gifts you buy your loved ones be around in another 100 years for someone else to enjoy? In most cases, that is quite unlikely. (Socks and underwear do not apply to this question.)   The antique shops and markets, the auction houses, the beautiful shows that are painstakingly organized in so many locations - they are all well worth your consideration to seek out meaningful gifts and small treasures, things the recipients won't soon forget.   With schedule arranging (and re-arranging) of holiday get-togethers, house cleaning, meal preparation and extra travelling, there is precious little time to actually enjoy the season and the beauty that is inherently the best and most important part of it.   Christmas is a time of light in darkness, warmth in bone-chilling coldness and renewed love and companionship with our family and friends. I was greatly touched by what our columnist Vera (Travels with Vera) has to say in this issue and hope that by repeating it, that might help the thought sink in through the busy-ness of our lives.   Writes Vera: “Christmas is coming and this is my wish for you. May you live this Christmas as if it is your last. May you realize that those you love may not be here with you next year. Christmas is not about gifts - it is about caring, sharing and love. Share your Christmas with strangers as well as those you love. Make for yourself and others a great joy in remembering Christmas 2011!"   Well said, Vera. There have been some very dear friends we have lost this past year who didn't know that Christmas 2010 would be their last. None of us did, and if we had I know that the day - the season - would have been celebrated differently. And that is something to keep in mind, especially at Christmas.   Thanks to all of you who have inquired about Chevy, our most recently adopted (canine) member of the family. I have reluctantly accepted the fact that no matter how often I sweep or vacuum, there will still be a tumbleweed-like ball of dog hair rolling towards anyone who happens to come in the door.   And never again will there be a clear view (except for a moment or two after cleaning) through doors or windows up to a height of about four feet, (just barely giving me clearance) where his nose is constantly in contact with the glass as he checks out every sound he hears outside.   The cats have finally accepted the fact he is staying despite their protests and the fact that he has no respect for them and their obvious superiority, whatsoever. They've also learned when Chevy is coming, you get out of the way. Fast. He has no manners at all and will happily and enthusiastically run you over if you're in his path.   With his appetite for anything that is not nailed down permanently, we're a bit curious to see how we fare with this yearns Christmas tree and its decorations. We'll keep the cherished ornaments up high. It will be interesting. We'll keep you posted. (He wouldn't let me put the Santa hat on his head this year for a photo. Maybe in 2012.)   Merry Christmas to you all. Thank you, as always, for reading the Wayback Times. Remember to count your blessings this year and to share them with others.   God bless.   A warm welcome to Jessamy Johnson, who we are delighted to add to our line-up of great writers.     Return to top of page   This Is Livin' Publishing © 2012 581 8th Line West, RR1 Hastings, ON, K0L 1Y0 Phone/Fax: 705-696-1833   webmaster