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You Know You're a Grown-Up...

My friend Andrea posted on Facebook that her best Christmas present was that the results of her husband's medical tests were negative. Besides being delighted to see this, I really got it. After all, my present to myself was a new shredder and I am happy it arrived today. But I had two wishes for December and they were about as far from frivolous as could be.

My first wish was to make sure I got to see Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring during her visit to New York. I'd made plans to visit the exhibition with a friend, but our dates weren't coming together. As the days went on I realized I'd miss seeing this if I just didn't buy a ticket. I went online and picked the first available date that worked for me. Yesterday I got to skip the line and so enjoyed my visit.

The entrance to the Frick Collection

The center courtyard decorated for Christmas. I think this is one of the most serene places in New York.

I loved seeing Girl with a Pearl Earring. I enjoyed the book and the movie and here was the actual painting. The rest of the exhibit is in a different room and Girl with a Pearl Earring has her own gallery with three guards. I wish I had a photograph to share, but they are very strict about cameras and I didn't want to be asked to leave the museum for violating the camera rule. 

The Frick Collection is so worth a visit if you are in New York City. The holdings are relatively small, but the paintings, sculpture and decorative art pieces are extraordinary. Besides seeing "Girl" a high point was seeing the three Vermeer paintings that are part of their permanent collection. The three "Girls" are grouped together and it's an amazing sight to see them all in a row. They're in good company with two Rembrandt paintings, two Van Dyck's and two large and fabulous Veronese paintings, all in one room. 

My second wish was more in line with Andrea's observation. I wanted to make sure that I scheduled my least favorite medical test before the end of the year. One, I wanted to make sure it was in 2013 when I had already used up my deductible, and two, I wanted to get it done and out of the way. I trudged out in the snow on Tuesday, took care of the test, and I am delighted to report that I don't have to go back for five more years. Happy! 

If someone had told me forty years ago that these would be my best presents I am almost sure I would have shaken my head in some measure of disbelief. But you know you're a grownup...

As far as I can tell my shopping is done and so is most of my wrapping. I've got some cards to do and one more trip to the post office is on my agenda. I'm going to stop by the office tomorrow for the holiday lunch and I'm excited about a concert at Lincoln Center tomorrow night. I hope your days are as merry and happy!

As always, thanks for stopping by and take good care of yourself. 

13 comments

Maggid said...

You are so wonderful.
Thank you for taking care of yourself. Thank you for doing the things that feed your soul.

Love & Love,
-g-

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

I'm glad your medical test turned out well! And I'm glad you got to enjoy the art exhibit. Our values about what makes a good gift do change as we grow older, don't they?

Lynn said...

good no great news on the test results, and the museum is gorgeous. I am almost done..have a great weekend.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

It is true, our wishes and lists are very different as we grow up. I'm so thankful that you doctors appointment turned out so well for you ! That is a great present. I've not heard or read about the Girl with the Gold Earring so now I'm going to have to check that out. Wishing you many blessings of the season!

Paula said...

Good for you for taking care of health! I hope the week brings you plenty of joy, cheer and happiness!

Linda said...

Thankful that your dr appt. turned out ok. You know your a grown up when all you want for Christmas is the simple things..such as love, peace, happiness,family. Thanks for sharing. Blessings to you.

GardenOfDaisies said...

I think you have the right idea. I'd love to see that painting, too, and I know what test you speak of, as I've already done it. What a beautiful courtyard... I bet people have wedding receptions there. Would be so pretty. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!!

The Cranky said...

Glad tidings indeed, and you don't have to be re-tested for another five years, yay!

Have a wonderful holiday season. =)

Melinda said...

Glad to hear that all is well!

M :)

Terra said...

Good girl to take care of yourself with the test and seeing the Vermeer. The Frick sounds like an object d'art in its own right, even without paintings :)

TARYTERRE said...

So glad you got to see the painting. Sounds wonderful.

Nellie said...

How wonderful that you saw the Vermeer painting! The book and movie are favorites of mine as well.

Great news that you don't have to return for "that" test for five ore years!

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Yes, priorities change when we're adults, don't they? I'd love to see that painting "in the flesh," so to speak. I have not yet seen the movie which is odd because I'm a big fan of Colin Firth.