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Anne Marie Lewis's avatar

What a lovely piece! How wonderfully rich it is to be human and be able to create such moving art and then for another human to be able to find solace in it, even eons later. And what a delightful surprise to see my comment about Strauss included! Thank you.

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Vicky Randle (V. J. Randle)'s avatar

You are so, so welcome. I was so touched to have people comment on the post – I actually found it very moving!

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Marilyn Graham Werden's avatar

We would be nowhere without the sleeping ladies. Thank you for the supreme gift of your voice in the uncertain present.

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Vicky Randle (V. J. Randle)'s avatar

Thank you for your kind words!

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Mohika Mudgal's avatar

Vicky, I loved this piece. I feel in this phase of my life, I AM the sleeping lady!!!

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Vicky Randle (V. J. Randle)'s avatar

Thank you Mohika! Hehe...I know what you mean!

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Sydney Lea's avatar

A uniquely original and fabulous series of meditations! Thank you!

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Vicky Randle (V. J. Randle)'s avatar

Thank you, Sydney!

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Daniel Puzzo's avatar

Lovely thoughts as always. I'm sorry I missed your original note on this, the Substack algorithm works in mysterious ways at times. Maybe I missed it, but have you seen The Sleeping Lady in real life?

In my pre-Substack days, I wrote a piece reflecting on an Alfred Kubin exhibit at the Leopold, it was in April 2022, right after the full-scale invasion when I was in a sombre mood. I always find solace in perpetuating my gloom, for lack of a better way of saying it. If I'm sad, I listen to melancholic music. If I'm sombre, I go for the heavier, darker art. It actually soothes the soul and makes me feel better, strangely enough (it sounds counterintuitive).

I tend to go for the dark, macabre stuff in general (Brueghel, Goya), but one of my favourite pieces isn't the most original choice - The Execution of Lady Jane Grey at the National Gallery. I could look at that for hours (the same goes for most Brueghel pieces).

Was also flattered to see my note referenced 😊 (my daughter has got over the election, I think - she hasn't mentioned anything for a few days. Kids are so fickle and forgetful, if only we adults could be like that!)

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Vicky Randle (V. J. Randle)'s avatar

No need for an apology! I have seen her in real life - twice! Valletta is a favourite of mine and I can spend hours in the archaeological museum. Oh yes - I think I know what you mean. Perpetuating the emotion perhaps causes a more cathartic experience?

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John Hammond's avatar

Thank you for your calming words and for sharing these beautiful images.

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Vicky Randle (V. J. Randle)'s avatar

You're so welcome – thank you for reading!

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