It was a popular stylization back in the old days to come up with ominous portents as though these were quotes from Old Man Death himself. The meaning of this Latin phrase, ET IN ARCADIA EGO, could be taken a couple of ways, maybe more. It might mean, "I was in Arcadia, myself." Or it could mean, "Even in Arcadia, I exist." Well, in this blog, let's say it means both things at once.
As many know, this inscription on the tomb appears in Nicholas Poussin's painting Les Bergers d’Arcadie as made famous in the book, Holy Blood, Holy Grail, one of the mothers of all conspiracy books. But this blog is about so much more... The art and words just set the tone.
It's more about the celebration of the pastoral life and it's ideals. It's about slowing down a bit and breathing in the present moment and letting it out slowly. Taking it in wherever you are instead of where you've been or are going. Just take a little time to absorb this very moment, reset the senses. Forget about the "good fight" and get into what's good about being alive.
Take off your watch, pull out your iPhone, put them in the desk drawer. Let us dwell on lighter things. Take the breath that's real.
About Me
- Curt Newbury
- I've been married since 1972, father of two daughters, grandfather of four grandsons. I'm a photographer, an Internet entrepreneur, a screenwiter and would-be movie director.