Contrasts in Values -by Norma Glad
The drive to Denver International Airport this morning to see Vic and Marilyn was an exciting one. We first met at Ohio State University about 60 years ago, just before they were married. We haven’t seen each other since 1999. They were returning to their home in Los Angeles. What wonderful memories we shared and savored of our decades long friendship! Two hours and many hugs later, we parted once again, not knowing when our paths will again cross. On the next part of my trip further into Denver, I glowed with deep inner satisfaction at our renewed contact.
At the Denver Art Museum I was able to get a ticket for an exhibit which opened there last week: Artisans and Kings: Selected treasures from the Louvre (Museum). The objects on display were all crafted during the reigns of three French kings, 1643-1774. Viewing them and inferring from them the days and lifestyles of Louis XIV, Louis XV, Louis XVI and their Courts, viewers were taken back to the French glory days when France was the center of the civilized world – or thought they were. We were reminded by an impressive time line that this was before the Colonies which later became USA were established.
Amazingly crafted examples of sculpture, tapestries, silver, porcelain and furniture were on display, made by the finest craftsmen. Labels and the Audioguide extolled the wonders and great power of the French rulers, each item proving the might and glory of France.
After the wonderful morning I had had with Vic and Marilyn and enjoyment of our intangibles, I found the show overwhelming and became a little disgusted with the ostentatiousness of the things on display. Furniture and paintings, textiles and other complex tangible objects survived for several centuries to be displayed behind glass, and plastic, definitely out of reach of the public, because of their value.
Though intangible, the heartfelt friendship I had felt this morning survived the decades in warm hugs and conversation. I hold high regard for the latter, hold it of much higher value than things. I feel so fortunate to have made and kept up the contacts established many years ago.
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Note #1: The reign of the hereditary French kings came to an end in 1792, when it was replaced by the First Republic and then by the Bonaparte dynasty 1804.
Note #2: One of my home tasks in the evening following the above events was to sort out a small collection of pennies, nickels, and dimes to be deposited in a savings account. I realized that I was dealing this time with yet another set of values, partly tangible, partly intangible. The coins were symbols of wealth and value, could be used for power.
In my own lifetime the value of a penny has changed. So have I! That’s another article, for another time.
Norma Glad is a member of Congregation Har Shalom in Fort Collins. She is a certified yoga instructor and leads chair yoga classes at the Fort Collins Senior Center and at her residence.
