Questions for a New Renaissance

When you get a group of highly spirited, highly opinionated, highly impassioned people together sparks fly and action is imminent.  I know, I have been known to participate, and enjoy, quite heartily this phenomenon on occasion – it gets my blood flowing.

As luck would have it, I met some ladies that were beyond bewildered and had been experiencing a bad case of lethargy by the circumstances and conditions of the world including the outlook of local and national affairs and how our well being was being determined by the decisions made by those in command.  You know, the customary, light banter over liquid callibogus with likeminded friends that happens daily across our country.

Instead of the customary whining, sniping or bravado that one person knows more than the other and nothing ever gets accomplished, an amazing transformation occurred within this energetic  group.  There was an unusual melding of experience and camaraderie for a united cause that quickly surfaced.  We all felt we were in “it” together and could make an impact if we went about things in a smart and efficient manner.  We would have monthly lunches and ponder the possibilities!

Not being much of a political animal and preferring instant gratification to what I think is needed, these ladies embodied the spirit and direction that probably existed 235 years ago in this country.  I felt invigorated by the repartee and inspired by the discussions on timely topics.

Not ones to stand on ceremony and using the adage of “why recreate the wheel?” the assemblage called upon someone much older and wiser to lead the dialogue.  Leonardo da Vinci was chosen on the basis of experience, familiarity of things worldly and a known passion to inspire those around him.  Never mind the fellow hasn’t been amongst the living for a while, he left much fodder than can still be applied today and is a true renaissance man.  His words speak louder than actions.  What better to motivate a room full of women?

With da Vinci’s spirit of seemingly infinite curiosity leading us, we delved into unknown territory and pondered such themes as “What conditions cause empires to rise or fall? Where does America fit along this continuum?”, the ever stimulating “what is the relationship between ecology, economy and society?” and the ever controversial “If Leonardo was the renaissance man, what new renaissance will be born from the advancement of women?”.  The list of subject matter and the deliberations to ensue are endless; da Vinci was a busy man.

Putting our actions where our mouths are, we boldly are making a stand and creating a plan of attack.  The nice thing about all of this is that there are no right or wrong answers but possible paths that can be taken towards a new renaissance of revitalization and rejuvenation.  If we can make a difference it will be even better… at least we are not sitting around complaining and hoping the other guy will do it for us. Thanks Leonardo!

Cynthia A. McClelland, curious observer of the obvious with interpretations of the oddities of daily life.  Mother, wife and lover of the furry, resides in the north Lake Tahoe area.

Cynthia A. McClelland © 2003-