As a sit here tonight with hopes of much more, I find this work by Frida Kahlo called “What The Water Gave Me”, as a point of inspiration. We have all been in the tub, staring at our feet, wondering what life looks like from a different set of eyes, gazing upon a different set of feet… It’s really incredible to see that so many of us humans have these similar, albeit mundane views in life. It’s these small things that tie us together in the great collective unconscious, and I find it rather fascinating.
What’s more important that the perspective of this piece and it’s actual content. You can see the dualism of the old and the new, the passion and the hurt, the serene and the obscene. Both worlds clash and together to produce a catastrophic serenity, quite a hyperbolic contradiction.
I like the feminine standpoint of this painting, but it’s probably more of a personal painting for the artist rather than gender related social commentary. It’s no surprise that Frida Kahlo put this imagery atop the canvas of water. Being a Cancer, like me, water always seems to strike up the most inspirational images in one’s mind, even if they aren’t the most comforting. I often find that trips to the beach, or the lake connect me with my inner voice and most of the time, for me, they are images of beauty. I understand that Frida was an a very ill person, and what she went through in life put her through agony. Sometimes, being a Cancer is a blessing and a curse. With that in mind I can see added viewpoint. Cancer is the most maternal sign in the zodiac, and with that comes an enormous capacity for pathos, pain, empathy, and longing. On the other hand, you are a vessel of love, nurture, compassion, tenderness, and have an awesome sense of humor. I bet that Ms. Kahlo took herself seriously, but one has to think, after painting herself with that unibrow so many times, she had to know when to chuckle. 
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All kidding aside, and with great respect to the artist, this is definitely an incredible work of art.
So tonight, as I hope for more, I dream in my own metaphorical bathtub, I picture the future to be divine ( maybe a bit scary at times, but such is life), and most of all victorious (sans burning skyscrapers sinking in a lava filled volcano). Although Frida reflected upon the misgivings in her life and saw upon her future in demise, I am dreaming in the bath tub of other things. It’s time to leave the cruel tidings of 2010 behind, and shakes hands with 2011. I suppose this first month was a hiccup start for me, but I know that tomorrow will be a much better future…
