New Television Antenna, Norman Rockwell, 1949Why, you ask me, is the topmost part of something called its apex?
It all started way back when the ancient priests of Rome wore caps,
with pointy olive wood spikes, called apex. Since the apex was the
highest piece of the priest's garb, we call the highest spot of anything
the apex. So, there you have it.
As a student of words, I find that fascinating.
ReplyDeleteNorman Rockwell, much maligned but loved by the masses. Reminds me of John Steinbeck, the critics called him a lightweight, but readers couldn't get enough. One summer I read everything he ever wrote, except The Grapes of Wrath. I couldn't get past the dialect. I still love to reread Cannery Row.
ReplyDeleteWell, now I feel so much smarter just for visiting here! :D
ReplyDeletePerfectly fascinating, my dear!
ReplyDeleteWhat was the thingy on their caps used for? Did it signify anything special?
David, there are at least two Norman Rockwell paintings at The Columbus Museum of Art and I am always amazed how thickly he applied the paint!
ReplyDeleteI read several of Steinbecks works in a row years ago. It's about time to dig them out again.
Stevie, I think it was to signify a certain rank or type of prietly role. But this is just a guess.
ReplyDeleteFYI - a small town outside of Raleigh, NC is named Apex - named for its location as being the highest point on the Chatham Railroad between Richmond, VA and Jacksonville. FL. It's a cute town with a little old fashioned main street - brick buildings housing cafes and shops.
ReplyDeleteLoved the Farmer's list Willow - some good lessons for life there!
Thanks for all your recent comments - I love hearing from you.
Willow,in 1971 I wrote to Rockwell telling him how much I appreciated his paintings. He wrote back thanking me for my letter. I framed his letter and it hangs in my home office. It's as close as I;ll ever get to a Rockwell original.
ReplyDeleteMary, Apex is a cute name for such a town! Fun! :)
ReplyDeleteDavid, that is so special to have a signed letter from Rockwell. Wow! :)
Love the Rockwell painting!
ReplyDeleteAnd, priests have the best hats, don't they?
Norman Rockwell paintings have always been my favourite. They say so much!
ReplyDeleteYour farmer's lessons are at the apex of all I have learned today - except for your informational post about the apex. Excellent.
ReplyDeleteCynthia
Oh, I love these words. That's fantastic. i just recently learned the origins of watermelons--another very interesting tidbit too, worthy of a blog entry like yours.
ReplyDeleteAhahhahah......I call that the "antenna". Interesting fact!
ReplyDeleteWillow, It wouldn't be nearly as interesting if they were installing cable.
ReplyDeleteThis is so true! I have memories of my dad putting the TV antenna up on the roof and us watching the set to see what position produced the clearest reception.
ReplyDeleteCrazy.
ReplyDeleteFun art choice to go with your weekly word.
Thank you willow. The painting reminds me of the old days of outside television antennas. My granddad would open the window next to the T.V. and shout instructions out to whatever grandchild he could get to turn the antenna until the picture came in clearly. Pappy
ReplyDeleteFunny antenna stories! And remember wrapping foil on the inside ones? Do you remember teasing me that I pronounced it An-TAN-a??
ReplyDeleteYes...lots of crinkly aluminum foil on the inside antennas. You DID pronounce it an-TAN-a!! Too cute...I had totally forgotten that. I also seem to remember you pronouncing alcohol "uncle hall". Heehee!!
ReplyDeleteInteresting word Apex..I'm trying to have a visual of those pointy wood spikes :)....Love the Rockwell painting...oh my, such memories of the old antennas...having to turn them a certain way for a better reception...hmmm
ReplyDeleteDeeDee, I know...the image of those hats conjures up one similar to the spiked German helmet in my mind!
ReplyDeleteUncle-hall! Ha! I had forgotten! Or how about "pee-ur" for pure...that one really frustrated you! Not sure what accent I had, but it was a funny one!
ReplyDeleteInteresting.
ReplyDeleteSee your never to old to learn a thing or two, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteFascinating! Congratulations on Post Of The Day with authorblog!
ReplyDeleteI'll store that little snippet away now for future reference, thank you.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on Post of the Day at Authorblog. :)
Those Romans are everpresent, aren't they? Not only do they refuse to be assigned to the dustbin of history, they are not even happy to be mentioned only in the appendix. ;-)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on winning David's Post of the Day!
I'll have to get out my big book on Rockwell. I don't remember this one.
ReplyDeleteHis paintings have several levels of participation.
1)They are pleasant at a glance.
2)Really nice to view for a minute or so.
3)And, magnificent when studied, for all of the interesting parts of the painting. Attention to detail, wonderful colors, down to earth people, homey issues that people could relate to, different stages of life, etc. etc. etc.
Thanks for sharing this,
Troy and Martha
Tex Travelers, this one was new to me, too, that's why I used it for this post. It's always amazing to see one of his works that I've not seen...yes, always touching and lots of details.
ReplyDelete