https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris en-us Podomatic RSS Generator Thu, 04 Jun 2026 13:43:55 +0000 Arts,Spoken Word Copyright 2026 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. Give it a listen! episodic false no https://assets.podomatic.net/ts/64/a0/36/jeanneiris/1400x1400_17650689.jpg https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. On this podcast, I read the poetry and some articles that I have posted on my blogs: https://revolutionaryrevelry.blogspot.com/https://iconicrealism.blogspot.com/Thank you for listening! God Bless.  https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-06-04T06_43_51-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-06-04T06_43_51-07_00 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 13:43:51 +0000 2026-06-04 2026-06-04 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-06-04T06_43_51-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 120 false From my first book on Iconic Realism:Through the use of the semiotic theory of iconic realism, artists shape the consciousness of various aspects of culture, including education, history, business, and aesthetics whereby their works of art combine an iconic figure with a realistic setting that communicates an incompatibility with the accepted environment in which the audience commonly associates the iconic figure. Understanding the language presented through the art form, be it literary, visual or aural, the audience may respond with an emotional resistance as it perceives the iconic representation in this new realistic setting.An example of iconic realism in a musical composition utilizing instrumentation is Wagner’s mythical composition, The Ring of the Nibelungs.  In this piece, Wagner represents various aspects of society through instrumental characterizations. As Eero Tarasti affirms, "the gods appear in the Ring not only as personifications of the elements of nature, for example, Loge as the god of fire, Donner the god of thunder etc, but also as a society, whose leader is Wotan." [1] Wagner's use of contrasting instrumentation throughout his opus reveals an intense desire to illustrate corruption within his society. Many filmmakers choose to accompany the drama of their themes utilizing the nineteenth century Wagner music. An example of such intense films is Apocalypse Now, which illustrates the corruption associated with war, in particular, the Vietnam War.1. Tarasti, Eero. Myth and Music: A Semiotic Apporach to the Aesthetics of Myth in Music, especially that of Wagner, Sibelius and Stravinsky (Paris: Mouton, 1979) 177.  Click below to hear Wagner's musical piece, "Ride of the Valkyries," which is part of his opus, Der Ring Des Nibelungen.https://youtu.be/XRU1AJsXN1g?si=o9Ks2Ki0XU5vTZQHI took the photo of the River Shannon in LImerick, Ireland.  From my first book on Iconic Realism:Through the use of the semiotic theory of iconic realism, ar... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-05-27T12_21_39-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-05-27T12_21_39-07_00 Wed, 27 May 2026 19:21:39 +0000 2026-05-27 2026-05-27 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-05-27T12_21_39-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 140 false Dante Alighieri's final book of The Divine Comedy is Paradiso. In this book, he demonstrates the theory of iconic realism in this way:  1.  He aligns the spirit of the beloved Beatrice with the true wisdom of God.2.  He simultaneously illustrates the need for humanity to acknowledge the glorious virtues found within the parameters of human interaction. 3.  He illustrates that by the human being choosing right action, he could experience a form of Paradiso.In CANTO IV, lines 28-39: The souls exist as projections of their truest light, the light that shines directly from God, which is their 'true home' whereas in lines 72-81, what the Pilgrim cannot learn directly must be taught him through a suffering analogy involving the senses, human physiological experience. This contradicts the earlier lines that indicate truth as intangible and experienced only through one's own enlightenment from God. The human's personal will can enjoy freedom to move of his own accord; he can act in response to the intensity of individual motivation. When perfect, Divine balance exists between two motives, and the will could feel deprived of its power to move. It could thus become paralyzed. A paradox that remains is humanity needs to interact with others; however, some may resist the positive risk of relying on God to help us take the right and effective action. The result could be either apathy or right action. We must decide. Paradise could exist anywhere, even on a mountaintop.© Jeanne I. Lakatos CANTO IVLines 28-39:Choose the most God-like of the Seraphim---         take Moses, or Samuel, or take either John,     or even Mary--- not one is nearer Him,                 30nor holds his seat atop the blessed spheres    in any heaven apart from those you saw;     nor has his being more or fewer years.All add their beauty to the Highest Wheat,     share the sweet life, and vary n it only                   35    by how much of the Eternal Breath they feel.They showed themselves here not because this post    has been assigned them, but to symbolize    that they stand lowest in the Heavenly host.Lines 72-81: " --If violence, to begin,     occurs when those who suffer its abuse     contribute nothing to what forces them,      then these should have no claim to that excuse.   75For the will, if it will not, cannot be spent,     but does as nature does within a flame     a thousand or ten thousand winds have bent.       If it yields of itself, even in the least,      Then it assists the violence -- as did these            80     who could have gone back to their holy feast. from: The Divine Comedy by Dante AlighieriTranslated by John Ciardi New American Library, 2003The photo of 'Paradiso' is from Google Images Dante Alighieri's final book of The Divine Comedy is Paradiso. In this book, he demonstrates the ... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-05-21T17_37_15-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-05-21T17_37_15-07_00 Fri, 22 May 2026 00:37:15 +0000 2026-05-27 2026-05-22 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-05-21T17_37_15-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 127 false Honeysuckle and the Bee: I took this photograph on one of my walks.Expanding on the medieval narrative poem, Roman de la Rose, my operetta, Luminescence, is a fantasy of historical women writers' intellectual voices represented by flowers in an abandoned garden. Below are the pre- and post- recitatives, accompanying the 'voice' of Christine de Pizan, represented by the flower, Honeysuckle: The lovely essence of Rose’s beauty entices a hungry bee to fly closer. Her petals form a co-mingled scent with those of Honeysuckle, surrounded by Lilies of the Valley and Forget-me-nots. Honeysuckle, through the mind-set of Christine de Pizan, reflects on true respect between men and women as the ultimate example of true love: I am the Honeysuckle.The name given to me is Christine de Pizan. I believe that men and women can and should live in harmony with each other,respecting the intellectual as well as the physical attraction of man to woman and woman to man. The bond of the Holy Spirit in one’s life holds this attraction together. The tradition of reverent love illustrates the necessity of the human race to display loyalty, wisdom, and understanding in all levels of love relationships. Through these elements, love becomes a reflection of the truest gift, given to us by our Heavenly Father. Thus, physical love must accompany emotional love and intellectual respect to be complete.Rose understands this need to combine the elements of intellect and desire in pursuing love. She contemplates her own reaction to the bee’s advances and ponders the warmth she feels as this creature hovers ever so intently...© Jeanne I. Lakatos Honeysuckle and the Bee: I took this photograph on one of my walks.Expanding on the medieval narr... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-05-01T16_10_20-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-05-01T16_10_20-07_00 Fri, 01 May 2026 23:10:20 +0000 2026-05-17 2026-05-01 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-05-01T16_10_20-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 152 false One morning, the birds were in their glory: singing, chirping, and busy with their daily activities. I live in an area of Connecticut that is blessed with much beautiful greenery and wildlife. Long ago, I looked at this photograph of an abandoned canoe, and the first thing that came to mind was the tranquility of an abandoned garden on a steamy day, much like the one which is the subject of my operetta, Luminescence, an interpretation of the medieval French epyllion, Roman de la Rose. Below is an excerpt from one of the recitatives, 'Morning.'The photo is by Eugène Atget, titled,  'Etang de Corot,' Ville-d'Avray, 1900-1910Morning (from my operetta, “Luminescence”)The wind gracefully embracesfeathered wings of russet, crimson and blue that brush the highest branches of clustered trees.Each bough gambols a synchronized dancein rhythm with the singing birds in flight.Their gaze intakes the scene below:A cooling brook, purling through the twisted,scented undergrowth, creating a reflective ribbon,adorning this Eden with an elegant, colorful bouquetembellishes fertile banks with mystical brilliance.Soothing liquid-echoes honor an infinite presence.Morning dew trickles over folded petalsand drifts down each stiffened stalkto reach deeply into the nutritious soil.Leaves unfurl to frame delicate flowers.They gracefully position themselvesto receive pollen for the creation of new lifeand shimmer in the morning’s glow.Each flower silently waitsfor that glorious moment of sweet surrenderin fulfillment of her quest.As the flowers open their petals,they attract the arrival of winged suitors,destined to pollinate their yearning pistils.© Jeanne I. LakatosI extend much gratitude to the following brilliant musicians, who have transposed an Irish melody compiled by Sydney Owenson (in 1804) into 3 of 5 musical genres for this operetta: Dr. Marjorie Callaghan (medieval) and Mr. Daniel Kean (baroque and classical). One morning, the birds were in their glory: singing, chirping, and busy with their daily activiti... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-04-26T19_01_17-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-04-26T19_01_17-07_00 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 02:01:17 +0000 2026-05-17 2026-04-27 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-04-26T19_01_17-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 107 false The photo displays a beautiful sunset in Danbury, CT.Luke's Gospel Reading with the story of Jesus, meeting His disciples on the Road to Emmaus, (Luke 24:13-35) made me think...We learn to recognize aspects of our lives that create impressions, unaware of the cognitive variations that our minds and bodies interpret and reinterpret. Yet, we continue to move gracefully through our personal universes. How often have we affected others? How often have others affected us?Revolution of thought is inclusive of awareness within the mind and body with inter/intra-connections. Very simply, as we perceive and cognitively organize our environment, we slowly create the opus that is only ours to share. To consider this concept in a positive way, that opus can move humanity to a higher level of consciousness.Just think! If individuals elevated their thinking to those matters that pertain to the goodness and creative genius that dwells within, how generous we could be with each other! How marvelous this Earthly experience could be!As we concentrate intently on our thoughts and their influences, we affect our reality, and thus, we open the possibilities of individual, creative, and loving connections... all in God's Time.© Dr. Jeanne I. Lakatos, Ph.D The photo displays a beautiful sunset in Danbury, CT.Luke's Gospel Reading with the story of Jesu... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-04-15T13_50_58-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-04-15T13_50_58-07_00 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:50:58 +0000 2026-05-17 2026-04-15 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-04-15T13_50_58-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 112 false The photo of Rodin's The Kiss is from Google Images.August Rodin’s The Kiss illustrates an iconic human act of a loving embrace. However, the two individuals do not touch. The significance of this is the key to understanding the iconic realism in this work of art. These two lovers emulate a common, human activity, yet this embrace, sculpted to express lack of physical contact, creates certain dissonance. The message from this careful configuration could be that humanity longs to embrace life fully, as an act of love; however, certain parameters prevent this occurrence. Other possible interpretations may involve a sense of distance. Regardless of the interpretation, this sculpture exemplifies iconic realism in that 1. there is an iconic structure, 2. placed in a realistic setting that does not conform to the accepting reality of intimacy. Through this juxtaposition, the artist illustrates 3a. cultural liberty, an innovation for the era in which it was sculpted or 3b. the gentle spirit that exists when true love is expressed freely.© Jeanne I. Lakatos The photo of Rodin's The Kiss is from Google Images.August Rodin’s The Kiss illustrates an iconic... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-04-07T18_36_22-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-04-07T18_36_22-07_00 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 01:36:22 +0000 2026-05-17 2026-04-08 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-04-07T18_36_22-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 102 false The Photo is of Molly Darcy's Pub in Danbury, CTOne week, long ago, the Poetry Bus had Ms. Kat as its capable 'driver!' Her wish for us was to choose our favorite pub and make the name into a character. Well, my favorite pub, pictured here, was Molly Darcy's in Danbury, CT. It was and still is a place not too unlike the old Cheers bar where the owners and staff really got to know the patrons. I decided to choose Molly, an Irish icon from West Cork, Ireland, known for Celtic psychic talents and add her two best friends, Sheila and Cathleen, to create a little three part harmony. The name, Sheila, has origins in Ireland with a meaning close to 'heavenly' and Cathleen (or Kathleen) ni Houlihan has long been a cultural metaphor for the strength and resilience of Ireland. Enjoy!Three Part HarmonyMolly, Sheila, and Cathleenthree ladies, one spiritdressed in true greenflirting with melodiesof the wild and free.Once, tears from a dazzling suncast shadows on dreamsbut they shook off the dreadby each using her headwith hope, intricately sewnin each well worn thread.Now, with winks in their eyestheir songs fill the skies.With their high heels and beerthey stir up the stardust from a firmament of cheer.© Jeanne I. Lakatos The Photo is of Molly Darcy's Pub in Danbury, CTOne week, long ago, the Poetry Bus had Ms. Kat as... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-03-17T18_01_08-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-03-17T18_01_08-07_00 Wed, 18 Mar 2026 01:01:08 +0000 2026-03-18 2026-03-18 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-03-17T18_01_08-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 34 false Awaiting Eagerly, she awaitsthe perfect moment when God's Timingaligns with the hope of many moments, many dreams.Days, months, yearsall carry the same hope, and each day brings her closerto the joy and peace that accompany a renaissance of spiritthat only His guiding Love and divine Timing can bestow upon her awaiting heart.© Jeanne I. Lakatos Awaiting Eagerly, she awaitsthe perfect moment when God's Timingaligns with the hope of... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-03-09T14_52_05-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-03-09T14_52_05-07_00 Mon, 09 Mar 2026 21:52:05 +0000 2026-03-09 2026-03-09 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-03-09T14_52_05-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 121 false The following is an excerpt from my first book: The Theory of Iconic Realism:Content of material represented through literature, art and music contains the linguistic configurations associated with language in addition to visual and auditory stimuli: In literature, content consists of language, represented by words on a page that convey meaning to the audience. Artistic content varies from materials, such as paint, rock, metal, fabric, or other physical substances, with the subject matter originating in the human experience. Musical compositions include content that incorporates any form of resonance to which the auditory mechanism responds.For instance, thematic representation of creative expression incorporates the history, language and culture of the artist in relation to individual purpose of expression with an audience. A musical composition contains a specific theme. This theme can then repeat every time a musician performs the piece. However, the theme will elicit variations based on instrumentation, acoustics, and musicians actively attempting to recreate the original sound. A new aurally thematic expression results from this interpretation. Likewise, a work of art will receive the eyes of multiple viewers. Each person adapts his/her life experience (historicity) to the interpretation of the rendered artistic theme, thus altering the original thematic construct of the artist. Hence, an artist's theme is in a constant state of evolution, no matter which art form has been presented. (Lakatos 22-23) The following is an excerpt from my first book: The Theory of Iconic Realism:Content of material ... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-02-25T17_11_22-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-02-25T17_11_22-08_00 Thu, 26 Feb 2026 01:11:22 +0000 2026-03-04 2026-02-26 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-02-25T17_11_22-08_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 114 false A Day with Wintry TreesAs morning sunawakens each snowflakeadorning bare limbs,and trees sighin serenity's brilliance,one last, golden leaf glistensin the snowy showerwhen a brisk winddraws its stem from a tree,and in this release,the leaf tumblesin a dance of jubilation.This leaf drifts to the ground,and the tree,now naked and sparklingin the sun's warmth,stands tall and readyto accept its wintry destiny.**************************Golden sun illuminesthe end of this day.Behind striated cloudsof pink and orange,an aqua sky enhancesthe illuminationas dancing branches rattle,yielding to the variant wind.She breathes in the songof this winter nightand surrenders to its peace,lets the fresh, brisk airfill her smile, for she seesthe tiny footprints of animalsbraver than she,leading to the tree's hollow.Nurtured by the moon’s iridescence and a dominion of love,they snuggle within a newly fallen leaf.***************************Evergreens minglewith snow-kissed branches.The canopy opensto welcome a thousand starsspread across the midnight sky,and under their distant radiance,she whispers, “Humbly, I adore Thee.” © Jeanne I. Lakatos   A Day with Wintry TreesAs morning sunawakens each snowflakeadorning bare limbs,and trees sighin s... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-02-19T15_37_52-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-02-19T15_37_52-08_00 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 23:37:52 +0000 2026-03-04 2026-02-19 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-02-19T15_37_52-08_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 29 false The photo was taken from my deck one night.Reading Philosophy Late at NightHe galvanizes herwith cerebral massage.Inhaling - exhaling,his ancient, whispering breathintellectually touches,gently caresses, stirs.Opening her mindwith dynamic contemplation,she welcomes his perspective.© Jeanne I. Lakatos The photo was taken from my deck one night.Reading Philosophy Late at NightHe galvanizes herwith ... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-02-17T20_28_53-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-02-17T20_28_53-08_00 Wed, 18 Feb 2026 04:28:53 +0000 2026-03-04 2026-02-18 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-02-17T20_28_53-08_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 75 false In the photo are some of the cows that I saw. Below is a poem I wrote a while ago after passing a neighbor's farm and seeing the cows getting loaded into a red cattle van. I was amazed to see the reaction of the cows across the street in the lower pasture, who were obviously distraught. On my next walk, I came across the farmer's wife, and she informed me that the cows were only on their way to their annual check up. Whew!!!Beoufed UpBrown cows loadedinto a red cattle vanOne last bellowto spare their ribsBlack cow shouts outfrom the lower pasture"Don't worry, Girlfriend!I'll meat you on the other side."This week, the 'girls' may be on the menu:Porterhouse, Sirloin, Filet Mignon"Medium Rare, au jus on the side, please."I wonder,as the restaurant patronspass the emptied pasturein beefed up red sports carswith their beoufed up selves,will there be a longing?© Jeanne I. Lakatos  In the photo are some of the cows that I saw. Below is a poem I wrote a while ago after passing a... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-02-12T17_17_11-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-02-12T17_17_11-08_00 Fri, 13 Feb 2026 01:17:11 +0000 2026-03-04 2026-02-13 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-02-12T17_17_11-08_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 92 false This precious photo displays two young boys, one holding the reigns, one holding a beloved dog, on a cart, pulled by a devoted mule. As another example of ekphrasis, the photo is one on which I've based my sonnet, written in a Spenserian Sonnet format from the 16th century English poet, Edmund Spenser.Four Soles,  Soulful FoursomeIdyllically, they travel with an aimand quickly learn that truth rests in a friend, for surely, they’ll discover life’s no game. A splendid road will definitely bend. These traveling souls of four know not of end, for they rely on trusting gifts of love: one pulls with strength, one’s job is to attend: two brothers with one dog, blessed from above with dreams conjoined like wings that lift the dove. Four souls of spirit and vitalityadvance with might and shared awareness oftheir vision for determined liberty.A humble vessel pulled by four strong soles,transporting dreams, fulfilling simple goals.© Jeanne I. Lakatos  This precious photo displays two young boys, one holding the reigns, one holding a beloved dog, o... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-02-06T16_00_35-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-02-06T16_00_35-08_00 Sat, 07 Feb 2026 00:00:35 +0000 2026-02-07 2026-02-07 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-02-06T16_00_35-08_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 44 false The photo shows the sun's warmth peeking through frozen Rose of Sharon branches, right outside my window.Winter's BreathIt comes on the wind,fresh, cold. Snowflakes whisk through the air,kiss my cheeks,and instantly melt with the warmth, flowing from my heart.I feel their arrival around me, surrounding me. My hair begins to curl with the moist, cold air.With each click of iciclesfalling from trees' branches, Winter's Breath assures me that there will be a Springand with it, the peace of the sun's sweet smilein God's Time. © Jeanne I. Lakatos The photo shows the sun's warmth peeking through frozen Rose of Sharon branches, right outside my... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-02-02T11_58_57-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-02-02T11_58_57-08_00 Mon, 02 Feb 2026 19:58:57 +0000 2026-02-06 2026-02-02 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-02-02T11_58_57-08_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 126 false The photo is from the following site: http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs47/f/2009/172/9/f/Doctor_T__J__Eckleburg_by_sukimd.jpg"But above the gray land and the spasms of bleak dust, which drift endlessly over it, you perceive, after a moment, the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg. The eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg are blue and gigantic—their irises are one yard high. They look out of no face, but, instead, from a pair of enormous yellow spectacles which pass over a nonexistent nose. Evidently, some wild wag of an oculist set them there to fatten his practice in the borough of Queens, and then sank down himself into eternal blindness, or forgot them and moved away. But his eyes, dimmed a little by many painless days, under sun and rain, brood on over the solemn dumping ground." (F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, Chapter 2)In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s, The Great Gatsby, the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg peer across the ‘dumping ground’ of American spirit. How does this exemplify my theory of iconic realism? 1. Fitzgerald portrays eyes as the ‘windows of the soul’ of a country steeping in corruption and superficiality. 2. Fitzgerald places these eyes on an old billboard, gazing across a field of forgotten possessions, an unusual placement of such representatives of the soul of a nation. 3. Fitzgerald brings into focus America’s need to appreciate all members of society, maintaining a mindset to be ever vigilant of the forefathers’ intentions of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." The photo is from the following site: http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs47/f/2009/172/9/f/Doctor_T__J_... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-02-01T20_01_13-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-02-01T20_01_13-08_00 Mon, 02 Feb 2026 04:01:13 +0000 2026-02-06 2026-02-02 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2026-02-01T20_01_13-08_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 39 false  The photo shows a level bubble from 'DuckDuckGo' images.BubblesA bubble floats across warm seas,or saunters back and forth in the boundaries of a level,in sync with those other bubblesrecently settled.Through their assembly,each translucent sphere contributes structured eccentricity, globular bodies of air traveling through a liquid,transforming chaos into serene resolve,such sensible things, bubbles are.© Jeanne I. Lakatos  The photo shows a level bubble from 'DuckDuckGo' images.BubblesA bubble floats across warm ... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-12-21T19_29_47-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-12-21T19_29_47-08_00 Mon, 22 Dec 2025 03:29:47 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-12-22 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-12-21T19_29_47-08_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 86 false The painting of the Blessed Mother nursing Baby Jesus is by Andrea Solari, ca. 1507.This Christmas poem was written a few years ago after I overheard a woman in the grocery store concerned that she didn't have enough cloves for her hot mulled wine. (Four bottles of cloves weren't enough? Ha! Oh dear...) I think Mary spoke to me personally that day, whispering into my subconscious, "Jeanne, you have to write this.... now!"  Merry Christmas!Sweet SavorWhat shall I drink? Egg nog or grog?What did the Holy Family drinkon that holiest night of nights?Did Mary lean over to Josephafter giving birth to Jesus and say,“Joseph, be a dear and pour meanother glass of Chardonnay?”To which Joseph replied,“Mary, Darling, all we have isa little hot mulled wine left overfrom the party last night.”Or…Did a father, proudafter such a long tripoffer his bride a sipof water to give her joyupon delivering thisbeautiful, healthy Boy?Did the baby cryin a humble homeand look to his mother,so beautiful and warm,snuggle up  to her swollen breastand drink of the milkfrom the Mother Blessed?© Jeanne I. Lakatos  The painting of the Blessed Mother nursing Baby Jesus is by Andrea Solari, ca. 1507.This Christma... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-12-15T08_39_06-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-12-15T08_39_06-08_00 Mon, 15 Dec 2025 16:39:06 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-12-15 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-12-15T08_39_06-08_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 43 false The photo is of Cullowhee, N.C. in the winter.North Carolina MountainsThe North Carolina Mountains, so beautiful, so sublime...in my heart they’ve nestled in,clinging to my eternal soul,erasing the concept of time.  Memories that I have thereare gentle, filled with love,and in my quiet moments, I envision Angels recalling with peaceful smiles from above. One day, when I return,  those hills of green will welcome me with gurgling brooks and lakes so clean,and blissfully, I will sing along, coalescing with their sweet harmony. © Jeanne Iris Lakatos The photo is of Cullowhee, N.C. in the winter.North Carolina MountainsThe North Carolina Mountain... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-12-09T17_03_44-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-12-09T17_03_44-08_00 Wed, 10 Dec 2025 01:03:44 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-12-10 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-12-09T17_03_44-08_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 27 false The lovely photo by Tunc Tesel illustrates my poem below: Winter SkyBrisk night air,unfettered firmament:the stars whisperancient secretsin this ancient sky,reaching a distant eyein silent concert  with eternal Love.  © Jeanne I. Lakatos The lovely photo by Tunc Tesel illustrates my poem below: Winter SkyBrisk night air,unfettered fi... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-11-24T18_12_25-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-11-24T18_12_25-08_00 Tue, 25 Nov 2025 02:12:25 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-11-25 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-11-24T18_12_25-08_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 76 false The photo shows The Basilica of Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre Miguel Medina/AFP via Getty ImagesWhen the power outage occurred after the opening night of the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France, something close to miraculous happened. The debauchery that took place during the opening ceremonies was offensive, rude, and had nothing to do with Parisian art. It was a direct insult to Christians worldwide and to our Lord, Jesus Christ. However, God is in charge, and when those lights went out, and a large portion of the Parisian landscape stood in darkness, one structure remained bright, welcoming, and a true testament of our Lord's power of Love and redemption. That structure was the Basilica du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre. This image illustrates the semiotic theory of iconic realism in that it shows the world that even in the midst of darkness, both literal and figurative, an iconic piece of architecture can brilliantly demonstrate the constant presence of our Lord. © Jeanne I. Lakatos The photo shows The Basilica of Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre Miguel Medina/AFP via Getty ImagesWhen ... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-11-21T07_15_59-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-11-21T07_15_59-08_00 Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:15:59 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-11-21 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-11-21T07_15_59-08_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 76 false I took the photo of the moon in a cloudy sky, framed by the shadows of maple trees. The clouds seemed to form a landscape of their own. Click the link just below to listen to the lovely, musical piece, "Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis," performed in the Gloucester Cathedral, where Ralph Vaughn-Williams first performed it in 1910. https://youtu.be/ihx5LCF1yJY?si=Bag13zYu3GSNpnsHI wrote the verse below upon listening to the above piece, composed by Ralph Vaughan-Williams.FantasiaYearning for serenity,an unsettled minddrifts gracefully, flowing in paralysis,a paradox offeringof a spiritual triad:sweet maladysweeter melodysweetest memory.A core surge caressesin Divine rhythm.Echoes...from arched bones,guarding this heartin solemn surrender to stillness,fill the repose  with sweet assurance.© Jeanne I. Lakatos I took the photo of the moon in a cloudy sky, framed by the shadows of maple trees. The clouds se... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-11-11T16_44_49-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-11-11T16_44_49-08_00 Wed, 12 Nov 2025 00:44:49 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-11-12 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-11-11T16_44_49-08_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 50 false The photo reveals the gorgeous mountains of Cullowhee, North Carolina"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of Him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation..." (Isaiah 52:7) kjvGuided Steps To serve, to bring joy,to surround oneself with the Love of Him by whom the sacrificebestows onto to us a purity of spirit, grace, and everlasting peace. To walk alone with the One who justifies our beingwith purpose of Lovethrough faithful steps,guided by Divinity. © Jeanne I. Lakatos The photo reveals the gorgeous mountains of Cullowhee, North Carolina"How beautiful upon the moun... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-11-05T17_28_42-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-11-05T17_28_42-08_00 Thu, 06 Nov 2025 01:28:42 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-11-06 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-11-05T17_28_42-08_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 42 false Autumnal MorningOn cool, crisp, autumn mornings, such as this, isn't it grand to sip a cup of coffee or tea, set the world's troubles aside for one moment, observe the golden leaves falling from generous branches, knowing full well that eventually, those fallen whispers of joy and lovedancing through the airas if they have one more chance,one more hope to share in life's pleasures,will be swept up and added to the compostwhere they will begin life anew,and the circuitous path begins.© Jeanne I. Lakatos Autumnal MorningOn cool, crisp, autumn mornings, such as this, isn't it grand to sip a ... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-10-12T08_15_47-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-10-12T08_15_47-07_00 Sun, 12 Oct 2025 15:15:47 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-10-12 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-10-12T08_15_47-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 53 false The photo was taken on my side deck.Autumnal Still: LifeThe pine cones, ripped away from their branchesby a chilly northwest wind, the wax candle, ready to be lit, and the sugar pumpkin, tempting small animals with its sweet nutritionall rest in silent beautyas the north wind continues to release its fury upon their stoic forms. Do they each have a purpose?They seem quite confidentin their positions placed;so they sit, unknowingof the possibilities, ready to burstfrom the hardened structures that protect their gentle, Divine essence within the Autumnal still: life.© Jeanne I. Lakatos The photo was taken on my side deck.Autumnal Still: LifeThe pine cones, ripped away from their br... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-10-03T19_25_11-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-10-03T19_25_11-07_00 Sat, 04 Oct 2025 02:25:11 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-10-04 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-10-03T19_25_11-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 59 false The photo shows a group of trees with fallen leaves of various Autumnal hues.To FlâneurToday, I longed to flâneurthrough the fallen leaves, wandering, wondering about the way each leaf sproutedfrom the great tree branchesjust months ago,small, green buds, excitedto live their lives alongthe trees' limbs, providing shade on a hot summer day, food for the ravenous caterpillars,waving in soft breezesthat brought peace of mindto this worried soul.Now, these same leavescontain the vivid colors of gold, russet and red,some, newly fallen, gently kiss the top of my head,while others crunch beneath my feet. That's what it means to flâneuramong fallen leaves, embracing the glory of Autumn. © Jeanne I. Lakatos The photo shows a group of trees with fallen leaves of various Autumnal hues.To FlâneurToday, I l... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-09-30T16_59_40-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-09-30T16_59_40-07_00 Tue, 30 Sep 2025 23:59:40 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-09-30 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-09-30T16_59_40-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 135 false The photo is of Jeanne d'Arc's Death at the Stake, painted by Hermann Stilke (1803–1860).                            I present to you my patron saint, Jeanne D'Arc. I've chosen this painting to illustrate iconic realism. Images merge within this painting of Jeanne d’Arc to provide an interpretation that represents the presence of hope that humanity, with all its industry, will recognize the value in the temporal nature of innocence. Interpretation of this work of art may include a variety of perspectives to complement the number of viewers of the specific art. At this moment of perception, then, the artist and the viewer become collaborators. Once this cognitive collaboration between artist and viewer occurs, the cultural interpretation begins to transform into a collection of new perspectives, based on the historicity of the viewers. New perceptions of a creative work shape newly actualized interpretations of the original work of art, which eventually become accepted interpretations by a community. Once the community recognizes these interpretations, the iconic becomes a reality.Through the establishment of an iconic figure within the mind-set of the community, an artist can then place this icon in a new reality that the community does not accept as the normal setting for this iconic figure. This placement allows the artist to make a statement that brings awareness to the community’s consciousness of an aspect within its culture that may need some attention. Jeanne d'Arc illustrated iconic realism in that she was a woman dressed in armor as a medieval man would be, leading French armies for God. In this role, she was able to win freedom for France even though it cost her life. Thus, warring for freedom led to her own spiritual freedom.  © Jeanne I. Lakatos The photo is of Jeanne d'Arc's Death at the Stake, painted by Hermann Stilke (1803–1860).  &... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-09-27T19_32_31-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-09-27T19_32_31-07_00 Sun, 28 Sep 2025 02:32:31 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-09-28 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-09-27T19_32_31-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 46 false The photo shows the lovely pathway that I walked in Castleknock, Ireland from my hotel to the bus stop to catch the #37 bus to Dublin.Finding the WayAs we walk along life's path, eventually, we acknowledge that creative ground which supports our steps. Longing to find the way, we clear the path of debris,  as we accommodate His Divine footsteps that gently lead us forward. Fortitude emerges with the recognition that we have the power to adjust, adapt, attempt, achieve, affect.  We move toward the goal. We make a difference.© Jeanne I. Lakatos The photo shows the lovely pathway that I walked in Castleknock, Ireland from my hotel to the bus... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-09-26T19_46_53-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-09-26T19_46_53-07_00 Sat, 27 Sep 2025 02:46:53 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-09-27 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-09-26T19_46_53-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 49 false The photo shows Wild Roses, full bloom in my garden.From my operetta, Luminescence: How can this Rose grow steadily on the vineand not see the goodness of her Diviner’s gift?The holy offerings of kindness, joy and cerebral inspirationhave led to this moment of jubilant glory.I erupt with vitality, basking in this momentof perfect harmony with the one who bestows wisdom deep in my spirit.Humbled by the magnitude of this influence,I breathe in the goodness.Evensong radiates compassion on my heart.© Jeanne Iris Lakatos The photo shows Wild Roses, full bloom in my garden.From my operetta, Luminescence: How can this ... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-09-21T14_40_32-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-09-21T14_40_32-07_00 Sun, 21 Sep 2025 21:40:32 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-09-21 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-09-21T14_40_32-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 141 false The photo is of the Holy Spirit suspended above the written word from DuckDuckGo Images.I've given workshops in what I've termed, Spiritual Linguistics. My definition of Spiritual Linguistics follows: Spiritual is that which we cannot see, but we feel in our hearts. Linguistics is the study of language spoken or read, which can be viewed and analyzed. Language is a system of arbitrary symbols formed to express a thought for the purpose of communication between two or more individuals. Each of us can use our faithful awareness of our individual spirituality to communicate a sense of Divinity to others. This, in turn, will assist those we encounter to fulfill their purpose. If we each are responsible for our own spiritual contribution to daily conversations, deferent communication will occur.Below, highlighted in green, are terms that you might consider. Take some time to carefully examine the semantics  (meanings) behind the highlighted terms as you recite this prayer, given to us by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.The Lord’s PrayerOur Father, who art in Heavenhallowed be thy name.Thy Kingdom come, Thine Will be doneon earth as it is in Heaven.Give us this day, our daily breadand forgive us our debtsas we forgive our debtorsand lead us not into temptationbut deliver us from evil,for Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory,now and forever.Amen.Link to my blog on Iconic Realism: https://iconicrealism.blogspot.com/2025/09/spiritual-linguistics.html The photo is of the Holy Spirit suspended above the written word from DuckDuckGo Images.I've give... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-09-19T15_45_07-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-09-19T15_45_07-07_00 Fri, 19 Sep 2025 22:45:07 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-09-19 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-09-19T15_45_07-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 136 false The portrait of Albert Einstein was painted by William Rock, and Chinese calligraphy was composed by Huang Xiang.“The eclipse of May 29, 1919 confirmed Einstein’s theory that the light could be bent by the gravitational force of the sun. An English expedition in the area of the eclipse have actually measured the deflexion of starlight from the sun. The data of the expedition was presented to a special joint meeting of the Royal Astronomical Society and the Royal Society of London on November 6, 1919." (Dr. Ljubo Vujovic, Secretary General, Tesla Memorial Society of New York)This scientific event held at the conclusion of WWI illustrates iconic realism in the media. Albert Einstein, an icon of the scientific community, received confirmation of his theory of relativity through data collected by an English expedition. The manner which this event illustrates the theory of iconic realism is as follows:1.  Germany and England were iconic enemies during WWI.2. Representatives from both countries were present at a scientific conference.3. This meeting or juxtaposition led to a united elevation of scientific awareness.Ironically, twenty years later, this same peace activist urged President Roosevelt to begin research into the production of the atomic bomb as a means to bring a quick end to WWII. And we all know the rest of that narrative.Work cited: Vujovic, Dr. Ljubo. Albert Einstein (1879-1955). Tesla Memorial Society of New York. http://www.teslasociety.com/einstein.htm The portrait of Albert Einstein was painted by William Rock, and Chinese calligraphy was composed... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-09-16T21_02_14-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-09-16T21_02_14-07_00 Wed, 17 Sep 2025 04:02:14 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-09-17 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-09-16T21_02_14-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 71 false This poem stems from a prayer I learned as a young child, The Act of Love: O my God, I love thee above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because thou art all good and worthy of all my love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of thee. I forgive all who have injured me and I ask pardon of all whom I have injured. Through Christ our Lord, Amen. (The photo, from DuckDuckGo Images, is of The Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina.)Acts of LoveSomeone over theremight reach out to me,might need my comfort, my trust, my love. The Lord will provide Blessed moments to enfold a Joy fulfilledwith the one over there. First, I will pray,then gently step forward,  lifting the heart of the one over there. I accept all that God provides,share what the Son confidesdo what the Spirit guides:righteous acts of Love.© Jeanne I. Lakatos This poem stems from a prayer I learned as a young child, The Act of Love: O my God, I love thee ... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-09-08T17_58_05-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-09-08T17_58_05-07_00 Tue, 09 Sep 2025 00:58:05 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-09-09 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-09-08T17_58_05-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 137 false The photo illustrates winds and is from Google Images.Inhaling and expelling of air exists in James Joyce's Ulysses chapter, Scylla and Charybdis, with the obnoxious expelling of high verbiage between Stephen Daedalus and the other scholars. Here, Joyce employs the use of linguistic empowerment of those who 'have' against those who 'have not'…or very little. Joyce, through Stephen, refers to those who do not understand the human spirit as the ‘vegetable world.’ He decides to stay firmly planted in the present, as Harry Blamires states, “through which all future plunges to the past” (77). Here, Joyce reveals an interesting foreshadowing of worldly events with which only the current reader can relate, for within 25 years of his writing of Ulysses, the world will revisit Joyce’s own recent experience with WWI through WWII. How does this foreshadowing illustrate iconic realism? Joyce reveals highly intellectual ideas through intelligent characters who have issues communicating with those less intellectual, in other words, those who may view their world with a more common sense approach. Through this juxtaposition, Joyce actually pokes fun at the 'highly educated' as a group of snobs who have trouble relating to the majority of society. Ulysses was written between WWI and WWII, and much miscommunication was occurring in the higher echelons of governments worldwide. Joyce breathes his own consciousness through Bloom’s passages through time. He creates his personal ‘winds of war’ as he journeys through the dissonant aspects of his life between the dates, 1918-1920 and thus presents his own mental and emotional transformation. Blamires, Harry, The New Bloomsday Book: A Guide through Ulysses, Routledge, New York: 1997, p. 77.© Jeanne I. Lakatos The photo illustrates winds and is from Google Images.Inhaling and expelling of air exists in Jam... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-09-07T18_46_05-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-09-07T18_46_05-07_00 Mon, 08 Sep 2025 01:46:05 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-09-08 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-09-07T18_46_05-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 168 false The photo shows the statue of Evangeline, sitting at the Acadian Memorial in St. Martinville, Louisiana. My absolute favorite American narrative poem is Evangeline, written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. He beautifully illustrates the theory of iconic realism, for he writes of an iconic love between two Acadian villagers, separated by imperialistic orders of the British military.As the two lovers set off on their lifelong quest, each alone, yet jointly searching through the American wilderness with hope of an eventual reunion, the audience becomes aware of diminishing cultures across this vast continent as one community gains control over another with little regard for cultural tolerance. In the final stanza of this epic poem, Longfellow illustrates that a culture, like love, may go through changes, but with God's gift of human perseverance and Divine purpose, both a culture and love will prevail:Still stands the forest primeval; but far away from its shadow, Side by side, in their nameless graves, the lovers are sleeping. Under the humble walls of the little Catholic churchyard, In the heart of the city, they lie, unknown and unnoticed; Daily the tides of life go ebbing and flowing beside them, Thousands of throbbing hearts, where theirs are at rest and forever, Thousands of aching brains, where theirs no longer are busy, Thousands of toiling hands, where theirs have ceased from their labors, Thousands of weary feet, where theirs have completed their journey! Still stands the forest primeval; but under the shade of its branches Dwells another race, with other customs and language. Only along the shore of the mournful and misty Atlantic Linger a few Acadian peasants, whose fathers from exile Wandered back to their native land to die in its bosom; In the fisherman's cot the wheel and the loom are still busy; Maidens still wear their Norman caps and their kirtles of homespun, And by the evening fire repeat Evangeline's story, While from its rocky caverns the deep-voiced, neighboring ocean Speaks, and in accents disconsolate, answers the wail of the forest.(Longfellow, "Evangeline," Part II, Canto V) The photo shows the statue of Evangeline, sitting at the Acadian Memorial in St. Martinville, Lou... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-09-04T18_20_35-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-09-04T18_20_35-07_00 Fri, 05 Sep 2025 01:20:35 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-09-05 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-09-04T18_20_35-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 100 false The photo shows Brandon Balengee, working with his colleagues at a pond in the UK. Here is a link to his explanation of the research: https://youtu.be/Ca1AiJEoIgE?feature=sharedHere, Brandon Ballengee, artist and scientist, collaborates with communities around the world to bring awareness of environmental change. His source is the iconic feature of ancient civilizations, the pond. Ballengee's research follows the phenomena of mutation in the amphibian populations worldwide. Then, he uses his skill as an artist to create awareness of this biological variance, focusing his audience's attention on environmental transformation.Iconic Realism: Step 1: Iconic natural pondStep 2: Scientific research of pond creaturesStep 3: This brings audience to awareness of the importance of clean water sourcesAn added feature here is taking the scientific research and turning it into an art form, again, to bring awareness of the need for environmental stewardship.   The photo shows Brandon Balengee, working with his colleagues at a pond in the UK. Here is a link... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-09-02T11_47_00-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-09-02T11_47_00-07_00 Tue, 02 Sep 2025 18:47:00 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-09-02 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-09-02T11_47_00-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 142 false Dissonance is an avenue to creative expression for change, indicated in Imre Madách's play and Arthur Griffith's book, The Resurrection of Hungary: A Parallel for Ireland.In his 1860 play, "The Tragedy of Man," Imre Madách uses iconic realism to illustrate cultural awareness of the value in humanity's ability to understand the simple gifts of our Lord.  He questions societal expectations by moving his audience through a journey of social outcry against pettiness in his depictions of Adam, Eve and Lucifer, entangled in episodic adventures that transcend historical boundaries.They travel to ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt, the middle ages, and London. Madách’s radical, textual dissent against the provincial establishment reveals his personal truth by eliminating story line constrictions of time and space. He deliberately places Adam and Eve in these unusual settings for this couple to illustrate that the journey of self worth and independence includes the worthiness of nation, beginning with the attainment of self-knowledge. He presents Eve as the mother of humanity, with the conviction that her children will move humanity forward in their quest for true knowledge. Similarly, Madách holds onto the hope that his Hungary would develop autonomy and maintain its unique culture and language.  In his 1918 book, The Resurrection of Hungary, Arthur Griffith writes, “Ireland’s heroic and long-enduring resistances to the destruction of her independent nationality were themes the writers of Young Hungary dwelt upon to enkindle and make resolute the Magyar people” (xxiv). Griffith’s association of Ireland and Hungary illustrates that artists living within the contrived constraints of both of these countries use the power of a dissonant pen to motivate their reading audiences to make positive choices. Dissonance is an avenue to creative expression for change, indicated in Imre Madách's play and Ar... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-08-26T15_19_27-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-08-26T15_19_27-07_00 Tue, 26 Aug 2025 22:19:27 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-08-26 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-08-26T15_19_27-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 94 false The photo is from Google Images."As God is my witness, they're not going to lick me. I'll never be hungry again, nor any of my folks..."Margaret Mitchell's Pulitzer Prize winning novel, Gone with the Wind, beautifully illustrates the semiotic theory of iconic realism. She places a gentle young woman, raised on a southern plantation, in the midst of the American Civil War (or War of Northern Aggression, as they say south of the Mason-Dixon Line). Through this juxtaposition, Mitchell makes her audience aware of the need for perseverance to maintain one's dignity, personally and culturally.In the scene above, Scarlet emerges from Tara, fatigued and tattered like a wilted magnolia blossom, but she slowly elevates herself as the horizon brightens. Her spirit breathes life back into this flower as a nation learns to cultivate the quality of innovation.This novel was published in 1936, during the midst of the Great Depression when millions of Americans needed the kind of determination that the character, Scarlet O'Hara, exhibited. In addition, the interaction between the various characters throughout this novel illustrates a need for cultural reform on many levels.© Jeanne I. Lakatos The photo is from Google Images."As God is my witness, they're not going to lick me. I'll never b... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-08-19T17_57_35-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-08-19T17_57_35-07_00 Wed, 20 Aug 2025 00:57:35 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-08-20 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-08-19T17_57_35-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 140 false The photo is of my grandparents' old house in Detroit, remodeled. You can see the tree in the background. Beyond that tree is the alley.A memory of one of the many adventures my brother and I shared as children has come to mind. Stephen always discovered fascinating places, and I was the only sister who had the guts (or insanity) to go with him. This one was at our grandparents' house in an old section of Detroit, Michigan where each neighborhood had an alley.  Enjoy!Alley AdventureThe Alley behind our grandparents' housewas intriguing to my brother and me.The grown-ups didn’t want us to go there,but he knew how to unlatch the back gate,Sshhh…very quietly, so it wouldn’t squeak.We tiptoed onto the graveled road.A sweet yet acrid smell filled the air;it was a strange, forbidden world.This day, we discovered a horseshoe print,embedded in a piece of hidden pavement,shadowed by the tall grasses growing wild,fighting for a piece of the dappled sunraysthat played upon the broken cement.“Only one print,” Stephen whispered,“Must be from Pegasus.”Voices formed words in an unknown tongueand floated from a large window of an old housebehind an unpainted wooden fence,“Sssshhh!  Ghosts!” he  whispered.I bent down to pick up a weapon,a broken shard of brown glass“This is a piece of magic glass, Jeanne,from a land faraway… Put it down!We don’t know what evil powers it might have.”Reluctantly, I tossed the shard.No magic today… no spilling of blood.A quick run to the old wooden gate,and we were back on Grandma’s garden path,with freshly cut grass, wildflowers and roses,our absence unnoticed, our memories enriched.© Jeanne I. Lakatos   The photo is of my grandparents' old house in Detroit, remodeled. You can see the tree in the bac... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-08-13T15_18_45-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-08-13T15_18_45-07_00 Wed, 13 Aug 2025 22:18:45 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-08-13 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-08-13T15_18_45-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 113 false The photo shows two candles, situated in hand-crafted, stoneware candle sticks from my collection (I love burning candles, especially on rainy days!)The following poem is the poetic version of the Introduction to a collection of short stories that I will finish writing...one day...How does this explain iconic realism? Well, I was sitting in a church, watching two candles that people lit for a specific purpose, and I noticed how these candles seemed to take on the characteristics of playful humans. The candles were iconic representations of human need, sharing an inanimate form of delight in a setting that was meant to be solemn and prayerful. This activity, in turn, captured my attention, brought me immediately to my knees, and lifted my heart to furtively pray for the two people who lit those wicks hours before I arrived.   Two Candles BurningTwo candles burndripping waxin a molten danceof devotion and delightcaressing the air,amusing, antagonizingin mischievous coalition.Flames pulsatein a zephyr's wavelike birds with fluttering,flickering wings and entwine mid-air.Two guests, having left the pewsleave with their prayers still swirling through the air.Imploring with solicitudeas the reflective waxen fervorblends with my own petitions,  I kneel and add their hopes to mine.© Jeanne I. Lakatos  The photo shows two candles, situated in hand-crafted, stoneware candle sticks from my collection... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-08-11T19_23_16-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-08-11T19_23_16-07_00 Tue, 12 Aug 2025 02:23:16 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-08-12 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-08-11T19_23_16-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 97 false The photo of the film, Blade Runner, is from DuckDuckGo Images.The 1982 film, Blade Runner, directed by Ridley Scott, screenplay written by Hampton Fancher, is based on the novel, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick. In the film set in a futuristic Los Angeles, Harrison Ford’s character, Deckard, has a mission to terminate 4 replicants. However, his iconic character of the rugged cop experiences a change of conscience as emotional turmoil enters his stark reality. This film contains several illustrations of iconic realism through the use of iconic images overlaid with obscure, futuristic settings that bring the audience to an awareness of the ambiguous reality faced by humans as we deal with various forms of strength and weakness. Moreover, this film offers questions surrounding the applications of artificial intelligence, which, at the time of this writing, have very little connection with human consciousness.  © Jeanne I. Lakatos The photo of the film, Blade Runner, is from DuckDuckGo Images.The 1982 film, Blade Runner, direc... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-08-05T19_22_58-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-08-05T19_22_58-07_00 Wed, 06 Aug 2025 02:22:58 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-08-06 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-08-05T19_22_58-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 64 false The photo is a piece of art by Alex Grey, entitled Transfigurations: http://www.artofimagination.org/Images/MemberImages/Grey/Transfigurations.jpgA number of years ago, I wrote this brief poem about consciousness, using this fascinating painting by Alex Grey to illustrate. I think it is fitting, for on August 6, we celebrate the Transfiguration of Our Lord (and...my birthday):Overflowing Between lyrics and dynamicsa dimension unfolds wherein my consciousness dwells - interprets language and intonationof body and soulone overflowing into the other:catenate - confide - coalesceGlorious in conscious renewal,Heavenlythrough the Power of the Word made flesh.© Jeanne I. Lakatos The photo is a piece of art by Alex Grey, entitled Transfigurations: http://www.artofimagination.... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-08-04T14_09_45-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-08-04T14_09_45-07_00 Mon, 04 Aug 2025 21:09:45 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-08-04 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-08-04T14_09_45-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 122 false The photo is of the Adler Planetarium Astronomy Museum, Art Institute of ChicagoWhen I Heard the Learn'd Astronomerby Walt WhitmanWhen I heard the learn'd astronomer,When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me,When I was shown the charts and diagrams, to add, divide,and measure them,When I sitting heard the astronomer where he lectured withmuch applause in the lecture-room,How soon unaccountable I became tired and sick,Till rising and gliding out I wander'd off by myself,In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time,Look'd up in perfect silence at the stars.Above is a poem by the American poet, Walt Whitman. Here, the speaker leaves an astronomy lecture to step outside the fixed parameters and subsequently, learns first-hand the beauty in viewing the same firmament of which the lecturer speaks, but viewed simply with the naked eye, in silence. By leaving the lecture, the speaker has knowledge shared by the astronomer inside and now enjoys the silent beauty with appreciated knowledge. More importantly, the speaker has appreciation of the significance of the stars’ natural state. This poem illustrates iconic realism in that the subject, constellations in a contrived setting, brings the audience (the speaker in the poem) to a recognition that education of natural phenomena directly connects humanity with nature. I warmly thank the Art Institute of Chicago for purchasing a copy of my book, The Theory of Iconic Realism: Understanding the Arts through Cultural Context.© Jeanne Iris Lakatos The photo is of the Adler Planetarium Astronomy Museum, Art Institute of ChicagoWhen I Heard the ... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-07-26T06_57_46-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-07-26T06_57_46-07_00 Sat, 26 Jul 2025 13:57:46 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-07-26 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-07-26T06_57_46-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 51 false The photo is of one summer day at East Lake, Danbury, CTDog Days of SummerThey're here: The humidity, heat, and oppressive daysthat cause me to long for a bright, brisk autumnal morn. Temperance abbreviates as anxiety prevails with the ache for one cool breeze to refresh my soul. Oh, if only that gray cloud abovewould just spill a few raindropsto mingle with the dripping sweaton my forehead and neck. Oh, Canada...bring on that northern frontand turn this steaming gripinto a restorative, gentle caress.© Jeanne I. Lakatos The photo is of one summer day at East Lake, Danbury, CTDog Days of SummerThey're here: The ... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-07-22T11_48_06-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-07-22T11_48_06-07_00 Tue, 22 Jul 2025 18:48:06 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-07-22 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-07-22T11_48_06-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 94 false The photo of Samuel Armas and Dr. Joseph Bruner is from Google Images.In 1999, Michael Clancy captured on film the little hand of Samuel Armas, held here by Vanderbilt University Hospital surgeon, Dr. Joseph Bruner. The iconic element here is the hand of the human fetus, for it represents life, innocence, and complete vulnerability.This is an excellent example of iconic realism in photography, for one usually would not think that the connection between a 21 week old human in the womb and a surgeon could physically take place in this manner. See how the tiny hand grasps the finger of the surgeon, illustrating the need for human touch even when the baby is in the mother's womb!One cultural dilemma that this photograph reveals is that even though there exist limitations and possibilities of medical science,  the beauty in the touch of a human hand is a divine statement that life is precious and can be meaningful from the womb... before birth."Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb, I sanctified thee..." (Jeremiah 1:5) kjv The photo of Samuel Armas and Dr. Joseph Bruner is from Google Images.In 1999, Michael Clancy cap... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-07-19T13_47_04-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-07-19T13_47_04-07_00 Sat, 19 Jul 2025 20:47:04 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-07-19 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-07-19T13_47_04-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 35 false The photo is from Google Images.Mathematical SetsIt all figures:balanced equationssets of added digitsoccasionally subtractedmeasured by common factorsmultiplied by these toopercentages based on the configuration of a situated onein relation to the core.© Jeanne I. Lakatos The photo is from Google Images.Mathematical SetsIt all figures:balanced equationssets of added d... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-07-17T19_45_16-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-07-17T19_45_16-07_00 Fri, 18 Jul 2025 02:45:16 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-07-18 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-07-17T19_45_16-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 134 false Sydney Owenson sheds light on the status of the common man and woman in mid-nineteenth century Ireland and incorporates semiotic structures within her works to communicate with her readers the various discrepancies in legislation, particularly the Act of Union 1801, decades after its enactment. Although inequity in governmental legislation exists internationally, by 1825, the imbalance within the legislative structures is unacceptable to intelligent people associated with the British or the Irish aristocracy along with the increasing numbers of female readers and writers.For example, in the preface of her essay entitled, Absenteeism, she highlights the need for both the English and the Irish to be mindful of their patriotic responsibilities:Notwithstanding the intense interest which is felt throughout all England concerning Ireland and Irish affairs, notwithstanding the frequent debates in parliament, and more frequent pamphlets and volumes published on points of Irish politics and economy, the prevailing ignorance on these subjects still operates powerfully in maintaining prejudices the most unfounded and the most fatal, and in retarding those measures of wisdom and of justice without which Ireland can never be happy; or the British Empire secure. [1]In this statement, Owenson demonstrates commonality between the authority, England, and the respective community of Ireland, as she begins with the phrase, ‘notwithstanding the intense interest which is felt…’ Thus, she engages in the use of negative phraseology linked with passive voice to unite the divergent intentions of England and Ireland.© Jeanne I. Lakatos[1] Sydney Owenson (Lady Morgan), Absenteeism, (London: Henry Colburn, 1825) pp. ix and x. For future reference within this study, the work will be cited as Abs. Sydney Owenson sheds light on the status of the common man and woman in mid-nineteenth century Ir... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-07-14T18_58_29-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-07-14T18_58_29-07_00 Tue, 15 Jul 2025 01:58:29 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-07-15 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-07-14T18_58_29-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 174 false The photo is of day lilies, which I planted in front of my rock wall. One morning, the birds were in their glory: singing, chirping, and busy with their daily activities. I live in an area of Connecticut that is blessed with much beautiful greenery and wildlife. Long ago, I looked at a photograph of an abandoned canoe, and the first thing that came to mind was the tranquility of an abandoned garden on a steamy day, much like the ones we have had here recently and such as the one which is the subject of my operetta, Luminescence, an interpretation of the medieval French epyllion, Roman de la Rose. Below is an excerpt from my operetta, Luminescence, which might reveal a sensorial view of morning in this magical garden.  Morning RecitativeLush overgrowth forms an inspiring, prolific canopyTender petals competefor limited radianceof the morning’s brilliance.Abandonedby inheritors of this fertile land,the garden flourishes independently in floral splendor.A cooling brook meandersthrough the twisted, scented undergrowth,creating a reflective ribbon,adorning this Eden with bubbling ballads.Elegant, colorful bouquets embellishfertile banks with a natural brilliance.Soothing resonance musically honors the presenceof Divine intelligence.Flowers open their petals,attracting the arrival of winged courtiers,who pollinate their eager pistils.They clamor close to the wall,reflecting wisdom of the struggleto remain vibrant in this forgotten place.Their beauty blends resplendentcolor with fragrance,giving the garden vitality,as one more day brings a splendid lusterinto the chaos of the untamed garden.© Jeanne I. LakatosI extend much gratitude to the following brilliant musicians, who have transposed (or are in the process of transposing) an Irish melody compiled by Sydney Owenson (1804) into 5 musical genres for this operetta: Dr. Marjorie Callaghan (medieval) and Mr. Daniel Kean (baroque and classical). The photo is of day lilies, which I planted in front of my rock wall. One morning, the birds were... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-07-10T15_12_34-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-07-10T15_12_34-07_00 Thu, 10 Jul 2025 22:12:34 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-07-10 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-07-10T15_12_34-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 76 false The photo shows my haiku, written on the pecan. The Pecan HaikuOh tasty Pecan! So like your Cousin Walnut,in sweet pies you reign. © Jeanne Iris Lakatos The photo shows my haiku, written on the pecan. The Pecan HaikuOh tasty Pecan! So like your ... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-07-06T16_45_47-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-07-06T16_45_47-07_00 Sun, 06 Jul 2025 23:45:47 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-07-06 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-07-06T16_45_47-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 113 false The Ovenbird photo is from Google Images.To hear the song of the Oven Bird, click the link below:https://youtu.be/v41-hFzfeRs?feature=sharedThe Ovenbirdby Robert FrostThere is a singer everyone has heard, Loud, a mid-summer and a mid-wood bird, Who makes the solid tree trunks sound again. He says that leaves are old and that for flowers Mid-summer is to spring as one to ten. He says the early petal-fall is past When pear and cherry bloom went down in showers On sunny days a moment overcast; And comes that other fall we name the fall. He says the highway dust is over all. The bird would cease and be as other birds But that he knows in singing not to sing. The question that he frames in all but words Is what to make of a diminished thing.Robert Frost's poetry portrays the enigma of humanity through his observations of nature. His poem, "The Ovenbird," is no exception. The high-pitched song of this bird reminds the busy human of the lessons learned through the simplicity of nature.The iconic structure here is the oven bird, a woodland icon, representing the natural progression of life. In the tenth line, Frost points out, "He says the highway dust is over all." This line is unusual in that it follows vivid, natural imagery that awakens the reader to the conflict between humanity's impact versus the seemingly insignificant bird. A bird whose voice sounds like a song to us, but to the bird, it's simply communicating to other birds in a natural way, "not to sing.”In this poem, Frost also illustrates through the passage, "Mid-summer is to Spring as one is to ten," the necessity of a natural sequence and the devastation that can exist when humanity interrupts or neglects this natural progression. This could also pertain to each of us. We must follow a natural sequence in our individual lives, for if we do not, we could take a path that causes pain and dissonance, which is why we must align our hearts with the One who guides us throughout our lives...in God's time.  The Ovenbird photo is from Google Images.To hear the song of the Oven Bird, click the link below:... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-07-05T17_59_32-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-07-05T17_59_32-07_00 Sun, 06 Jul 2025 00:59:32 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-07-06 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-07-05T17_59_32-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 91 false With warm days behind and ahead of us, my mind immediately traveled to a memory of one laundry night, many years ago, when I lived in Norcross, Georgia. If you have never encountered a Georgia June bug, well, let me tell you... you are fortunate indeed. The darn things are about two inches long and click and sputter around lights at night, all summer long. ugh! ugh! (worth 2 ughs!) Anyway, here's the poem:Attack of the Georgia June BugsSnugly against my right hip,I carry laundry, clean and folded,in a wicker basket on a hot, southern night.Georgia June bugs encircle my head.Zipping to and fro, their wings roarlike ghosts of B-52 bombers.I run to escape their clicking laughs;laundry jostles over the edges of the basket.Quickly. I swoop to retrieve escaping undergarmentsbefore anyone sees me or those bugs get nearer.“Don’t you dare fly into my hair!”Ah, at last! I’m inside my apartment.Only one goal: to sip a nice, cold sweet tea.© Jeanne I. Lakatos With warm days behind and ahead of us, my mind immediately traveled to a memory of one laundry ni... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-07-02T14_48_53-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-07-02T14_48_53-07_00 Wed, 02 Jul 2025 21:48:53 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-07-02 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-07-02T14_48_53-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 139 false Link to the video of this lovely melody with gorgeous Disney animation:https://youtu.be/NXAhuGLr5-M?feature=sharedI came upon this beautiful interpretation of "Clair de Lune" by Claude Debussy, deleted from the final version of the Disney classic film, Fantasia. A visual and aural illustration of life's circularity, this film depicts innovation in the art of filmmaking for the time in which the artists and musicians collaborated to create this film. The love expressed in this one scene makes my heart sing. Moreover, I really love the blue tones in the scene above, for they remind me of the very early morning, right before sunrise, when the flora and fauna all contain shades of blue.  Below is the opening recitative from my operetta, Luminescence, an interpretation of the 13th century poem, Roman de la Rose. It also focuses on the moon as it relinquishes its light to the sun:The moon, known as Lunula, emits a soft, silver glow onto the indigo and deep green foliage where life renews in the created shadows of the garden’s crevices. Then, she silently dismisses darkness from the fertile land. As daybreak slowly creates an elusive blush, Lunula moves aside to allow her eminence, the sun, its splendid glow in the dawning light. Knowing that her radiance is dependent on the reflection of the sun, Lunula illuminates this shaded, overgrown venue with dignity and grace, providing inspiration for the precious life over which her luminescence humbly drifts. © Jeanne I. Lakatos  Link to the video of this lovely melody with gorgeous Disney animation:https://youtu.be/NXAhuGLr5... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-07-01T13_07_25-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-07-01T13_07_25-07_00 Tue, 01 Jul 2025 20:07:25 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-07-01 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-07-01T13_07_25-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 155 false The photos are of Thomas Paine, Rights of Man from Google images.Thomas Paine differentiates between natural and civil rights of man, with the latter originating from the former. He interprets the aristocracy’s use of language as a means of establishing a sense of power. Relating the consciousness of the eighteenth-century mindset, Paine elucidates for his readers an emerging global consciousness in Rights of Man:The progress of time and circumstances, which men assign to the accomplishment of great changes, is too mechanical to measure the force of the mind, and the rapidity of reflection, by which revolutions are generated:  All the old governments have received a shock from those that already appear, and which were once more improbable, and are a greater subject of wonder, than a general revolution in Europe would be now…. what we now see in the world, from the Revolutions of America and France, are a renovation of the natural order of things, a system of principles as universal as truth and existence of man, and combining moral with political happiness and national prosperity.These fundamental beliefs authentically provide Paine's readership with contrasting attributes of the narrow vision present in governmental hierarchy in contrast with those belonging to humanity in general. A correlation between humanity and nature formed the consciousness of revolutionary thought, which eventually fed into the elaborate (and beautiful) artistic, musical, and literary expressions of Romanticism. Our politicians of the twenty-first century could do well to consider Mr. Paine's words. Are we on the brink of realizing free expression, found within the core of human creativity derived from Divine Love or are we on the brink of mass destruction? As with significant moments, we will know for sure...in God's time. The photos are of Thomas Paine, Rights of Man from Google images.Thomas Paine differentiates betw... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-28T19_41_05-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-28T19_41_05-07_00 Sun, 29 Jun 2025 02:41:05 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-06-29 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-28T19_41_05-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 187 false The photo shows the original book of The O'Briens and the O'Flahertys by Sydney Owenson (Lady Morgan)Photo from Google ImagesAn amazing coincidence exists in the writings of Sydney Owenson and current political possibilities.  From my book, pages 116-117: Owenson utilizes dialectal variations in her national tales, aligning her personal philosophy with both her British and Irish reading audiences. In her national tale, The O’Briens and the O’Flahertys, she incorporates French, Italian and Latin in the dialogue between aristocratic parties, such as Lady Knocklofty, creating a linguistic image of a tray of fondant-covered 'treats, sweet.' Yet, conversations with O’Brien entail elongated monologues that bear some resemblance to political pamphlets, as her character espouses his political determination: Now that the whole world is in movement, that nations are alive to their own interests, and reflect on their own affairs, the education, which the public gives to itself, absorbs and neutralizes the instruction prepared for it by governments and hierarchies, whenever the results of both do not coincide. Open or secret, the confederacy to govern by misleading must fail…To govern the age in which we live, ambitious spirits must place themselves at its head; and to control opinion, they must advance it. (The O’Briens and O’Flahertys, p. 233)Here, she conveys the historicity of her own background as she converses with the audience through her characters’ intellectual dialogue, bringing her readers into the heated debates of issues, which deal primarily with the human struggle for order, dignity, and self-expression. Owenson echoes these thoughts in many of her works through the use of iconic realism, placing her characters in iconic roles, and creating situations in which they must interact contrary to the common perception of these individual roles. Often, her aristocratic characters contend with hardships felt by the common man and woman. Through utilizing coping strategies not normally associated with aristocrats, these characters then learn that their cultural differences can evolve into tolerance. Even their linguistic disparity develops into a semiotic inclusion that Owenson employs to bring about enlightened cultural interpretation and eventual coalescence.© Jeanne Iris Lakatos The photo shows the original book of The O'Briens and the O'Flahertys by Sydney Owenson (Lady Mor... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-26T17_06_54-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-26T17_06_54-07_00 Fri, 27 Jun 2025 00:06:54 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-06-27 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-26T17_06_54-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 90 false Photo of my window's view in Reims, FranceI am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. ~ Albert EinsteinI am Enough of an Artist...To make my way through this airportand appreciate the artistryin each human utterance and smilecreative impulses within,felt withoutTo hear musicin the laughter of children,the voice of Godin the knowing timbreof an elderly sighTo feel this train race, passing French villes,A phantasmagoria of anxious yearningin the muted colors of graffiti blended with determined drops of spring rainTo enter a darkened hallway,and know that the painful holebitten into my lip from fearwill heal, bleeding into fortitudeSo, I taste the blended harvestin a bowl of vegetable soupand ready myself for another daywith cherished goodnessof a night’s sleepupon clean, white sheets.© Jeanne I. Lakatos Photo of my window's view in Reims, FranceI am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagina... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-25T04_06_57-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-25T04_06_57-07_00 Wed, 25 Jun 2025 11:06:57 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-06-25 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-25T04_06_57-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 56 false The photo is of one maple tree leaf, reflecting the sun, in my gardenAn innovative idea is a call to action to make a difference in this world from a perspective of Love. A single leaf can be an example of a metaphor for the human condition. Since transformation originates from a single notion, I thought this little poem may contribute a genesis of belief.  Be Leaf Hereremains the leafnot insignificantsilent, well formedturned over and over.Suspended,it resides in beliefof the sublime reminder: the Journey of  Loveemanates, embraces, enwraps, ensues... in God's time.© Jeanne I. Lakatos   The photo is of one maple tree leaf, reflecting the sun, in my gardenAn innovative idea is a call... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-20T16_14_55-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-20T16_14_55-07_00 Fri, 20 Jun 2025 23:14:55 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-06-20 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-20T16_14_55-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 119 false The painting is Starry Night by Vincent Van GoghIf you click Starry Night above, you will be linked to Don McLean singing "Vincent." Enjoy..  An example of using a visual image to enhance meaning through the collective memory of a community exists within Vincent Van Gogh’s painting, Starry Night. He places iconic, celestial figures: moon, sun, stars, as the focal point, disproportionate to the small, darkened village. With wide, brush strokes, he creates a memory in the form of movement that transcends the primary source of his painting, that of the cosmic link between the silent structures of society and the dichotomy of chaos and structure found in nature. He paints contrasts of light and dark, structure and non-structure, illuminating his audience of the need to consider his idea of the bleak constraints in many organized religions. Thus, he paints a challenge for the members of his society to consider personal enlightenment as an action that illumines the darkness of the soul. Through actively engaging in a positive response to our daily struggles, we become enlightened and aware of the chaos as seen in the brilliant, night sky. Once enlightened (or saved), we can attempt to make positive choices to help this world become more balanced and orderly, following the precepts set before us through our foundational beliefs. In this painting, Van Gogh illustrates his personal connection with the vast beauty of nature and many possibilities through spiritual enlightenment. © Jeanne I. Lakatos The painting is Starry Night by Vincent Van GoghIf you click Starry Night above, you will be link... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-19T13_41_59-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-19T13_41_59-07_00 Thu, 19 Jun 2025 20:41:59 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-06-19 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-19T13_41_59-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 66 false The photo of my creative endeavor on a cashew nut.Once, the Poetry Bus poetry group request for us was to write a poem on something on which we would normally not write... literally. Well, that particular week, we had been having a100+º heat wave here in Connecticut, and my brain had definitely melted.... So, I took my teeny tiny 'PreciseV5' purple pen and wrote the following haiku on a cashew nut. Graffiti for ants! A fun activity! Cashew HaikuOn this nut I writeI, this nut, write oncashew deliberation© Jeanne I. Lakatos The photo of my creative endeavor on a cashew nut.Once, the Poetry Bus poetry group request for u... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-18T13_04_17-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-18T13_04_17-07_00 Wed, 18 Jun 2025 20:04:17 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-06-18 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-18T13_04_17-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 127 false The painting is of Mercy Otis Warren. At this writing, I do not know who the artist was.Mercy Otis Warren, given the title by some historians of Muse of the American Revolution, is often neglected in the U.S. historical memory. However, her motivation for contributing numerous literary works on the subject of independence demonstrates virtues found in the common individual while pointing out the discrepancies in a non-representational government. In her 1773 play, The Adulateur, Warren describes the issue of individual rights through the speech of her main character, Brutus:The change how drear! The sullen ghost of bondageStalks full in view—already with her pinions,She shades the affrighted land—the insulting soldiersTread down our choicest rights; while hoodwinked justiceDrops her scales, and totters from her basis.Thus torn with nameless wounds, my bleeding countryDemands a tear – that tear I’ll freely give her. [1]Using the rebellious poetic format of blank verse, Warren creates an image of the capture of justice, illustrating the conception that human beings might be inherently good, but their thirst for power could cause a diminishing of spiritual truth, thus leading to contrived allegiances to governments and other forms of false leadership. We thank such brave intelligent writers as Mercy Otis Warren for their insights regarding historical perspectives of justice. [1] Mercy Otis Warren, The Adulateur, Act I, Scene I, Boston: New Printing Office, 1773. The painting is of Mercy Otis Warren. At this writing, I do not know who the artist was.Mercy Oti... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-17T18_00_35-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-17T18_00_35-07_00 Wed, 18 Jun 2025 01:00:35 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-06-18 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-17T18_00_35-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 240 false I took the photograph of Thoor Ballylee in County Galway, Ireland some years ago.I pace upon the battlements and stareOn the foundations of a house, or whereTree like a sooty finger, starts from the earth;and send imagination forthUnder the day’s declining beam, and callImages and memoriesFrom ruin or from ancient trees,For I would ask a question of them all.(“The Tower II,” ll. 18-25) [1]Here, Yeats places himself in the midst of the Tower, the earthen icon of the human soul. Born of the ancient source of all life, this soul’s power rests in the simplicity of a child’s voice, echoing for the “blind man’s joy.” This simplicity is so powerful that “certain men, be[come] maddened by those rhymes,” (l. 42) a magnificent union of the duality existent in imagination and reality. To further illustrate this duality, Yeats incorporates the iconic representation of “The Great Memory” to signify the reality of human consciousness. The speaker is out of control while at the same time, he is in control, “Come old, necessitous, half-mounted man;/And bring beauty’s blind rambling celebrant” (ll. 91-2). This ambivalence, accented with alliteration, leads to Yeats’ revelation that from chaos comes order and from dissonance, consonant harmony. He continues with his reference to human consciousness with an allusion to his recurrent swan’s song: “When the swan must fix his eye/ Upon a fading gleam, /Float out upon a long/Last reach of glistening stream/And there sing his last song” (ll. 141-45). The central theme of this poem is the realization of life’s paradox that art is both illusion and ideal. When Yeats reveals through the alliteration and rapid meter of “Man makes a superhuman/Mirror-resembling dream” (ll.165-66), he draws upon his references of the Easter Uprising and WWI in which reality of life recreates itself through the restructuring of chaos. Yeats’s iconic-bucolic imagery of singing birds in the introductory and concluding lines of “The Tower” reinforce his message of universal harmony that echoes throughout the sphere of life’s transformations. His final lines, “Seem but the clouds of the sky/When the horizon fades,/ Or a bird’s sleepy cry/ Among the deepening shades” (ll.193-96), indicate his reconciliation of life, art, Ireland and reality. It is not by accident that this poem leads directly to “Meditations in Time of Civil War.” In “The Tower,” Yeats illustrates the necessity for humanity to acknowledge the reality of life’s paradox and to nurture human consciousness with eyes wide open to human frailties as well as the glorious harmony present in one's creative endeavors.NOTE: I was unable to post Yeats' entire poem here, so please click onto the link below, which leads to my blog, to view his poem, The Tower, and this humble analysis.  https://iconicrealism.blogspot.com/2014/10/william-butler-yeats-tower-ii-and.html I took the photograph of Thoor Ballylee in County Galway, Ireland some years ago.I pace upon the ... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-16T17_58_34-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-16T17_58_34-07_00 Tue, 17 Jun 2025 00:58:34 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-06-17 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-16T17_58_34-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 209 false The photo is one that I took whilst I was lost.Quite a few years ago, on June 17th, yes, the day after Bloomsday, I intended to attend a conference held on the IADT (Institute of Art Design and Technology) campus in Dun Laoghaire, Ireland. Since I wasn't scheduled to present until the 19th, I thought I'd drive myself for the first day's activities. After carefully surveying maps and consulting Mapquest, I sat myself in the driver's seat and decided to drive myself. Since I'm left-handed, driving on the left side of the road comes naturally to me. I was set to go. FOUR HOURS later, I drove into the parking lot of IADT. The following days, I relied on the bus. Day After Bloomsday: My Own Odyssey in Dun Laoghaire, IrelandI pass by Davy Byrne's pub And think, “I must go there for a pint.”It’s just off Grafton Street, ye know. And there’s the Ormond Hotel (Sirens chapter) But I must get on the M-50 to Dun Laoghaire.It’s now 9:30. I get off the M-50 and drive along the highway,I go through a town and find another highway.Water is to my left. So beautiful! I take a picture and miss my turn.So I ask for directions from a lovely garda. “Oh, I know exactly where ye want to go. I used to pick mushrooms there when I was a boy. Shame what they’ve doneTo that land now. A real shame. It’ll take youno time at all to get there.”I follow his directions to the T…And end up at the Martello tower.The Coast Guard tell me I’m almost there.10:30 I missed the first panels.I drive around Sandycove And around SandycoveAnd around Sandycove And around.... well, you get the picture...I see cliffs in the distance. I want to jump….End up back in City Center Dublin!I pass the Gardai station againin Dun Laoghaire... and keep driving.Eventually,I see a little red pub: Dunpheys Pub1:00 (I’ve missed Lunch.) I beg them to tell me where IADT is. “I’ve heard there’s a blue, boxy building,” sigh I. One kind gentleman says to another,“Oh, I know where that is. Tom’s son goes there. Here, let me draw you a map.”He proceeds to draw each traffic light, And tells me which lane to drive in.I make it! Just in time for the 2:00 panel. When I return to my hotel room,An email awaits me from my friend,“Jeanne,” he says, “You MUST go to Davy Byrne’s pub, the Martello Tower,(Opening Ithaca chapter-where Buck Mulligan descends the stairwell.) Sandycove, the cliffs of Killiney… That’s real Joyce country.” I smile as my keys click the reply… Been there, done that. © Jeanne I. Lakatos  The photo is one that I took whilst I was lost.Quite a few years ago, on June 17th, yes, the day ... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-11T08_26_24-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-11T08_26_24-07_00 Wed, 11 Jun 2025 15:26:24 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-06-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-11T08_26_24-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 68 false I took this photo of the full moon from my deck.“How sweet the moonlight sleeps upon this bank!Here will we sit and let the sounds of musicCreep in our ears: soft stillness and the nightBecome the touches of sweet harmony." ~ William Shakespeare (Merchant of Venice) I took this photo of the full moon from my deck.“How sweet the moonlight sleeps upon this bank!He... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-09T19_23_43-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-09T19_23_43-07_00 Tue, 10 Jun 2025 02:23:43 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-06-10 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-09T19_23_43-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 50 false I took the photo one morning as I was driving to the university.The Prayer of St. ColumbaBe a bright flame before me, O Goda guiding star above me.Be a smooth path below me,a kindly shepherd behind metoday, tonight, and for ever.Alone with none but you, my GodI journey on my way;what need I fear when you are near,O Lord of night and day?More secure am I within your handthan if a multitude did round me stand.Amen.       I took the photo one morning as I was driving to the university.The Prayer of St. ColumbaBe a bri... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-07T14_13_28-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-07T14_13_28-07_00 Sat, 07 Jun 2025 21:13:28 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-06-07 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-07T14_13_28-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 73 false The photo is one of many that I've taken of the beautiful, peaceful East Lake, Danbury, Connecticut.Power of LoveThis Power of Loveelectrifies, magnifies, clarifiesthe Divinity within our living, human souls. Always moving us forwardthrough the darkness, the sadnessthe vacuity, and into a peaceful sharingof the Light, the Joy, the Promise.Thus, I am eternally grateful for this Power of Lovethat echoes through our lives, purifying us in the next, as this Love from our hearts,overflowing,carries us gently into the Peace, the Hope, the Blessed Purposeof our Journey together.© Jeanne I. Lakatos  The photo is one of many that I've taken of the beautiful, peaceful East Lake, Danbury, Connectic... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-06T06_16_45-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-06T06_16_45-07_00 Fri, 06 Jun 2025 13:16:45 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-06-06 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-06T06_16_45-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 59 false The photo is of a Tiger Swallowtail, sipping nectar from a Rose of Sharon outside my living room window. Answer RevealedHer wings flutter sweetlypropelling her up, down, and through the verdant glen, searching for the one that will bring her anticipated felicity.Her silence allows the observer  to focus on her brilliance, revealing the vivid colorsof this solitary creature of God: tenacious, full of patience, and hope.Suddenly, she discovers the one, bourgeoning with enlightenment: the answer to her Prayer, so she delicately sips the Joy, thankful that her search led her to this moment in God's Time.© Jeanne I. Lakatos The photo is of a Tiger Swallowtail, sipping nectar from a Rose of Sharon outside my living room ... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-03T20_47_24-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-03T20_47_24-07_00 Wed, 04 Jun 2025 03:47:24 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-06-04 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-06-03T20_47_24-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 104 false I took this photo in Coole Park, County Galway, Ireland.If one were to gaze upon the photograph I have posted here, a sense of equality exists within the natural balance of the trees' trunks, for they vividly reflect the underground root system, the source of their immensely visual structures; yet, each tree is uniquely exposed by a natural Order. This illustrates the existence of iconic realism in the natural world in that it is unusual to see a tree's trunk and branches specifically revealing the source of its power. Usually, one would have to dig beneath the surface to see this, but as I walked beneath the branches of these enormous Irish evergreens, I could almost feel the life force surging from the unseen root systems below my feet.What does this reveal in a cultural sense? Those leaders that become the most powerful, whether in government, business, education, or the arts, acknowledge that the source of their power exists within the 'root' of their successful endeavors, originating from that which flourishes from below the surface, "endowed by their Creator..."  © Jeanne I. Lakatos I took this photo in Coole Park, County Galway, Ireland.If one were to gaze upon the photograph I... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-05-28T19_29_12-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-05-28T19_29_12-07_00 Thu, 29 May 2025 02:29:12 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-05-29 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-05-28T19_29_12-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 59 false The photo is from my garden of a yellow butterfly sipping nectar from the French lavender.Winged InspirationToday,a bee flies wistfully,nectar gathering for the hive,Today,a butterfly shares the spaceof time and floral beauty,collecting heavenly nourishment.Today,the lavender grows more alluringin serviceto its insect guests.Today, the hummingbird sips  sweet nectar from the loving, giving Rose of Sharon blossom. And as my eyes are permitted to viewthis treasured sceneof serenity and industry,I am compelledto make a differencebefore Tomorrow.© Jeanne I. Lakatos* 'Codladh sámh' means 'Sweet Dreams' in Irish Gaeilge. The photo is from my garden of a yellow butterfly sipping nectar from the French lavender.Winged ... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-05-17T18_54_38-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-05-17T18_54_38-07_00 Sun, 18 May 2025 01:54:38 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-05-18 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-05-17T18_54_38-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 107 false The poem below describes the first thing I experience in the morning. One of my favorite times of a day is that moment when I first awaken, sometimes still dreaming, and I look out my window to a lovely little forest, night animals still calling to their mates, no human sound outdoors at all. It's just before dawn, and just after that 'darkest hour,' and for only a few minutes, everything is blue. Just Before DawnEyes open slowly.Still, I walk along that lovely beachand glance up to see a small village.That same, intriguing dream,now, it fades awaywith the early morning mist. I feel a gentle, cool breezewaft across my faceand turn my headtoward the choir of crickets,still calling to their mates.An owl wings its waymidst entangled branches,eerily hooting through the blue.My gaze reaches the maple treestanding tall in this tableauall blue, shades of blue, no other colorbut blue... everywhere!Leaves, tree trunks, even the lone deer,all blue.It's no longer evening, not yet dawn.Sky and sea are one magic hue.The song of one bird greets me:a prayer for the new dayin this tranquil moment ofblue.© Jeanne I. Lakatos The poem below describes the first thing I experience in the morning. One of my favorite times of... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-05-13T07_13_01-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-05-13T07_13_01-07_00 Tue, 13 May 2025 14:13:01 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-05-13 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-05-13T07_13_01-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 85 false The photo is of a pensive me in 2009.The poem below deals with a childhood hurdle that eventually led me to grow in confidence: the family tag of 'the shy one.' The Shy One“Jeanne is the shy one,”explained Mom when she introduced my siblings and meto someone newwe happened to meet.My tag was sewn,identified and neat.But I really wasn’t terribly shyas indicated by Mother.I simply loved to scrutinizeand exercise prudencein dealing with others.A curse back then.But now I understand;my pensive ‘flaws’were precious giftsof a Higher command.Indeed, this shy onehas ardently grown,for my interactionsdelicately honed,pensive and discreet,have led me to completesome pretty marvelous feats.Thank you, Lord. Thanks Mom and Dad... May the Perpetual Light shine upon you.© Jeanne I. Lakatos The photo is of a pensive me in 2009.The poem below deals with a childhood hurdle that eventually... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-05-12T08_33_42-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-05-12T08_33_42-07_00 Mon, 12 May 2025 15:33:42 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-05-12 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-05-12T08_33_42-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 51 false The photo is of a Lenox rose, given to me by my daughter, Jillian, a few years ago for Mother's Day.Season of BirthThe sun bestows a benevolent glow.Sweet harmonies fill feathered heartswhile a glistening Pearl drop of dewmoistens the rose's brow.A wind blows softly through the trees,gathering wisps of life,and soon the world is awake and moistwith the birth of another day. © Jeanne I. Lakatos The photo is of a Lenox rose, given to me by my daughter, Jillian, a few years ago for Mother's D... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-05-05T07_58_29-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-05-05T07_58_29-07_00 Mon, 05 May 2025 14:58:29 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-05-05 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-05-05T07_58_29-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 113 false The photo depicts the human cochlea from Medical Dictionary- The Free DictionaryWhen I was in high school, I was blessed to attend a two week music workshop at the University of Georgia. I began by playing oboe in the orchestra, but switched to sing in the advanced choir. It was much more rewarding to me, and I thoroughly enjoyed singing Alto to Mozart's Dixit Dominus as one of the classical pieces we sang for the cumulative concert. In the poem below, I demonstrate my semiotic theory of iconic realism by writing a description of the hearing process, but one aspect of that process is unexpected: the cochlea is dormant. This human ear is deaf. Thus, this perfect individual will never hear...Dixit Dominus. (It is God's Word.) I have placed the iconic representation of hearing with an iconic composition, Dixit Dominus, to bring awareness of the beauty in all of humanity, particularly in those individuals who cannot hear. Dixit Dominus The chorus swells; waves rush in,their flow controlled by the canal's turbid banks. Membrane pulsates - Malleus, Incus, Stapesvibratethrough a liquid universe.  Electrical impulses meanderin and out and around minuscule hair cells within.Majestic cochlea sits on its throne,dormant. Eighth nerve to the brain reaches out.Mozart sheds a heavenly tear. This perfect one will never hear ~Dixit Dominus.© Jeanne I. Lakatos***************************************To hear Mozart's Vesperae solennes de Confessore, Dixit Dominus, click onto this link: https://youtu.be/H7QbViCuGfUClick onto the link below to see an animation of sound felt along the basilar membrane in the cochlea:https://youtu.be/dyenMluFaUw The photo depicts the human cochlea from Medical Dictionary- The Free DictionaryWhen I was in hig... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-05-02T09_02_56-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-05-02T09_02_56-07_00 Fri, 02 May 2025 16:02:56 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-05-02 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-05-02T09_02_56-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 70 false The photo is of my holly bush, glistening in the sun after a thunderstorm.Abiding Love and a Day in SpringI looked out my window one morning after a stormand discovered something sparkling and not the norm.It seemed to be smiling, perhaps winking at me,the sun's reflection breaking forth from the clouds. Perhaps, 'twas a raindrop on a holly leaf there,  knowing that I would see it and share.A bird sang nearby as if begging me to hearits song, so perfectly lovely and clear,so I opened the window and felt the fresh air rid my lungs of the stuffiness I beheld within, and let the blood flowing beneath my skin open my heart to Love: abiding, embracing me, as I cherish each moment from this through eternity.© Jeanne I. Lakatos The photo is of my holly bush, glistening in the sun after a thunderstorm.Abiding Love and a Day ... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-04-30T15_06_26-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-04-30T15_06_26-07_00 Wed, 30 Apr 2025 22:06:26 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-04-30 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-04-30T15_06_26-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 142 false The photo of Dante's Paradiso is from Google Images.Dante Alighieri’s ParadisoToday, I’ve placed parallel posts on my blogs with both exploring Dante Alighieri’s final book of The Divine Comedy: Paradiso.Spheres and circularity dominate the theme of this epic poem. Dante often even imitates the shape of the circle with his words. The Pilgrim and guide enter heaven at the convergence of four circles with three crosses. (This use of seven symbols refers to the seven virtues: 4 cardinal, 3 theological.) The three crosses could also pertain to the three crosses that we saw at Calvary, which would then lend to the idea of the theological. The term "cardinal" comes from the Latin cardo or hinge; therefore, the cardinal virtues (Prudence, Justice, Temperance, and Fortitude) are pivotal to any wise life. In the Old Testament Book of Wisdom, 8:7, we learn that "She [Wisdom] teacheth temperance, and prudence, and justice, and fortitude, which are such things as men can have nothing more profitable in life."In The Republic, Plato identified these same virtues with societal classes and thus, the very faculties of humanity:Temperance: produces classes, the farmers and craftsmen, also animal appetitesFortitude: associated with the warrior class and the spirited element in manPrudence: associated with rulers and reasonJustice: stands outside the class system and divisions of man, and rules the proper relationship among them.The theological virtues of Faith, Hope, and Love (charity), indicate a higher level of consciousness and compassion. Lessons that pertain to each of these virtues repeat throughout the Old and New Testament and within more ancient religious precepts.  The photo of Dante's Paradiso is from Google Images.Dante Alighieri’s ParadisoToday, I’ve placed ... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-04-25T15_37_42-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-04-25T15_37_42-07_00 Fri, 25 Apr 2025 22:37:42 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-04-25 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-04-25T15_37_42-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 57 false The photo is of the Daffodils and Forget-me-nots, along an old rock wall.Daffodils, Forget-me-nots, and an Old Rock WallDaffodils and Forget-me-nots, planted many years ago along an old rock wall, remind us that others tread along this path. We forget them not, for their brilliance lingers.Their journey has ended while ours continues,endeavors never defeated by onslaughts of storms, heat, cold winds, and other calamities. We are strong, resilient, awakening each Spring:Daffodils, Forget-me-nots, old rock walls...us.© Jeanne I. Lakatos  The photo is of the Daffodils and Forget-me-nots, along an old rock wall.Daffodils, Forget-me-not... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-04-24T05_51_54-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-04-24T05_51_54-07_00 Thu, 24 Apr 2025 12:51:54 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-04-24 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-04-24T05_51_54-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 108 false The photo is of a beautiful sunset in Danbury, CTYesterday, the Gospel Reading at church was the story of Jesus, meeting His disciples on the Road to Emmaus: Luke 24:13-35. It made me think...We learn to recognize aspects of our lives that create impressions, unaware of the cognitive variations that our minds and bodies interpret and reinterpret. Yet, we continue to gracefully move through our personal universes. How often have we affected others? How often have others affected us?Revolution of thought is inclusive of awareness within the mind and body with their inter/intra-connections. Very simply, as we perceive and cognitively organize our environment, we slowly create the opus that is only ours to share. To consider this concept in a positive way, that opus can move humanity to a higher level of consciousness.Just think! If individuals elevated their thinking to those matters that pertain to the goodness and creative genius that dwells within, how generous we could be with each other! How marvelous this Earthly experience could be!As we concentrate intently on our thoughts and their influences, we affect our reality, and thus, we open the possibilities of individual, creative connections... in God's time. The photo is of a beautiful sunset in Danbury, CTYesterday, the Gospel Reading at church was the ... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-04-23T06_27_09-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-04-23T06_27_09-07_00 Wed, 23 Apr 2025 13:27:09 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-04-23 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-04-23T06_27_09-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 63 false Below, I have written a poem based on a photograph, as an example of Ekphrasis.My photograph is of the beautiful East Lake in Danbury, Connecticut, at sunset, just before dusk. This lake has a very similar appearance to Walden Pond in Massachusetts. I took this photograph when the lake was full. Currently, we are dealing with drought conditions, and the lake thirsts for more Spring and summer showers.DuskIndigo pondreflectsa hopeful, graying skyshades of peach and blueintermingle with soft, fleecy cloudsframing the Peace and Lovethat harken my heart dreaming of possibilities...Dusk.© Jeanne I. Lakatos Below, I have written a poem based on a photograph, as an example of Ekphrasis.My photograph is o... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-04-19T18_14_33-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-04-19T18_14_33-07_00 Sun, 20 Apr 2025 01:14:33 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-04-20 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-04-19T18_14_33-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 85 false An artist is a poet is an artist...Incorporation of art and poetry creates illumination of the human experience.The photo is my own feathered pen and ink bottle. I dabble in calligraphy from time to time. Artistry of a Poet's HandA fine gold nib gently fitsinto a feathered pen.The well of silver and crystal accepts colorful ink,carefully poured by the hand of a poet.This artisan of words dips the golden nib  into the well, slides it along the neck,allowing excess fluid to gracefully dripoff its gilded edge.The poet reflects on placement of each word,and touching nib to parchment,propels the filled pen to stroke left, then right,forming each letter with deliberate flourish.Ornate illuminations of richly hued imageryin crimson, amethyst, and beryl green,penned along the borders of the page,elegantly coalesce genius with beauty:the Word, inscribed.© Jeanne I. Lakatos An artist is a poet is an artist...Incorporation of art and poetry creates illumination of the hu... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-04-06T17_33_37-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-04-06T17_33_37-07_00 Mon, 07 Apr 2025 00:33:37 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-04-07 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-04-06T17_33_37-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 90 false The photo is a view of a cold, wet, Spring dayListening... I feel strength in the wind today.It doesn't care what I have to saybecause it has a job to do,spreading seeds and pollen everywhere, so I stand very still and listen with care. Birds do not chirp as they did the day before, but they dart from branch to branchseeking shelter and food with no worriesabout their cold, wet feathers. In fact, they seem to enjoy this weather.Windblown hair wraps around my faceand darting raindrops pelt my cheeks, yet here I stand listeningto the bare branches click with delight,their strong leaf blossoms stand up to the fight. Puddles that form along the road reflect low, ethereal clouds, gliding through the gray sky, like pictures painted by a Master's hand. Then, I hear a message, simple but grand: "Let go; let God." © Jeanne Iris Lakatos The photo is a view of a cold, wet, Spring dayListening... I feel strength in the wind today.It d... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-04-04T06_22_27-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-04-04T06_22_27-07_00 Fri, 04 Apr 2025 13:22:27 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-04-04 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-04-04T06_22_27-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 133 false I took the photo of a plaque dedicated to Sydney Owenson (Lady Morgan). It is located on Kildare Street in Dublin, Ireland, where she lived for a while in the early 19th century. In her book, Patriotic Sketches of Ireland (1807), Sydney Owenson (Lady Morgan) observes political philosophy in the following manner:"...an extension of the mind’s eye to the whole great scale of civil society, and demonstrating the close-linked dependencies of its remotest parts, affords to the benevolence of the human heart, and the comprehension of the human understanding, a social system, gratifying to the feelings of the one, and ennobling to the faculties of the other." (Owenson, 33) Here, Owenson illumines her reading audience with the possibilities of revolution through an elevated human consciousness. Particularly, she mentions "benevolence of the human heart." Currently, in our world, political leaders need to focus on the strength found between each heartbeat, that electro-magnetic force guiding each human mind and make their decisions appropriately.  I took the photo of a plaque dedicated to Sydney Owenson (Lady Morgan). It is located on Kildare ... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-04-03T08_53_53-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-04-03T08_53_53-07_00 Thu, 03 Apr 2025 15:53:53 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-04-03 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-04-03T08_53_53-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 78 false The photo was taken by me in Danbury, Connecticut, U.S.A.In a recent year, we had an extraordinary weather pattern here in Connecticut. As a front rapidly moved through the area, the skies filled with color, then torrential downpours, then sun and warm temperatures. Then, we were back in the freezing zone with snow predicted. As Mark Twain commented once, "if you don't like the weather in New England, just wait a few minutes." Okay, that's the weather report. What does this all mean philosophically?  Human consciousness continually evolves, and as we move through our daily activities, nuances affect us in ways that sometimes we don't even realize until other events bring these subtle revelations into focus, providing clarity and introspection.Frontal AcumenSuch grandeur surgesin a moment of wonder: guiding, hoping, gusting, winds envelop swirling reality shaking dreams loose,  sparking an idea with Authority. © Jeanne I. Lakatos The photo was taken by me in Danbury, Connecticut, U.S.A.In a recent year, we had an extraordinar... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-04-02T05_39_19-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-04-02T05_39_19-07_00 Wed, 02 Apr 2025 12:39:19 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-04-02 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-04-02T05_39_19-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 82 false I wrote this poem many years ago from a memory of seeing a brook, bubbling in the middle of the woods. It's a pleasant rhyme that, hopefully, will bring a smile to your face and a 'treasure' to your heart as you move through your own circuitous path. Enjoy!  Photo of a neighbor's pond, fed by a little brookThe Brook's TreasureFor purposes I did wanderFor answers I did lookuntil I finally came upon a funny, little brook. The brook was not a shallow one,nor was it very deep,but in this little, funny brook a Treasure I did keep.The Treasure was a happy songof life, of hopes, of joys,and in the interlude there wasa melody of Peace. The song did have its high notes.Twas not without the low, and yet, I found that as I wade the song would fill my soulwith rippling harmoniesof peace, fulfillment, and the best~a very special kind of Lovewhich called me to the test. I knew, as I sat wondering upon this brook tableauthat this was what I muddled forso very long ago~a song to fill my soul each daya song so rich, so rare, a song composed of harmonies expelling through the airand filling every twist and turnwith one selected Force~ a resolute assuranceof a Treasure true to course.© Jeanne I. Lakatos I wrote this poem many years ago from a memory of seeing a brook, bubbling in the middle of the w... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-04-01T14_12_45-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-04-01T14_12_45-07_00 Tue, 01 Apr 2025 21:12:45 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-04-01 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-04-01T14_12_45-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 75 false Salvador Dali's  Melting Clocks (from DuckDuckGo Images)As you gaze upon the art by Salvador Dali, you will note that he uses iconic realism in most of his surrealistic renderings. He will place a recognizable figure in a position in which this figure is not expected to exist. In his own words, he describes these objects as "...nothing more than the soft, extravagant, solitary, paranoiac-critical Camembert cheese of space and time... Hard or soft, what difference does it make! As long as they tell time accurately..." Through his placement of the figure in this unrealistic setting, he creates a realism that brings awareness of an aspect of culture that needs to be reformed, perhaps, our perception of time and how we use it.   Salvador Dali's  Melting Clocks (from DuckDuckGo Images)As you gaze upon the art by Salvador... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-03-29T12_39_32-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-03-29T12_39_32-07_00 Sat, 29 Mar 2025 19:39:32 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-03-29 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-03-29T12_39_32-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 64 false The image of Jesus is in a tree in my front garden.Face of RenaissanceSee the insolence gently float away.Turn and decide on Godly Good.Replace worldly ambitionswith the guiding hand of Love.A world changes to see His facein all the energy and intricacy associated with the simplicityof renaissance. © Jeanne I. Lakatos The image of Jesus is in a tree in my front garden.Face of RenaissanceSee the insolence gently fl... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-03-25T05_58_24-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-03-25T05_58_24-07_00 Tue, 25 Mar 2025 12:58:24 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-03-25 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-03-25T05_58_24-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 84 false On a cold, early Spring day, with rain, some snow mixed in, falling occasionally throughout the day, it looked like we would be having a chilly Spring this year, but the plants, lakes, ponds, and waterfowl do need the rain, so it is welcome indeed. Even on cold, dreary days, I like to seek God's Love. After finishing some daily tasks, I jotted down this verse.The photo is what I see, looking out my back door...on a gray day. Gray DayAwakening to a cold, gray day, a foggy, dreary one, I contemplate the daily tasks ahead.Raindrops can't even decide if they want tofall from the gray sky...or not. The lakes, ponds, and streamshave thirsty banks, and the Spring waterfowl need a place to swim, nest, live. So rain, come along now! Cold and distant as you are, you are greatly needed, and now, I welcome you.I'll put on the tea kettle, make a warm supper, and when you're finished,I'll take photos of the well-filled lakewith the sun reflecting its lovely glowupon the deep waters. © Jeanne I. Lakatos On a cold, early Spring day, with rain, some snow mixed in, falling occasionally throughout the d... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-03-22T19_53_07-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-03-22T19_53_07-07_00 Sun, 23 Mar 2025 02:53:07 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-03-23 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-03-22T19_53_07-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 43 false Inception of a StormA silver discfloats highin the azure palette.When suddenly,stretching its darkening appendix,a rolling, feathery masscovers the spherical gaze, and soon,Blessed dropletsfill the soilwith Rich Nutrientsof the Diviner's Supper. Ah! What a Feast!So loud ~ so silent ~So swift ~ So enduringSo absolutely essentialto reach the Heavenly gold.© Jeanne I. Lakatos Inception of a StormA silver discfloats highin the azure palette.When suddenly,stretching its dar... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-03-21T19_08_05-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-03-21T19_08_05-07_00 Sat, 22 Mar 2025 02:08:05 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-03-22 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-03-21T19_08_05-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 54 false Below, is a poem written in the Anaphora poetic format, the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of multiple lines, often in succession. I took the photo in Dublin at an international street vendor competition. Observing the interactions of the children with this 'angel' or 'fairy' was delightful.For... GivenessGiven from the heart,given with humility,given freely,this gift of joyis a given that another will give,passing the giftforward.© Jeanne I. Lakatos Below, is a poem written in the Anaphora poetic format, the repetition of a word or phrase at the... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-03-17T06_36_34-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-03-17T06_36_34-07_00 Mon, 17 Mar 2025 13:36:34 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-03-17 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-03-17T06_36_34-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 76 false Here is a poem that I revised a bit on fiddlehead ferns, another group of plants that are harbingers of Spring. I included a recipe for Fiddlehead Quiche below the poem. Bon appetit!The photo from the front garden at my home.Fiddlehead FeastDid you happen upon the fiddlehead ferngrowing in the woodland mulch,amidst the other springing budslike skunk cabbage, crocus and such,unfurling its primitive meritwith vitality richly designed?Relentlessly, I search for the fiddlehead fern;its presence seen, not much,but then it boldly appears to me,and I honorably prepare it to touchmy awaiting, salivating palatethat accepts its flavor divine!What blissful company with which to dine:this fiddlehead fern ~ a collation so fine! © Jeanne I. Lakatos  *****************************************************YANKEE FIDDLEHEAD PIE (OR QUICHE)Recipe by L.L. Bean Book of New England Cookery:Serving Size : 8    4 Eggs  1 c  Milk  1 c  Fiddleheads, cooked, chopped  2 Tbs Leeks -- chopped, cooked  1 Tbs  Parsley, chopped -- or 2  1 c  Cheddar cheese, mildly shredded  Salt to taste  1 Pie crust, partially baked, 9  or 10"  8 Whole cooked fiddleheadsBeat the eggs with the milk until blended.  Fold in the chopped fiddleheads, leeks, and parsley, and half of the grated cheese. Season with salt to taste. Turn into the partially baked shell and sprinkle on the remaining cheese. Decorate the edge with whole fiddleheads.  Bake in a preheated 350 º oven for 40 minutes, or until set.  Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Here is a poem that I revised a bit on fiddlehead ferns, another group of plants that are harbing... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-03-14T06_16_26-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-03-14T06_16_26-07_00 Fri, 14 Mar 2025 13:16:26 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-03-14 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-03-14T06_16_26-07_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 61 false The first day of Spring draws near, and I just had to submit this little ode to one of the harbingers of Spring, the Skunk Cabbage, as an illustration of the connection between artist and nature. The Photo shows skunk cabbage, growing near my neighbor's pond. Ode to Skunk CabbageBursting forth from its ruddy milieu,      it erects from its hooded spathe.This courageous prophet boldly facesthe chilly air with unique confidence, guided by a mighty force.Radiating silently, as if to say,“Come to me, for I offerthe nourishment you need now,”his sweetness within calls uponthe daring creature to receive its warmth.And she responds, and she comes:the beetle, the spider, the queen bee,warmed by the generosity of Spring’s first.Odiferous, proud, protective,he inspires the fragrant florato engender beauty.Now, Spring has arrivedwith the burgeoningof the exceptional skunk cabbage.© Jeanne I. Lakatos The first day of Spring draws near, and I just had to submit this little ode to one of the harbin... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-03-08T11_20_47-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-03-08T11_20_47-08_00 Sat, 08 Mar 2025 19:20:47 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-03-08 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-03-08T11_20_47-08_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 112 false Since transformation is part of my blog's title, I composed this villanelle, containing the poetic framework creating a linguistic form of life's ebb and flow. This poem's theme is that a loving, driving, force that emanates from the divine, can bring a transforming strength, and I hope you enjoy it.The photo is one of many that I've taken of East Lake in Danbury, Connecticut. Strength WithinDraw from Love that brings your verve its aim,for gently comes the mission that will bringthe strength within that only you can name.Your passion resonates hope; now proclaimthe song that desires your voice, and boldly sing.Draw from Love that brings your verve its aim!Intricacy builds clarity as the frame of delicately interlaced might, healingthe strength within that only you can name. Travail with challenge evolves, as the gameof motivating resolve becomes your freeing.Draw from Love that brings your verve its aim.Benevolence and wonder: Adventure’s nameand yours when life moves on by lovingthe strength within that only you can name.Acknowledge from your heart that you can't tamethe Sacred Grace from unleashing torment’s cling.Draw from Love that brings your verve its aim,the strength within that only you can name.© Jeanne I. Lakatos Since transformation is part of my blog's title, I composed this villanelle, containing the poeti... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-03-07T20_23_44-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-03-07T20_23_44-08_00 Sat, 08 Mar 2025 04:23:44 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-03-08 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-03-07T20_23_44-08_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 95 false Photo is from 'Duck Duck Go' images. Perhaps, one day, I'll change it to my own stack of blueberry pancakes. ;) Below is a duet of poetry focusing on the pancake theme in the rondeau form and then a parody of e.e. cummings' poem, "O Sweet Spontaneous."Ode to Pancake TemptationThere, on my fine bone china plateFive pancakes can't be a mistakeand neighboring maple trees in a rowprovide home grown syrup to amply flow,as fresh, sweet butter on top does skate.To eat this meal at such a ratewon’t help in my quest of losing weightyet hunger’s there; it won’t let gothere, on my fine bone.This morning sure has sealed my fatethrough personal, philosophical debatebut now, determined to my pinky toe,it's wisdom’s garden I must hoe,and make these feet accelerate there, on my fine bone.© Jeanne I. Lakatos*******************************O Sweet Pancake Temptation(a parody of e.e. cummings' "O Sweet Spontaneous")O golden pancakesdrip               pingwith sweet syrupextractedfrom maple’s veinand butter squeezedfrom bovine's purity.Does humanityknow the sacrificefrom earth’s offeringsfor gluttony’sbliss?My delight pours forthdripping                       sweet withappreciation and a littleblueberry pancake guilt.© Jeanne I. Lakatos Photo is from 'Duck Duck Go' images. Perhaps, one day, I'll change it to my own stack of blueberr... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-03-06T07_37_31-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-03-06T07_37_31-08_00 Thu, 06 Mar 2025 15:37:31 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-03-06 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-03-06T07_37_31-08_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 93 false The view from a hotel room in Reims, France, taken some years ago.A few years ago, I presented a paper at the annual Association of Franco-Irish Studies conference in Reims, France. Ever since I spoke that first French word in my ninth grade French class, I've longed to go to that country. Finally, decades later, my dreams came true but not without the unfortunate realization that there were no washcloths at my hotel. So.....When in FranceIn a French hotel in la cité de Reims,an American searches for a washcloth. Alas, she finds none in this room,so she must make do. This is France after all.Sparkling white tub beckons her.“Okay, Okay!”She turns the water handle to HOTand gently pours shampoo into the steady stream,splashing the rising water to create more bubbles.Then, smiling, she steps into the steaming water,now filled with mounds of fluffy, fragrant bubbles,closes her eyes and whispers to the 13-year-old girlsitting in a French class, south of Detroit, decades ago.“Oui, Jeanne ... tu seras en France un jour.”© Jeanne I. Lakatos The view from a hotel room in Reims, France, taken some years ago.A few years ago, I presented a ... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-02-28T13_22_21-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-02-28T13_22_21-08_00 Fri, 28 Feb 2025 21:22:21 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-02-28 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-02-28T13_22_21-08_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 94 false The Great Escape movie poster is from 'Duck Duck Go' Images.Once, I was channel surfing and landed on The Great Escape, a 1963 film directed by John Sturges. I couldn't help but notice that this film illustrates the semiotic theory of iconic realism in that the audience perceives icons of both freedom and constraint through the character representations of the Allied prisoners of WWII and the German gestapo. As the film progresses with bucolic settings that also provide a perception of freedom, only to be constrained by the Nazi forces, the viewer becomes poignantly aware of freedom and its multiple forms. In the end, those characters who are still alive, question their need for physical freedom from the p.o.w. camp as they learn to appreciate their spiritual, intellectual, and emotional autonomy.  © Jeanne I. Lakatos The Great Escape movie poster is from 'Duck Duck Go' Images.Once, I was channel surfing and lande... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-02-24T18_07_02-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-02-24T18_07_02-08_00 Tue, 25 Feb 2025 02:07:02 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-02-25 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-02-24T18_07_02-08_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 25 false My focus here is an individual, trying to catch the proverbial 'brass ring on the carousel of life', feeling the dizziness and fatigue of the ride (or running in circles...multiple meanings there, too), parched for answers and passionate with hope.Carousel photo from duckduckgo imagesHopeTears amid the cheersreaching for the brass, spinning,thirsting for the flowonly to turn away parched,tongue swelling in dry air hot with the fever of hope. © Jeanne I. Lakatos My focus here is an individual, trying to catch the proverbial 'brass ring on the carousel of lif... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-02-23T20_00_37-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-02-23T20_00_37-08_00 Mon, 24 Feb 2025 04:00:37 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-02-24 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-02-23T20_00_37-08_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 70 false Once, I observed a lovely spider, busily spinning her web, and I proceeded to write the poem below. The photo is of a spider's web suspended from my deck.Arachnid's AimOne by One by One by One by One by One by One by One,she extends her reach into the world, Glad that she yet retains eight strong, healthy appendages. Her sisters' are damaged, maimed, broken, or lost, but hers are vibrant, able to take herto any destination she beholds as sacred. Now, she extends her reach into the world.Carefully, gracefully, she moves along this space,arranging each extension in its proper place, allowing a Hopeful Touch to capture the attentionof one who will see her radianceand share her iridescence with lasting, hopeful bliss.© Jeanne I. Lakatos Once, I observed a lovely spider, busily spinning her web, and I proceeded to write the poem belo... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-02-20T10_15_42-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-02-20T10_15_42-08_00 Thu, 20 Feb 2025 18:15:42 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-02-20 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-02-20T10_15_42-08_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 113 false Sometimes, with certain 'green-eyed' slugs, we have to take defensive action; other times, it pays simply to observe the power of Light. The DOGE personnel have been accomplishing this well in the past few weeks to the 'slimy, spineless' disappointment of those who received the benefits from false gains.  Thank you, President Trump, Elon Musk, et al.(The slug photo is from Google Images.)The SlugHypocritical green-eyed slugcompulsively feeds uponthe entrails of authenticity.Vomiting truth along its way,its impish, soul-less selfsolely thrives oncunning insults and ineptness.It binges on fictional fervorslinking in slimy skin, blinded by its own limitations.It lurks about for its next victimto entice with fabricated promises,while other small, spineless creatureseasily fall prey to its ‘virtue.’However... the Truth that this slug rejectssoon takes on a life of its own,swirling through the air with sweet fragrance,fusing with fortitude.Yet still, slinking along, the slugslowly attempts to cross my path…I lift my elegant bootto squish it! Squish it good!Ah, but there's no need to squish,for below me, I witness:evaporating in the powerful Light,slimy innards,consumedfrom their lack of substance. © Jeanne I. Lakatos Sometimes, with certain 'green-eyed' slugs, we have to take defensive action; other times, it pay... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-02-19T14_18_45-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-02-19T14_18_45-08_00 Wed, 19 Feb 2025 22:18:45 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-02-19 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-02-19T14_18_45-08_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 83 false  Icicles In my childhood, I sang a song that went like this: 🎶 Icy-icy-icicles... 🎶Now, icicles suspended from tree limbs and eavesmake me believe that my life is like these frozen suspensions, for I am a collection of life experiences, some transient, some suspended, some spun from the realms of timewhere memories live in my heart, converging with the present,holding onto the belief that they have aligned with the Truth of Divinity: Love.© Jeanne I. Lakatos  Icicles In my childhood, I sang a song that went like this: 🎶 Icy-icy-icicles... ... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-01-23T18_20_07-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-01-23T18_20_07-08_00 Fri, 24 Jan 2025 02:20:07 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-01-24 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-01-23T18_20_07-08_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 34 false Preparation for Life In preparation for this wonderful lifeI wish to send to you a cup of gentle tidingsthat will comfort through and through.Remember your uniquenessthat God's Blessings are in you,and use those gifts to be the onewho uplifts humanity true. © Jeanne I. Lakatos Preparation for Life In preparation for this wonderful lifeI wish to send to you a cup ... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-01-16T06_11_16-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-01-16T06_11_16-08_00 Thu, 16 Jan 2025 14:11:16 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-01-16 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-01-16T06_11_16-08_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 163 false From my book: The Theory of Iconic Realism, pp. 15-16:"The study of semiotics unravels the mystery behind symbolism associated with memory, language variations, and sign-signifier correlation as the human mind associates ideas with specific representations. Syntax deals with language as an expression of contextual, modal and residual elements of language, as well as a clear understanding of themes and rhemes. A thorough study of semantics observes ideational, interpersonal and textual components of language. Finally, pragmatics analyzes format of the communication base, interpreters of a language and function of that language in a community. Therefore, a comprehensive study of semiotics enables an audience to experience the intricacies of language in association with textual, musical, or artistic expression."  "Linguistic association begins with the historical perspective of a community revealed through a collective memory base, the societal and political history of a particular language. This includes the beliefs that accompany the historical development of a language. If there is any variation of a standard, sociolinguists consider this a ‘dialect’ of the language.  In other words, the varieties of the language associate with the historical and ethnic identities of those individuals within the speech community." "Historicity employs the use of historical arguments in the form of validated facts, reinterpretations, inventions, or myth to support the authenticity and legitimate formation of the language variety’s autonomy as established through history. One's culture, including language, music, art, faith, and traditions all incorporate to form the historicity."©Jeanne I. Lakatos From my book: The Theory of Iconic Realism, pp. 15-16:"The study of semiotics unravels the myster... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-01-01T15_20_58-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-01-01T15_20_58-08_00 Wed, 01 Jan 2025 23:20:58 +0000 2026-01-29 2025-01-01 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2025-01-01T15_20_58-08_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 64 false Photo taken in Danbury, ConnecticutIn God's TimeTaking my time, moving through a daily routine, I've come to that moment when I become anxious for answers to questions unresolved. Then, a thought enters my mind, moves through me, and reaches my soul. It becomes a prayer, guiding me to these feelings of love, peace, joythat encompass me. No longer am I filled with doubt, for purpose supplants ache, and now, I feel Divine Love open my heart with His aim on a path, carefully tread in God's Time.© Jeanne I. Lakatos Photo taken in Danbury, ConnecticutIn God's TimeTaking my time, moving through a daily routi... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2024-12-19T08_06_16-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2024-12-19T08_06_16-08_00 Thu, 19 Dec 2024 16:06:16 +0000 2025-12-03 2024-12-19 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2024-12-19T08_06_16-08_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 66 false I took the accompanying photo of sunset on the River Shannon in Limerick, Ireland. It seemed to illustrate the sky in this free verse well.. One Midnight, Long AgoGentle, gossamer wisps of vapor frame a celestial tableau amid indigo heavens illuminated by the faint and distant sparkle of a beckoning, fiery glow.The vibrant sky heralds a world below with hope that the heat from this angelic miracle will fuel yearning souls with the fervor for righteous aim.In the bitter cold of midnight,  ardent love and devotion expressed from a Mother's heart  to a Newborn's eye fulfills the prophesy~ a King is born.© Jeanne I. Lakatos I took the accompanying photo of sunset on the River Shannon in Limerick, Ireland. It seemed to i... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2024-12-15T08_06_03-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2024-12-15T08_06_03-08_00 Sun, 15 Dec 2024 16:06:03 +0000 2025-09-28 2024-12-15 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2024-12-15T08_06_03-08_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 60 false Snow and WindSnow speaks silently,caresses my heartwith memories,tickles my soulwith anticipation,blends with iceto generate adrenalinfocus.Howling winderases impressionswith its jealous graspstings my cheekswraps around my bones.My body shiversto generate adrenalinwarmth.Fire beyond the hearthstoked with trees that once shaded, once housed,once bore sparkling iciclesnow draws me into its crackling coreto melt adrenalindreams.© Jeanne I. Lakatos Snow and WindSnow speaks silently,caresses my heartwith memories,tickles my soulwith anticipation... https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2024-12-02T11_35_02-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2024-12-02T11_35_02-08_00 Mon, 02 Dec 2024 19:35:02 +0000 2025-09-28 2024-12-02 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jeanne-iris/episodes/2024-12-02T11_35_02-08_00 Dr. Jeanne Iris Lakatos, Ph.D. 94 false In the film, Rudy, Daniel E. Ruettiger's dream of becoming a member of the iconic Notre Dame football team illustrates iconic realism in that this student, a most iconic, unlikely candidate for achievement at the prestigious University of Notre Dame, placed himself in such a candidacy through his perseverance. This action led to successful achievement of his personal goals. Rudy wasn't the highest achieving student, so no one in his family thought he could achieve this goal of attending the Univ. of Notre Dame, let alone play on the football team, but he was determined, and that determination was an inspiration. The film, portraying his struggle to achieve his goals, has become an American classic, illustrating the cultural belief that a stalwart commitment to a positive dream can contribute to its becoming a reality. The photo shows the real Daniel E. Ruettiger, from Google Images.Humbly, I am thankful to the University of Notre Dame for housing my book in their library.  In the film, Rudy, Daniel E. Ruettiger's dream of becoming a member of the iconic Notre Dame foot...