In the Convivial Glow

Abstract

I1ke a cat drawn to a warm lap, I am drawn to the scenes of human conviviality. This is a trait that runs deep and has sustained me over the years as I have followed the murmur of voices and the echo of song to the places where people come together in festive or solemn mood. Never released from the spell of the talk and the music, I have learned to discover in these moments of togetherness a guide to personal temperament and character, to the way things are done in society, and to the imprint of codes underlying belief and practice. The llidigenou5 pcopk in Cob1:lbia's Sibundoy Valley live for the carnival that brings the community together once a year, just as the costen os of Mexico's Costa Chica relish their bohemios, evenings given over to exercising the local muses. And I thank my lucky stars for the pleasure of such company on these sorts of special occasions.