I would like to converse with Leonardo da Vinci and, perhaps, discuss the origins of his ideas: how he found the inspiration to explore the world and how he created so many things that still fascinate today. I’d inquire about his early influences that made him so curious and, maybe, how it was to work with a moneybags Medici. My husband and I learned a lot by watching the recent televised documentary by Ken Burns, but Leonardo’s a man of immense breadth and width, so I want more.

I belatedly admire Shakespeare, the great language innovator and I’d like to ask him if he is the writer of all the famed plays…

I also have an enduring fangirl fascination with Ben Franklin and, again, a recent televised bio-pic reminded me of my longtime interest. An inventor and the original American self-made man, he evokes my deep admiration for his role is making our democracy work via his depth of wisdom and extraordinary diplomatic skills.

He’s one of the faces on our money – quick, which coin or bill?

.I crave an audience with Marcus Aurelius. Every time I read one of his quotes, I am astonished by his contemplative wisdom, as well as how relevant it is to current life. His Meditations are on my bookshelf, and, now that I think of it, I should pull my book and peruse it. How much better would this world be if folks lived by these words: “If it is not right, do not do it; if it is not true, do not say it.”

Because we’re midway through the Lenten season, time with flesh-and-blood Jesus comes to mind… Wait, not that! Because then I’d be dead, I think I’ll stick with my daily prayers.

BTW, I’ve written on this topic recently. Read it here: https://www.pjcolando.com/dining-with-excellence-and-flair/