Yesterday I went to the Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum in the Fenway area of Boston. It is located adjacent to the Longwood Medical area, where I spend a good deal of time professionally. I was leaving the Harvard Med School when I realized that I hadn’t been to the museum since my return to Boston!

I have always loved this Museum. There are many reasons. I love that Isabella Stuart Gardner put together the whole collection, built the place specifically to display her collection as she saw fit, then turned it into a museum on her death. A part of her will states that nothing can e changed in the museum. No new acquisitions, no moving of the art, no loaning of items. It all must remain as she had it upon the moment of her death. Such a magnificent force of will and determination!

I love the art here! Old masters, tapestries, illuminated manuscripts, books, sculptures, gardens. It’s all amazing. It is a very peaceful and contemplative place in the midst of the bustling city. I have come here in times of inner conflict to walk the halls and think about what I am about.



My favorite room is the Raphael room on the second floor. It is a red room lined with exquisite paintings. The light on a sunny day illuminates the old paintings in ways that just fascinate me. It seems that every time I am in this room I find some new detail that was put there by Mrs. Gardner. She created a particular setting in the rooms so that every item works together to accent her favorite pieces. Everything in the museum is connected by her ideas and tastes.

I have tried to present myself in a similar way. I have given thought to the way that my life and accessories have been arranged. I surround myself with things that have meaning to me. Everything in my life has a story behind it. I like to look at something and have memories come to me. Every glance brings me to another time or place in my life. I am fortunate that my memories are full of love and happiness.

I plan to become a member of the museum so I can spend some more time in the company of Mrs. Gardner.

"Years ago I decided that the greatest need in our Country was Art… We were a very young country and had very few opportunities of seeing beautiful things, works of art… So, I determined to make it my life's work if I could." - Isabella Stewart Gardner, on the creation of her Museum, 1917

What I did in 2008

What I did in 2008
By Brad Coyle

January 2008 started off great with New years in Ft. Lauderdale. I then went right out to ski in Colorado with my Heterosexual-Life-Partner Craig. We toured the Coors Brewery, I made $300 gambling, and we skied Copper and Winter Park.
February 2008 found me bouncing between Florida and Alabama for work. I really like Mobile and Gainesville. Mid month I stole up to Maine for two days of skiing. I need to get in shape for Austria.
March found me in Austria skiing in St. Anton with Dave Falkenstern, Dave Hassel, and Mike Altreuter. It was Falkensterns Bachelor party. But he was already married. It really doesn’t matter because he was sick half the trip anyway. Wuss. I was not in shape for the Alps. I am still not in shape for the Alps. I hope I am in shape for the Appalachians.
April found me up to Atlanta for Training. Good times. I also took my Mom to NYC for the weekend. I checked out one of those time share things. We shopped a bit and hit some museums. The Met and MOMA are good. The Natural History museum is not. Taxis rock.
The last weekend in May Alex came to town for his Bachelor Party. That’s all I have to say about that. I went camping out to Cayo Costa on the west side of Florida. That was great. I have never seen sunsets like that. Luis and Hillary kept me company on the drive out.
June had me on Long Island for some training. Then I went straight to Colorado for a backpacking trip. I climbed a mountain on about two hours of sleep. It was great to see Dave, Dave, Darren, Craig, Jason, and Blee. We saw no movies. Then climbed another mountain. We decided to go out again this year rafting.
In July Alex got married to Katie. I was in the wedding as the best man. I gave a speech and wore a kilt. It was awesome. If I could wear a Kilt everyday I would. It was in Chicago so I got to see Carolyn Wrobel before the wedding. She was blind, but we had fun anyway.
In August I made few trips to Boston to find an apartment. I decided to live with my cousin Mathew. Good choice. My Mom came down to Miami and we packed up all my belongings. Steve Bluestein introduced me to Noel who introduced me to Dorothy. They are all my friends. Drove from Miami, to Savannah, to DC, whre I stayed with the Dwyers, then to NYC where I stayed with Julia and Craig.
In September I moved to Waltham. The HAM! Weird to be back. I hosted a child friendly birthday party for myself. I caught up with Mandrus, Johanna, and Damien. My Cousins ex girlfriend introduced me to my current girlfriend Lori. Lori is awesome! I took a road trip to Rochester NY to teach about confocals.
In October I got to spend ten days in Woods Hole on the Cape teaching a Microscopy course. That was fun and the weather was fall beautiful. I hope to be able to do that again. Then it was off to New Orleans for PUNKS 08. Much happened. I’m not going to tell you about any of it. To protect the innocent, and those who went to jail.
In November I got serious with Lori. I got to spend Thanksgiving Day with my folks. Then I got drunk twice in one day by 5 pm going to see Alex and Katie in Nebraska. I got drunk a lot that trip. I spent a lot of time at Harvard, Yale and up in Hanover New Hampshire at Dartmouth. Dartmouth is prettier than Harvard is.
December found me working quite a bit in Maine, which made my parents happy. I learned that this year is the 25th anniversary of GI Joe toys, which were the love of my childhood. I have spent a lot more time in Toys R Us since I learned that. I spent a quiet Christmas with my parents. Then I went back to Boston and hosted a Brunch that ran for 7 hours. Crissy, Morgan, Claudia, Craig, Nerine, Eric, Little Andrew, Sam, Annie little Marion, Dave, Laura, and I were there. I saw Sarah Kennedy in from Ireland. I ate fantastic cookies at Dave and Laura’s. I met Sophie and Jared and Melissa for lunch with Dave and Maria. I kept Maria awake. The New Year preparations hit a huge snag, but recovered nicely. I welcomed in the New Year with my cousins Mathew and Michelle.
Wow, 2008 was very busy and eventful year for me. I loved it and I fully expect 2009 to be better! Big shoes to fill, but I am optimistic. Peace to you all and to all a good night!