He wanted to stay home. He spent the whole car trip grumbling, moaning, and complaining. That monkey boy of ours is sometimes like a grumpy old man, but before we had even finished parking he was trying to leap out of the car. He saw the ocean and had to get closer. Scampering over rocks, collecting sticks, stones, and other beach debris; he quickly went to work. I stood by watching, documenting, and grinning to see the sudden transformation from grumpy monkey to focused land artist. And then the rain started to come down a little harder, the waves started creeping closer, and we knew it was time to head back home.
Curious about land art? Check out this great interview with Richard Shilling at The Artful Parent. We got started several years ago after discovering Andy Goldsworthy's work. Highly recommend any of his books and this excellent documentary. And this flickr group. And then try it yourself. It's good for rainy days, sunny days, and especially grumpy days.
It was a hard trip, the kind you never want to think about making, but a good one. Some crying, some remembering, some closet cleaning, some laughing, some good southern food, and some singing (I taught the girls some camp songs that I am sorry to say will probably drive Jill crazy over the next few weeks!). Jill and I have known each other for nearly nineteen years. We met on our first day at Mary Baldwin College. We have celebrated marriages, babies, careers and other good milestones together. And we have also been there during hard times for each other. She was there during my dad's last week of life. And now this. There is a lot to be said for so much history together. Makes me very grateful for our friendship and so glad that I was able to make the trip.
Actually the whole trip filled me up with gratitude. Seeing how so many have reached out to Jill and her family. Being surrounded by reminders of Flip and his love for Jill and their girls, his dedication, and his fun-loving spirit. Realizing how lucky I am to be returning home to an amazing husband, two wonderful kids, loyal friends, a house full of books, and a garden full of lettuce ready for picking. Gratitude is a good thing.
He wanted to stay home. He spent the whole car trip grumbling, moaning, and complaining. That monkey boy of ours is sometimes like a grumpy old man, but before we had even finished parking he was trying to leap out of the car. He saw the ocean and had to get closer. Scampering over rocks, collecting sticks, stones, and other beach debris; he quickly went to work. I stood by watching, documenting, and grinning to see the sudden transformation from grumpy monkey to focused land artist. And then the rain started to come down a little harder, the waves started creeping closer, and we knew it was time to head back home.
