Last weekend was warm enough for the kids to wear shorts. I didn't think it was quite warm enough to do the same, but it reminded me of winter dips in the ocean as a kid...we were just so eager to do it that a few goosebumps were easily ignored. Regardless of attire, the warm weather meant that we all spent as much time as we could outside and in the sun. Camille and her best friend who also happens to be our neighbor set up a "picture store". They made three dollars selling their artwork, but what I really loved about the whole thing was their confidence and excitement. There were no qualms or doubts about proudly showing and selling their work. It seemed like a good thing to do, so they did it. I admire that.
This weekend will not be nearly as pleasant. Rainy, grey, cold and we will be spending most of it outside. Noah has his first big soccer tournament. The van is loaded with hand warmers, umbrellas, gloves, multiple changes of clothes, old towels and a mix of adrenaline, soccer mama pride, and dread. I wish we could have just a little bit of last weekend's warmth. But the dreary weather, doesn't seem to faze Noah a bit and he is fired up and ready. I admire that, too.
They loudly studied the Luncheon of the Boating Party authoritatively swapping snippets of knowledge about the famous image. I exited, but then turned around and sneakily captured the view of the three of them perched on the lone bench...like noisy birds on a wire. I enjoyed the view more than I enjoyed their chatter.
The Rothko room beckoned with its half lit jewel tones, but I only had a tiny slice of silence before the three ladies filled the room with their heavily perfumed opinions.
"I have never understood Rothko"
"Oh, I know what you mean. I don't understand how people find this peaceful or meditative."
" Well, what bothers me is that his work seems so static. His work never really evolved past these".
"Shut up!". I shout it in my head, but what I really want to do is shout it out loud. Be quiet. Look. And look some more.
The Phillips Collection
1600 21st Street, NW
Washington,DC 20009
***The Phillips Collection really is a wonderful place, especially if you are lucky enough to be viewing it on your own or with people you actually like. I like the size of the space, the story of the house and the collection, and the variety of pieces. And unlike, the ladies, I actually liked the Rothko room and the new wax room, too. Parking can be kind of a pain (but I think there is a public lot on Massachusetts). And there are plenty of tasty spots on Dupont Circle within easy walking distance. I am planning to head back for lunch and a second viewing with friends or I'd like to make it to one of their Sunday concerts in that fabulous music room.
Comparing cards, trading cards, and bickering about the rules. Gobbling up the pears and not daring to touch the banana chips. Four ten-year old boys desperately trying to teach themselves how to play Yu-gi-oh until they all rushed outside to play soccer.
