Getting out.
The first thing to do after having been cooped up in our homes for so long was to get out.
For many it was done with baby steps. When weather permitted, those in my house always went for a walk. It felt like we were connecting with our neighborhood. Even if we rarely saw anyone. Now that spring has arrived we are seeing more people. And I’ve observed that generally people are keeping a distance when they meet each other on the sidewalk or street. It’s nice to have considerate neighbors.
When my children come to visit we wear masks as not everyone is fully vaccinated yet. It will be great when we can see each other face to face. But for now it is good to breathe, uninhibited, the warm spring air. To dig in the garden, and see my husband relaxing in his hammock. I was so inspired by this wonderful sense of freedom that I ran for my paints and a lawn chair and did a quick plein air painting. Something I hadn’t done in quite a while. The gouache sketch I am posting.
The next big thing will be getting out on the road again. With nice weather we pulled out the motorcycle and enjoyed our first ride of the season. But that was just around some local roads. It will be nice when we can travel further, stay in different towns, be brave enough to use public spaces. I love road trips. The road always seems to be calling us. And I am eager to hear the stories it will tell us.
What is the road telling us?
In past travels we’ve discovered so many different regional celebrations, and flavors of life experience. It’s going to take some courage to be out in new places again. To not fear touching something, and talking with strangers will seem scary at first. Not setting out on new journeys, however, just isn’t an option. The road is out there. It will soon be time to travel again. As long as we are still staying close to home pick up a new book to read and share. Build your courage to be ready to hear What The Road Said. Enjoy this picture book encouraging us to keep moving forward.