Rainy Day Excursions

Rainy days and art museums make splendid companions. An impulse this afternoon turned into a most satisfactory outing. My five companions were quite cooperative on the whole (insert sigh of relief), and we managed to tour some of my favorite galleries. Iridescent Art Nouveau glass is one of said favorites, and Laddie was excited to see a Cassatt painting in person after learning about her in school lately. Nearby was a favorite impressionist painting with a profusion of blooms -- I love the vagueness of the scene contrasted with the meticulous detail of the faces. But the piece de resistance is that French portrait of the woman in the magnificent dress. While I wouldn't consider the artist a favorite (in fact, I'm not really fond of his other work at all!), I think it might be my favorite portrait of all time. It's stunning. The pearls appear three dimensional, and you can make out the veins in her hands. Just look at the lace and brocade! And her eyes... It's been years since I've seen it, and it still captivates me. As we wandered the galleries, I couldn't help feeling grateful that we could enjoy such a feast for the eyes (and the soul, I would argue). What a gift! 

Once we'd reached the limits of patience and attention spans (and completed the museum's scavenger hunt), we decamped to a nearby coffee shop. We had to cross a footbridge, thereby fulfilling a lifelong dream for my 8-year-old, apparently. This was arguably the preferred destination for most of our "tour group!" Especially since we sampled several pastries (the peaches and cream cupcake pictured was my favorite of the lot -- superb!). And that may have been my first candied orange mocha, but it will not be my last... 

And then home again, and off with the rain boots (but keeping the cozy woolly socks). I bought a boot jack a while back, because trying to get my wellies off when I was pregnant with Kit proved to be quite the ordeal! Even now that my calves have returned to normal size, it makes boot removal so much simpler. And it's identical to the one my parents got in England, so I enjoy the nostalgia.

Life has been so full, what with one thing and another. Somehow sweet, chubby little Kit is well on his way to his first birthday, and today is supposedly the first day of summer (but I think that must be a mistake? Last week was January, wasn't it?). I'm hoping to return to this space more regularly, but after the year we've had I know better than to make any promises. But I'm glad you could come along on today's excursion.