my day yesterday
Yesterday was the little one's first day of extended preschool. From 9 am until 3 pm I was all alone. Instead of working (I'll work next Wednesday- I already have a mural scheduled.) I planned a day out on the town.
I went to the Nelson-Atkins. I rarely go. I'm not sure why. That's not true. Two small, squirrelly, squealing children. That's why. But yesterday for two and a half hours I walked around and soaked it in. Alone and unrushed it was a completely different experience.
â¢It was a misty, foggy day and it made the time feel more important. The air was thick and still. It was quieter than usual outside.
â¢Walking around inside I realized there is a complete lack of odor which somehow helped me sink into each artwork. But when someone would walk by me, I would be flooded with their fabric softener and perfume smells, and it would snap me right back. It was an interesting sensation.
â¢Even the busload of rowdy teens that arrived calmed and quieted entering the Bloch building. Where they warned ahead of time? Or is there something about entering a space like that just makes them feel a reverence for the artwork, their surroundings, the experience itself. I prefer to think the latter.
â¢I left feeling refreshed and inspired- to make art, to look at more art, to find a way to attend some of the programs and events they offer.
I may have found a first-day-of-school tradition!
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Next was a lunch date with my sweetie. We ate at The Filling Station. I asked him how long until we can move to the city. Fourteen years he said. Ah yes.
I stopped at my favorite thrift store and got a pair of navy chinos for $1.50.
Then I went and met Rachel at Panera for an iced tea (she had coffee) and we talked and laughed until time to pick up our kids. I think we scared away at least one little old guy. Sorry, little old guy!
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I hope you can find a day similar to this soon. It was most rewarding.
Comments
i would very much like a day like this. maybe when arlo starts preschool.
Posted by: hannah | September 10, 2009 9:24 AM
oh those days are priceless. it's on days like that when i realize how much i really need them, how much they refill the well.
(btw - i LOVE the filling station. such great ambiance. and food!!)
Posted by: sarah | September 10, 2009 9:30 AM
Good for you! What an awesome day! We all need to remember to take time out for us!
Posted by: Jeni | September 10, 2009 10:44 AM
I ♥ you, Alicia.
Posted by: Grace | September 10, 2009 11:16 AM
I love days like this (although I rarely take them)... good for you!
Posted by: Jennifer | September 10, 2009 4:45 PM
oh alicia! what a treat. i'm thrilled for you and for your special day and i think it would make an excellent tradition. xo.
Posted by: emily | September 10, 2009 9:38 PM
sounds like a good one :)
Posted by: beki | September 11, 2009 9:03 AM
Your day sounded so fab. Now we need to take a trip there together. :)
(and you noticed that poor guy too! I wondered how long it would take him to get tired of our talking.)
Posted by: rach | September 11, 2009 10:36 AM
I was able to visit the new Bloch building last december and it is fantastic. My husband and I spent as much time there as our 1 month old babe would allow! I also met a very interesting security guard who moonlights as a punk rock singer.
Posted by: Chelsea | September 11, 2009 5:04 PM
Hi Alicia,
Back when I lived in KC and was going to nursing school at KU Med, I, too, took a trip to the art museum and went on a tour of an Andrew Wyeth collection of paintings. It was wonderful to be alone while I went and I still remember it to this day. I love his paintings. My dad, the only other one in my family who was interested in art, was always impressed with the shuttlecocks when he would come out for a visit.
I miss Kansas City!
Laura in Naperville, IL
Posted by: Laura T. | September 12, 2009 11:53 AM
That sounds like a lovely day! It'll be a while before my parent's days out are actually a day off again. :)
Posted by: amy h | September 13, 2009 10:05 AM
Sounds like a perfect day and a perfect new tradition as well. And, please tell me where that thrift store is!
Posted by: Leslie | September 14, 2009 7:13 AM
Hello Alicia. Just found you today via Heather @ Beauty That Moves.
Our family visited the Nelson last spring break during one of our trips to the city. Love that place. It had been years since my last visit. Plan to go back soon as the exhibit I wanted to see was closed for renovating.
I like what I'm seeing here. Will be back and I plan to sneak through your archives.
Posted by: Nancy | September 24, 2009 1:02 PM