Today there is a lovely breeze dancing through the Eucalyptus trees and bending the dry grass. It's pleasantly warm...comfortable...bright. Yesterday was lovely as well, although a bit warmer. But Friday was a killer, sending us all into the refreshingly chilly waters of a kiddie pool out back at 10pm, hiking our skirts up over our knees and relishing the sweet lap of cold water against our skin. Still...nothing quite compares to Thursday's inferno. The candles in Karen's bathroom tell all...wilting sadly over their holders, resembling something unmentionable and inspiring childish giggles. :)
Despite the unbearable heat, it's been a lovely vacation. I spent my first two weeks in Marin County, enjoying time with my family there. I found myself watching my nephews closely and marveling at how quickly they are growing. I could spend hours watching them busily going about their play and never tire of their antics. Skyler fearlessly straps into his kneepads and drops into his half-pipe, confidently pumping between the slopes while Aiden climbs the tree overhead, giggling as he traverses the branch directly above me, silently inviting me to snap a few shots of his million dollar grin. And my niece, Ariana, is an endless source of pride for me, so full of creativity and an abundance of talent, gracefully growing into a young woman who meets my eyes directly. They are such wonderfully unique souls and I love watching them evolve. There is something about living at a distance that clarifies there growth and makes me appreciate them even more. They make me smile, wide and deep.
I have been with Karen in Burlingame since Thursday night. Her space has always had a calming effect on me, so I suppose it's fitting that I should finish my trip here. We took a little jaunt to SF yesterday to visit the SFMOMA and take in the Lee Friedlander show. It was interesting to see so much of his personal work...so many unexpected shots full of humor and simplicity and yet so many that were layered and chaotic. I was particularly taken by his shots of musicians in New Orleans, taken in the 50's. Needless to say, I left with a pocketful of inspiration and an itching to see more. So, today we intend to make our way to the city again, this time to see the Annie Leibovitz show at the Legion of Honor and then for a cocktail at the newly remodeled Cliffhouse on Ocean Beach. It's been nice to spend a bit of time in the city I used to call home. Driving through her streets I find myself suddenly enamored, charmed by San Francisco. I suppose it takes a lengthy absence to remind me why I love a place. This is a lovely city, full of absolutely lovely people.
Speaking of lovely people, I had the pleasure of spending time with some of my old Burning Man buddies last night. I haven't seen these beautiful faces in nearly three years, so I was happy for the few hours in their presence. It was nice to hear their stories and just to be around them. They are all such affectionate people, generous with their smiles and laughter. It made me miss the Playa and wish that I could warrant making the trip to the desert again this year. Unfortunately, it would be difficult to make it work. Perhaps next year...
I fly home on Tuesday, and, while I am happy to be going home, I find myself wishing I had just a little bit more time here. This is always the case. Wouldn't it be lovely to be able to exist in two places at once....