Summer is often the season for moving. Our family regularly moves to new adventures following my husband's job; friends move nearer or farther or to new places we will visit; neighbors move in and out, changing the dynamics of the neighborhood. Having had twelve different addresses since graduating from undergrad in 2000, moving is nothing new- a part of me looks forward to the adventure, and a part of me longs for the day we will finally settle-in, find a home and plant a garden and get to know our neighbors without having it all change again in a few years.
For now we must continue with our "goodbyes." Even when it is just "goodbye for now," it is still hard. And saying goodbye to the children of neighbors and friends is sometimes the most difficult. I've watched them grow in the time that our lives have overlapped. Our families have shared adventures. They have played with my son and taught him important lessons in friendship, sportsmanship, tree climbing, minecraft, and other aspects of life. Sure, our families will keep in touch, but they will change much more (and I will miss seeing it happen) than their parents. It is hard and a part of me grieves.
This year it seems like nearly everyone moved, ourselves included. So I used a little painting therapy to help me through. If I could have painted a picture of every child that I will miss seeing outside my window or playing in my living room, I would have. But moving means months of disruption and chaos and little or no time behind my easel. Fortunately, two very important paintings were finished this spring before I packed up my studio.
The three Mitchell kids are picking apples - one of the many adventures we shared with them in Virginia over the past three years. I love these kids and saying goodbye was so difficult!
Climbing Trees is an acrylic on canvas painting of our wonderful neighbors, the Crooks, climbing the maple tree out front with my son, Calvin. These kids were outside with Calvin nearly every day, running and climbing (stone walls and trees), and were a big part of our lives - they opened their hearts and doors to us from the moment we moved in. They will bring warmth and friendship wherever they live.
Moving season is winding down for us. We are settled into our new address in Herndon, VA, getting to know the area and slowing meeting neighbors and making new friends. My studio is mostly unpacked, though I have not yet found my way back in. I will soon enough, with new projects to work on.
Happy adventures to all who find themselves moving this summer. I wish you the best!