Switter, I think about this *all* the time. And one of the best pieces of parenting advice I've read so far is that on the hard days, imagine you're in the future and you've been given one day to come back and spend time with them at this age...it helps so much to remember just how fleeting each stage is.
How lovely. It's the end of summer here in western Nevada. The trees are still bright green, but tinges of gold are sneaking in to the tips of the branches. The pastures are turning brown, ready for geese to gorge on the stubs. They are practicing their flight patterns now, V's crossing the turquoise skies. Full on autumn, like you have now where you are, is hiding still around the corner of another week or two. Your beautiful imagery excites me for its grandeur. Thank you.
Thank *you*, Sue, for such a lovely comment -- and for painting such a vivid picture of what the shifting seasons look like in your corner of the world. I especially loved imagining the branches tinged with gold, and the thought of the geese practicing and getting ready for the long journey that lies ahead of them. Beautiful!
Beautiful. Acorns, walnuts, chamomile. Simple things, full of meaning. You really have captured the amber magic of the meaning and thank you for sharing with us!
"Acorns, walnuts, chamomile. Simple things, full of meaning." Jeffrey, I love how you encapsulated our time in the park so perfectly -- thank you for reading and being here!
Your writing is so refreshing; like a piece of art or a poem that touches your heart. Being in nature and surrounded by all its beauty is so blissful and you capture it so well in this essay. Thank you and I look forward to your Tuesday posts!
Thank you so much for your wonderful words, Neetu -- I'm so glad you could feel some of the beauty and bliss that Elena and I found that day in the park as well. Thank you for reading, and for being here every week! 🤍
It is absolutely a beautiful thing, and one of my favorite things about parenthood so far. By the way, I've just discovered your own lovely newsletter, Jessica, and can't wait to follow along -- discoveries of the natural world + children's book illustrations? Yes, please! 😊
Lovely! I’m so glad you included the photographs. While I’m sure they don’t quite capture the quality of the light and evening air full of birdsong and beech leaves, the colors and focus and perspective are magical. The feeling of a fleeting moment caught oh so lightly.
Thank you so much, Julie! And I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed the photos -- as much as I love painting and creating illustrations, if there's one thing I will always favor photos over artwork for, it's for light :) There's just something about the rich quality of light at golden hour that always has me reaching for my camera, and I felt like this essay just wouldn't be complete without sharing a few pictures, too ✨
I love the idea of feeling drawn to place and, by indulging the impulse, being able to have an unique experience that otherwise would pass us by. Cheers!
PS: just arrived in Copenhagen and I’m impressed with how warm the weather is and how green everything still remains.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Pat, and welcome to Copenhagen! I love that there's still so much green and warmth there to soak up. We're hovering between summer and fall here in Antwerp as well, but there's enough leaves on the ground to let us know it won't be long now :) 🍂
15 minutes, Candace. Fifteen years from now, you’ll swear it was only fifteen minutes ago when she was filling her pockets with walnuts.
Tempus fugit.
Switter, I think about this *all* the time. And one of the best pieces of parenting advice I've read so far is that on the hard days, imagine you're in the future and you've been given one day to come back and spend time with them at this age...it helps so much to remember just how fleeting each stage is.
Carpe parvulus diem.
So often I wished I could capture the moment to hold on to forever. I now trust every moment has been imprinted on my soul and that of my sons.
Thanks❤
"I now trust every moment has been imprinted on my soul and that of my sons." What beautiful words, Donna -- thank you so much for sharing them here 🤍
How lovely. It's the end of summer here in western Nevada. The trees are still bright green, but tinges of gold are sneaking in to the tips of the branches. The pastures are turning brown, ready for geese to gorge on the stubs. They are practicing their flight patterns now, V's crossing the turquoise skies. Full on autumn, like you have now where you are, is hiding still around the corner of another week or two. Your beautiful imagery excites me for its grandeur. Thank you.
Thank *you*, Sue, for such a lovely comment -- and for painting such a vivid picture of what the shifting seasons look like in your corner of the world. I especially loved imagining the branches tinged with gold, and the thought of the geese practicing and getting ready for the long journey that lies ahead of them. Beautiful!
What beautiful writing and those drawings! Just gorgeous! Thank you for capturing the quintessential Fall day with your daughter, through both.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Pam! I'm so glad you could join Elena and me for our autumn walk through the park 🍂
Beautiful. Acorns, walnuts, chamomile. Simple things, full of meaning. You really have captured the amber magic of the meaning and thank you for sharing with us!
"Acorns, walnuts, chamomile. Simple things, full of meaning." Jeffrey, I love how you encapsulated our time in the park so perfectly -- thank you for reading and being here!
Exquisite. Thank you so very, very much.
Thank you, Sheila! ✨
Your writing is so refreshing; like a piece of art or a poem that touches your heart. Being in nature and surrounded by all its beauty is so blissful and you capture it so well in this essay. Thank you and I look forward to your Tuesday posts!
Thank you so much for your wonderful words, Neetu -- I'm so glad you could feel some of the beauty and bliss that Elena and I found that day in the park as well. Thank you for reading, and for being here every week! 🤍
Glad I took the time to accompany both of you to join in on the fun & precious moments.
I'm so glad as well, Marjorie! And thanks so much for letting me know you enjoyed this 🤍
Isn't it a beautiful thing, to discover the world, again, through your children. Lovely illustrations and essay ❤️
It is absolutely a beautiful thing, and one of my favorite things about parenthood so far. By the way, I've just discovered your own lovely newsletter, Jessica, and can't wait to follow along -- discoveries of the natural world + children's book illustrations? Yes, please! 😊
I am honored! Thank you❤️
Walking in a preserve is such a treat, and autumn is ripe with adventure. Add some companions and truly a treasure.❤️❤️❤️
"Autumn is ripe with adventure." I love how you put that, Jeffrey -- that could've been the perfect alternate subtitle for this essay :)
Lovely! I’m so glad you included the photographs. While I’m sure they don’t quite capture the quality of the light and evening air full of birdsong and beech leaves, the colors and focus and perspective are magical. The feeling of a fleeting moment caught oh so lightly.
Thank you so much, Julie! And I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed the photos -- as much as I love painting and creating illustrations, if there's one thing I will always favor photos over artwork for, it's for light :) There's just something about the rich quality of light at golden hour that always has me reaching for my camera, and I felt like this essay just wouldn't be complete without sharing a few pictures, too ✨
what joy; thank you for this <3
Thank you so much, Meryl 🤍
Another lovely post! Always a delight to read. :)
Thank you, Ragha! That means so much to hear 🤍
So so nice, thank you Candace!
Thank you, Ellen! 🤍
So beautiful. Thanks.
Thank you, Pam! I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed this 🍂
I love the idea of feeling drawn to place and, by indulging the impulse, being able to have an unique experience that otherwise would pass us by. Cheers!
PS: just arrived in Copenhagen and I’m impressed with how warm the weather is and how green everything still remains.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Pat, and welcome to Copenhagen! I love that there's still so much green and warmth there to soak up. We're hovering between summer and fall here in Antwerp as well, but there's enough leaves on the ground to let us know it won't be long now :) 🍂