Friday 8 June 2007

Inspire Me Thursday: World Traveler



I can't believe it's been four years since I was in Paris. Newly divorced and eager to start "la nouvelle vie," the kids and I took an opportunity to visit France for a few weeks with a school group. Traveling with two small children (ages 5 and 2) was certainly not easy, but the journey proved that we could stand on our own and still enjoy life. Our series of adventures (enjoying the basket swings at the Luxembourg Gardens, savoring dessert crepes in Brittany, riding the trains through the countryside) and misadventures (losing a shoe on the Metro and trying to find a laundromat in La Rochelle) allowed us to build up our confidence after a year of struggle.

I did this sketch today based on a few photos taken in Paris exactly 4 years ago. Enjoying the sun in the courtyard of the Louvre; the children getting messy with pastels after viewing the masterpieces; the majesty of the architecture and the the simple pleasure of feeding the birds --- moments like this make all the challenges worthwhile.

8 comments:

Patricia J. Mosca said...

Oh Lea..this is beautiful! And the strong sense of knowing that you had to take your children on this adventure to find your strength is GRAND! I too was a mother who when newly divorced took a 2 year old and a 4 year old and moved from NY to San Diego. Leaving behind for 5 years the comfortable life of friends and family....THE BEST THING BESIDES ART I HAVE EVER DONE...oh..and besides coming back and finding my new soul mate of 21 years!!!!!!!!!
YOU ROCK!

Patricia J. Mosca said...

Oh Lea..this is beautiful! And the strong sense of knowing that you had to take your children on this adventure to find your strength is GRAND! I too was a mother who when newly divorced took a 2 year old and a 4 year old and moved from NY to San Diego. Leaving behind for 5 years the comfortable life of friends and family....THE BEST THING BESIDES ART I HAVE EVER DONE...oh..and besides coming back and finding my new soul mate of 21 years!!!!!!!!!
YOU ROCK!

Cheryl said...

A beautiful story and a beautiful drawing! And what wonderful memories your children will have, of creating art in the courtyard of the Louvre!

megan said...

Your drawing made me smile...it's lovely and warm. A trip is a good way to do as you said...show yourself that you're still standing. Made me think of the book Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.

lee said...

I to had a smile on my face, I love your drawings, great talent.

House on the Vaal said...

This is really stunning and gives a great feeling of warmth. Wow I have great respect for you going on a trip with two little ones.

Heartful said...

This is lovely, such tender, loving detail.

Julia said...

O this is great art indeed !!!