The 2009/2010 academic school year is now officially over. I attended graduation last night and begin my summer vacation this morning! I realized the other day that this will be my first summer off in 5 years; my second summer off in 8 years. I now know why I am so excited to just stay home.
I am allowing myself this weekend to decompress and then I hope to start some new summer routines on Monday - which include house cleaning, meal planning, fitness walking, daily writing and lots and lots of reading!
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| Interior with a Book (Diebenkorn) |
In the meantime I want to share a painting with you that I saw at the Nelson-Atkins Museum last week when my brother and sister-in-law came into town. As I have mentioned before, my education in the area of art appreciation has been sorely lacking in my life, but that is something that I want to remedy. I have taken it upon myself to learn more about Impressionism, and the artistic eras that come right before and right after. Somehow, however, modern art eludes me --- which just happens to be the specialty of Rodger and Liz. So....we spent some time in the European Painting section of the museum, and then ventured over to the new wing which houses the modern art. I was particularly struck by this painting, and have found myself pondering its image all week.
There is something so very peaceful, tranquil, serene about this single chair on the porch of a beach house with a well-worn book on the table. I can almost hear the ocean's waves lap the sandy beach and feel the soft shore breeze on my neck. This is heaven on earth to me. This is my ideal form of retirement. The only thing missing for me would be a cup of coffee on the table (if it were morning) - or a glass of chardonnay (if it were evening). This is all I need for total contentment.
Molly, give yourself a hug and do a little happy dance. I'm so glad you are going to have time for you!
ReplyDeleteLovely painting. My idea of relaxation indeed.
Enjoy your summer!! I love the painting!
ReplyDeleteAs a teacher, I completely get this post and wish you all the best this summer including that ideal in the lovely painting. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteMolly, I'm not sure if you are a Seinfeld fan or not but when I read your post, about officially being off for the summer and taking the weekend to "decompress", I though of George Costanza and his "Summer of George".....LOL enjoy! well deserved.
ReplyDeleteI can almost feel the waves of contentment radiating from this post! I'm there with ya girl...a beach, a glass of wine, and a book. That is how I want to spend my golden years. Nirvana.
ReplyDeleteIf I didn't like you so much I would hate you right now! Summer already!!! I still have 31 days and YES, I have been counting down. Enjoy your summer of freedom.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Molly! How nice to have a summer off! Enjoy your reading and your freedom.
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised at how early you get out...we don't get out until June 16th and then school starts after Labor Day. I hope your summer goes just the way you want it to and that you have several wonderful months of sheer bliss and reading!
ReplyDeletePeace, happiness, contentment, all seems to be the theme of your post. So glad you have three months ahead of you to do all the things you want. Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to summer! I hope you have fantastic one! We have two more weeks until summer is officially here.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a relaxing summer! I need some lessons in art appreciation myself. It doesn't help that I find museum-hopping somewhat boring. I really feel like I should enjoy it more. At least art isn't confined to museums! That's a great painting, btw.
ReplyDelete--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric
That is a lovely painting.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm glad your vacation has started ... I think you need some quiet time to relax and just be!
I'd love to sit in that chair and read! Glad your vacation has started and you will have the chance to rest and read!
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