museum walkabout

a few days ago, baby girl and i went on a museum walkabout.  it was one of those summer afternoons where there were no plans in the works and we just needed to get out the house for a bit to stretch our legs and open our minds.  after filling our bellies for lunch we ventured off to explore the nelson's sculpture park, some glorious paintings, and all that awaited us.  it was her, i, a stroller, and some water.  all the essentials for a superb walkabout. 

there was a solar powered instillation that had an outdoor room created out of chalkboard paint.  stella and i sat on the floor and covered ourselves in chalk dust, leaving our mark in various shapes, lines, and squiggles.  i can not get over how well she was holding that piece of chalk.  such a determined little turkey, indeed!   she knew its purpose and intended on making some art, having watched her mama doodle nearby.  my baby is growing up. 

we had fun roaming around the museum's grounds, following paths we have never been down, and going through doors that welcomed us into new, unfamiliar spaces.  the air was hot, heavy, and humid so we decided it would be best to go pay a visit to our dear friends indoors:  monet, van gogh, gauguin, and lautrec.  but only because it was hot.  ;)  

as we walked around looking at these masterpieces stella spotted a "puppa" so we had to go say hello.  the bright colors in gauguin's painted attracted her wandering eye and prompted a tiny finger to point in the air.  that moment made me so proud as a mama.  it's amazing seeing the spark go off and connections being made in your baby's eyes.  she is learning and having a beautiful experience that is shaping her as a little human and future woman of the world.  i don't think i will ever forget her little finger pointing at the puppa that day.

on our way out, we had a chat with the thinker, rodin being my husband's favorite sculptor, and come to think of it favorite artist, before heading for the shade on the pathway near the exit.  there we sat and baby girl had one thing on her mind: hugs for mama.  a perfect end to a museum walkabout, if you ask me.  i encourage you to visit your city's local museum{s} and soak up all that culture with your wee one!

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