Friday, July 22, 2011
Fridays Downtown
On Friday mornings in the summer, I teach an independent study class at the Southwest School of Art. Everyone chooses their own projects to work on. There are usually 3-4 "regulars" who come for the wet studio and large print tables, the comraderie and guidance on their projects. There are also usually 2-3 new people. I love this class because it is inspiring to see how the projects progress over the eight weeks. I also love that the regulars are very welcoming to the newcomers and are generous in sharing their knowledge.
I also love the opportunity to be downtown. I usually come in early on Friday mornings to take a walk before class. As I walked along the riverwalk this morning, and through the hemisfair plaza (site of the 1968 world's fair) I realized how I take my city for granted. San Antonio is a great city. It has a vibrant art community, a beautiful riverwalk, interesting historical areas and some hidden garden gems. It's a large city, but it has the feel of a much smaller place.
The riverwalk and hemisfair park were pretty quiet at 8 am. There were a few people walking hurriedly to their jobs. A few smiled and nodded, but most didn't make eye contact, lost in their thoughts. I was struck by how lucky I am, not only to live in such a great place, but also to have a "job" that allows me to take the time to enjoy my city.
Here's a challenge for you all this week - allow yourself time to enjoy the unique aspects of your city. I'd love to hear about it!
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I live in a small coastal town in Maine called Searsport. At one time there were more sea captains living here than anywhere else on the east coast. We have a wonderful sheltering bay and boat building was also an integral part of the community. Although commercial seafaring is no longer a part of Searsport's present, we still have lobster fishing, shrimp and scallop fishing. Searsport is home to the Penobscot Marine Museum, lovely bed and breakfasts in the home of former sea captains and Bluejacket Shipcrafters, a very famous model ship building business. The summers are cooler than elsewhere in Maine and the winters warmers because of our ocean location. The people are friendly and we have a huge arts community both visual and performing. I call it paradise. It is green and blue and filled with salt air and the happiest place on earth for me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for asking.
Sounds heavenly! And I'm sure many envy you the cool weather.
ReplyDeleteHey Lisa!
ReplyDeleteWe're in the city (Atlanta) for the weekend. Most folks do the reverse of us: go to the country and the lake for the weekend, but we enjoy our city time. We park the car in the condo's parking deck and walk everywhere for two days - meals, movies, a little bit of shopping at Trader Joe's, the High Museum, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, and the Fox Theater if we are lucky enough to have show tickets. People are very friendly here too. We enjoy taking our dog on long walks through the nearby neighborhood and eating at outdoor cafes, with Barker laying politely at our feet. The only thing that seems to be missing is your art school and your independent study class......oh how I would love to be a part of that!
xo
Sounds like a fun weekend. Wish I could join you at Trader Joes!
ReplyDeleteGreat readd thank you
ReplyDelete