Saturday at the MFA

Last weekend was Mom/Daughter weekend because my husband and sons were all out camping with their Boy Scout Troops. (Yes, they’re not all in the same troop. Don’t ask.)

Did we spend a lazy Saturday relaxing, painting our nails and eating bon bons? No!

Tirzah has recently informed me that she’d like to be an artist when she grows up. I presume this is in addition to being a mom, a firefighter, a professional soccer player and a girl scout leader – because really, who needs limits?

I told her that artists will sometimes sketch works of art that inspire them and her eyes lit up like I told her there was a unicorn waiting for her in the next room. We picked up a travel-sized sketch pad and were off first thing in the morning. Well, first thing for a Saturday, after our traditional Saturday morning donut.

The photo on the left is her sketching a beautiful silver chandelier. On the right she is posing with a Rodin sculpture – how convenient that she chose to wear a tutu for our trip. When she asked what to wear, I told her to look ‘cute’. Mission accomplished, I think.

We spent about four hours on the second floor, mostly in the Art of Europe and Contemporary Art wings. I pointed out Jesus in a few paintings and I’m pretty sure she won’t confuse Jesus and Santa anymore. (Ah, the joys of being a Jewish girl…)

She spent a fair amount of time calculating how long the European painters lived. She may be the only girl who goes to an art museum to do math.

I think her favorite exhibits were the more useful items. Beautiful desks, beds, vases, inkwells and (of course) jewelry held her attention much longer than anything else. And the phrase she used most often was, “This fascinates me.”

We’re going back again this weekend to finish up the second floor and maybe start the first floor. I suspect we’ll be going back several more times and that’s great. Any time I get to spend with my kids where we’re having fun together is precious to me.