The Ballet

I've been wanting to write about my experience with beauty and love I had this past Sunday afternoon. A former first grader invited me to watch her perform in The Nutcracker at McCaw Hall in Seattle. I skipped the Sunday School class I enjoy so much to venture to the "big" city. Mapquest and ten dollars got me safely into town and tucked in a parking garage across from the hall. A short, cloudy walk and I was seated graciously by a kindly older gentleman.

I settled into my velvet cushioned seat, saw all the moms with their daughters, and wondered what that must feel like. A little girl out with mom, holding mom's hand, feeling like a little, special princess for an afternoon. I closed my tired eyes, and enjoyed the happy excitement and love around me. I decided to enjoy it vicariously, let go of longings for missed opportunities as a little girl myself. I just stopped and enjoyed the beauty of ballet and love of little girls in pink ballet slippers.

Of course I wanted to draw once things got going. Watching the beauty of the way God designed the body, what it can do, along with the familiar and fine music was restorative. I marveled at God and His artwork in creating us.  My mind wandered off and then returned to the sweet little dancers and strong, powerful adult dancers.

I slipped into the lobby during intermission, stood in line with all the moms and daughters, missed my own girls, and bought a beautiful ballet dancer ornament. It reminds me of God's beautiful art in ballet. I placed it right on my tree when I got home. What a good memory.

Let me try a sketch of a ballet dancer. (See above.) I will try to add more detail tomorrow.