Hugging a Child.

I just got back from a long journey (Mexico -> San Fran -> Austin -> San Fran -> Mexico) - I drove 10 hours from Mexico to the Bay Area, flew to Austin & back to SFO, then drove back down. I went to visit family. My younger brother in Austin, my parents in the bay area... and.... most importantly- to welcome my older brother & my niece from their 2 years abroad.

My brother took a year in Israel, and a year in Rome - so that my niece can experience growing up in the places that he & his husband grew up. I haven't seen any of them for 2 years, so I wanted to be there to welcome them back to the USA.

While this isn't a painting of my niece, the experience of seeing her reminded me of this painting, so that's the one I'm sharing. I didn't want to put her down when hugging her. She's changed so much in the last 2 years, and she's such a bundle of joy. She's perfectly fluent in Hebrew and Italian now.

I think I'd like to have a kid. of my own... but... I don't think it will happen.. I like my freedom too much (for example, I can just drop what I'm doing, and go on a trip to the bay area and Austin on a whim :) ).... But I think this painting kind of captures that feeling of hugging, and not wanting to let go.

Also make sure to check out yesterday's post - It has a moving story.