a forgotten gem

when i was a little girl, my brothers and i used to play in the huge empty field across the street from my house.  we'd create makeshift forts and hiding places (particularly for the times when my grandma would be looking for me to peel ten pounds of potatoes for dinner) in the tall, itchy california grass.  i look back at it now as somewhat of an escape...a childhood fortress away from the intense pressures of the complicated 9-year-old life.  (sorry, granny.  love you!)

i was told that the field used to be a junkyard and i vaguely recall piles of old, smashed-up, flattened cars that used to sit there.  those fugly cars have since been removed and it is now again a big, empty field with an asphalt-paved entrance to the malaekahana bike path.  and when it rains, the field transforms and it looks like we have the best view of our very own lake outside our window. 

i often forget about this convenient, neighboring field...a space to allow a safe running haven for my growing children, an endless exploring opportunity in the tadpoles and microscopic creatures lurking in the recently created lake (or swamp - depending on how your attitude glass is filled that day), a perfect kite-flying lot with no one else but us to witness our feeble kite flying skills, and a place to have a relaxing, family, sunday stroll.

 

it may be difficult for the kids to fully appreciate the possibilities of this field without the pile of rusty cars in the corner.  i think an easter croquet session should be in the works this year to instill in them a bit more familiarity with this field of possibilities for nature fun.  and then maybe now i'll know where they'll be hiding when i need someone to peel potatoes.