Playing With Flowers

When I travel in the world, I like to bring whimsy along.  My daughter joined me for one of my projects in Southeast Asia, where I have had a seven year relationship with an aftercare home for girls that are rescued out of slavery.  Usually, when we come to visit the girls stop some of their daily activities and we take time to play.  I remember one day we brought a bag of flower petals and the girls had so much fun throwing the petals into the sky over the pond, swimming, splashing and jumping off the wall into the cool water.  The director told me that “It was a day of rest from their troubles.”

When she said this, it really meant a lot to me.  When I take my camera out to tell stories I am often playing, laughing, and interacting with those around me. It can be a bit chaotic, but it is also really fun. Play can be a way to rest; and whimsy is the art of playfulness. It can create space for joy.