A Small Adventure Before Sunset
Where Curiosity Led Us That Afternoon
This happened last week, an experience I will keep in my heart.
After working on my illustration, I found myself browsing flower photos online. I’ve always loved flowers, and suddenly I felt the urge to go outside and look for unique wildflowers. I brought my two little kids, four and three, and we went to the abandoned golf course close to our home. It was a quarter to four in the afternoon and we brought biscuits and water with us.
It felt really good exploring with my children. I felt like a child myself, playing alongside two little ones. They had so many observations and questions about their surroundings.
We stopped by a big pile of rocks and ate our snacks while sitting on top, taking in the view.
They were full of appreciation for the place. It was breathtaking and exactly what I needed. After that, we found a spot where we could stay for a while. From there, we could see the meadow with cows feeding on the grass, the mountains beyond the next ridge, the city view, the horizon and even the ocean from afar.
The sunset was especially lovely, growing more dramatic as time passed and giving the place a dreamy afternoon glow. There were also groups of birds on the ground, and my kids would run toward them just to see them fly up together. I know the birds were probably eating, but my children were innocent in their joy and I let them be. I couldn’t resist their laughter as they watched the birds. It was priceless.
I had brought my sketchbook and drew some of the beautiful views that inspired me. While I sketched, I let the kids play on their own running barefoot, lying on the grass, picking up stones and wildflowers they lovingly handed to me. We noticed many birds flying back and forth in front of us and above our heads.
As time passed, the sky in the distance turned deeper shades of blue and purple, with touches of pink clouds. I pointed them out and the kids admired the colors, naming them with excitement. They kept asking if we could stay a little longer or even sleep there and live there. I found it incredibly sweet.
When it was time to walk back home, they said goodbye to the birds, cows, goats, and frogs, promising that we would come back.
My children loved the experience so much and were very vocal about it. How much they loved the birds, how clean the air felt, how freely they could breathe, run and lie down on the grass. It was a short adventure, but it felt like so much had happened. I will carry it in my heart forever.
It’s moments like these that remind me how little it takes to feel fully alive. The simple joy of noticing, exploring and being present. Watching the world through my children’s eyes, I’m reminded to slow down, breathe and appreciate the small wonders around me. It’s amazing how a short stroll, a pile of rocks and a few wildflowers can fill hearts with wonder that stays long after we return home.