I think I like the idea of a picnic more than I actually like picnicking itself. Lounging around on a patchwork quilt, looking out over a beautiful view, nibbling on cheese and crackers, and sipping a glass of Chardonnay – that’s the way I picture picnicking… relaxing, idyllic, and maybe even romantic. Thus, my request for a picnic basket for my birthday …
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| 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″, ink and watercolor |
Reality never seems to measure up to my fantasy, however. When I got the brilliant idea to take a picnic lunch up to the top of the hill one gorgeous day this past June, it didn’t exactly work out as planned. That was before I had my well-equipped new picnic basket, so we had to pack paper plates, forks, napkins, cups, etc., as well as food, drinks, a blanket, and water for the dog. By the time I finished gathering all the supplies and food, I was almost too tired to go!
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| Detail, 1-1/4″ x 1-3/4″ |
Smiling, laughing, enjoying the day, we spread the blanket in a shady grove near the woods and turned to get the tote bag with the food. Suddenly, we were invaded by a huge swarm of flies – hundreds, maybe even thousands of them! They were everywhere! Shouting, swatting, grabbing the blanket, we threw everything back in the bag, jumped on the four-wheeler and zoomed out the there.
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| Detail, 2-1/4″ x 2″ |
Undaunted, we next chose a bright, sunny spot on the crest of the hill to have our lunch. Sunshine, beautiful views, good food, (and no flies) – what more could you want, right? But after a few minutes, that noontime sun started to cook us, then Buckley ran up, panting and slobbering all over our lunch, and the first few ants managed to find our plates. We looked at each other, and, without saying a word, I could see my husband was thinking the same thing I was, “Why did we ever think this would be a good idea?”
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| Detail, 1-1/2″ x 2-1/4″ |
But hope springs eternal, and I haven’t given up on picnicking. With all it’s discomforts, it’s still fun to have a change of scenery and a little adventure once in awhile. And now I have a really cool new picnic basket to do it with.
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| Detail, 2-1/4″ x 2-1/4″ |
2 Comments
When I call my best friend to ask if she wants to go on a picnic, it means that I am bringing up lunch and we have it on her lovely shady front porch. The basket is openned with excitement to see what I have made, and after lunch, we wash the dishes before they go back into the basket so that it's all set to go for the next picnic.
First, let me say that I love your basket. It looks very organized and well equipped. I hope you get lots of use out of it.
Second, I'll say that picnics are only fun when you are in your 20s! At that age you don't care about bugs or sun, only each other. My favorite picnic requires only a bottle of wine, a block of cheese and some crackers. And the blanket. And a shady spot. With a breeze. Without bugs. See what I mean? 🙂