mother and daughter

I adore this photo by Mark Shaw:

"Jackie swings Caroline in the shallows at Hyannis Port in 1959"

This photo just makes me feel good...I just sit and stare at it. I guess that is what good photography is meant to do. I don't know much about Jaqueline Kennedy, but I think she must have been a pretty good mom. This photo captures it all.

And it makes me think about this summer. I am actually really glad for all the time we have spent together this summer, my daughter and I. We didn't take any big family trips this year, for various reasons. So that meant she and I spent a great deal of the summer simply "hanging out" together. Doing whatever. I haven't been too concerned about doing or accomplishing anything specific...just taking it day by day.

There have been many days when we have stayed in, usually close to the fan (like today, it's just soooo hot!).
And there have been days where we've out and about. We've enjoyed time together in my studio (she painted a couple big paintings on some scrap cardboard while I did major reorganization and cleaned!), and time visiting with friends at the pool, or staying up late and enjoying the cooler night air. Places with air-conditioning, like the library, restaurants for lunch, the occasional art gallery or shop (and I've noticed she now gives me fashion advice, telling me which clothes would look good on me or which to try on!) or even just sitting and watching her tv show with her on the sofa, talking about it...what she likes about it, etc. There's so many things there to share. And it all makes me realise how many opportunities there are for me to connect more with her (when I'm not busy doing all those other things around the house!)

I think the key part of it is that it's not about doing...it's about the being. That feeling of being connected. In Spanish they use the word complicidad which in this particular context--in a relationship with another person--would translate to affinity. Something I truly hope my daughter and I will always feel when we are together...

Just as Shaw was able to capture in that single instant in 1959. Mother and daughter. Affinity...to infinity. May it always be so. :)

Comments

[lisa mitchell]

Thank you, Pia :) Yes, definitely spontaneous! that's the joy and fun of it.
My first thought was complicity, but like you said, that's got a negative to it, like being in "cahoots" with someone else, being an accomplice to something. You are right, it's knowing each other's secrets, for sure. big hugs! :)

[Pia]

Lovely, Lisa! The photo and your words and thoughts!
To me the photo tells me of a spontaneity - Jackie´s got her clothes on in the water, and they are having fun nevertheless! Wonderful!!!
The Spanish word complicidad also makes me think of the English word complicity...but not in a negative way, more in a sort of mother-daughter-pact-way. Kind of knowing each others secrets....Kwim?