this week Lisa, Lindsay and I declared Wednesday "Field Trip Day" and headed to the De Jung museum of art to see Georgia O'Keeffe's stunning exhibit from her days in upstate New York at lake George.

Three of the most lovely women from The Well came with us.  One is known in the Tenderloin as an artist - her work has been displayed in the community.  Another is a bundle of gentleness who loves to dress in jewel-tone colors and often wears the same color, head-to-toe.  The third, a sensitive woman who is more determined than most people I've ever known.

We wandered through the exhibit.  Chuckling over a few paintings that vaguely resembled something between bread dough and babies' bottoms.  Standing silent before giant versions of wild flowers or sunsets.  A sad pair of paintings of O'Keeffe's husband's photography studio painted after his death. One in bright sunlight - almost mirror-like. Another at evening.  Windows like empty eyes.
Brilliant, jewel-like paintings of fall leaves. Poppies, woodland jack-in-the-pulpits. A deep velvet purple morning glory.  So, so beautiful.  

Z commented that the photos of Georgia O'Keeffe appear sad. A bit removed from eye-to-eye contact.  Yet, her art is so personal. Detailed.  M loved the colors.  L, the artist, laughed and smiled her way through the entire exhibit.

Everyone voted the trip a success.  Banana bread picnic on the lawn in the warm sun.  Decided we should all get beach hats and make our next trip to see the ocean.

Three women from the TL - two have been homeless. One still is. Their lives a series of small, hard-won victories over mental illness, addiction, and family dysfunction.  Mingling with the crowds - well-dressed San Franciscans who love art and can easily afford the $25 tickets - I saw the same joy on their faces and ours. The same heart-touched reverence for beauty. 

We returned with laughter all around - and twinkling eyes.  It was good to remind each other of the beauty and life around us. 

Next trip to the ocean!