Jupiter, FL at 35 (April 6, 2012)

Kite running is the practice of running after drifting kites in the sky that have been cut loose.  It is a sport that gained notoriety after the best-selling book by Khaled Hosseini, The Kite Runner and it is still an active sport for all ages in places like Afghanistan, India and Pakistan. The winner’s kite remains flying while the loser’s kite string is cut loose, drifting free with the wind until it falls to the ground.  The person who captures a cut kite can keep it.  

In our country, we indulge in a far less competitive sport of kite flying.  You play with wind and string and try your hand at a figure eight. The beach is the perfect place to pursue the activity with children (The Hasson Girls, April 2012).

The Jupiter Lighthouse (2012) by Ava Hassson

Painting is always a great activity at any age but when I get to paint with my friend Ava,  it is special. Whenever you have an opportunity to be creative, you have the ability to experiment and express yourself.  Many adults fear it.  Ego and judgment play a big part but they miss out.  It is the reason why I enjoy spending time with Ava.  Ava has vision, an understanding of color and dimension and confidence.  She knows where she wants to go with a piece of art.  It is refreshing and fun.  Thank you, Ava. It was a wonderful afternoon.

Kites were used approximately 2,800 years ago in China, where materials ideal for kite building were readily available: silk fabric for sail material; fine, high-tensile-strength silk for flying line; and resilient bamboo for a strong, lightweight framework.

Today you can buy the coolest kites and rekindle your fondest childhood memories within blocks of you home. Go buy and fly a kite. We had a blast.

Happy Birthday,  my darling