I set up my easel to paint, and as the shadows lengthened, my kids gathered with their new friends in front of me and played a game of ball. Lydia played with her brothers GI joes at my feet, she brought out their more wholesome sides.

I thought of how inspired I was by Sorolla’s figures on the beach, but decided to nap instead of put in the ball players into my painting. It is vacation after all.