While in L.A., my sisters planned a lovely little day trip to the Griffith Park Carousel. "We have carousel's in New York," I said, but they persisted. So we packed up a picnic, complete with sparkling lemonade in glass bottles, and made our way to the center of the park. And lo and behold, it was marvelous new adventure. Unlike the carousels here in the city in Dumbo or Bryant Park or Central Park, the Griffith Park Carousel was free of tourists, or really much of anyone at all. Tucked away on a field behind a little forest it sat, looking regal as its century-old horses made their rounds. Bunches of candy-colored balloons quietly twisted in the wind on the edge of the wrought iron fence, and creepy old accordion music drifted through the air each time it turned on. It felt like it had been waiting there just for us. I don't know what it is about carousels that makes them so ridiculously perfect, but as we bought our tickets my heart filled with excitement. The kids each climbed upon their carefully chosen horses and waited while we hopped up with them and fastened the old leather straps around their waists. The music started in, the horses began to wobble up and down, the world began to spin, and we were off! With full bellies and faces full of wonder, Biet and her cousins flew around and around, slowly at first, and then faster and faster. Soon we were holding on with all of our might, beaming ear to ear with the wind in our faces, and throwing up a hand to wave each time we saw baby Lucien on the sidelines. I could have stayed there all day. I'm so grateful for these sisters of mine who never let me forget that we can adventure like kids regardless of how old we are. It was pure magic.
