From Cadillac Ranch to Enid, Oklahoma. Dark skies in Texas the night I arrived made the neon spray painted cadillacs glow against that vast background.

I arrived in Texas for a night to rest which was perfect after spending the afternoon with a bit of an unexpected detour.

The next morning I was eager to get on the road, as my next stop awaited me in Enid, Oklahoma.

I have cousins in Enid that I do not often see. In fact I had only met them a few times at a family reunion in New Jersey. About 4 years ago when my grandma was turning 92 years old was the last time we met.

I was telling my cousin and her daughter about the self portrait projects that I have done with children in different parts of the world. When I finished explaining the work and places I had been, my cousins daughter who was then 4 years old looked up at me and said, "Even Enid?"

In that moment I questioned, wondered, and thought to myseif, "Even Enid..???" I have done this project in places in different parts of the world but what would it look like if it was done in the United States in the diversity of this country. It stuck with me that thought and four years later here I am on the road to Enid!

When the sign said, entering Enid, I screamed in the car. A bit surprised even at myself that here I was in Oklahoma!

This trip has been a great practice in being present and being with what is, and enjoying and experiencing fully all that is in front of me, all those around me, everything.

I started my time with a workshop with children ages 7-11 some my cousins and some other friends of theirs. We sat in the back yard and instantly I got to know them through their art and words. The afternoon continued with games of COnnect four and a culminating game of Twister at 9pm that was quite challenging after weeks of driving but probably very necessary!

The next day I had the honor of doing a workshop at a local senior home. We sat around a table and I got to meet some of the residents as they introduced themselves to me and shared some of their lives. What a privilege. Many of them began hesistant to draw so we took time and explored what was possible on their papers as they began to work their faces lit up even brighter and we shared more through interviews and just enjoying the moment with one another.

I love travelling in this way and having these moments of pure connection through creativity. Connection with the heart of another is such an opening feeling. there was no hurry, no where to be, just there, and the afternoon quickly passed by.