The Power of a Nearby Staycation: Discovering New Parenting Insights
Pedernales River in Johnson City, TX
“Travel can be anywhere, it’s not measured in miles.”
Have you heard of Maycember? It’s a thing, and for many families it can be more hectic than the holiday season. Last year our family had full schedules in May, and this year appeared to be going in the same direction. Since we knew it was going to be a full month, a few friends and I got together and decided to plan a quick staycation moms getaway.
This was a mom’s getaway to the adorable town of Johnson City, TX. We had planned this vacay for months, and we were all excited to relax. Since there were 3 of us, we could easily ride in the same car around town, make decisions about activities, enjoy watching the river flow, drink wine in peace, cook what we wanted (aka adult flavorful food) and go with the flow. Hehe, yes, yes, I know it’s a silly joke, but the river inspired me!
I went into the weekend with one goal – just taking it easy. But, as usual, I was also educated, and able to reflect while on my vacay. We can all learn from places just outside our communities, and this was no different. Although this town is only about 45 minutes from where I live, it still feels like an environment unlike my own. Finding parking on the street is fairly easy, people don’t rush you while driving, there’s a main square which is simple to navigate, most people have land where they live, there’s one grocery store, and time doesn’t feel rushed when you are there.
For one of our activities, we decided to visit the Boyhood Home of President LBJ. Since two of us had never visited the museum or home, we were interested in learning more about the early life of our 36th President. While touring the home we were told stories by the National Park Ranger and given facts to help paint the picture of LBJ’s childhood.
The most inspiring part of the tour was a piece of artwork above the fireplace in their home. This artwork was in the Parlor and used by Rebekah Baines (President LBJ’s mother). I bet you see where I’m going with this…mom’s make a big impact. I found it rather interesting that a skull was above the fireplace in a room that is used to welcome guests back in those days. It might not have been hung above the fireplace when they lived there but was still used (more on that below). At first glance the artwork appears like the picture below.
Illusion photo above the mantel of the Boyhood Home in Johnson City, TX
The symbolism here was powerful to me. Things don’t always appear accurate at first glance. When we don’t take the time to stop and have a mindful moment, we can get caught off guard a bit. This artwork above the mantel was used by President LBJ’s mom to remind her children, and the children that she taught, to not always judge things at first glance.
What we might see initially could be a completely different situation than we think. Communicating with others, understanding their side, and reflecting on the reality of a situation are all keys to better understanding this artwork. Check out what the artwork looks like after a close up inspection.
Close up of the illusion photo
My college Art History professor would have a field day with the symbolism of this picture. Vanity, morality, judgment, and insecurity just to name a few. The part of me which enjoys reflecting admired this artwork for what it was: contemplative. But what I admired most wasn’t the artwork itself, but the person using it as a tool. The fact that Rebekah Baines used it as a tool to teach children in a simple and visual way was very inspiring. Once you see the woman at the dressing table, you can’t unsee it, just like knowledge.
Since I felt she was parenting in a similar style to myself and recognized that her role as a mom shaped her kids, this was a wonderful experience for me. She was using a coaching method which involved a tool decades before the coaching model was even invented – what a trailblazer! Asking questions and thinking about our environment and perspective shapes our realities, even for people living on the frontier decades ago.
This artwork made me think of several questions all asking the same basic thing. The core idea still stands the same. How could we create this scenario in a modern-day situation for our family? During our current times, how can I best relate this same type of awareness to my kids? In what ways can I show them a similar scenario which would have the same impact?
So, while this mom’s staycation was only 45 minutes away, it was a wonderful reminder that we can still find inspiration, value, and joy by visiting the next town over. Is there a place close to your home that you’ve never visited before? You never know, your next outing may inspire you!
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