Kite flying

“There was very little wind, but nonetheless, within a few minutes, after a few false starts, our kite was aloft! And we all cheered. Quetzal was suddenly alive. What I didn’t realize about kites, or about Little Cloud Kites in particular, is how much kiting is an act of creation; performance art. It’s not only the kite and its flyer who are in communion, but also the maker whose efforts have contributed, from afar, to this collaborative event in time. [...] I experienced, even as an observer, several instances of that very phenomenon, amid the bustle of my family. Words are mostly inadequate, but I would describe the sensation as a profound connection to, and awareness of the imperfect heartbreaking beauty that is being alive in the world.”

“We went to sit back down by our things. I tried fruitlessly to untangle the mess, only to make it worse. My wife said “I find these things calming, let me have a try”. And we just sat there, taking it all in. I forgot my phone at home, so we just enjoyed each others company. My wife smiled and said she felt I was more present. It was the perfect evening. Beautiful weather, kite flying, and lovely conversation. I love seeing my wife smile, so I think we’ll do things like this more often:)”

“Before kite flying, I was nervous. I was afraid that I would look dumb because I couldn’t fly a kite. The place was a very popular place and had lots of people especially on a weekend. We saw a kite that was exactly the same that we had in our hands and they looked like they were having difficulty launching it. So I was really really afraid that I bought the wrong kite. This was the kite I bought recently. And it was the very first kite I purchased in my entire life of over 20 years! But we did it!!!! It was awesome! Never did I expect that we would be able to launch and take down the kite successfully at our first try. Although it was terribly hot, I still enjoyed myself thoroughly!”