Ever have a perfect morning?  Thursday Dane & I had one.  It started way too early, that part wasn’t perfect, but it did all get done and that’s pretty awesome.  I got the kids off to school, had a little time to finish up loose ends at work and then it was time to meet Dane for his field trip.

Of course, when I got to the field trip, all the other moms had kiddo’s and mine was nowhere in sight.  It turns out that where I thought Kindy was bringing the kids, in reality mommies were supposed to pick them up.  Luckily it was a long field trip, I had been early, and I had time to go get him.  I know that all sounds far from perfect, but when Dane & I got back, and we had to find our group, we went  through the magic gate alone and truly experienced the other side of the looking glass.

We went to Lutz Akkermans home, atelier, gardens.  Herr Akkerman is an amazing metal artist.  I do not have words for the beauty he creates out of iron, steel, even rust.  Walking up the metal stairs to his home, under the old train car that serves as his living room, surrounded by the fantastical imagery his art evokes, it is walking into another world.  Doing that without the group, in the quiet of the morning, Dane & I both felt the beauty as well as seeing it.  Going to Herr Akkermans is an all-senses experience.

Shortly after entering the garden we found our group and met Herr Akkerman.  Dane, despite being very rambunctious, is usually very reserved meeting new people.  I expected him to hide behind me, especially give Herr Akkermans height and austere demeanor, but Dane stepped right up and shook hands.  I think he felt what I soon learned, Herr Akkerman is a kind, gentle, patient soul.  I loved him, his home and his art.

The next two hours flew by, and we had one great moment after another.  Herr Akkerman shared how he works, special pieces and why he created them.  He let us explore, and touch and interact with his work.  It was two hours spent in beauty and fantasy.  It was a perfect morning.