It was a cold clear night. There was a slight breeze in the air. It sent a ripple along my skin. I wish I had worn a jacket but I didn’t think that I needed one. I didn’t realize it would be this cold. I should really start watching the weather channel once in a while. When will my dad get here I’m wondering. I am outside my friend’s house waiting for my dad to pick me up and he is running late like usual but that is expected when he gets an image in his head he has to put brush to canvas and I understand this because I am the same way. He usually isn’t that late so I’m not that worried he will be here soon.

I am waiting outside because my friend Maggie is on the phone with her boyfriend Colin and I wanted to give her some privacy she would do the same thing for me and besides I know I don’t have that long of a wait. I was right not fifteen minutes later my dad shows up. He stops at the curve and I get inside.

“Sweetheart how was your day I hope it was fun, “he tells me when I get in the car with a smile on his face.

“Dad I had a blast, Maggie’s mom took us to the mall and we got some school shopping done, after we were finished with that Michael and Colin met up with us, “I was talking in a super excited voice,” then after the mall we all went to the movies, then out for coffee and then back here it was such a blast.”

“I am glad you had fun sweetheart, are you’re all packed for the trip tomorrow? Remember we are leaving early in the morning to go to the lake, “my dad tells me.

“Yeah I’m packed, I finished packing yesterday. I packed my sketch pad because I bet there will be a lot of opportunities to draw. I also want it on hand just in case I get a picture in my head that I have to put down on paper you know how I am,” I tell my dad with a wicked grin.

“You are just like me sweetheart, so of course I understand, don’t tell your mom but I did the same thing,” at that my dad laughs and of course so do I cause it really is funny. My mom knows that we will take are art stuff she grips about it for fun she knows how we are and loves us for it.