Spring on La Grande Jatte

May 17, 1884

Dear Diary,
Spring has finally arrived, and its a welcomed change from the bleak winter. During
lessons with Eliza, a sudden yet soft breeze made its way through the window. The air in the
room became crisp and refreshing, and brought the sweet fragrance of the court yards freshly
bloomed cherry blossom trees. For a moment the smell consumed me. I couldnt help but close
my eyes an envision myself standing among springs bright verdant leaves and blush hued buds
as they danced around me. In that instant I decided that to remain indoors would be a disservice
to my niece and I.
I then posed to Eliza the idea of a trip to a nearby park. She immediately became elated at
the notion, quickly stowed away her writing assignment, and placed her favorite bonnet upon her
head. It was slightly amusing to witness such a flurry of activity from a child who had moments
ago appeared so sedate. I followed Elizas lead and donned my bonnet. With parasols in hand, I
led Eliza through the streets of Paris. We arrived at the harbor just in time to catch a ferry ready
to depart to La Grande Jatte.
Upon arrival to the island, I became aware of the tranquility that seemed to permeate the
park. Although there were a fair amount of visitors today, the atmosphere lacked the bustling
intensity of the Parisian streets I frequent. The calm was gratifying and I was thoroughly satisfied
with my decision to escape from Elizas academic chores.
The island seemed a visual oasis. Besides the array of newborn foliage, the parks
inhabitants offered up a variety of spectacles to keep Eliza and I engaged and conversed during
our aimless stroll. Offshore the water was teaming with sailboat going to and fro. Most of the

individuals who set sail seemed to have done so for leisure purposes. At one point I caught Eliza
looking to the water with a sense of confusion upon her face. She had set her eyes on a team of
rowers. I questioned her thoughts at that moment, and she related her confusion over the
individual barking commands at the rowers. I informed her that the individual was known as
coxswain and that they maintain a position at the head of the boat so they can instruct the team
on maneuvering the boat. Eliza seemed satisfied by this explanation, and we continued to peruse
the park.
While walking through I noticed a pair of solider. Their saunter revealed a lack of current
professional duty, but their presence still produced a sense of authority. Many of those who
visited the park had seated themselves on the recently trimmed grass. I casually watched a
woman as she busied herself with knitting, while her company sat beside her fixated on the
distant expanse as if in deep contemplation. Eliza giggled at the sight of a woman fishing by the
short. It wasnt the fishing made Eliza smile, it was the position of the woman's bonnet. Eliza
thought it was silly that a woman should wear her hat so low down on her face. I, too, wondered
at the purpose of wearing a hat in that way. Im convinced the woman must of meant the hats
position to be a jest.
Sadly, I saw know painters out at the park today. Normally, this is the time of year when
impressionists and pointillist flock to the island to catch to observe how the sunlight plays off the
landscape. Though no painters were in sight, the park was not completely without an artists
presence. A musician playing a trumpet graced the park playing a mellow tune which only added
to the tranquility of the atmosphere.
As we reached a stoping point for our stroll, Eliza and I came upon a startling sight.
There in front of us, a monkey stood seeming to prod a small do into chasing after a larger

canine. Puzzled at first, I held Eliza back from her impulse to pet the foreign creature. Then I
realized that the monkey was being led on a small leash held by the woman directly beside it.
What initially alarmed me now invoked the inquisitor in me. I engaged with the owner and she
informed me that the monkey was a gift to her from her husband who frequently traveled to
Africa and always acquired her some bizarre or exotic souvenir. I was charmed when I learned
about how a monkey came to be the pet of a Parisian, and I allowed Eliza a few moments to
interact with the small primate.
When we parted from the exotic pet owner, Eliza and I searched for a resting place. We
found the perfect spot underneath the shade of a tall chestnut tree. Eliza sat for a brief period of
time before she sprung up and began to sway and twirl in the sun. She danced slowly along with
the low notes of the trumpeters song. As she continued her impromptu performance, I found
myself gazing out towards the river which I had traveled across to reach my current refuge. The
cerulean skys color reflected upon the surface of the water, and sunlight bounced of the gently
rivers waves. It seemed as if I were staring out at a sea of sapphires.
As I sat taking in the blue and green expanse, a soft breeze began to blow. This time I
didnt have to imagine myself standing while the leaves and blooms of spring frolicked around
me. All I had to do was stand up with open eyes and embrace spring as it danced around me.