It's All in How You See It

 

Growing up with a professional artist as my dad granted me the privilege to see things differently than most people might. Take the blanket of snow on a hillside we were passing. “See that? See how blue it appears? If I were to paint it that color, no one would believe me.” I saw it. I believed him.

Then there was our roadtrip to the Grand Canyon. Did my dad drive directly to any old vantage point? Of course not. He drove, stopped, got out of the car, took a look, then drove on. Once. Twice. Three times. On the fourth, he parked for real but had us promise we’d keep our eyes shut as we walked. "Open them," he finally said. 

There it was!

The overwhelming, ever-expansive, panoramic depth. How many people are privileged to first see such a sight from that perspective? I can still feel the awe. In fact, I wish I could lead you there myself. 

The best I can do, though -- strive to do -- is to bring moments like that to my readers, moments that no one sees coming.