We got out of town this weekend. My husband booked a night in a bed and breakfast in Richmond, across the street from and owned by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA). It’s an actual B&B, not an Airbnb. I find myself struggling to say “B&B” without the “air” on front anymore. I’d almost forgotten these still exist, and it’s such a pleasure that they do. The innkeeper put a cheese plate in the fridge for us, which is a delight. We’re nibbling on it now as we rest our feet after getting lost in our wanderings through the museum.

I knew we were coming to Richmond, but I didn’t know about the B&B, nor did I know about the art museum. This means I also didn’t know there was a Frida Kahlo exhibit. I don’t know much about Kahlo, except that she’s instantly recognizable. She’s an icon. Portraits of her are arresting.

The exhibit was packed, which confirmed to us that we need to plan our trip to the Louvre smartly so that we don’t feel like cattle. The further into the exhibit we went, the more air and space we could find. This worked out great for me, because that’s was where the portraits I wanted to see were. The colors in the color photos! The drama in the black and whites! But really, the colors. They’re irresistible. They suck you in.

I spent a while with that final one. There’s so much to contemplate.

After the Frida exhibit, Brian and I wandered upstairs, which was much quieter. We saw the Fabergé eggs, which were as opulent as you would expect and are amazing to see in real life. They sparkle with gemstones and intricate gold filigree and are so beautiful. I also got to see a Van Gogh that for some reason moved me to tears. I don’t know why. It just made me feel, I don’t know, wonderful.

Tomorrow we’ll visit the botanical garden. I can’t wait to see what’s blooming! Maybe I’ll get ideas for my own flower beds at home.

Describe a positive thing a family member has done for you.