women holding things

‘One day at a farmer’s market I saw a woman carrying an absolutely gigantic pumpkin.

When I asked to photograph her, she looked annoyed.

For some reason, I was delighted by her crankiness.

It seemed so authentic and true.

Let’s just say what we feel.

It made me think of all the things women feel, literally and metaphorically.

Balloons and grudges and heavy loads and pumpkins,

And stupendous love and courage,

And a pink ukelele under a cherry tree.

What else do women hold?

The home and family, and the children and the food.

The friendships, the work, and the work of the world and the work of being human.

Sometimes when I’m feeling particularly happy or content,

I think I can provide sustenance for legions of human beings.

I can hold the entire world in my arms.

Other times I can barely cross the room and I drop my arms frozen.

There is never an end to holding,

And certainly there’s the feeling of never doing enough.’

Maira Kalman

* I subbed pumpkins for cabbages because it’s autumn

** men hold things too

https://mairakalman.com/womenholdingthingsbook?srsltid=AfmBOopFRNeOpKn_8CKNG9dFvZ5pBuEoyKLCQwXlc_7QYS-tmYq3jqif