Flying High in Asheville
I flew a kite!
It was Josh’s friend Rachel’s birthday and we were up in the field on Dogwood hill just before sunset to celebrate. I spotted it in the sky while walking up to crest carrying a basket full of snacks and extra warm clothes. “A kite!” I blurted out to Josh and Joe who were walking with me. “What a fun way to celebrate a birthday!”
I thought it was a flying goddess; red, yellow, and green, like the wooden ones my friend Juniper sells in her bead shop. Annabelle and Rachel told me it was a bird that went by the name of Scarlet Macaw.
Annabelle handed me the string. It was like holding an infant for the first time. “You’re trusting me with this? I’ve never done it before, at least not successfully,” I warned her. 
It takes at least two to fly a kite; one to grab the string when the wind dies down and the string goes slack, and the other to wind the extra string up. Like water skiing or sailing it looks easier to do than it really is. You have to pay attention or it will fall.
After a while of successful kite flying, my arms got tired. I looked around for another pair of hands like a worn out aunt ready to pass the baby who has just started to cry back to its real mom where it belongs.
See post below for more Asheville antics…
April 9th, 2006 11:12 am
Some more great pictures. It looks like a lot of fun. xoxo
April 9th, 2006 11:21 am
I bought a kite about a month ago it looks like a biplane. Unfortunately we have had so many stormy days in the last month I haven’t gotten to fly it yet.
Michele sent me.
April 9th, 2006 1:39 pm
Wow, what a great time! Wonderful kite too….reminds me of the ending of Mary Poppins movie when everyone was flying a kite. Michele sent me, she likes kites too!
April 9th, 2006 1:50 pm
I haven’t flown a kite in years. I think it would be fun to do again, may have to give it a try!
April 9th, 2006 1:54 pm
I can’t remember ever flying akite. I remember trying as a kid but actually flying one.. Hmm dont recall.. It does seem like a good time..
April 9th, 2006 2:58 pm
Beautiful kite! Looks like such fun Colleen…I’ve ever been on that end of a kite, only admired them as others flew them…
Your son is so very talented–just like his Mommy!!
Good to be visiting you again, my dear.
April 9th, 2006 3:45 pm
I read this post with a catch in my throat. Flying a kite was one of my daddy’s favorite ways in the world to spend an afternoon. I’m so glad you tried it and had fun.
April 9th, 2006 4:16 pm
I love the images and the story behind them. Some of our most magical experiences arise from things we literally stumble across.
What a cool way to live.
April 9th, 2006 4:41 pm
What a fun thing! We used to fly kites in the fields here; bought the cheap flat ones every year at the store on the corner. One year mine was so beautiful; I’ll always remember how it looked against the sky. Glad you had such a wonderful Asheville time (I did, too!)
April 9th, 2006 6:02 pm
Gorgeous kite! And great pointers on how to fly them — I had a couple of cheap plastic ones as a kid and each lasted about 5 minutes. Was very cool to see Josh’s exhibit (& the two of you) as follow-up to “Lifetime Supply.” (Re the Red Sox — I’ve posted a bunch of photos I took at the Ted Williams Museum before its move down to St. Pete; my entry today has the link. Lots of great Sox memorabilia.)
April 9th, 2006 8:13 pm
I remember my dad and I trying to fly a kite when I was small. It is not an easy thing to master. Here the favorite sites for kite flying include the beach and Mt. Trashmore (just a hill at a park).
April 9th, 2006 9:02 pm
Years ago I took my kids to a beach on Long Island Sound to fly a kite. If the wind is blowing out to sea it’s a perfect scenario, the wind being strong and consistent, and the sea smell adding to the experience. Your post brought this happy moment to mind, and I think I’ll plan to do it again. Thanks.
April 9th, 2006 9:37 pm
We were just talking about flying kites. Now you’ve gone and inspired us to get up and go out and do it. Happy Birthday…
April 9th, 2006 10:24 pm
Did you ever fly a kite at Kitty Hawk on the Outer Banks?
April 9th, 2006 11:00 pm
Hello Michele sent me over tonight.
What great smiles!!
Flying a kite sounds like great fun. They are always so jolly to see.
April 9th, 2006 11:06 pm
What a fun, bright photo! I haven’t flown one in years but it makes me want to!
April 10th, 2006 10:40 am
This is something I have never done.. fly a kite. It looks like so much fun.
April 11th, 2006 2:48 pm
I just posted a kite flying photo today. It’s a lot less work here at the beach where the wind doesn’t stop blowing. We went a few times last month back home and it was a two man job for sure.