Frank Lloyd Wright

March 17, 2012 (Friday)
I had 42 minutes in the morning at the pool. That was all I was allowed. Pool boy said I could have an hour but he was ready sooner. We had things to do today.

We had been waiting to go to Taliesen West, the summer camp of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The oldest son joined me for a 90 minute tour. (The oldest likes design. He dreams of being a car designer or an architect.) The guide gave a fascinating narrative of both Wright and the complex itself. Did you know Wright was the first to use lights embedded in the floors? Did you know he drew the architectural plans for the first drive-in bank but the bank decided not to use them? Wright's contemporary style was an extreme contrast to the Victoria architecture of his time. He was determined not to replicate any previous architectural style (from Victorian to Greek or Roman) in his design. He wanted the look to be open and free. He brought nature into the living spaces of homes. He even designed his own furniture in the house. Sumptuous living spaces, clean angles, unobstructed windows, natural rock, and lines designed to flow with the desert floor. I could live there.
Then I was unceremoniously dropped off at the largest shopping mall in the Phoenix area. It was large and anchored in all four corners by big department stores--ones I'd never even heard of. I had 90 minutes to cover the ground. The five guys went to the food fair to keep themselves entertained. When you cruise through a major mall that fast there is only time to window shop. Pool boy was happy.
Although I had walked a lot we hadn't worked out. Walking in a mall is not quite the same as hiking or mountain biking. I dragged 16 year old out in the 31 degree heat for a run. We ran on the sweltering pavement and cantilevered boulevards near the motel while the rest of the family frolicked in the pool.
Then the guys went shopping again. Yes, I got dumped while they hit the Lego store. This is how this family works. Where are the women when I need them?