Lucy Reflects

Seventy-degree weather in February calls for a day in the sunshine.

Beatrix and I recently visited Chestnut Hill Café in downtown Lancaster. I needed a cup of java and I wanted to savor it so I bribed Bea with a single scoop of Carmen & David’s strawberry ice cream with sprinkles.

We were without Whitney and the twins who had an appointment. I felt guilty, like I was cheating on my husband. I was going to hide it from her but then posted pics, so after she called me a few choice words one would hear if you DID cheat on your husband, she forgave me and I promised we would do the same walk together. (BTW, she went to Twin Kiss without me so whatevs.)

Beatrix and I headed down West Chestnut towards downtown Lancaster. For those of you not familiar with this stretch of town, it’s lined with beautiful old homes, architecture, lots of art-inspired lawn ornaments and mature trees towering over the street. Just a block from the café, we came across the wishing tree. Outside of a resident’s home sits a small tree decorated with hundreds of plastic leaves. Passersby are encouraged to take a blank leaf and Sharpie from a jar and write a wish. We sat on the bench and Bea “wrote” her wish - scribbles and what she claimed was a drawing of a pirate.

“I wished for a pirate birthday,” she told me.

We continued down Chestnut and took a right onto Mary. At house number 129 is an outdoor art gallery. Small white pieces of paper, water colors and brushes are available for pedestrians to express themselves artistically and display their work. Bea and I sat on the sidewalk for almost an hour soaking in the rays and painting our masterpiece. I’m told it was a painting of a butterfly.

We looped back to Modern Art and The Common Wheel (across the street for Chestnut Hill). Sometimes the old mailbox outside has a teeny tiny gallery, which wasn’t available that day. The owner, Libby, was enjoying lunch outside and invited us in to check out Common Wheel and her studio.

This space is a mecca of artsy treasures, chock full of whimsical and clever pieces. Our favorite was an old card catalogue converted into a haiku machine. Each drawer has a five- or seven-word phrase option (each drawer with miniature figures or dioramas). Libby so kindly typed our three expressions from the drawers we chose on a postcard.

We bought a few stickers to give to Max and Whitney that said “Make Lancaster Weird.” As I was paying, I noticed a Mona Lisa piece behind the counter whose chest was home to two wine dispensers. It didn’t take me long to recognize that behind each breast was Black Box Wine. I recognize those spouts anywhere.

“I knew I loved this space!” I exclaimed.

The Common Wheel, which is connected to Modern Art, has a second location at Reservoir Park. The non-profit accepts bike donations, refurbishes old bikes and provides tune ups. Bikes are sold at reasonable prices. For those who need to, they can exchange volunteer work in exchange for paying for the bike.

Modern Art features Open Studios and Tiny Modern Concerts among other events. Beatrix and I just strolled in that day to check the place out and were greeted by a group of enthusiastic artists and bike riders who simply love our community and are offering some super cool activities for artists, music lovers and bicyclists.

I need to say, to those who house the wishing tree and tiny galleries, The Common Wheel, and Modern Art - thanks for a memorable day. Your tiny galleries and optimism towards downtown Lancaster are greatly appreciated. Signed a very elated mom.

For more information, visit www.thecommonwheel.com and www.itsmodernart.com.