Hopscotch
It’s unclear exactly when or where the game of Hopscotch actually originated. The earliest mentions of it date as far back prehistoric India and Ancient Rome, but it was not until the late 17th century that written references of the game “Scotch Hopper” appeared. No matter its actual birthday, it feels safe to say that it has been around for a very long time.
The rules of the game are rudimentary and the court can be made by a stick outlining the boxes in dirt. And as for the marker to be thrown? A simple stone or rock will suffice. The game can be played by anyone anywhere, and therein lies the beauty. The only thing you need is someone to play with.
My first memory of being on my own was around 11 years old. It was summertime and was finally allowed to bike to our neighborhood pool by myself. I remember that feeling of pulling the bike out into the alley and the exhilaration of riding down the hills. It was Keswick to Wyndhurst, and then finally a left onto Lawndale. I would park my bike and go into the Roland Park pool where I would quickly call my mom from the pay phone to let her know I was there. From there on out the day was mine. I would play Hopscotch on the blacktop for hours with whomever was around. We made the court with chalk and used rocks as our markers. When the Baltimore heat got to be too much we would swim. And when I got tired I would put my wet towel around my neck and slowly bike home.
I have been working on this collection in my head for a number of years. It is meant to honor youthful play and all the beautiful things that are learned from it: problem solving, communication, self reliance, learning how to win, and learning how to lose. And sorting that all out on your own.
