two magical hours swept away...

i made an agreement with myself earlier in the week

to keep a date with ME...an artist's date.

so for two hours last friday i set out around town,

with camera in tow, to see what i could see.
i peeked in the windows, then went inside

"...i have my camera, i'd like to take pictures, do you mind?"

the friendly shop owners only too welcoming replied,

"take your time, have fun, and if we can be of help just ask."

from there i slipped into another life

a photographer's life, an artist's life

while my eyes excavated treasures i'd never imagined

crystals casting rainbows inside my imagination

shapes, form, texture
mixed elements giving way to the softness
of the feminine form

i wasn't only seeing, but feeling, hearing

the gentle spirit of another time

where a woman is a lady,

and a man a handsome knight in shining armor

my head swirled in the beauty

shining dance floors lit with crystal magic

and i imagined grand couples spinning in waltzes

as i heard long ago music playing

i heard the wisdom of the ages

in a voice whispered by a funny little china man

transfixed by his stare

he became my model, standing ever so still

allowing me and my camera the pleasure of his company

and in a turn i was stopped still by a look of innocence

who is this child? where did she come from?

is she yours, is she mine?

i glanced down at my everyday summer skirt

and wished, oh how i wished

that i could dress in such beauty each day

wondering how it really was in another time

a time when a woman was allowed her femininity

and a man wasn't completely dressed without a tie and a hat

soft color, muted tones, the bliss i was in

who needs new things

when such treasures can be found

i made a promise to shop resale, antique, flea markets

to fill the empty corners in my home

if one listens closely the objects have stories to share

sitting pretty on the dressing table

of a lady oh so fair

dances, parties, midnight interludes

who knows what shadows of long ago tales remain

sitting silently waiting for me only to put my ear to

and just listen

i got down on my knees

looking at pictures like i did as a child

i crawled right inside the scenery

and pretended i was there

and for a time i was, for those two hours i spent

two hours set aside to open my eyes, my mind

to something quiet deep inside me

my creativity, my artist's heart

right there all the time waiting for me

i took such peace in reminding myself

that when i seek, i will find.

this week, go searching yourself

i bet you'll be thrilled with what you discover!

-t.