Every now and then in my adult life something lovely happens that probably would have made more sense if it had happened when I was younger.
Two years ago, my friend Gail asked me to sit for her. She didn’t mean she needed a babysitter. She is a portrait artist. Generally, she takes lots of photos of her subjects, and then selects the best parts and pieces from the photos to combine them into a portrait. Then, she sells the masterpiece for hundreds – possibly a couple thousand -- dollars (depending on how many subjects are involved). She told me that she needed more practice painting from real life – rather than from photos. Would I sit for her? Would I sit for her!!! There is something intensely flattering about having someone want to paint your portrait. And, if that wasn’t already lovely enough, she insisted on paying me for “modeling” for her. Several afternoons a week for a couple of weeks, I went to her beautiful home and stood in my pose in the window of her studio. I loved the experience! Part of what made this so magical was spending time with my friend. I confess a little hero worship for Gail Palpant. Sometimes I think that I would like to be Gail Palpant when I grow up!
At some level this beautiful moment seemed odd to me, though – to be painted when I was older, when my most beautiful, youthful days were long behind me.
See if you can find me on her website: http://www.gailpalpant.com/gallery-II.htm
Just recently I had another such experience. Our school had a huge auction in March – a major gala event. Because John was serving as Master of Ceremonies – or host – or whatever the title was, the auction committee wanted him to wear a tuxedo. A friend of the school offered to buy me an evening gown for the event. This charming, generous benefactor prefers to remain anonymous; so, sadly, I cannot name him or post his picture. He did give me an extremely generous budget for shopping. I don’t believe I have ever shopped for an evening gown before. I wasn’t even sure how to go about it! I thought I needed something long – since John was going to be very formal. After looking at the mall – and rejecting the cupcake prom look – we tried a bridal shop. The little sales girl had an interesting idea. She asked if I would like to look at some of the bridal gowns on the discount rack. I hadn’t thought of that – but it sure sounded fun! What old married lady gets to try on wedding gowns?! I believe she was thinking that some of the champagne or cream-colored ones would suit as an evening gown. The auction had an old Hollywood “red carpet” theme, and one of the wedding gowns looked like retro glam to me. And it fit! – Mostly. Of course it was 6 inches too long and had a significant train.
After trying on wedding gowns – all of the bridesmaid gowns at the shop looked so – um, ordinary. I put the dress on hold so that I could “sleep” on it. I slept well and went back to buy it the next day. I then had to take it to a tailor to have the 6 inches cut off – as well as have the train removed. Let’s just say I spent nearly as much $$ at the tailor as I did for the dress in the first place. I tried to find a wrap to add some color to my outfit – but with no success. (I really didn’t want to look like a bride.) In the end, I bought a white cape – also retro glam. So – off I went to the ball in the most-incredibly exquisite Cinderella gown of my life! The auction itself was so magical. I continue to be amazed by the staff/faculty/friends and family that comprise our school.
Again I had that odd feeling that the timing was muddled – as though my days for dressing up like a princess should probably remain in my past.
So here’s to my past youth – and some of the leftover glories of it – still lingering into my “later” youth! I feel so thankful that God would put these untimely blessings and beautiful people in my life!
