THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY



Many of the readers of this blog have followed past entries about my trips to Franklin, TN. I try to make it to this charming little town at least twice a year. As I am a staunch traditionalist, I have a great fondness for ritual, and I certainly have some personal rituals that I practice in regards to my excursions. This could include which shops to frequent first or which day to plan tours and sightseeing excursions. However, Mother Nature had better plans for my Mother and me on our last visit this past weekend. We encountered substantial amounts of rain which indeed resulted in our canceling a cemetery walking tour as well as a tour of the Historic Lotz House and Franklin battlefield. Nevertheless, we were determined to spend our weekend scouring the many antiques and specialty shops that draw us to this charming little Southern town. I did manage to find a lovely Tea Cup and saucer that I have tucked away for the Tea Society’s Christmas exchange. Therefore, I must refrain from posting details or a photograph as to not spoil the surprise, should any of the members read this entry. We can use some pleasant surprises in this troubled world and well, as mundane as this may sound, seeing happiness over a small surprise like a tea cup brings great joy to me.

In addition to blogging about some terrific finds over the last two years, I have also written a cautious warning to never let a treasure pass you by, for if you have the finances with you and walk away you will certainly regret not grabbing hold of the golden pot when you had the chance. Unfortunately, I did not heed my own advice last weekend and passed up the most smashing piece of millinery that I have seen in some time, a lovely wide brimmed Edwardian-inspired hat covered in sheer gray/blue and black fabric with feathers and a fabric bow embellishment. Not a day has passed, since our return, when I have not reflected on that lovely headpiece and how it framed my face perfectly. In fact, I have taken to naming the missed purchase. I have begun to think of it as “Elizabeth”, as calling it “the hat” seems so inappropriate for such a lovely creation. That’s also my daughter’s middle name so it seems beyond debate. I have looked at the clothing in my closets and found at least three outfits that would have paired perfectly with “Elizabeth”. I began to visualize wearing “her” to tea events as well as to church and many other outings. The torture is consuming me. My dear husband has repeatedly asked why I did not purchase the piece when I had the opportunity. The only response I could muster was that pure guilt prevented me from doing so; guilt of the expense to some degree, but also guilt that I would be spending the money on something that only I could utilize. I also began to rationalize all the repairs before us at this old house, holiday shopping, and anything else one can think of. Then, I began mourning the piece. Trivial? Perhaps, but I have fallen in love and there is no logic where love is concerned. So, I have decided to contact the antique shop and inquire if I might be able to purchase this wonderful gem, and have it shipped to me as a 40th birthday present to myself. Perhaps the one that got away might yet be within my grasp ....

To be continued......