SF -- Violetta

When I came out of the Paper Source store, I tried to take a self-portrait in front of the store window. None of them turned out very well, but I did manage to attract the attention of a very interesting woman. She came up to me and asked what I was taking pictures of, and when I told her I was trying to get a self-portrait in front of my favorite store, she was intrigued.

First of all, she wanted to know how I did it. I showed her how my camera has a flip-screen so you can compose what you're shooting. She was fascinated. Then she wanted to know why it was my favorite store. {And thus began my adventure with Violetta -- we walked and talked together for some time.}

Michelle: Well, everything in Paper Source is beautiful. You just want to buy it all!

Violetta: Yes, I know. I went in there once and made some paper flowers. It was all very lovely. I can see that you have an eye for beauty. When I was young, I used to design textiles and clothing in the garment district in New York.

M: How interesting! I've always thought that papers are like textiles. I love them both.

V: Walk with me!

(we passed this store)

V: Oh, my. I don't like all of that modern stuff. Too stark for my tastes.

M: It's not my favorite, but my husband loves it.

V: Well how do you reconcile that? I can see you probably like chandeliers and ornate things and traditional furnishings.

M: Very astute, I do like those things. But we did manage to find a light fixture that appeals to both our sensibilities. (I described this:)


V: That does sound like a remarkable melding of your styles. Where are you from?

M: Well, I live in Utah now.

V: Utah! Do you live by any of those Mormons? What do you think of them?

M: Oh yes, lots of them! I quite like them, actually.

V: Really? I don't know -- I don't think their women are very liberated. They all have about twelve children. And aren't they all Republicans? I like the French president. So he's divorced, so he has a mistress, I don't really care what he does in his bedroom, as long as he doesn't make war!

M: Hmm. Well, it's true most Mormons are probably Republicans, although the church doesn't endorse any political party or candidate.

V: But you're not one of them.

M: Actually I am.

V: No! But I love you! You weren't raised a Mormon, though?

M: Well, thanks. Yes, I was.

V: Hmm, I can see I spoke too hastily about the Mormons. They do seem to be good businessmen, I'll give them that. And they seem to have integrity. They're too honest to rob you or anything... Hey, come with me to Goodwill! I have furnished my whole house from Goodwill!

M: Wow. (seeing Goodwill was right across the street and thinking about the amazing things that Kristi finds) Okay!

We wandered around Goodwill together. Violetta stayed in the knick-knacks section, trying to decide if any of the little containers look sufficiently like antiques. I found 3 children's books (Eloïse, The Quiltmaker's Gift, and a very cool Shark pop-up book) for $2.00 each and a new cute teacup.

M: Well, Violetta, it was very nice to meet you.

V: Wait! I haven't shown you the calla lilies yet! They grow wild here, and I pick them all the time.

M: (wary) Are they nearby?

V: They're right here in my purse!

I duly admired her calla lilies of suspect origin, and then I took my leave of Violetta. But not before I got her to take a self-portrait with me! (Victory is mine!)

Violetta: such a character. And, a highlight of my trip!