Until I sent these photos to my dearest friend, Elaine, this was just a vintage leather valise I had purchased, at an estate sale, more than 20 years ago.
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| Click on Photo |
It was Elaine, at Pear Tree Log, who has brought life and excitement to a well traveled bag...a valise that had it's origin across the ocean from where I live in Texas, to a small island called Isle of Man.
As I read her email, I realized our relationship had taken on another layer of connection between us.
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| Three Legged Symbol |
She wrote the following:
"The three legged symbol stands for the Isle of Man, which is a small island of about 32 miles long by 14 miles wide. It lies in the sea between Great Britain and Ireland. It is a place I have visited many times - a wonderful island of amazingly varied terrain for such a small place, very peaceful with fascinating history. For a while, we used to visit for 2 or 3 weeks at a time every other month. It is very dear to our hearts."
Just above the key hole is the three legged symbol, etched in the brass lock.
I can't explain why I never opened the luggage until a few days ago. All these years, the ribbon has been tied so neatly, in a bow.
What a wonderful coincidence to now have a friend and myself connected in such an unusual way.
My imagination is swirling around the mystery, of how the valise traveled so many miles to America....
Meggie Mac
