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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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
Oh, what a beautiful post, Meggie. It is so nice to think that little case came from that lovely island. Just like your case I, too, have travelled on Isle of Man Railways!
ReplyDeleteI wonder how it came to travel around, so many mysteries contained within one small case, so many connections...and wouldn't it be wonderful if we could explore the island together one day!
Oh, Elaine....I owe this story to you. As I said in the post, it was simply a valise before your input. Maybe Isle of Man should be on our "bucket list".
DeleteI drove down the Queens Promenade, Blackpool two Sundays ago as J and I had been further up the coast to Cleveleys and decided to take the coast road home. The New Bolingbroke Hotel is still there. Connections - I continue to be amazed by them.
ReplyDeleteHello Scarlet....yes, indeed, it is a small world. Before my blog, I had no friends in the UK. Now look,I have you and Elaine...and so many many more. We share in each other's lives with the ups and the downs. Thanks for being part of my life !
DeleteThe world is ,indeed, a small place.
ReplyDeleteJane x
Hello Jane....and look how the Sisterhood of the Susan Traveling Apron has connected so many of us !
DeleteWhat a thrill to have that connection! Thanks for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeleteHello Ms Sparrow...you are to be included in this wonderful circle of friends.
DeleteI don't know if it was so much a coincidence as oppose to a "bigger plan" for the connection you have with Elaine. I bought a cabinet, at an antique store, over 40 years ago and it has a mark of Seattle, Washington inside--12 years ago, next month, we moved to the Seattle area. Wouldn't it be a lovely trip to make with Elaine to the Isle of Man and fulfill a destiny, XOXO
ReplyDeleteDear Susan...I wish I had used the words "bigger plan", for that is exactly what I was thinking as the story unfolded. Your story, of the cabinet, is also one to tell about in a post!
DeleteWow - I think it's wonderful how objects can find their way round the world. If only they could tell the story of their journey! Jx
ReplyDeleteI so would love to be able to see where all it has actually been...
ReplyDelete