Sunday afternoon, strolling through a Crafts Fair at Garrison
New York
I saw many lovely, very expensive things: hand blown crystal
expresso cups that really did cost $20 each, an orange, boxy sweatshirt just my
style but not my size, a pair of pale pink earrings I really didn't need.
Still don't.
Almost at the end of the stalls, at the farthest point along
the river, I came across a table filled
with pale pink and blue bas relief plaques. Nestled in the middle was an
adorable hand painted pitcher of slightly different design. It was charming.
“I used a different technique for this,” the white haired
artisan explained in a distinctly German accent.
In addition to the lovely colors of the display I was aware
of the most wonderful odor. Praising the
pottery I asked what the aroma might be.
“Oh it must be the river,” she said looking over her
shoulder at the Hudson behind her.
“I truly believe the Hudson
incapable of smelling this good.” I responded. “This is a marvelous
fragrance, I would love to know what it is.”
So she turned to a woman, seated behind her, a friend and
contemporary of both of us and said, “It must be you! What are you wearing?”
“Oh, its nothing, a very old perfume.” Her friend allowed.
“But its an outstanding fragrance. Could you please tell me
what it is?” I prodded.
“L’Interdit.” She said at last. “It was Audrey Hepburn’s
perfume. Givenchy created it just for
her. They don't make it anymore. Yah.”
It was after a moment of reverence, that I purchased the
charming pitcher. Majolica. I now know.
