Sunday on the Hudson

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.