But one day, I decided to take a day off and see more of the island. Puerto Rico contains a range of very diverse ecosystems, remarkable for such a small landmass.
In Ponce, the original Spanish capitol of the island, I visited the Museo de Arte. Two strong memories of the museum stay with me to this day. First memory: sitting on a stone bench by a courtyard fountain, and suddenly understanding that fountains can be more than a celebration of the beauty of water; they can be a shrine to it's life-giving value.
Second memory: walking into a dim gallery space where light emanated from one end of the room. As I walked toward it, I found it wasn't a light at all.
It was this:
Flaming June, by Frederic Lord Leighton, 1895
The painting is about four feet square, and it is powerful stuff.
It seems to glow from within.
Like a sugar maple in Autumn.
Like this yarn:
Lifting this hank from the dyepot, I was instantly transported right back to that long-ago moment in the Museo de Arte de Ponce.
Isn't it amazing the way memory works?
~~~~~
Oh wow, I can see why your memory was sparked. That color is gorgeous and vibrant, just like the painting.
ReplyDeleteGreat story. I love that. And I can see why you were pulled back to that memory!
ReplyDeleteOne of my most favorite colors - AND paintings! Gorgeous stuff, girlfriend. Love that you will be able to tie whatever you create from that gorgeous yarn, back to a special trip for you! Happy Sunday, Quinn - XOXO
ReplyDeleteFlaming June is gorgeous. I've never seen that painting before. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love Flaming June, she has always been one of my favourites. If only I could see her "in real life".
ReplyDeleteI'm not usually a fan of orange, but that is a Gorgeous color!!
ReplyDeleteYes, very interesting about evoking memories. But the color and the painting are brilliant. Those would be hard to forget! My husband is sensitive to smells, and those are what pull out memories for him.
ReplyDeleteFabulous colour, like ripe Apricots.
ReplyDeleteAmazing indeed, and wonderful too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sending my memory back to Ponce and the Museo. It's such a special place. And congratulations on your socks!
ReplyDeleteDe nada :)
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