Today the make believe continued, and my father and I proceeded to entertain ourselves in the manner of children in a maze of museums. Full of imagination, we attended the Science Center and Museum of Natural History. Among many awe inspiring attractions, after seeing the fossilized remnants of dinosaurs I discovered that some fantasies are in fact more likely realities.
As if an afternoon spent among dinosaurs and robots were not fulfilling enough, a day concocted of magic and whimsy somehow progressed to an evening even more spectacular in its grandeur.
I returned home from the museum to an open invitation to my aunt’s collection of vintage. It is not possible for me to have expressed my true enthusiasm, for the eyes do not open wide enough nor the jaw drop far enough to reveal the depth of my excitement. Perhaps it could be judged by the manner in which I ripped the clothing from the hangers, holding each garment up for size and twirling them in sync with my frolicking steps. I was so engaged in this scavenge that I was hardly aware of a delivery being made downstairs. My cousin Lisa, upon discovering my affinity for vintage couture, had arrived in tow with tall stacks of hat boxes and a suitcase full of Chanel. I could have died; fortunately, I lived to thank her immensely, try it all on, and lie awake planning my outfits for the following…. month.
As I left for the airport, one hundred pounds heavier in baggage, I gave my aunt the tightest and kindest hug I could fathom. When I thanked her for possibly the fiftieth time, she responded with a wink and coyly replied “wait till you see the shoes”.
