I do not like fake adornments. From wigs (as “high tech” aand expensive as they might be) to fake eyelashes, from acrigel nails to breast implants, from dental lenses to plastic flowers. I am aware that perhaps it is not the nicest confession, but it is the truth. You can put it down to my idiosyncrasies, if you must

However, at a wedding reception I attended recently, the centerpieces offered to guests were small arrangements of plastic lilies and forget-me-nots. I not only happily brought mine home, but also gave it some special place in my decoration, and it is now among the books, on one of my shelves.

Lack of coherence? Let me explain the case and then you can judge for yourself.

The bride and groom in question have been together for over thirty-five years and rose a beautiful family. Despite the desire of the bride to make the union official, the ceremony had been postponed several times, for different reasons, all quite tragic.

With superhuman strength, the bride overcame each of her challenges and made her dream come true. And I was lucky enough to be invited to this special moment.

The ceremony was simple and for a few people only. Everything was done by the family: the food service at the cocktail, the decoration, the souvenirs, and the table centerpieces. All that was made with love, facing the the effort that only workers know about: how to make an already tight salary, just for a moment of celebration, a day to remember.

There was so much love at the gathering, tender affection in every little detail, in every piece of cake offered, in every gesture, every smile in the room. In fact, there was a “good vibe” aura all around the place. How could I refuse to take an object offered in an environment of such love and care?

Another of my idiosyncrasies is that I think that objects can hold some traces of their owners and evoke memories. In other words, they have their own beauty, not related to their shape or material, but a certain, let us say, beauty within.

It is a crazy theory, I know, and it probably only makes sense in my head, but I can guarantee that the memories that come to mind every time I look at the small arrangement on my shelf are not only happy, they are truly beautiful.

Be seeing you!

G.F.