Years ago when I was about to start my career transforming tulle and chiffon into whispy tutus and flowing gowns, I had a charming friend who became my boyfriend. His major was Medieval History (be still my heart!), played me ethereal music and read poetry to me in one of the Romance languages. Boy, was I a goner! I can still remember him leaning against a weather beaten stone wall, long legs encased in dark jeans, so dashing in his leather jacket cracked from wear. The fingers of one hand kneaded a smoldering cigarette while those on the other brushed a lock of wind blown hair off his cheek. It was getting dark, river water glimmered in the moonlight…just another date night.
Our first date was truly memorable. No, not dinner at Le Cirque (although that would be fine with me as well!) but a visit to the Morgan Library and Museum in Manhattan. He knew I was a big history fan, with a special interest in Britain…and the six wives of King Henry VIII. Among these women, it is Anne Boleyn who has always captured my interest the most. How could she not? The king was so besotted he changed laws and his country’s religion for her! Yes, he beheaded her in the end, but let’s get back to my story. My guy discovered that the museum was displaying the Psalter of Anne Boleyn. It is a beautiful illuminated book that reflects the desires of the soon to be queen.
As I peered at the exquisite manuscript, I fell hard for this beau who had taken the time to find a unique date that would be meaningful to me. Even though I ended up with a broken heart, I wouldn’t exchange my experience with him for the mundane. Sometimes a girl just needs to feel like she stepped into a Shelley poem!
What is it about certain literature, art or music that touches and inspires us? Perhaps even causes us fall in love with someone who shares this interest? In matters of the heart, it is all a mystery!
