A New Decoration (7/19)

A trivial matter really, but one that make me very happy! About two weeks ago, Deb and I bought a painting while wondering around the downtown Plaza de Armas. We frequently walk through the band of artists that gather there to paint and sell their works. We had planned the purchase, but were looking for just the right one. When we found one we wanted, we were a little alarmed by the vendor. He announce that with the earning of the day and if his favorite soccer team won the game that evening, he was planning to get "drunk off his -beep!-" (He gave us a deal and he can do what he wants with his money.) So the next step was getting it framed. I took care of that one day when I dropped Deb off at work and I had the car for the day. (Don't get excited, I took it to an auto center to get the windshield wiper fixed.) I went to this framing shop and inquired about the prices. There was no formula or price list, I had to pick a frame style from the samples and she could tell me how much it would cost. Well. The first one I picked was gold and and elegant and was sure to look good with the painting, but the price nearly made me embarrass myself in a public place. I was regretting that I came when I picked a more modestly priced sample that seemed to go well with the painting. Having made my decision and my order we had just to wait until it was made and fitted to the painting. We picked it up last night and it now hangs on our wall. I am quite proud!

It's Valparaiso. Think steep hills like Pittsburgh or San Fransisco, but dirt streets and shanty houses on the coast with an impressive view of the ocean. That's Valparaiso! I'd hate to live there during an earthquake, but it certainly has a bohemian beauty.