While wondering through a shop in New Orleans, I was reminded of my first glimpse inside a kaleidoscope. It was a birthday gift from my grandparents, just an inexpensive little thing, nothing like those I saw in the shop, but I still recall turning it over and over, watching those colored chips fall into pattern after pattern, a stained glass window in slow motion.
The shop in New Orleans was a kaleidoscope lovers paradise. They sat atop glass shelves and across the counters in every possible type of wood and in a variety of metals. They each had their own stand to cradle them, and each one I held to my eye offered something unique, with different configurations and varieties of colors.
I didn't go home with a kaleidoscope that day. Instead, I came home and bought one for myself and one for each of my sons, made of cheap cardboard, much like the one I had as a child. So much potential for beauty inside a small cardboard cylinder filled with tiny bits of colored glass.
This song popped into my head today so I went on a search and came across the most perfect video, which conjured up my love of kaleidoscopes. I think it's time for a bit of happiness:
I love kaleidoscopes! I have several and I still pull them out and look through them into enchantment.
ReplyDeleteI've long wanted to collect them. "Into enchantment," is right. Thanks, Galen.
DeleteVery refreshing video you found! Gosh, I haven't seen a kaleidoscope in years!
ReplyDeleteWasn't that fun? :)
DeleteI have had fun with the real fancy ones, but they always take me back to the cardboard ones we had as kiids.Lovely tune, a fun version of happiness.
ReplyDeleteHi Steve! It's the simplicity of the cardboard ones of our youth that make them even more spellbinding. Good to see you.
DeleteWould you believe it if I told you I was just playing with some cardboard kaleidoscopes yesterday, wondering if our Kezzie was old enough for one, but, mostly (if I am honest) because i wanted to see the colors and patterns myself? I think I just talked myself into getting her one. Oh, Teresa, how happy you have made me!
ReplyDeleteI would most definitely believe it. It seems we are riding along on the same stretch of river.... And you have made me happy, just when I needed to smile! Thank you, Penny!
DeleteAs far as I remember, they're being "cheap" only added to their value - as usual, a lovely post!
ReplyDeleteI think so, too, t. Thanks! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Delete"Picture yourself in a boat on a river/With tangerine trees and marmalade skies/Somebody calls you, you answer quite slowly/A girl with kaleidoscope eyes ..." Beautiful post ...
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cletis....
Delete"the girl with the sun in her eyes...."
I have three kaleidoscopes, none of them terribly expensive. ViMae is fascinated with each of them, which makes me very happy. I love the video.... This kind of computer art is the perfect companion to the kaleidoscope. Happy Thanksgiving, Teresa.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nancy, and Happy Thanksgiving!
DeleteThey're great stocking stuffers, for my kids and my grandkids.
ReplyDeleteYes, they are. Happy Thanksgiving, Linda. Stay Warm. :)
DeleteThere is a shop in Bailey's Harbor, Door County, Wi that has a shop that has the most remarkable kaleidoscopes that I have ever seen anywhere. I am STILL enamored of them! May you have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving Day!
ReplyDeleteisn't it fun, when we have these great memories engraved in our minds?
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