Perhaps it was to be expected that nothing would be easy for a woman who had endured so much. After all, Vanessa Valencia's Strange Beautiful Lady II is a woman accustomed to facing - and overcoming - challenges. By her nature, she's a survivor, determined to rise above her circumstances and circumvent all obstacles. Thus the curious adventure she embarked upon when arriving in Paris might have been predicted.
After clearing customs at Aeroport Charles de Gaulle, the Strange Beautiful Lady should have been chaffeured toute de suite to her new home. Instead, after being released from the restricting confines of "the Foreign Delivery Unit," she spent a week touring various French venues, her whereabouts a mystery.
Meanwhile the artist and the Lady's new hostess fretted and worried, commiserating via multiple emails and wringing their hands over the leaden effects of Mercury in retrograde. So concerned was she about the Lady's whereabouts, the artist fell asleep dreaming about painting another Strange Beautiful Lady. But of course, the real one, undaunted, was exploring a new country. She practiced her French while learning about La Poste's sudden aversion to speed, maps and door entry codes.
On Saturday morning, her anxious hostess received a glimmer of hope. La Poste telephoned to say la colis had been found, but the delivery person couldn't find the recipient's name on the door panel. Obviously the name couldn't be seen as the delivery person had not asked the code to enter the building, behind which doors the panel in question awaited. La Poste's representative laughed, agreeing the delivery person hadn't tried very hard to deliver the package. But she promised la colis would be delivered Monday morning.
Jubiliant that it appeared the Strange Beautiful Lady soon would reach her destination, the hostess hung up the phone. Then she remembered another, smaller package was en route to her residence. Perhaps la colis was that package and not the Strange Beautiful Lady? Another two days and nights of worry commenced.
But the Strange Beautiful Lady was unphased by the latest twist in this long saga. She spent the weekend languishing in a crowded room at La Poste, conversing with other foreign travelers awaiting transport.
Late Monday morning, at last the Strange Beautiful Lady arrived at her new home. Swathed in glamourous pink and black polka-dot tissue paper, she took a long look at her surroundings. She noticed her hostess's collection of bejeweled and sparkly Madonna crowns. Surely, if one had to leave behind the stark beauty of the Arizona desert, at least an eccentric fashion sense would be appreciated here?
Perhaps she could try on that faux sapphire-encrusted crown, a colour that matched her eyes? Or maybe the simple elegance of the laurel wreath entwined with gold leaves would best suit her style? And so the Strange Beautiful Lady began settling into life in Paris.
Strange Beautiful Lady II, acrylic on canvas painting by Vanessa Valencia; photo courtesy of Vanessa Valencia.
I love Vanessa's work and this particular painting is my favorite. I'll be getting a print very soon and hope that our Strange Beautiful Lady will have a smooth trip to Bath. She's had enough tribulations, n'est-ce pas ? I really enjoyed your post!
Posted by: Chantal | 27 June 2007 at 20:50
Well-told, Tara! Somehow it seems only fitting that the Strange Beautiful Lady should have such a journey...I'm glad she eventually made her way to her new home, where I'm sure she will enjoy your wonderful hospitality! xoxo
Posted by: tinker | 26 June 2007 at 10:26
This was very enchanting. And I love that painting - although I'm drawn to the little girl in pink. :) (funny.. when I was getting dressed today, it was all in black silk, fence net, lace and satin heels.. so I'm not always pink tutu frills)
Posted by: holli | 26 June 2007 at 08:06
A wonderful story ... I do hope she enjoys her new home! xx, JP
Posted by: JanePoe (aka Deborah) | 26 June 2007 at 07:37
My family members, being of strange lady characteristics, almost held a vigil to make sure this treasure arrived safe and sound to you. I have to say, I secretly think they did... Swaying amongst huge catholic statues in a chapel on a hill in the Mexican desert... But that is another tale... For now, I have to say. My heart is full, as I am overjoyed that you are the owner. What a special place for Strange Beautiful lady and her chidlren, to laugh and play, on a perfectly lovely and gloomy day, they say, they say....
Posted by: A Fanciful Twist | 26 June 2007 at 06:46
Sounds mysterious and lovely...and the painting is gorgeous.
Love,
D.
Posted by: Delia | 26 June 2007 at 02:53
Wow, just glancing at your sidebar, and noticed a book there that I want to read now!
I just watched Blood Diamond and was intrigued by the situation in Sierra Leone, so this is now on my list of must-reads. Good recommendation, thank you!
Posted by: Blue | 26 June 2007 at 02:44
Bravo! This is good stuff. The painting is to die for! The story, equally as good. I loved both!
Posted by: Blue | 26 June 2007 at 02:42
I like the story but I really like the painting.
Posted by: kristen | 26 June 2007 at 00:45
Haven't checked in for awhile and I'm greeted by this wonderful story and painting! What a treat!
Posted by: Mary Timme | 26 June 2007 at 00:38
Great story!! and I love the painting! Wonderful~
Andrea
Posted by: Southern Heart | 26 June 2007 at 00:36
A modern day odyssey as lived by a beautiful female adventurer! Have you asked her if she had to have herself tied to a mast at some point (maybe she was NOT languishing at the post office over the weekend after all? Debriefing may be called for!).
I hope my postcards does get delivered without causing any calls from the post office. ;-) I finally posted it on Friday. Knock on wood.
Posted by: Merisi's Vienna | 26 June 2007 at 00:26
HOORAY!!!!!!!!! the lovely lady has arrived - and no doubt with a few secrets regarding her voyage...
xox - eb.
Posted by: eb | 25 June 2007 at 23:48
Oh the French Postal System - I am now averse to entering any French Post Office since my wait of 1.5 hours in a Parisian one. Though I do LOVE your painting (lucky you)
Posted by: Di Overton | 25 June 2007 at 18:35
Lucky you to be the owner of one of Vanessa's paintings :-)
Good story.
Posted by: Britt-Arnhild | 25 June 2007 at 18:01
Hahahaha! Good story, fun painting! I laughed out loud while reading this because a certain colis from France has not reached my mailbox yet. ;)
xox
Posted by: Colette | 25 June 2007 at 17:02