A story of greed. {seriously!} But I'm over it...and here is why...

The beauty of Polariod is it's instantaneousness.  It's immediacy.  In the flesh fabulous image in a few minutes.  The *click* and *whirrrr* of it coming out of the camera is such an addictive sound...satisfaction to the max.  That is why I'm somewhat possessive of my pictures.  I'll scan and share, of course.  That is good Polaroid etiquette.  {There seem to be many rules of engagement regarding Polaroids, that I'm learning slowly...such protocol!}  

At Ajloun Castle recently...where you ask? why it's in JORDAN, of couse.  At Ajloun Castle, as I was saying, there was a lone vendor selling coffee with cardamom & tea with mint.  I chose tea with mint, I think "Karyn of Wadi Musa" was treating...at any rate the tea was out-of-this-world delicious!~ (As was every cup I savoured from the north of the country to the south...) I drank my glass of tea.  I asked the vendor if he would be so gracious as to let me take his photo, with my Polaroid camera.  He agreed, and with a quick posture check and a Mona Lisa smile he took his place proudly beside his pot to pose for my shot.  Happy as a clam with my new photo I walked around with it in my hand as it developed...waiting patiently as the colours and forms came into view.  I was pleased with it.  I then thought I should take another and give it to him...so that he would have his own copy. 

Thoughts flooded my head quickly.  The film is expensive! I only have a few shots left!  But it was too late.  I'd offered, he'd accepted-and the deal was proverbially sealed.  Being a woman of my word I had to go through with it.  So I took the shot...it turned out beautifully!~ More beautiful than the shot I took for myself.  I was tempted (forgive me!) to do a switcheroo-give him the old one and keep this *new* and better shot for me! For MEEEEE!!!! But alas, he watched me like a hawk and I sheepishly handed over the picture.  I really did want him to have it.  But the nature of Polaroid is that unless you have a scanner in your pocket to preserve your image immediately-once you *gift* it away...gone gone gone.  She's gone!

I let it go.  I decided that some things are worth giving away if it makes another happy.  I think he would be happy to have a Polaroid from the gal in the green sweater stuck on his cart until it blows away or some lucky lady steals it for her vanity. 

Before I could walk away, he reached into the breast pocket of his jacket and pulled out an old silver charm.  It looked like a jewelled *J* wearing a crown, and it was affixed to an even older silver baby pin.  He handed it to me.  I was unsure but  I took it, thinking it was his way of paying me for the photo.  It is absolutely beautiful and I feel so privileged to own it.  I'll never forget that man.  His gift was far more generous than mine and I felt so small for even entertaining the thought of keeping his picture.  Life teaches me at every turn I tell you.   I'll photograph the charm and show you in an upcoming post. Oh and I'll also introduce you to the blonde haired, blue eyed Karyn of Wadi Musa...

xo

Comments

[christina]

this is such a beautiful story Gillian. I have tears in my eyes. no, you will never forget him... he will never forget you.
sheer and absolute love.
xoxo

[Graciel @ Evenstar Art]

I have been mesmerized with your stories and photos of Jordan! I love this story the most...so far. :) It's true, isn't it, that far away journeys can change your life.

I look forward to hearing them in person this spring.

xoxo

[pam aries]

Gil...isn't it amazing when things like this happen...magical moments that are forever with us. I love stories like this.

[Dinners & Dreams]

I can't wait to see the charm. Gratitude sometimes takes amazing forms.

Nisrine

[Account Deleted]

Oh, you have made my eyes all wet with this lovely story. My heart is doing strange things. Thank you for this. Will wait so patiently for the promises. Thank you.

[Sherry]

You see? You see, this is why you are so inspiring...your humility, your honesty and your open heart...the learning, the growth, the joy and the human swelling of your heart and your soul....you were giving this man something...but he gave you so, so, so much more than simply the gift...he gave you knowledge...which you in turn have shared with us. Love this story!! xoxox

[Tracey]

Wonderful story, Gillian. A beautiful way to share your artistic gift xo

[Kim Mailhot]

I am with everyone else, Gillian. This is an amazing story and a sweet lesson for us all. Letting go, giving to others, loving,...it will come back tenfold to you when you do it with an open heart, like yours.
Thank you for the inspiration this morning.

[Jeaux]

Giving something away is the surest way to immortalize it.

You’re taking so much away from this experience, Gillian. I know you realize that visiting and living are two different things, you’re not naive. But you’ve gathered some precious touchstones that will last a lifetime.

[Tara Bradford]

I just love you. You are a treasure in my life and a gift to the world. xoxox

[Swirly]

I loved being that for that entire exchange...moments like that are what makes journeys like these so precious. You are a gift and I adore you.

[gillian {the dreaming press}]

So true, live there I could not. But have a summer home, YES! YESSSS!!!!!

I see myself floating in the Dead Sea with regularity, and shopping for tea while munching on fresh almonds. Yes, this I can see.

I seem to gather touchstones often, why I gathered a bunch while I was your way, oh "He with the Mockingbird at his window." xo

[kath]

Oh that split second before the lesson is learned, it could have gone either way ... I wonder how many gifts we let slip through our fingers because we are greedy.

Great story Gil, thank you.

[my castle in spain]

Hello gorgeous, i'm going to catch up with all your fabulous journey ! This is such a beautiful and magical moment Gillian...I'm sure this man will never forget you either, you know...Sending you a big hug...xoxo

[Marilyn]

These are the experiences that make a trip extra special. How beautiful! The connections of the people is what warms my soul and the #1 reason I love to travel. Thanks for sharing your story.

[Relyn]

Oh, Gillian. I can't wait to see the charm he gave you. I also love the lesson that you took from the exchange. What a beautiful reminder of generosity. There really is nothing like foreign travel for expanding the heart, is there?

[Gillian daSilva]

You are so right, Relyn. The charm wasn't even the thing, the lesson was. Cool,huh? That was what I took away.
Yes, love foreign travel. People can be beautiful creatures.

[A Fanciful Twist]

You tales, your photos - i have been catching up, watching your video and enthralled by your photos.

Sigh... I have no words...

Dreamscpaes of enchantment...

xoxox

[Dionna]

I know he treasures that photograph. You never know - it may be the only one he has of himself!

[Amanda]

I totally understand not wanting to give away your Polaroid. I very rarely give mine away. It's like giving away your negatives but even worse!
Your story is lovely. :)