Barbara held it at arms length, tilted her head to the right...  and then to the left.  She studied each detail and pen stroke intensely.  "Perfect!" she whispered.
She gently clutched the sketch against her heart and with dreamy eyes waltzed about her bedroom to a romantic melody that no one else could hear, for it only existed in her mind.
  When the music ceased, she placed her priceless piece of work into the drawer all teenage girls reserve for special mementos, love notes, dried corsages and other meaningful items.   Barbara was only 17 but talented in many ways, as well as having an imagination that could sweep her up and take her anywhere.  On that particular day, she had designed and sketched the gown she would one day be married in.     At a mere 15 years of age, the man of her dreams had suddenly appeared. But, he was far from the prince charming riding a glistening black stallion that Barbara had always envisioned.  The prince paled in comparison to the ruggedly handsome, young, man driving a John Deere tractor.  Once her eyes were fixed on him, they did not blink. Her heart thumped at double speed and her feet froze to the sidewalk!   Perched upon the tractor, Glenn, at 17 years of age, was  dumbfounded  when he eyed the beautiful young lady with long, blond hair who seemed to be looking his direction. He feared his heart might be heard over the thunderous motor of his tractor!   Little time passed before they met, began dating, and were considered a "couple."   Three and one-half years later wedding preparations were underway.  Barbara examined the sketch of the gown she yearned to wear as she marched down the aisle...for at long last her wedding day loomed in the near future.   Time passed quickly and Barbara was forced to emerge from her dream world and face reality.  She could not possibly afford the fabric to make the gown she had designed; therefore, the pattern she purchased was a basic foundation she could adjust as need be.  Being very sure of her talents, she was determined alterations could be made with the final result being all but identical to the sketch that had been tucked away in her dresser drawer.   The fabric was purchased from Montgomery Ward for approximately $25.00 in February of 1959.  Already tired from working double shifts at Mullikin's Cafe, Barbara spent her evenings hard at work on a Singer sewing machine belonging to her mother. The machine was placed as close to the single-oil burning stove as was safe.  Still, in a house with 12 foot ceilings her fingers often stiffened from the chill as each stitch was laid down meticulously.   The satin-based, strapless gown was covered with gathered chiffon which draped around the hemline and was drawn up with fabric flowers at five different points.  A lined lace jacket with pointed wrist sleeves, each adorned with six pearl buttons, completed the elegant garment.  Barbara even crocheted the loops for the buttons.   She, too, made the veil from an image conjured up in her mind.  A small open, lacy, hat was adorned with tulle and fashioned to drape longer in the back with the face veil being shorter.   After countless hours of altering, and then altering again, a nervous bride-to-be had recreated the vision that had always bounced about in her head...a spectacular, one-of-a-kind, wedding gown.  Barbara was elated and extremely relieved when the tedious task was completed to her satisfaction.   Barbara was a beautiful and happy bride on the day she married the man that loved her dearly, and their love for one another never wavered regardless of what life threw their way.       Barbara's lovely gown was packed away in a cedar chest after the wedding, where it rested for many years.  In what seemed the blink of an eye, it was gently removed and draped over a quilt rack to air out for it was about to debut once more...50 years after Barbara and Glenn had married.   At the 50^th Anniversary Reception hosted by their children, Barbara and Glenn were stunned upon entering Fellowship Hall at their church.  It had been transformed into a thing of beauty with gold tablecloths that resembled lame.  Rose-filled vases were in abundance and not one, but three cakes adorned the serving table which was flanked with gold balloons.   Arrangements of family photos, some old and some new, along with special mementos were nestled amongst even more vases of roses and spanned the length of two tables.  And, taking center stage was Barbara's wedding gown.  Just as when she strolled down the aisle many years ago, it again evoked gasps from friends and family...even her grandchildren were in awe.  She felt a great sense of pride about her accomplishment as a young woman. But, being older and wiser, she questioned why a young bride-to-be had ever subjected herself to such pressure... she giggled under her breath!    Barbara gazed about at the spectacular decor, the numerous  friends and family in attendance, reminisced about the past 50 years and whispered to herself once again, "Perfect!"   *************
Barbara and Glenn, congratulations on 50 years of loving and living and I wish for you many more!
*************  Footnote:  Barbara is a terrific artist but an even more talented writer.  Please visit her web site at: www.starlightseries.com  Autographed copies of her books can be ordered directly through her site, or can be purchased through Amazon.com.  Trust me; you'll not be able to lay her books down!
Barbara's blog: http://www.becsblog.com 
  Copyright 2009 Kathleene S. Baker Chicken Soup for the Soul Contributor Lnstrlady@aol.com www.txyellowrose.com
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