When tragically, my sister-in-law was killed by a drunk driver, Bill and I and our son, Corky, tried to salvage those of her personal effects we thought would always remind us of Carol.
Our son rescued an etching which is now residing at our house. Carol must have loved this remarkable piece and the more we look at it, the more astonished and enthralled we are. It is intensely beautiful in a unique way.
The etching is of a street beneath a clock tower in the medieval German town of Rothenburg. The mesmerizing image is a night scene, where under a clear starry sky, musicians are dancing and playing.
There is light coming from a nearby window and the silvery glow of moonlight creates shadows on the street. The old buildings’ flower boxes emit muted color through the evening’s glow. And the whole effect is transfixing and transporting.
But the oddest thing about this story is that Bill and I are now planning a trip to Europe.
And before we had even seen or acquired this remarkable etching, we had arranged a tour of Rothenburg!
So, we will see the old city and maybe even find the very street where Carol walked and where the artist must have enjoyed the inspiration.
Rothenburg on the Romantic Road is perhaps the best preserved medieval town in Germany and the entire walled town is considered a living museum. The wall connects five medieval gates complete with guard towers that date from the thirteenth to sixteenth centuries. Gothic, renaissance, and baroque houses and fountains are highlights of the town as you walk its cobblestone streets.
I love it.
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Oooohhhh this sounds great!! Would love to tour this town, anything medieval is fascinating to me. So sorry for your loved one and family. 😦
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Maybe a wondrous reason for you going, be open to all that may ensue and travel safely xo
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How tragic a loss for your family, I’m sorry to hear, but you’ll be carrying a treasured memory of her with you when you visit Germany. I believe the spirit world guides us from the other side and perhaps she is steering you there. When do you go?
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Thanks Eliza. It was a great loss that happened some time ago, but we just received the etching. I will take a copy of the blog post with me when we go later this year. 🙂
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Thank Eunice. Appreciate your well wishes. 🙂
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It all happened some time ago John, but of course, stays fresh in our minds.
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Thank you Nancy. 🙂
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How special to make art come to life! May you have a wonderful and safe trip!
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Will you cruise down the Rhine? That always sounded like a great way to travel. I’m sure you will have a grand time wherever you go!
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A trip to Europe – how exciting!! Do you think I could fit in your suitcase? 🙂
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Love the etching and recognized the place when I saw it. You will love it. Very special that your sister-in-law did, too.
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Hi Carol and thanks for stopping by this blog post. We can’t wait to get going. 🙂
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I wish. It would be so much fun to have you with us. 🙂
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It is a river cruise but not on the Rhine – it’s down one of the major canals.
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Many thanks coastalcrone! And I like the way you put that – “make art come to life.”
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First of all, I am so sorry about your sister in law. Please give Bill my sincere sympathy.
Secondly, you will walk under this bridge in Rothenberg! It is one of my favorite European towns. I have place mats with a etching of Rothenberg on them. It is a magical old city. We stayed in an inn built in the 1400’s. It doesn’t get much better then this! So happy you are going!
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Such a beautiful piece, Dor. I can see why it was special to Carol. So sorry your family had to endure such a tragic loss.
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How wonderful!! That etching will come to life for you and the fond remembrances of your sister-in-law will too.
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This story is just starting to blossom!! Safe travels!! I can’t wait to read more…
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Oh what a sad loss for you and family Dora, but a lovely way of remembering your sister in law Carol… Those etchings are just fabulous,in fact, almost 3D. You must feel her presence while looking at them. Have a great time when you go to that beautiful place. I shall be looking for photo’s when you return.
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Thanks Cindy! I’m so glad you stayed in Rothenburg and can verify that it is a fascinating old city. We can’t wait to see it. 🙂
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And it is so bittersweet that “things” like this piece can revive special memories of a lost loved one.
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I know it will be a very strange feeling to walk through this amazing town.
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Oh, you can be sure there will be more Debbie….. but we aren’t going for awhile.
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Sorry I did not clarify that there is only one etching. It is the first one on the post. The others are close ups of various spots on the original etching. You are right though Rita, I do feel Carol’s presence as I look at the etching. We will not be going on this trip for some time, but you can be sure I will be blogging about it. 🙂 ~Dor
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That is going to be so awesome, Dor. A great way to see the sights!
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That’s what make them extra special.
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So very sorry for your loss … but I have a feeling she will be skipping down the streets with you! Beautiful post, Dor.
Godspeed,
MJ
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🙂 🙂
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What a circle Dorann – this trip will be not only appreciation of the beautiful city, but also a nod to carol. Yes, you’ll feel her presence. Looking closely at the etching it’s a pretty incredible piece of art.
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It will definitely be strange to go to that old town and feel Carol there too. Thanks Mary.
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Interesting etching and history of Rothenburg. How exciting for you to go there!
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There will be many boring blog posts upon our return……
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I look forward to them!
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