Puttin' on the Glitz

Last Saturday was a glorious day! The 150 degree weather decided to tame down and I had plans to meet one of my "friend for decades," Alisa. We've been friends for, well, decades. But during the last decade most of our interaction has been through e-mail and letters. Alisa is someone who reminds me of the value of the written word...and written with pen and paper. We have seen each other face to face a couple of times in the past year, always saying "We need to get together." She lives about 2 hours from my house, outside of Lexington. Well, after our last encounter, I decided to initiate a free Saturday to spend with the person I first called friend, and now call mentor in many ways - and still after all the guidance is through, she still is called friend.

She said, "I'm taking you to the Glitz. Don't ask questions, just meet me in Lexington and I'll take you there." Now, our past life has included many a crazy adventure, and we're both older and more mature (yeah, right) , but the thought of an "Alisa Adventure" made my toes tingle. I decided to trust her and be prepared. The drive to Lexington was great and much needed after a long week. You can't beat the drive from Louisville to Lexington and passing all the horse farms. Now, that's Kentucky. I met her at a Lexington shopping center parking lot and hopped in her car, "Baby" (she always names her cars - she has an Escort named, "Shady Lady"), and took off to parts unknown.

There are certain things about old friends you never forget - or are reminded rather quickly if you do. Alisa is a madwoman on the road. I love it, and it's probably where I get my love for speed, but I chuckled when we took the sharp country curves at high speed and her darting didn't make me flinch once. We arrived at Irish Acres Gallery in the small town of Nonesuch, Kentucky. Yes, for all you city slickers, we have a town named "Nonesuch." That's what gives us Kentuckians character. This lovely gallery is housed in a former elementary school that's been refurbished to resemble nothing of a school. The Glitz is the gallery restaurant located in the basement and what once was the school cafeteria. Trust it looks nothing like a school cafeteria and the food is far, far better than any square-shaped pizza or carton of day old milk.

We started our journey through the gallery to see a bit before our lunch reservations and it was simply exquisite. Two floors of antiques, decorations, and what nots from centuries ago up until today. I resembled a child staring at the TV as I tried to take in all that I saw. Every decorated room had a theme and tons of artifacts. For an imaginative mind like mine, I could come up with a story behind every piece. Alisa was the perfect tour guide. She'd been there many times and could take me on just the right path and point out her favorite pieces. She immediately told me there was one room that was saved for last...

Lunch was delicious and started out with their "Glitz Refresher" - a mix of spiced apple cider, cranberry juice and other spices. Served in chilled champagne flutes, I felt like a queen. When we finished off our Nonesuch Kiss, the signature dessert, we resumed our gallery tour. All the while, I'm getting more excited for that final room. After a couple of hours, the time had come. Alisa and I are certifable drama queens. We claim we attract drama, but only a thespian can truly recognize drama when she sees it. So, we both had the grand build up as I turned the corner into this room...

My mouth gaped even more. The sparkle and the shine of all the decorations almost took my breath away. It was the wedding room, with sparkly wedding decorations a huge faux wedding cake and other assorted glittery things. Alisa truly knows me well. Nothing would have made that day better than the man of my dreams stepping out from behind an antique piece, dropping to one knee, and proposing. I mentioned that to Alisa in case she needs to prompt a future suitor. It was by far my favorite room.

When our day was sadly over and I drove back home to Louisville, I reflected on my day. I was so excited to finally see Alisa for more than a moment, face to face. And she escorted me around a place she knows all too well...and saving the best for last. I got excited when I thought - that's how Heaven will be. When I get there, there will be people I've longed to see, and many a story to tell. And then, I'll turn a corner, excited to see my favorite place...the throne of Christ. It will be far more glittery than the wedding room at Irish Acres, and the Man of my dreams will be there, I'll finally see Him face to face, the One who loved me long before I was born. How bright the Son will shine.