For two years, I was drawn to this painting. Although it was partially hidden on a top shelf buried behind seashells and pieces of coral, I studied it each time I wandered into Curiosities, my favorite Lakewood haunt for treasures, trinkets and yes, curiosities.

There was just something about the way artist Glenn Ramey (1953) captured the ocean’s mood at first light… Plus, I loved the frame.

Several months ago, I took it upon myself to reorganize the shelf in this particular booth. I dug the painting out and moved it front and center. I stared at it with a feeling of deja vu.

Each time I visited, (yes I go there often), I was relieved no one had purchased it. I admired it again and again, but left empty-handed determined not to bring anything else into our house. (I pretend to be downsizing…)

Finally, on the day I took my friend Dorothy to visit Curiosities, I bought it. For whatever reason, the time seemed right, plus the owner of the painting was there which made it even more exciting for me.

Now the painting hangs on the wall in my office where I write.

One week later, John and I went to the Pacific Northwest for vacation. Cannon Beach felt serene and calm and familiar. I’d never been to the Oregon Coast, but that spot on earth felt like home.

And then I remembered my new old painting.

Feels Like Home, Bonnie Raitt