The Story of the Crystal Paint Brush

"Go on, just go! It’s something you’ll treasure forever," my friend Amy had exclaimed encouragingly on hearing I was thinking of taking a painting trip to Morocco. “I only wish I could come with you. Who knows where it will lead”.

I decided to travel to Morocco, ready to succumb to the mood of its ancient lanes and squares in the hope of finding new inspiration for my paintings. My first day there took me to the medieval souk. The air was heavy with fragrances and smoke, an intoxicating mix of aromatic spices, piercing sunrays and relentless humidity. I was longing to experience the magic and mystique that only an exotic bazaar such as this could possess.

To my delight, it didn’t disappoint me. As I toyed with the myriad of exotic objects displayed in every nook and cranny of an overly abundant stall, I caught the gaze of a fellow browser and held it a little too long. He returned my look with a knowing smile. “Pardon me for being forward, but from the sketchbook and paint box you’re carrying, I can see you must be an artist so I know you won’t want to miss these unique little pendants I’ve just found,” he said gently. With that he held up three exquisitely crafted jewelled paintbrushes, encrusted all over with the most glorious crystals, all glinting enticingly in the sunlight.

“I am an art collector so I know how disappointed you’ll be if you can’t possess one of these special pieces. Each time you wear the Crystal Paint Brush you'll be telling people you are an artist," he said.

Time stood still as we exchanged thoughts on the passion we shared. We spoke of color and texture and the reasons we loved art so much. And with every ensuing word, the chasm between strangers narrowed until it closed, for we had reached that special place where friendships start.