My First Stradivarius

“You NEVER forget your first!” This experience moved me, changed me, gave my soul wings, and I will never forget it.

I remember standing for the first time before a painting by Rembrandt. I became lost in the play of light and shadow, the life of each brushstroke. I became lost in time. For an instant it was as if I were there, watching him paint his masterpiece. His vivid essence remained, even centuries after he put brush to canvas. I stood there. Transfixed. Forgetting to breathe.

This was like that but amplified a hundred times.