‘Tis the season. In the midst of the spending frenzy that is the American holiday season, many in our community – businesses and individuals alike – are promoting a season of heartfelt giving. In the realm of tangibles, the slogans “buy local” and “give the gift of art” have figured big.

So, it was with great sadness that I read about the recent theft of the puffin painting by artist Scott Dye that was recently purchased at Studio & and stolen from Durango Office Suites shortly thereafter. On Dec. 12, I had a letdown of my own. After having a wonderful late afternoon dining experience at Eolus on Main Avenue, I realized I had left my brimmed cap behind. Those who know me see me sporting it often, and attached to it (for years now) has been a little brooch made by a friend some 15 years ago. When I returned to Eolus, I was relieved to find my hat there, but the brooch was gone. Sure, it’s just a thing, and it may be time for me to see this as a lesson in detachment. That aside, there is sentimental value here. I’m also feeling a sense of disappointment in my fellow man or woman who, upon beholding this wonderful little object, could not imagine that it would be missed by the one who rightfully owned it. This little brooch has a tiny leaf, about quarter-inch across, under a watch crystal about thre-quarter-inch in diameter. It’s surrounded by antiqued sterling silver and has little projectiles of gold in the four directions.

Signed on the back is the name, Julie Shaw, my dear friend. If this letter has given the taker of this piece pause for thought, please drop the brooch in my mail slot at 836 E. 5th Ave., Durango, mail it to me or present it to the good people at Eolus who can contact me. Doing the right thing by returning the brooch to me would greatly help to improve my attitude this holiday season.

Lisa Pedolsky

Durango