The Perfect Glass
Recently, I purchased three stemless wine glasses. I wanted six, but the store only had three. One evening, I poured some chianti into one of the glasses. I drank. It was a perfect wine experience.
These glasses are not thin, as are so many wine glasses. They have a certain stability to them. And the design cut into the crystal is called “pearl”—white dots neatly aligned vertically. The 15 oz. shape fits perfectly into my small hands.
Because I wanted three more, and because my local store no longer had them, I went on line, in search of my perfect glasses. I knew only one key word: Rolf. That, apparently, was the name of the company.
The search got me to an email address. So I wrote, “Hello, Rolf—
We recently purchased 3 stemless wine glasses—they have polka dots on them. We love them, but the store where we found them only had three left. Any chance we could order 3 more from you? Jan”
Within hours, Rolf himself wrote back, and before he talked about his glasses, he wrote, “I visited your interesting website last night.”
Here’s how the story ends: I got my three new glasses in the mail a few days ago—stemless pearls—as they are properly called. But the better ending is this: my search for the perfect glass led me to the unexpected curiosity of a man, a designer/inventor, who took an interest in my world as I was taking an interest in his. We have had several thoughtful email conversations over the past couple of weeks.
So my story gives new meaning to sharing a glass of wine with a friend. A perfect glass.
Comments
Yes! The cyber-connection, in this case, was warmer and more personable than the face-to-face-connection at the local shop.
Jan 25 February 08
I love those stemless glasses. The first time I used one was at Pomodoro in Brookline Village, out of which I drunk some red wine made in Jamaica Plain! I couldn’t find the wine for sale, but I did buy some stemless glasses (mail order), and I love them.
And I love, too, this story of correspondence.
Jane Kokernak 25 February 08
What a perfectly lovely story. In a way, we are getting back to the days when one could send a letter to an artist or actor and actually receive a personal reply, before “personal assistants” and agents got in the way. On a personal note, I could feel the connection between you and Rolf—two artists showing respect and care for each other. Really nice.
Hurray to Glen and Marketa for the Oscar win and kudos to Jon Stewart for bringing Mar back on stage to give her wonderful acceptance speech. A great night for music!
Anita 25 February 08
We hear so many stories about how technology isolates us. But so often now, I hear stories such as my own—where it can bring people together.
Jan 26 February 08
Commenting is closed for this article.
Your story demonstrates how electronic communication can bring people together and foster new relationships. I know first-hand that your interchange with Rolf – a distant friend – was warmer and more intimate than the exchange with the shopkeepers where the original three glasses were purchased – only miles away from home. When used well, email, blogs, and other electronic sources are really wonderful.
Diane 25 February 08