Canopy Tower by John Grade at the Contemporary Austin – Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park at Laguna Gloria in Austin, TX (my photo) paired with No.6 Lace Up Shearling Boot in Golden/Fudge.

Returning to the tangled woods of Laguna Gloria where, like Little Red Riding Hood (cue the stranger in a red coat), I came upon this brand-new commission by Seattle-based sculptor John Grade. From afar, a funnel befitting its forest surroundings, enchanting the eye. From within, a creaking poem, roused by lake wind, recalling tree-climbing and sky-staring.

“The better to see you with.”

I could totally escape a lip-smacking wolf in these No. 6 shearling boots.*

*If I remembered to tie my laces.

**True confession: In reality, this scene was less about serendipity, more about planning. I went to Laguna Gloria to see this piece as a longtime fan of Grade’s work, but who can resist a Little Red reference when a person appears in a red coat? Not I.