The Sleek Black Leather Barrel Bag was EVERYTHING that Spring.

It was the Spring of 2006, and I was in love with my sleek black leather Kate Spade Barrel bag. It was everything. You know what I mean girls, it was the bag you scrimped and saved for. The bag you justified buying because YOU were worth it. Me and that bag were inseparable. It was the bag that matched everything. That same glorious Spring, I met my dreamy husband, Michael. We had a couple of good dates and he invited me to his house that he shared with a few guys to watch Lost. Yes - Lost. There were a lot of rules to lost night. Rules like, no talking during Lost. Wait for commercials to ask questions. I had never watched Lost so I was lost. At the end of a lovely evening, and what was maybe our 3rd date, I went to my car and my purse was gone. I of course thought I left it inside - but when the guys walked me outside so I could look in my car again, they saw him - just a punk kid robbing all the neighborhood cars. That jerk had my purse. My nearly one of a kind Kate Spade Barrel Bag. Before I could even be angry, my soon to be husband was off on foot chasing this kid down. His roommates picked him up in a truck and they continued the chase. It was like that scene from Kate and Leopold - you know the part where he takes off on a horse after a purse bandit and then Kate couldn't stop staring at Leopold with heart eyes. 

They caught that kid, but he ditched my purse. Sad face. I never got that purse back or ever found one like it. Believe ME,  I looked for it for years. I was also reading a vintage penguin book on the opera that was in that stolen purse that I have never been able to find again either. How does Les Mis end? Don't ask me.  I may have lost my bag that warm Spring night in South Alabama, but what I gained was invaluable. My eyes were forced wide open to the charming man who wanted to take care of me fiercely after only a third date, and who still loyally fights for me and what we love every day. I found a modern day hero. 

I wonder if it wouldn't have been THAT  bag, would getting some cheap trinket bag taken instead have changed the course of my love affair? my whole amazing life?!? Thank goodness it was that bag. Kate Spade created so many wonderful treasures that changed the lives of the women who bought them and loved them. Kate you will be missed.

Life can be hard. If you are struggling, know that YOU are loved. Know that you make a difference to so many people. Know that without you the world is much a darker place for the people who think you hung the moon. If you or someone you know needs help, then don’t be afraid to ask for help whether you text a friend, call your mom, or call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can also text HOME to 741-741 for free, 24-hour support from the Crisis Text Line.

Daphne Ellenburg is award-winning Wedding, Newborn, and Baby Photographer. She is the owner of a bustling Portrait photography business called Ellenburg Photography located in Southern Alabama. Daphne has a supportive family and a fancy-pants 2000 sq ft studio in the heart of Saraland, Alabama. She loves college football, big handbags, lip gloss and all things Apple. She also enjoys writing about her Photo-Adventures and her entertaining family. Daphne is a proud member of PPA, WPPI, and the local chamber. Catch up with her at EllenburgPhotography.com or email her at daphne@ellenburgphotography.com. 
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