Other End

Subtitle: Part Three

Did any of you notice that the tulip photo I posted yesterday was from the other end of the bed? Here's part three of the tulip story....hang in there!

All of my photos that first day were from the orange end....but this one is from the pink end...and I think it's my favorite photo!

I couldn't stop thinking about the tulip house....and who planted these beautiful bulbs. So yesterday afternoon I drove down Washington Ave. again and rang the doorbell at the happy yellow house with the crazy cool barn.  

No answer. Bummer! 

But when I got in the car ready to head home...I remembered seeing a business card taped to the front door window.  Ferdinand!  

I was familiar with Ferdinand...It's a fun store in Portland...I've been in several times. 

That's where I bought these fabulous yarn spools I have displayed in my studio! 

Ferdinand's has an eclectic mix of handmade things...found things...and vintage things. It's a colorful and joyful place....just like the tulip house.  

Could the owner of the tulip garden be the owner of the store?  Only one way to find out. 

So I headed to one of my favorite little sections on Congress street....on a mission.

The store was busy...but when it was quiet...I had the best conversation with Diane! Sure enough...she WAS the tulip lady...and she's was fun as her garden.  

I told her my story of finding the tulips then sharing them with Margie who in turn sang me her song. She was as excited to hear it as I was to tell it.  

The tulip circle was complete. 

Of course there were tulips on the counter....and yes they were from Diane's garden.

She even took me in the back room to share some of her joy story....and I just soaked it all in!

   

And as a little bonus....Diane gave me permission to stop back on my way home and poke all around her yard. I took photos of the pink end and poked around her back yard. I was in tulip and garden heaven! You can't make this stuff up.

This whole experience has reminded me of a couple of important lessons. 

Pay attention and make the time to take a closer look. 

And if that's means turning around and going back....then do it.   

 

And...when you see something that moves you....say something. Tell your story and you might get a song. Seek out the full story and say thank you...and you might make a connection AND get to see the other end of the garden. 

Sometimes it ends up being big and splashy like this was for me. But most of the time it's just a little joy nugget that you can tuck away for a rainy day.

And it's always worth it.