Monday, April 28, 2008

Return To Flourishes

Not long ago I shared about my first visit to Flourishes on the hillside at Mt. Pleasant, in Washougal, Washington. On Saturday my dear friend and I returned once again to this special spot on the cliffs above the Columbia River. The skies were clear and sunny but chilly winds up on the bluff helped speed us along between the car and the entrance to the old gymnasium that was turned into a world of magic once again. As we stepped through the door our eyes were immediately drawn to the sweet umbrellas and crystal prism 'raindrops' that had been hung from the roof over our heads.April showers! How appropriate in the Pacific Northwest. As anticipated, treasures in abundance and sweet friends in attendance waited our arrival. Precious things. . .Plenty of pink things. . . And shelves filled with treasures.A sweet little girl in white almost came home with me but she needed to stay and meet more new friends!One shelf held the dearest little frame with the words of a precious 7-year-old girl: "If grandma's mommy is great-grandma and great-grandma's mommy is great-great-grandma. . . then, the older you are. . . the greater you get." You have it right, dear girl!Bassinets and beds and special places held delightful pillows. This elegant lady was my favorite.A banner of vintage pieces caught my eye. Nearby, a drawer of patchwork hearts.There was more - much more to see. Sweet vignettes of special things.Everywhere, something to enjoy.One last look before saying goodbye.

Despite the wind I wandered outside a bit, with camera in hand. A few moments to take in the beauty of this special place. The old Mt. Pleasant Schoolhouse has been turned into a home with character - oh, I'm sure there are millions of stories to tell, if it could.

This sweet boy stands on the patio table near big windows on the back.A magnificent old tree gives support to a swing that provides a few quiet moments in the rush of life.My heart longed to rest awhile in this dear swing. A place to rest. And think quiet thoughts. And enjoy the fantastic view. But the chilling winds gave cause for putting that plan on hold. Perhaps another day.And then one last look at the schoolhouse as I headed to meet my dear friend who was waiting for me with a warm car - and heated seats! A respite from the cold outside as we drove toward home. With a few stops planned along the way.

It was obvious that Aleta and Bill had once again worked very hard to make our time above the river something special. You don't have to wonder if they love what they are doing. But more special than what we saw was the genuine welcome that they gave. A warm hello, remembering my name, and a big smile of excitement to see me again. And a chance to share plans for more events at the special place they call home. I will return again and again and again. I hope someday you can join me there, too.

15 comments:

  1. I would dearly love to visit that shoppe!!!

    Thanks for letting us all have a peek at the beautiful things there...

    Happy Monday, my friend..

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  2. I like the hearts with the 'be silly' and 'laugh'

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  3. Lovely photos! Thank you for sharing. Karen at Ciderantiques

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  4. Thank you for sharing your pictures! Karen

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  5. I have never visted the Northwest, but all of the lovely pictures you show from your excursions make me want to plan a trip out your way...someday. :)

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  6. How fun and what a fabulous shop!

    Have a blessed and wonderful day!

    smiles, kari & kijsa

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  7. What a beautiful shop! It's really a good thing to go shopping with you this way because there is just no chance to give in to temptation to buy all those pretty things:>)

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  8. Oh that was SO wonderful to see - thank you very much for taking us along.. really beautiful.


    xo,
    Kim

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  9. Oh, you go to the neatest places! I would love to visit there with you! Sigh.

    Katherine

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  10. Hi Adrienne
    It really would be fun to actually meet and have tea together wouldn't it? Maybe someday... You never know! That shop looks so wonderful. I would have been tempted to buy that little girl bust too.
    Thanks for taking us along with you.
    Rhondi xo

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  11. Me again. I forgot to add - I love the way you write, such special words. I also like your new banner!

    Katherine

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  12. Forgot to mention that I liked the new banner picture!

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  13. You go to the most wonderful places! Thanks for sharing them for everyone, Adrienne!

    Happy night,
    Melissa

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  14. Dearest Adrienne,
    You are so very kind. Words simply cannot express my gratitude. Saying thank you just doesn't seem like enough. It's all I have though.....from the whole of my heart, thank you. You are truly a blessing.

    Warmest and biggest bear hugs, Aleta

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  15. You took such beautiful pictures. I wasn't able to go. Hopefully this summer. On your comment to Martha...you found some goodies? Whee did you go and what goodies did you find?? Laurie

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I am grateful that you stopped by to visit me. Your kind and gracious comments are appreciated and treasured.