April 14, 2007

http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=nwwtulips13&date=20060413&query=Tulip+Festival
Someone asked me today where I wanted to be on this day next year. I thought fondly of some remote island off the coast where I could sit on the beach, read a good book, and be served strawberry daiquiris by a large exotic man. I could almost feel the sand between my tan freshly painted toes. It immediately dawned on me that this fantasy-like scenario seemed a bit selfish and worldly. So, I decided that next year I'd like to be volunteering rolling bandages for Bosnian refugees. Well, that made me sound like I was trying too hard. . .you know, like those people who wish for "world peace" for Christmas. Give me a break! I know they really want Botox or an X-box. They're not fooling anyone. After a great deal of internal debate and self-evaluation, I finally realized that my answer was an easy one. On April 14, 2007, I will be standing in a field of Washington tulips absorbing the smell of freshly fallen rain on the colors of spring. I'll have my camera in one hand and a Starbucks caramel apple cider in the other. . .and a large exotic man holding my umbrella. Heaven! If anyone's interested, my flight leaves on the 13th!