Tulips and Potato Chips are for Sharing
“Tulips bring such joy, such beauty. They are nature’s assurance that winter has surrendered to spring. Death yielding to life. They are magnificent. They are brief. Do I lament their brevity or celebrate their beauty? Is there room in my heart for both?” Journal entry April 29th 2021
I really do love tulips. What I can't decide is do I love them because they let me know winter is over or do I love them because they are bright, bold and beautiful? I don't know that it really matters. What does matter is that I take the time to enjoy them.
There may not be a better spot in the country to enjoy spring flowers than Cambridge, Massachusetts, especially Brattle Street. Brattle Street is one of the greatest cultural and architectural gifts the United States has to offer. The elegant neighborhood showcases grand and historic homes, many dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. There are stately Colonials, elegant Victorians, and other substantial architectural styles. The houses feature spacious layouts, mature gardens, and a sense of prestige, reflecting the area's rich history, nestled next to Harvard University. The blossoms on Brattle Street are second to none.
Recently Jennifer and I were walking there and admiring some beautiful tulips in one of the yards. Next to the tulip garden was a music stand with a sign that said “take a peek in the backyard for more flowers.” We walked back and were not disappointed! We were lucky enough to meet the homeowner Benjamin Zander, Mr Zander is currently the musical director of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. We complimented his tulips and he informed us that he doesn't do any of the planting but enjoys them all the same. He not only shared his tulips with us but offered some of the potato chips he was snacking on. He treated us like we were old friends coming around on a warm spring night to say hello. I don't know what was more engaging, the weather, the stunning flowers or the hospitality of Mr Zander. He introduced us to his daughter Jess Zander. He was excited to tell us about her nearly a half a million followers on Instagram account where she posts all about gardening.
It was one of those lovely encounters. A brief, simple, elegant delight. Something to enjoy for brief moment. A moment perfectly captured by a tulip.